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De Opposishun looking fuh an excuse Aug 05, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists Kaieteur News – Dem boys seh, deh Opposition gettin’ real creative nowadays. Yuh know, like dem kids in a school play, makin’ up stories to explain why dey fail de math test. Now, dem want house-to-house registration and biometrics. Big fancy words fuh “We fraid we gon lose, so we lookin’ fuh excuse.” Is like deh Opposition forget dem win 2015 with de same “padded” list. But now, suddenly, dat list is de devil incarnate. Dem boys seh, is funny how yuh can sleep peacefully on a bed full of pins when yuh winnin’. But as soon as de mattress turn a lil’ uncomfortable, yuh start shoutin’ “thief!” Look, de padded list serve dem well in 2015. Dem ride it like a smooth Cadillac, cruisin’ to victory. But now, dey want to tell we de tires bad and de engine knockin’. Dem same ‘padded’ list used in de local government elections in 2016, 2018, and recently. Was no problem den. Dem was silent like a church mouse. Now, deh talkin’ bout house-to-house registration and biometrics like is de cure fuh all dem political ailments. Dem boys seh, de real cure is fuh dem look in de mirror and ask demself some hard questions. But no, dat too hard. Easier to blame de list. De padded list is now de boogeyman under de bed. Truth is, dem fraid. Not of losing, but of what losing mean. Yuh see, when yuh lose, yuh lose more than de seat. Yuh lose de big talk, de influence, de perks. Dem boys seh, is like goin’ from eatin’ lobster to eatin’ sardine. So, yuh look fuh scapegoat. Dis time, is de padded list. Is de same padded list that led dem to victory, dat dem want to dump now like old clothes. But dem boys know, de issue ain’t de list. Is de panic in de ranks. De fear of irrelevance. De opposition want to change de rules now, ’cause dey fraid dey can’t win de game no more. But we see yuh, clear as day. Yuh ain’t foolin’ nobody. De padded list ain’t de problem; de problem is in yuhself. Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles

A simple solution to the problem Aug 05, 2024 Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – Every day, except on Sundays, there is a long line of traffic at two principal stretches on the East Bank Public Road. For traffic going south towards the Demerara Harbour Bridge, there is usually a huge build-up of traffic from the Eccles traffic light to the junction with the Harbour Bridge. For traffic proceeding north, there is a long line of traffic from Red Road (Massey junction) to the Harbour Bridge. In the case of southbound traffic, the logjam is almost throughout daylight hours; but in the case of northbound traffic, it is usually only during peak hours. If the police can clear this backlog, they will considerably ease the traffic woes on the East Bank Public Road. But to do so they must act against violators since it is these violators that are responsible for extended build-up of traffic at these two points. The cause of the build-up is not simply the number of vehicles on these stretches, it is, in the case of southbound traffic, the habit of motorists to create a third lane of traffic from the junction of the Eccles traffic light to the junction of the Eccles Dumpsite Road. Several drivers bore the line by creating a third lane of traffic on the eastern side of the eastern carriage way of the East Bank Public Road, beginning at the junction with the Eccles traffic light and ending at the Dumpsite Road. If the traffic authorities simply put a police presence there to charge violators, there will be a smooth flow of traffic. But in Guyana, it has become almost a divine right to bore and undertake vehicles that are orderly and in line. Once this illegal boring is stemmed, the traffic flow will be easier. On the opposite carriage way going north on the approach to the Bridge, a similar situation takes place except that vehicles de route through the back streets and force their way to merge with the traffic approaching the bridge on the Public Road. This means that if you are patiently waiting your turn in the line, you have to wait very long because all of these vehicles force their way into the traffic in front of you. Solving the traffic problem on the East Bank Public Road is not rocket science. Some useful measures have already been deployed during peak hours such as the use of three lanes.  But workers who live on the West Bank are forced to endure long hours in the traffic simply because of the illegal actions of other motorists. What is terrible about this situation is that if you are obeying the law and staying in your lane, you pay the penalty if delays, while those committing infractions of the law find a speedy way home. If the police would only take action to stem these violations by having a presence at these stretches and if they charge persons who breach the laws by creating this additional lane of traffic, the flow of motor vehicles will be much smoother. It is inexcusable that the police imply do not have a stronger presence at these two stretches. For southbound traffic, all they have to do is to place a rank outside of the Assemblies of God Church and they will catch all the violators. In relation to the northbound traffic on the Public Road, if the back roads from Lambada Bar to the Harbour Bridge are closed to traffic seeking to merge onto the Public Road, this too will ease the waiting time for motorists. But it requires the police to have a greater presence and to act against defaulters. The Minister of Home Affairs is a man who likes to be on the ground and to see things for himself. I invite him to go down to these two trouble spots during peak hours and to see for himself what causes the delays at these two approaches to the Bridge. It would be easy for the authorities to throw up their hands in the air and promise that things will be easier when the new Bridge across the river is built. But if immediate relief can be brought by simply stopping the creation of unauthorized lane and boring, this relief will be most welcome by motorists.  There is a great deal of indiscipline in our roads. Most motorists comply with the rule and wait their turn when in line. But there are a quite a few who are unprepared to do so and the fact that each day, they can get away with illegal driving, allows them to break the rules with impunity and in the process create tremendous inconvenience for lawful road users. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Hughes in Houston Aug 05, 2024 Features / Columnists, News, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – Hughes in Houston has a certain ring to it.  It is not Houston on the East Bank Demerara, but the Houston in Texas that is a two-way highway to Washington.  There was Guyana’s sparkling son, C.A. Nigel Hughes setting up shop and rubbing shoulders with the wildcatters and oil movers and shakers of the oil capital of the world.  They get things done down there.  I urge my fellow Guyanese to retrace the years of history, and refamiliarise themselves on how the residents in that vicinity cast their eyes on Mexico and took over half of it.  The Texicans had a little nudging from Uncle Sam up in Washington to lend some muscle to their efforts.  My thinking is whether Hughes in Houston was all about oil, and only oil.  Or whether there were some other types of mutually interesting conversations.  As the long march to 2025 gathers intensity, all questions and conflicts and concerns will be put to bed.  There is a fondness for Yankee neatness. For there was Alistair Routledge stepping smartly before the microphone and delivering Exxon’s nod of approval.  No conflict.  None that bothers the company, nothing over which to lose any sleep.  He knows why.  So does Guyana’s wiliest political capo and PPP Jefe Jagdeo.  Was that favourite son of Guyana agitated or what, over that no conflict-of-interest development?  I don’t know, don’t care, about the position of any other Guyanese, but Jefe Jagdeo has every reason to be beside himself with anxiety.  Because he knows, he has the eyesight that comes from long experience in Guyana’s political twilight zone. He knows a little more about how Americans operate now, how much business of all kinds means to them.  After all, he had his own introduction and indoctrinations, thanks to a fine American who answered to the name of Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch.  Guyanese have warm memories of her, some even wanted to put up a monument to her right in the middle of the Arthur Chung parliamentary house.  More than anyone else, Jagdeo knows what Faustian bargains he cut with the former American plenipotentiary.  For a time, Her Excellency did have those formidable powers, and she made sure that Jagdeo knew who was calling the shots here. Armed with that experience, the astute politician in Bharrat Jagdeo smelt a rat in that greeting from Alistair Routledge: no conflict, no big ting, ‘doan tek no wurreez’.  To give credit to where it belongs, Jagdeo is so good at these types of political developments that he can smell a rubber rat from a mile away and this is while on the bad side of a hurricane. So, the big all-seeing General Secretary was having none of that smooth corporate sales pitch, saw right through it: a sneaky effort to unseat him from his perch by the Americans using Exxon as a proxy.  Right away he took aim and swung for cow corner: legal expenses. Only a political character and leader with the instincts of Jefe Jagdeo could see that bullseye painted in red and take his first shot at blowing it to bits.  Like the man said: legal expenses could be a cover for political financing.  In some way, shape or form, Dr. Jagdeo has run that ward over and over during his years; he knows where the openings and haemorrhages are most likely to happen.  He knows a thing or two about company books and their creative bookkeeping ways.  The irony is that there was no cause for concern when he was on the receiving end of disguised company cashflows from domestic business magnates.  Remember that Guyanese one about a certain kind of citizen who does not react well to seeing another from his brotherhood walking with bag. To confirm my bona fides and assist my brother Bharrat simultaneously, I give him some well-meaning advice; he can be assured that there would not be any billing for it.  Since he has driven himself to the edge of convulsions (if not worse) with new AFC leader Hughes and this conflict of interest, no conflict of interest, scenario, I recommend that he takes up this burning issue with his friends at the US State Department.  All circumstances considered, I think that Guyana’s Vice President of Oil and PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, would be given the honours of the kind of escort that is due a man of his rare standing.  I don’t know about him, but if I were in his shoes, I would be bold enough to test the waters to determine the quality of the reception waiting. The goddess of Fortune often favours the brave.  And, if I may be so presumptuous as to add, those whose apparel is lily white through and through, and which also gives off a fresh, clean odour.  Beyond a doubt, Jagdeo could have an audience with Secretary Anthony Blinken, but only after he scales the preliminaries between Washington’s Ronald Reagan International and Foggy Bottom.  The issue then would not hover around conflict of interest, but the primacy of American interests. I long suspected that C.A. Nigel Hughes could generate fireworks on command in the realms of jurisprudence.  I, however, never knew that he could have compelled so much hysteria from Bharrat Jagdeo.  Tallyho and cheerio to all. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Who is in charge? Aug 05, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – Last week, this newspaper in one of its lead stories reported on how Mozambique has demanded and passed laws ensuring that oil companies provide reports on their spending, contracts and hiring of their citizens. We contrasted that country’s approach to the management of their oil sector with what obtains in Guyana. Our report showed various instances where the chief policymaker of the oil sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo insisting that Guyana does not have co-management arrangements with Exxon although we are in a 50/50 profit-sharing partnership. He said Guyana does not have any say in ExxonMobil’s procurement and spending. He said this against the backdrop of questions for information on what is the cost for the rental of the capping stack brought in this country by ExxonMobil recently; how much is the company paying for the treatment of produced water and the lack of information on what is the interest rate being paid by the company on its investments. The Vice President said instead, Guyana depends on the cost recovery audits to flag expenditures that might be inflated or illegal in the current contract arrangement. His position that this country does not have any say upfront makes light of his campaign promise to bring better contract management to the Exxon-Guyana deal. Of course, his position is all about protecting ExxonMobil at the expense of Guyanese and has nothing to do with the lack of co-management arrangement or even the hope to flag inflated bills after the audits. This nation has already seen how ExxonMobil is running roughshod over Jagdeo and the Ministry of Natural Resources. They have refused to repay or put back into the cost bank, the US$214M in illegal expenditures and have opted for arbitration. We have seen how Guyana’s oil profits were used to pay for yoga classes for ExxonMobil’s employees and also several other non-oil production activities and nothing has been done to recover those funds, yet Jagdeo is telling us what he has told us. Guyanese having no say in spending is part of the devilish objectives of the scheming PPP/C Government leaders, who study and plot, and come up with new ways on how to bleed Guyana dry and the many ways to steal the wealth of this country so as to bring it to the point of insolvency. Guyanese have to get one thing in their heads, the only time they have value, have any standing that calls for recognition by political leaders is during elections seasons. This is when they are courted and wooed, and the one time when they represent something. All other times, they are nothing but doormats to be used for wiping the feet of leaders and ministers. The quicker citizens of this country get used to that reality, the better off they will be, the more they will be able to cushion their disappointments, when their hopes are dashed. For here it is that this country is poised to cash in on its biggest oil paydays, and the PPP/C Government has moved with cunning and determination to set up a mechanism to rob the people of their inheritance. The President has the power, or so we are led to believe, but he is just the puppet on a string that is responding to the tugs and pulls of one man in the shadows who is calling the shots. That man has a certain history where big money, in fact, any kind of taxpayer money, is concerned, and he has been slick enough in the swirl of oil developments to make the Head-of-State the front man, with all these powers, when he doesn’t have any other than to sign and carry out orders at the behest of the real power behind the throne. What the Vice President desires all Guyana to believe is that he has no say, and is along for the ride in all of these fast-rushing oil issues. But regardless of where the power to make decisions of enduring significance with this oil resides, the President or the Vice President or the subject Minister, the end result is still the same. We encourage our fellow citizens to look around carefully, and absorb what has been going on, and then ask yourselves whether you have any say in anything related to this oil, since its discovery. It is the same dismal and secretive story with the very costly gas-to-shore project slated for Wales, where Guyanese have their say, but are completely ignored by arrogant leaders in a rampaging government. In addition, more and more people have come out and said that they want more for this oil, that the contract should be renegotiated (which the PPP/C itself said during the campaigns for elections), but today, nobody listens to what Guyanese have to say about this oil or have the time of day for them. Related Similar Articles

Massive concessions to gold industry not paying off Aug 05, 2024 News – GHRA points to widespread illegality Gold mining in Guyana Kaieteur News – The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has issued a statement denouncing the extensive incentives granted to the gold-mining sector by the Government of Guyana (GoG), particularly in light of environmental and human toll of the industry. In a statement on Saturday, GHRA responded to a press release by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which highlighted the massive incentives that were put in place for the mining industry. The ministry’s statement dated July 31 outlined the various perks, concessions, and privileges extended to the gold-mining sector, such as tax reductions, duty-free concessions, and simplified licensing arrangements. GHRA critised this and labeled the government’s support to the industry as inconsistent and detrimental to the country’s welfare. “…expansion of available mining properties in conflicted areas such as Marudi Mountains and removal of protective regulations are exhaustively listed. Road-building in interior regions has become mining-driven rather than influenced by community or environmental considerations,” it was stated. The organisation stated that while the Environmental Protection Act of 1996 mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Permits (EP) for every mining operation, the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) has failed to enforce these requirements for years, allowing extensive mining activities to proceed unchecked. To this, the statement draws attention to the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GY-EITI) annual reports, which document these failures. “Most of Guyana’s prized large rivers have been reduced to health and safety hazards by gold mining,” GHRA said as it points out the severe degradation of Guyana’s rivers due to gold mining.  It was stated too that river banks and the actual course of rivers have been altered by illegal hydraulic mining and by failures to apply the several GGMC Codes of Practice to the waste in mine tailings now spilling polluted sediment into the creeks and rivers. Notably, GHRA stated that no effort has been made to apply penalties for these transgressions despite the River Navigation Act (cap. 50:01, 1998) and the State Lands Act 1903/1972 (Section 22) states, “Everyone who willfully causes any impediment to the free use or navigation of any river or navigable creek, shall be liable to a fine of ninety-seven thousand five hundred dollars, unless he has previously obtained permission under this Act or the Forests Act to cause the impediment.” Mining disruption of riverine ecosystems, including habitat destruction, reduced water quality, and biodiversity loss, is a critical concern. The GHRA calls for the consistent, rigorous, and transparent application of the EIA process, coupled with regular inspections and stringent penalties for non-compliance. However, it was underscored that the GGGMC’s understaffing hampers effective monitoring and enforcement, with only a handful of field officers and wardens overseeing thousands of mining claims. GHRA stated that penalties for breaches of the various rules and regulations do not disincentivize breaches. As such, the organisation said there is a need for penalties to be much more severe.  “Prioritizing the restoration of mining sites and enforcing robust environmental regulations, can mitigate long-term environmental damage, protect our vital water resources, and promote sustainable development,” it was stated. It was added that the cost to restore mining sites on a national scale can be assessed and a derisory token sum of $100,000 for restoration (the obligatory environmental bond) is treated by the majority of miners as payment to the GGMC to get the job done. Moreover, the human rights body said that long-standing land ownership issues, particularly affecting Indigenous communities, are exacerbated by the mining sector’s expansion. GHRA notes that Amerindian communities face eroded land rights despite legal protections. Instances of mining concessions issued over titled and untitled Amerindian lands without community knowledge are cited, referencing High Court cases in 2009 (Arau Village) and 2012-3 (Isseneru Village). It was underscored that the use of mercury in gold extraction further compounds environmental and human health issues, with significant mercury pollution in aquatic life, increased mortality, reproductive failures, and disrupted food chains. GHRA highlighted that despite the severity, mercury pollution does not receive adequate attention or remedial action. Furthermore, the GHRA asserts that the gold industry and government fail to consider the environmental and human costs of mining. The organisation calls for an urgent explanation of the rationale behind government subsidies to the gold industry, deeming them contradictory to the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030).  “Environmental neglect and human suffering, together with bio-diversity and wildlife loss, is not even considered a cost by the gold industry or Government.  These costs should be added to legal and illegal export of profits from gold mining, at no benefit whatever to their sovereign owners – the citizens of Guyana,” GHRA said. Related Similar Articles

Friendship pensioner gets new home through MOM Aug 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Another 77-year-old pensioner, Sumintra Harripersaud, a resident of Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) has been gifted with a new, elevated flat through the Men on Mission (MOM) programme. 77-year-old Sumintra Harripersaud is elated to receive her new home The brand-new home was formally handed over on Saturday by the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Public Affairs and Information, Kwame McCoy. The pensioner has been living in Friendship for the past 16 years and has gone through many traumatic experiences. Following the death of her husband, who was a cane cutter, and the disappearance of both her sons, she was forced to fend for herself. Following a request by her niece, the MOM programme assessed her previous standard of living and determined her eligibility for the programme’s housing programme. During the handing-over ceremony, Harri persaud spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) and mentioned that her previous home was dilapidated and on the verge of collapsing. Thanks to MOM, she is now the proud owner of a brand-new flat. “I [am] glad that I get a [new] home and thank you to the government…god bless them,” she expressed. Expounding on the MOM initiative, Minister McCoy said it was founded with a primary focus on men’s roles in society and their contributions to national development. “And we have been taking on the initiative of constructing homes for people in vulnerable situations and difficult circumstances and it is part of the approach of the government, the approach to prosperity, the approach to wealth creation, the approach to development,” he underscored. He further emphasised that this demonstrates the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s commitment to ensuring equitable development. Minister McCoy also underlined the significance of homeownership, stating that it is a highly sought-after aspect of our society, and the government is working to ensure homeownership at every level. Also present at the handing over ceremony were MOM Member, Roger Rogers and MoM’s Coordinator, Lt. Col Bhageshwar Murli among other officials. The government has allocated $500 million to the Men on Mission initiative in its national fiscal plan to support vulnerable Guyanese across the country. In 2023, approximately 50 homes were built for vulnerable individuals. Already, scores of single mothers and the elderly have received homes in 2024, through the MOM organisation. Founded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the organisation aims to tackle toxic masculinity and create a positive environment and safe space for men, promoting integrity, productivity, accountability and character-building. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

US-based Guyanese found with unlicensed gun, ammo in Berbice Aug 05, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Police ranks in Berbice arrested Ganesh Rampersaud, a 52-year-old, US-based Guyanese, after discovering an unlicensed firearm in his No.58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice home around 21:00hrs on Friday, August 2. 52-year-old Ganesh Rampersaud The ranks were acting based on information received, and when they arrived at Rampersaud’s home, they presented and executed a warrant for the search of the premises. When they explained that they were informed that Rampersaud was in the possession of an unlicensed firearm, the 52-year-old confessed that he was indeed. “I’m here on vacation, and I have a firearm to protect myself; I want to be honest. Let me show you,” he said. Subsequently, Rampersaud went to a room in the house, where he uncovered a black handgun, as well as 10 live rounds of ammunition. The handgun and ammunition found in Rampersaud’s home. After handing over the firearm, he was arrested and escorted to the Springlands Police Station. The firearm and ammunition are also lodged at the police station. Related Similar Articles