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The Guyana Update -- July, 1998. |
1. In signing the "Herdmanston Accord" on 17 January 1998, the Leaders of Guyana's two main
political parties stated that they were doing so "specially mindful of the willingness of (their)
CARICOM colleagues to remain engaged with Guyana in this endeavour". It is in this spirit that as
colleagues we have taken the opportunity of our St. Lucia Summit, on the occasion of the 25th
Anniversary of CARICOM, to initiate a dialogue with them on the current situation in Guyana --
conscious of our own full participation as signatories to the "Herdmanston Accord".
2. We are also fully resolved that it is pre-eminently our task -- to be in the front line of all efforts
to assist Guyana as part of our own family.
3. Our conversations with President Jagan and Mr. Hoyte have convinced us all of the necessity to
return Guyana to the agreed path of the "Herdmanston Accord" -- within the time-frame agreed
in the Accord. Convinced that there is no time to lose in securing this, we have resolved together to
place our collective commitment behind the undertakings, arrangements and measures in
paragraphs (a) to (j) below to which President Jagan and Mr. Hoyte, representing the PPP/Civic
and the PNC respectively, have agreed between themselves and with CARICOM, namely --
(a) All parties to the "Herdmanston Accord" reaffirm their commitment to the Accord, and to the
implementation of its provisions as initially contemplated.
(b) Both stages of the Electoral Audit as provided for in paragraph 1 of the "Herdmanston
Accord" have been presented to the political parties in Guyana. All the parties to the Accord have
agreed to accept the findings of the first stage of the Audit -- as set out in paragraph 1 (i) (a) of
the Accord -- as binding upon them; but it is recognised that this does not preclude the pursuit of
election petitions which have been filed in the courts by both parties.
(c) The next substantive step to which the parties are committed under the Accord is that of
Constitutional Reform on the basis and within the framework provided for in paragraph 4 of the
Accord. We recall that provision specifically and reaffirm our determination to pursue it in spirit
and letter.
(d) Mindful that among the matters to be addressed by the Constitutional Reform Commission
will be "measures and arrangements for the improvement of race relations in Guyana, including
the contribution which equal opportunities legislation and concepts drawn from the CARICOM
Charter of Civil Society can contribute to the cause of justice, equity and progress in Guyana" -- it
is accepted that the parties will take steps for the early implementation of specific measures to
achieve these objectives in advance of constitutional reform itself.
(e) We are all agreed that it is feasible to complete the work of the Constitution Reform
Commission and to have the Report submitted to the National Assembly by 16 July 1999 as
originally contemplated, thereby maintaining the timetable in paragraph 4(ii) of the Accord, and we
commit ourselves to achieving it.
(f) To enable this timetable to be met, the parties have agreed that they will settle as soon as
possible, by law in the manner required by the "Herdmanston Accord", the terms of reference and
the naming of the Constitution Reform Commission mindful that CARICOM is resolved to assist
them in every way required, but more specifically by arranging for the provision of constitutional
experts and facilitators.
(g) The parties have also agreed that the necessary enabling legislation should be enacted in time
to allow the Opposition to take their seats in the National Assembly by 15 July 1998. Mr. Hoyte
has indicated his intention that, without prejudice to the outcome of the election petitions referred
to above, the PNC will assume their seats in the National Assembly by that date, and President
Jagan has indicated her agreement to secure the enactment of the necessary enabling legislation.
(h) Mrs. Jagan has also agreed to make all normal parliamentary arrangements to facilitate the due
functioning of the Opposition in the National Assembly, including exploring in consultation with
all Parties in he Assembly the establishment of a Parliamentary Management Committee for the
better organisation and functioning of parliament as established in a number of parliamentary
democracies.
(i) Building on this historic process of the meeting of Guyana's political leaders with CARICOM
Leaders in St. Lucia and the demonstration that through dialogue lies the path to the resolution of
Guyana's problems, the parties have agreed to redouble their efforts for dialogue as provided in
paragraphs 3 and 6 of the "Herdmanston Accord". Further, the two leaders have given CARICOM
Heads of Government their assurance that they will themselves meet on a periodic basis to
facilitate the achievement of all the processes to which they committed their parties by the
"Herdmanston Accord".
(j) The two leaders have recognised the value of high level Facilitator acceptable to them whose
functions will be developed in conjunction with them. Therefore, they have accepted the offer of
CARICOM to provide such a Facilitator who will be appointed as a matter of urgency to further
assist in the due implementation of these several agreements.
3. In the context of the conversations in St. Lucia CARICOM leaders are satisfied that there will
be an end to illegal protest on the streets of Guyana as dialogue and parliamentary processes take
their rightful and more prominent place in Guyana's governance. We are strengthened in this by
the assurance that the rule of law will be upheld and that as a consequence violence in the political
life of the country will cease. None of us wish to stifle dissent in any or our countries; but none of
us will accept disorder and threats to life and property as a way of political life.
4. CARICOM remains committed to the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes within our
region and States. These goals are fully supported by both President Jagan and Mr. Hoyte. We are
therefore heartened by their assurance that this is the path along which they will work to achieve
national unity and cohesiveness for the betterment of Guyana and all its peoples. We are certain
that all Guyanese will lend their tangible support to this.
5. We express our genuine appreciation of the statesmanship shown by our colleagues in Guyana
in making this historic Agreement possible and once again pledge the commitment of the
Caribbean Community to remaining engaged with Guyana in the implementation of the
"Herdmanston Accord" and this Agreement and to be at the disposal of the parties for this
purpose.
Signed:
Janet Jagan, President of Guyana
Desmond Hoyte, Leader of the PNC
Kenneth Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia and Chairman of CARICOM
* First, acceptance as "binding upon them" the findings of stage one of the CARICOM Audit
Commission that confirmed that there was no fraud at the December 15 poll;
* Second, passage of legislation by President Jagan's Government to enable an amendment to the
People's Representation Act to facilitate the PNC to rename its 25 candidates to parliament in
which the PPP/Civic has 36 of the 65 parliamentary seats. This is necessary since failure by the
PNC to occupy its seats after more than six successive sittings of parliament in two months
rendered them `vacant' under the rules governing Parliament.
* Third, the PNC will take up its 25 seats in Parliament by July 15, without prejudice to the
outcome of pending election petitions in the court.
* Fourth, and also in accordance with provisions of the `Herdmanston Accord', both parties will
cooperate in advancing the process of constitutional reform.
As outlined in the "Statement', a Constitutional Reform Commission will be established and its report submitted to Parliament by July 16, 1999, as originally contemplated in the 'Herdmanston Accord".
The Guyana Government has already in shape enabling legislation to facilitate the PNC to have its MPs seated in parliament.
The Government had also explained in Georgetown prior to Mrs Jagan attending the CARICOM
summit that it would be making arrangements for constitutional reform to take place for new
general elections by January 2001.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs calls on every Guyanese in every walk of life who must be able to carry on with their daily lives, to denounce Mr Hoyte and those leaders of the PNC who must take responsibility for the mobs, the bomb scares and the firebombing which have been unleashed on Central Georgetown over the last six days.
The illegal marches, which were resumed last Thursday, attracted noticeably smaller numbers of people than earlier this year, but they were more intimidating, more bullying, rapidly deteriorating to mobs: more disposed to marauding in a manner to frighten and prey on ordinary Guyanese who would be considered to be sympathetic to the government, as well as all ordinary, innocent citizens who would want to carry on with their lives as usual.
The adoption of the mobs by Mr Hoyte was not unexpected, but exceedingly alarming has been the series of incendiary devices which have been hurled at a number of Government offices and agencies. There were five in just over twenty four hours, from Monday afternoon to Tuesday night at the Ministry of Finance Buildings, the Ministry of Health, the Inland Revenue Building in Lamaha Street, the Ministry of Works and at the Ministry of Housing on Home Stretch Avenue. As is known, two of these firebombs ignited fires - a Ministry of Finance building being largely destroyed and persons injured, whilst damage at the Ministry of Housing was contained to one office. As Prime Minister, I apologize to all innocent persons who have been affected in the work of the police to maintain law and order and beg for their understanding.
The Government of Guyana, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, is resolved to maintain law and order. The Police has so far demonstrated considerable restraint in the face of verbal and physical abuse and intimidation from the protesters. The Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs is dismayed by the reporting of Evening News and Capitol News which instead of complimenting the police and venting their rage on the protestors, have been presenting slanted and preposterous reports on what has been happening.
Mr Hoyte and those leaders members and supporters of the PNC who are with him, with all their utterances of "making Guyana ungovernable" and "no business as usual", cannot but take full responsibility for the mobs in the street, the bomb scares everywhere, and spate of firebombs hurled at Government buildings; and beyond all that, they must bear responsibility for all the consequential personal injuries to innocent members of the public, policemen and journalists and the great damage to our economy.
Events of the last week are making clear that Mr Hoyte and some leaders, members and supporters of the PNC seem bent on being in Government at whatever the cost. How else could one understand the rejection of the CARICOM Audit report which whilst acknowledging that there might have been reasons to be suspicious, found no ground for suspicion; the unleashing of mobs, bomb scares and the hurling of firebombs at five Government buildings in just over twenty four hours, as well as the physical attacks on the police, the press and theft of cameras?
Countries and peoples need a certain minimum cohesion to survive and in young countries like ours the social fabric can easily be rend asunder. Continued attempts to tear the fabric of our country cannot be tolerated. The insidious talk shows, "Come Home to Roger", "Cross Talk," "Sunrise Show" which distort, misrepresent, and fabricate stories outright, to inflame and incite passions based on race are not going unnoticed.
Ministers of this Government have always been painfully aware of and sensitive to the ethnic impact of every decision and transaction in a country like ours. We have earnestly sought to take a little of what Guyana has to every town, village, hamlet and group of people. We know that no one has found it enough, everyone wants more -- we must get on with the business of producing more.
The claims of victimization and discrimination are overwhelmingly baseless and exaggerated. We recognize that in a country like ours, questionings and suspicions will abound. Understanding, confidence and trust in each other have to be steadily built. We have repeatedly called on Mr Hoyte and all others to bring forward claims for investigation. To provide comfort and opportunity to any and all who may feel that they have been victimized or discriminated against, we have enacted the Anti Discrimination Law.
This is a call to the majority of decent Guyanese of all political persuasions and ethnic groups, who
do not want Guyana torn apart, to denounce Mr Hoyte and those in the PNC who are
countenancing mobs, bomb scares and firebombs -- by standing up for one another, defending
one another.
Efforts by the minority opposition PNC, and street protests aimed at forcing the Government of President Janet Jagan to step down will not succeed. The President made this clear in her fortnightly television and radio program "This Week with the President."
Responding to a question by her interviewer, President Jagan said: "I have a mandate from 55.3 per cent of the voters in Guyana to govern and I will govern with my Ministers and all those associated with the PPP/Civic.
"The street activity will not unseat me. I do not demand that they like me, but they will have to respect law and order."
In a very strong tone, President Jagan said they will have to respect the results of a democratic election, and urged the PNC to take up its seats in Parliament. She said they must behave in a civilized manner, one which Guyana and the world could accept.
She called on citizens of Guyana to urge those who participate in the street demonstrations to stop their exercise. "If any of these people who are demonstrating on the streets are related to you, whether your neighbor, your son, uncle, your brother or whatever, tell them to stop this nonsense which is disrupting everyday life," President Jagan advised.
President Jagan called on citizens to come out in support of the law abiding forces of the country, led by the police, adding, "I have the highest respect for those who are putting their lives on the line to keep peace and order."
"We as citizens have to help in every way, and I hope we can get back to a normal society where
people can talk to one another; where people can raise their issues in parliament' where people can
go to the courts for justice, but not on the streets," said President Janet Jagan.
On June 19, small pockets of "protesters" created confusion in down town Georgetown pelting missiles and abusing policemen.
The show glass of Kentucky Fried Chicken was broken by flying missiles and there were reports that a policeman was bodily thrown into a trench by one of the group.
As soon as the commercial centers heard of the presence of the protestors, they slammed-shut their doors and people on the streets quickly dispersed for fear of a repeat of the events of January 12, when hundreds of Indo Guyanese were robbed and beaten. A number of persons were arrested.
Some 400 protestors chanting PNC slogans took part in an illegal demonstration over elections issues and police used tear gas to disperse them.
Sears Stores suffered a broken show glass when a concrete block was thrown at it and there was a virtual shut-down in business in Regent Street. A policeman was injured by a missile.
A baby was injured by the tear gas and the policeman, who it is alleged threw the canister, was beaten by the crowd.
Twelve persons who participated in the illegal march were arrested and charged.
The Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) of the United Kingdom and the Electricity Supply Board International Limited (ESBI) has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a 50% equity interest in the GEC.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, disclosed that the "CDC/ESBI, was selected following a transparent, competitive bidding process involving seven international and domestic investors and consortia who were pre-qualified earlier this year."
Prime Minister Hinds, pointed out that the general objective of the Government is "to achieve a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity through a public-private partnership with an expert utility manager."
The bids were evaluated by a Bid Review Committee chaired by Head of the Privatization Unit, Mr Winston Brassington.
The Prime Minister pointed out that apart from the consortium's proposal to invest US$23.45
million, in the new GEC, providing management and procuring future financing, other key
elements of the CDC/ESPI bid included: A pre-tax return for the rate base purposes of 23%
(equivalent to a notional after tax return of 14.75%); world class management personnel; an initial
plan to begin rehabilitating GEC as expeditiously as possible with a proposed capital expansion
program and to decrease management fees progressively over the next ten years.
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has agreed to extend the talks on salary increases for public servants with Government for a final week beginning June 29 after issuing Government an ultimatum to accept their proposal for a 30% increase. The ultimatum expired on June 24.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon and Head of Government's negotiating team said that the administration aims to make full use of this breathing space extended by the union to work out an "acceptable outcome"
The GPSU is pressing for a full 30% increase in salary for public servants and has rejected Government's latest offer of the minimum wage to be increased from $8,000 to $11,000 from September this year, and a one-off pay out of $7,800 to all workers earning more than $11,000 but less than $18,000 which is the income tax threshold.
Both Government and the GPSU have already agreed to a 9.5% interim pay-out across the board,
but according to the Union, it is prepared to accept no less than 30% for those at the lower levels
and 15% for those at the highest levels
The Police said that they are being deliberately targeted and are under increasing attacks in continuing pro-PNC street protests in Georgetown.
Small groups of protesters picketing in various places in Georgetown did not seek permission from the police and none was given to them. Cops fired teargas and rubber bullets during efforts to control and disperse the bands who threw bottles and stones at them.
The windscreens of two Police cars and the body of a Police van were damaged by the missiles, the police statement said.
In Prashad Nagar, police said five men and two women pounced on a corporal on duty and attempted to take away his radio communications set. Another policeman in plain clothes who was outside Demico House was pointed out by demonstrators and was attacked and robbed of $840 by three armed men with knives.
Another Policeman was attacked because he was shown the suspects who had assaulted the GTV and Chronicle photographers and a reporter. The mob threw a bicycle on a sergeant who lost his beret and name tag, the Police said.
The police denied "persistent rumors" that four persons were shot and killed by cops during efforts
to control and disperse the crowd. The main opposition party said it was against the "indiscriminate
use of teargas and the firing of pellets into the ranks of demonstrators."
The Education Sector is to get a tremendous boost as some 400 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education. This represent the largest single group to graduate from that institution.
Commenting on this great development, President Janet Jagan said it is like a dream come through because both she and her Government have recognized the importance of having trained teachers in the education system.
The in-service teacher training program which was reintroduced is now back all over the country, and President Jagan pointed to the teacher training school at Rose Hall on the Corentyne which is scheduled to produce its second batch of trained teachers.
President Jagan said this whole program is aimed at "improving our education system and giving
our children a better chance to learn their subjects well." She said she is happy that a lot of
Amerindian teachers are being trained, and congratulated all teachers and urged them to have a
keen and passionate interest in the work they are doing. She urged them not to treat their work as
a job but as a profession that requires love and interest.
PNC leader, Desmond Hoyte told his supporters on June 25 at the Square of the Revolution, that he intends to start a campaign of "defiance and civil disobedience."
He advised his supporters to take a day off on June 29 as a day of resistance since he has applied to the Police for permission to march.
Hoyte said that apart from marches, the PNC will also stage picketing exercises and will boycott anything which is PPP. He advised those present that they had better start then by not buying the Chronicle newspaper at all. The PNC had earlier told their supporters not to purchase the state-owned newspaper.
He advised them that the PNC would continue to put pressure on the PPP Government and they
would be informed about the pressures and manifestations.
Several journalists were attacked by demonstrators and their cameras taken away during the execution of their duties on June 22, 1998.
The protesters who took to the streets to demonstrate their non-acceptance of the Government of the day, were adopted by the People's National Congress.
Photojournalist of the state-owned Guyana Chronicle Rajesh Chintaman was punched in the face and his camera taken by protesters as he was taking photographs of the protest along Sheriff Street.
The State owned television station GTV also lost a video camera and the crew roughed up by the protesters.
The crowd after assaulting the Chronicle journalists, turned on the GTV crew as they recorded the event and took away a video camera worth US$4000.
Attempts by the police to retrieve the cameras were met with hostility as the protesters turned upon the policeman and beat him after which they abducted him and pushed him into a taxi.
GTV news editor Ajay Baksh, said that amidst verbal abuse the camera was taken away, and the crowd headed up Garnett street and went into Congress Place, the headquarters of the PNC. The cameras have not yet been recovered.
A cameraman from the privately-owned Stabroek Newswas also manhandled by PNC supporters
on a separate event as he attempted to film three PNC members accused of taking part in illegal
marches as they came out of court.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has made an appeal for all Guyanese to join forces and help build their country and urged the People's National Congress (PNC) to take up their seats in Parliament.
Civil Society which includes non-governmental Organizations, Trade Unions, Religious Organizations, Professional Organizations and the Consumer Movement were also called upon to help shape the destiny of the country.
In a release issued by the Commission, a call was made for "the major political parties to be involved in constructive dialogue and to simultaneously begin the process of constitutional reform, a process which the Herdmanston Accord requires."
The PSC release stated that after closely monitoring the process of the Audit which was conducted
by the CARICOM Team, they have accepted its findings along with the major political parties,
non-governmental Organizations and many distinguished foreign leaders.
President Janet Jagan has deemed the month of June very significant and symbolic, as it is during this month that two important struggles in Guyana's history are remembered and commemorated.
Mrs Jagan premised this significance on the fact that the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney, historian and politician and the slaying of the Enmore Martyrs on the 13th and 16threspectively are commemorated and remembered as important events in our struggle for a better society.
She said: "In a sense the Enmore Martyrs were fighting for the rights of workers in the '40's for the embellishment in our society as representatives of workers' struggles; it is 50 years ago that this event took place. I was closely involved in the events and there are very few of us alive who were closely involved; it was an important event, it is like a turn in history where the rights of workers were given greater recognition and understanding and through the ages, all trade unions have recognized what the Enmore Martyrs have meant to the growth of respect and improvement in the lives of the working classes.
Dr Rodney also has had that same impression in our society. Dr Rodney's death took place during the same struggle for the restoration of democracy. He was one of the victims, himself and Father Darke, they were, and I might say the two youngest heroes who died in the struggle and the desire of the people of this country to end autocratic rule. He stood up there and with clenched fists, he demanded the restoration of the peoples' rights and in the process of his gallant and historic stand he was a victim -- he was murdered. I think all society must respect him as a hero of our country."
As such, the President notes that these two events, in the month of June are very important to the history, growth and development of our society.
The names of the People's National Congress Members of Parliament were excluded from the minutes of the proceedings of the 9th sitting of Parliament.
According to the standing orders of the House, a member loses his seat if he fails to attend six consecutive sessions. The PNC have not been in Parliament since it convened on February 26.
The Representation of the People Act does not allow a party to re-submit names from the party's
list of candidates, as such the PNC members will be unable to sit in Parliament unless some form
of agreement is reached between the PNC and the PPP/Civic.
Preparations are afoot for the privatization of the international operations of Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) as part of a corporate plan which Cabinet has been asked to approve. This was disclosed by Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, during his regular press briefing at GTV's studios on June 12.
Luncheon said that another dimension of the plan being considered are measures to ease the liquidity problems of the Corporation which includes sale of redundant equipment and spares, rationalization of and retrenchment of additional categories of staff and the withdrawal of services in certain areas.
Earlier this year, Dr Frederick Duncan was appointed as Chief Executive Officer to turn around
the fortunes of the cash-strapped Corporation.
Anglican Bishop, Randolph George has been named to head the Integrity Commission in Guyana.
This was announced by Dr Roger Luncheon who said that there was a delay in the appointment by
the Government in order to facilitate consultations. According to Dr Luncheon, this appointment
along with others were delayed in accordance with the constitution which provides for
consultations. He said that the appointment had to be made at this point in time because State and
Government business must proceed.
At the 9th sitting of Parliament, the bill for the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority was passed, thereby allowing for the 11-member board instead of a twenty-member board.
Agriculture Minister Reepu Daman Persaud who piloted through the bill, told the National Assembly that it was intended to allow for better management of the MMA/ADA. It will also allow other members, beside the Minister to chair the Board.
Manzoor Nadir of the United Force (TUF) criticized the bill on the grounds that it would not
address the problems of the Authority including drainage, access roads and farmers' disputes.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) ruling that two convicted murderers be freed on the grounds that their rights had been infringed, has been rejected by the Government, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said.
Dr Luncheon said that as a result of the decision by Cabinet Members the death sentence of persons on the death row list who had exhausted all avenues available to them for respite, would be carried out shortly.
Noel Thomas and Abdool Yaseen were convicted for the murder of Yaseen's brother and had
petitioned the UNHRC for the commutation of their death sentences.
President Janet Jagan has disclosed that she is very concerned by the "constant return to this country of criminals, mainly from the United States of America who create terrible crimes which leave a dark mark on our society."
In her television/radio program, on June 5, she alluded to the wave of violent robberies and murder which have escalated of late. "These are men and women who migrated to the USA, somehow got into criminal activities, got deported and in the process they bring back sophisticated methods of criminality, murder and assassination," she said.
The Head of State has promised to take action to ease the escalation in the crime rate. " I will do
everything in my power as President to see that stronger and stronger action is taken to see that
everything is done to rid our society of this menace," Mrs Jagan declared. She said that this is one
of the main reasons that the Attorney General and the Head of the Presidential Secretariat have
said that death penalty will not change.
President Janet Jagan, who will lead a Guyana delegation, is expected to address the 19thCARICOM Heads of Government summit which opens on Tuesday, July 1, in St Lucia.
While there the President is expected to discuss the current political unrest in Guyana.
The 5-day summit will look at the problems of Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Montserrat among other major issues.
South African President Nelson Mandela will also be in attendance.
The Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) has again publicly reiterated its commitment to continue its dialogue with the Minority PNC. But no sooner than the reaffirmation was made, gangs of pro-PNC supporters took to the streets terrorizing citizens, smashing store windows and threatening mayhem.
Two days before the PNC protesters took to the streets once more, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar, in a letter dated June 16 and sent to his PNC counterpart, Mr. Aubrey Norton, reiterated his party's willingness to continue the talks.
The letter stated in part: "I would like to state categorically that our commitment to dialogue is irrevocable and has not been and will not be influenced by the differences between our two parties on the specifics of constitutional reform."
Mr Ramotar was at the time responding to the PNC's concern that "the PPP has adopted a position in the talks between plenipotentiaries Shree Chan and Haslyn Parris that threatens to render useless any further dialogue between the parties."
Ramotar declared: "At any rate, the dialogue going on between the two parties is now dealing with proposals on matters relating to the functions of Parliament. I see no reason why discussions on these and other matters on the agenda should be affected by temporary differences on issues related to constitutional reform."
However, it is not clear what impact the rampage on the streets of Georgetown by pro-PNC
supporters would have on the inter-party talks as they are also in violation of the spirit of the
Herdmanston Accord.
Political unrest in Guyana, due to protests by the People's National Congress (PNC) is threatening to defraud Guyana of the faith placed in this country by the international community although some foreign investment schemes have been secured, Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo said that performance for the first quarter of this year is better than that of last year, but
this is being bombarded by the negative effects of PNC's street demonstrations. He said that he
expects lower Customs revenues and payment of income taxes at the end of the year due to the
PNC's demonstrations which have affected foreign investments and the private sector which has
been the hardest affected so far.
The fire which gutted two floors of a three-storied building in the compound of the Ministry of Finance on Monday June 22, 1998 several hours after a bomb threat was received has been declared by investigators as being deliberately set.
The building which housed the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), consultants and valuable equipment went up in flames after the occupants in the building reported hearing an explosion.
Fire Chief, Mr Tulsi John said that the report of a breaking glass, an explosion and the rapid fire spread, were taken into consideration in pointing to the conclusion that an incendiary device was used to start the fire.
Several consultants were injured when they were forced to jump 10 feet to escape the fire.
Firebombs were also thrown in the building that houses the Ministry of Housing, the Compound of the Ministry of Health, the Inland Revenue Department and into the office of an Attorney at Law.
At least two bomb threats were reported earlier at the Ministry. The Guyana Police Force have reported that since the commencement of the protest demonstrations they have received 119 reports of explosive devices in buildings around the country. Apart from government Ministries and the Presidential Complex being daily targets, the schools and private businesses, old people's home and the Public Hospital are also being threatened.
Police detonated a suspected explosive device which was found in the Police Headquarters on Brickdam.
Protesters also clashed with Police where they threw flambeaux (bottle lamps) stones, and bottles at the cops trying to disperse them.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who is also Minister of Home Affairs, recently brought Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis and Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Lambert Marks together for a meeting which led to the two agencies pledging to cooperate in the fight against the narcotics trade.
Prime Minister Hinds says the CANU Head regretted the assertions recently made and did not believe that they reflected his position correctly.
Mr Hinds reported that the CANU Head stated: "I have come to recognize that the recent assertions back and forth between myself and Commissioner Lewis were not in the best interest of our national security."
Marks, according to the Prime Minister, pledged: "I am willing and committed to work fully with Commissioner Lewis on all related matters in the future. I want to clarify that my assertion of corruption did not apply to the entire police force and was not intended to offend the many honest, hard working members of the Force."
Commissioner Lewis said at the meeting that he would investigate the allegations to which the head of CANU has alluded.
The Prime Minister said that the need for CANU and the police to work together in the fight
against the drug trade was highlighted and expressed his regrets about the exchanges between the
two agencies.
The government is pushing ahead with its development agenda. More projects were approved by Cabinet that would improve the living conditions of Guyanese in the water supply, health and agricultural sectors.
Projects approved by Cabinet at its latest sessions include the procurement of medical supplies for the Georgetown hospital, rehabilitation and consultancy for the Pouderoyen Water Work, development of a tariff scheme at GUYWA, the Eccles Water System and drilling of two wells in the hinterland region; rehabilitation of the Bellamy Canal at Mahaicony and construction of a new Hall at the Mazaruni Prisons.
These projects amounted to over one billion dollars and will bring many improvements to the lives of ordinary citizens. These tenders were approved at the latest Cabinet session.
President Janet Jagan delivered the feature address at a one-day journalism symposium recently sponsored by the Government of Guyana and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The symposium, at the Ocean View International Hotel's Convention Center, had as its theme Philosophy of Journalism, Professional Ethics and Responsibility. It preceded a six-week journalism training course, also jointly sponsored by the Government of Guyana, UNESCO and the International Program for the Development of Communications, another UN agency.
Also attending the symposium was Guyana's Ambassador to UNESCO Professor David
Dabydeen, who played a significant role in negotiating the financial support for the seminar, the
national training course, as well as a special training course for developing a core of trained
Amerindian journalists in Guyana's hinterland regions for the Hinterland Highlights newspaper
published by the Government Information Services (GIS).
The Ministry of Local Government has unearthed a major financial irregularity allegedly perpetrated on the Beterverwagting-Triumph Neighbourhood Democratic Council. The size of the alleged fraud is $8,799,277 as indicated by the Regional Executive Officer, Mr S. Narayan. The Regional Executive Officer has already moved to have certain officials interdicted from duty.
The busiest shopping area in East Berbice , the Port Mourant Market, has been rebuilt and
doubled in size at a cost to the tune of $23M. The Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic
Council ( NDC) contributed about $700,000 to the venture.
Central Government and City Hall have agreed to a joint $50 million program for
rehabilitation of roads in Georgetown. Both sides have also agreed that some $39 million will
be spent on road rehabilitation while another $11 million will be spent on drainage and
related works.
Global Business Ventures (GBV) of Canada has indicated keen interest in a joint venture
partnership with Nagasar Sawh Limited of Bartica. Vice President of the company Mr Bob
Antifave, disclosed that his company is interested in sawn timber and shingle production.
The Guyana Elections Commission has commenced work on production of National
Identification cards. The registration process that took place for the December 15 Regional
and General Elections are to be culminated with the issuance of national ID cards for all
citizen over the age of 14 years.
Minister of Youth Gail Teixeira, acting as Foreign Minister, recently signed documents in
preparation for the formulation of a National Biodiversity Plan of Action.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union mounted a photographic exhibition at
the National Library as part of its activities to commemorate the 50thAnniversary of the
Enmore Martyrs, who were gunned down on June 16, 1948. Five sugar workers were killed at
the site of Enmore Sugar Factory while they were demonstrating against harsh working and
living conditions and for the recognition of a union of their choice, GAWU.
A seven-acre plot of forage land of nutritious antelope grass was commissioned at No. Six
Village, West Bank Berbice. Minister Sawh who was present at the commissioning, said that it
would be a boost to meat production locally. He reiterated the need for dairy stock development
towards self-sufficiency in milk.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) recently donated a quantity of sewing
machines to Human Services and Social Security Minister Indra Chandarpal for distribution
to women's groups across the country through SIMAP, the government's project execution
agency.
A chartered Royal Airways Boeing 757 jet touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International
Airport, Timehri on its inaugural flight on Tuesday, June 23. Roraima Airways Ltd.(RAL) in
partnership with Premier Holidays introduced the fortnightly non-stop flight to Guyana from
Toronto.
President Jagan received a delegation from the Trades Union Congress to discuss the present
political situation in Guyana and to exchange views on possible steps to further dialogue. Mr
Pollydore assured the President that the TUC is fully committed to the implementation of the
Herdmanston Accord, and stands ready to assist in removing all obstacles in the path of
dialogue between the parties.
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) reported on June 11 that Guyana "is now past the worst"
of El Nino and as a result, there would now be a shift in focus from the quick short-term
response, to the more long-term aspects of disaster preparedness.
GUYANA'S Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) Dr Odeen Ishmael has informed the organization that the Guyana Government will welcome any form of preventive diplomacy it may wish to apply to help Guyana out of its present political crisis. He was at the time addressing the 37th graduating class of the Inter-American Defense College in Washington on June 26.
He stated: "Acts of anarchy, terrorism and mob violence now carried out by anti-government elements on the streets ... are evidence that democracy in Guyana is facing a serious threat. Without any reservation, it is the right of individuals or groups to dissent, but it must be remembered that responsible dissent remains the essence of democracy.
Ambassador Ishmael continued: "While it is important for governments of the hemisphere to condemn attacks on democracy in Guyana and wherever else they occur, the Organization of American States itself will have to develop mechanisms very quickly to counter such open threats. In the case of my country, we welcome any form of preventive diplomacy that the OAS may wish to apply. This I feel is overdue, but there is still scope for some initiatives to be taken now. The OAS can play an intermediary role to boost confidence and consensus building, to urge respect for law and order and to provide strong support for democracy."
He called on governments in the hemisphere to condemn the threat to democracy in Guyana, stressing the strong link between economic growth and democracy.
Ishmael also repeated a call for the setting up of the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) to assist smaller economies to adjust and participate in the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
"Financial assistance for integration into the FTAA is vitally necessary for the smaller economies of the western hemisphere," Ishmael said. "It has been proven that smaller economies have a disadvantage in an atmosphere of completely free trade, and the significant disparities in the size and strength of the economies of the nations of the Americas, make this a problem that must be
considered by the smaller economies before undertaking the decisive move into the free trade."
He stressed that while free trade can bring significant benefits to smaller economies, it could also be disastrous if the integration issues are not properly addressed. Ishmael said the RIF can handle the difficulties of this free trade transition, the cost of which would be minimal but benefits will be substantial.
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For information on Guyana on the Internet, please check the Guyana News and Information Page at www.guyana.org. This Page is linked to other sites which also provide useful information on Guyana. The Embassy's E-mail addresses are: Guyanaembassy@hotmail.com and Guyanaem@erols.com
Embassy of the Republic of Guyana
2490 Tracy Place NW
Washington DC 20008
202-265-6900/FAX 202-232-1297
(After hours and holidays, FAX 301-365-9467)