Ramotar says Guyana’s economy must be broad-based
May 10, 2012 By
President Donald Ramotar on Monday warned that if oil is discovered in Guyana it should not become the main economic base of the country, saying that there needs to be a balancing of sectors and resources if the country is to prosper.
The president made these remarks while addressing participants of the first oil and gas training session held at Regency Suites, Hadfield Street on Monday. Minexco Petroleum is sponsoring the event.
In a release, the company said that the training is designed to assist the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and related government agencies in Guyana to manage the demands that are being made on them, as a consequence of increased upstream oil and gas activity offshore Guyana.
According to the firm, speakers at the opening session recognised the well-established roots of co-operation between the government of Guyana and Minexco, with Minexco acknowledging the substantial support it has received from the government.
Guyana is currently the focus of increasing interest from oil companies following the recent drilling of a number of exploration wells offshore Guyana and French Guiana.
These exploratory wells have raised expectations that potential reserves will be similar to those offshore West Africa.
Minexco Petroleum is part of the Minexco Inc Group, a growing and diverse natural resource conglomerate, with interests in South America and West Africa.
The Minexco Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Minexco Minerals, has been investing in the mining sector in Guyana since 2010.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering Ramotar said over the past years Guyana’s economy has been based on three commodities: rice, sugar, and bauxite. He warned that as the country remains optimistic that oil is discovered, never again should the economy be based upon one resource. “We should try to do our best to ensure that we do not fall into that situation where we are totally and absolutely dependent on oil,” he said.
The president noted that while the cost for oil on the world market is high, it may not remain that way, and stated that at no point should Guyana depend on the booming nature of the sector and take for granted that it will be sustained for eternity. “We know that the price of oil could also fall…,” he stressed.
He added that there are huge possibilities available in the manufacturing, processing and agricultural sectors, while pointing out that there needs to be “good balance and coordination”, so that all local sectors can grow and “not one grow at the expense of the others”.
That aside, the president noted that over the past few years Guyana has attracted much attention in the area of mining and a number of agreements have been signed.
Mining has contributed significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and has maintained its number one ranking. The country has gained much experience over those years and has acquired some of the best technical persons in the field, Ramotar added.
However, he was quick to point out that there is a greater need for skills training in that sector. With the mining industry booming, particularly the resuscitation of manganese mining in the North West District (NWD), he is “optimistic” that Guyana will be regarded as one of the major oil producing countries in the world”.
Training long overdue
“There is much optimism that we will discover oil in our area and hopefully in the not- too-distant future,” the president said, noting the training course is “long overdue” as Guyana should have been preparing for such prospects. “However, better late than never and I hope our people make maximum use of them (the training).”
To maximise the country’s full potential through the benefits that may derive from the new horizons that have presented themselves, the president believes that training is critical. He noted that the oil industry is one of the largest and most competitive industries, so it is imperative that “we can stand up and compete and be able to represent ourselves fully in this area”.
Valuable
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said government is satisfied with the swift manner in which the training programme was put together by the company.
He said the first phase of the training programme will see technicians within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and related government agencies receiving training. Other programmes will see other stakeholders being trained.
He described the programme as “valuable”, noting that it has begun at “a very opportune time.” Persaud said that programmes, such as the current one that will last five days, will fall under the auspices of the Guyana Mining School when it is launched in September.
The minister said it is critical for there to be the creation of synergies so as to develop local capacity by “growing, developing and nurturing locals who can manage and undertake the great potentials that we know we have in the oil and gas sector”. The minister added that training is only one component of government’s initiatives to ensure that the sector gets off to a good start.
“We started to engage a number of international entities and multilateral institutions,” he stated.
He pointed to the first report of the Commonwealth Secretariat on Guyana’s petroleum sector reform that spoke to legislation, regulations, institutions and the fiscal regime, coupled with what needs to be done for the country to come up to an identified level to “properly manage and make use of the opportunities” that will present themselves in the near future. Persaud noted that government will “continue to partner and work with these companies to fulfil our national objectives.”
De “popers” now playing “solitaire!”
May 10, 2012 By
It gat some people who love to be noticed. Yuh ever notice how some does try fuh “pope” people photograph by “invading” de space and standing behind? Even some TV programmes does show “popers” in de background. It gat others who does “pope” from de front and stay there even though de thing ain’t concern dem. Everybody remember when some people from de “key” party do just that and tek over de sugar workers protest in de recent past just fuh get notice. De party claim that dem was in “solidarity” with de workers.
But people ain’t see de “key” party marching pun May Day when is de real day fuh show “solidarity!” Dem absent like lil boys who does “skulk” from school! People sehin de party ain’t only “skulk” from de parade, but leff de workers in “solitary!” In other words, de workers pun dem own! People sehin that another reason why de “key” party cut dem presence pun workers day, is because dem ain’t gat no union to call dem own! De Coconut Tree party, now de “Hands Up” party, gat Lincoln Union as dem own.
De sugar workers realise that de “key” party proper use dem in “championing” dem cause and then turn around and oppose de budget subvention fuh help de industry! But apparently, de “key” party now frighten fuh be notice with de workers since dem false support get expose! That is why Khemraj, Cathy, Gerhard, and de others stay home and play “solitaire” pun dem laptop.
While dem enjoying that, dem cut de programme fuh ordinary people fuh get one so that dem can learn fuh play de game too! De self interest in noticeable! Ting-a-ling-a-ling… Friend tell friend… Mattie tell mattie!
Brute force and ignorance
May 10, 2012 By
Vitriol
We return to the utter ignorance redolent in the utterances of Lincoln the Loud on the president’s comments during the Arrival Day commemorations. One might be tempted to dismiss the extremism of Lewis as the antics of a buffoon – one given to ‘brute force and ignorance. But in Guyana there are grave dangers in turning a blind eye to such provocative vitriol on race relations in Guyana.
We can do worse than ask if Lewis – as the putative head of the ‘umbrella’ body of trade unions – issued a felicitating statement on the occasion of Arrival Day? This is a national holiday set aside to acknowledge the arrival of labourers to this country. You think a trade union leader would find some commonality with this event?
So if we examine the accusations of Lewis, we can see clearly that his twisting of the president’s remarks is a projection of his own virulent racial and ethnic prejudices. Lewis demands proof for the president’s saying that Indians agitated for the right to vote. Imagine that! The British had imposed requirements on the franchise – knowledge of English, property ownership, and income level that precluded almost all Indians.
In 1911, of a total Indian population of 126,517, only 251 were on the voters’ list. African/ Coloured Guyanese had formed a solid middle class by then and regularly elected their representatives. Only by 1916 was Joseph Alexander Luckhoo successful, and he became the first East Indian to be elected to the national legislature, the Court of Policy. Indians had to agitate for the franchise.
As Cheddi Jagan wrote in 1988 (the 150th anniversary of Indian arrival) “The black middle class, which had emerged earlier historically… saw the emergent Indian middle strata as a threat. They perceived the lower rungs of the colonial administrative ladder as their preserve.
In this sense, they tended to be conservative; wanting maintenance of the status quo. And so, they assumed, for instance, in Guyana, increasingly a conservative political posture and opposed reforms for adult suffrage and self-government.” Indians fought for their franchise.
Sucking up
Ralph Ramkarran wrote a letter to the Stabber claiming that the PPP had actually opposed the government’s cessation of ads to that paper some years ago. Secretary to the Cabinet Roger Luncheon disputed his account of what actually had transpired. He mentioned that although – as usual – there might have been differences of opinion on the issue, the decision-making procedure of the party – dubbed ‘democratic centralism’, mandated that, just as when Cabinet ministers make decisions together, they all bear collective responsibility.
Ramkarran fired off another missive making distinctions between “Ex-Co” and the Central Committee, but we’re not sure what’s the point he’s trying to make.
The bottom line was that in the end the PPP decided not to oppose the government on the ad issue. Is Ramkarran saying that he should have sent off his article opposing the government regardless of a definitive position by the party? He should now also clarify his position of the PPP’s procedure of ‘collective responsibility’.
But we still wonder what’s this storm in a teacup all about? Is Ramkarran looking ahead at new elections and his place in it? Is he trying to suck up to the ‘independent’ media that have viciously skewered the PPP and the government for the last two decades? C’mon Harrinaraine, let’s hear it!
Opposition set on impure motives and unreasonable politics
May 10, 2012 By
Dear Editor,
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had recently repudiated the notion that a political party can engender transfer of budgetary allocation from the state media to another entity, and regards it as “a blow to democracy and a violation of the constitution of rights of the citizens, to receive government information”.
This was Mr Nandlall’s attempt to stymie the move by Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), as they were colluding to withdraw support for the budgetary allocations, to the state media entities – the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Well, it is now history, and the two opposition forces, using their one-seat majority, got their desire.
Now the government of Guyana is forced to contemplate its next move as the Gy$ 300 million in budgetary allocations (for the state-run National Communications Network and the Government Information Agency (GINA)) was slashed.
According to APNU parliamentarian Carl Greenidge, in whose name the motion was tabled, the combined opposition forces were “unhappy” and “dissatisfied” with the quality of reporting and coverage, given by the two entities, more particularly NCN, to the AFC and the APNU. This kind of rhetoric worked and the vote went the opposition’s way.
Now these are the almost immediate setbacks: A ‘snatching’ away of international cricket matches, popular shows, and radio broadcasts, which NCN in particular, usually airs. Also services at reduced rates to many entities will now be a thing of the past. It gets worse here as “GuySuCo Round Up”, “Feel the Beat,” “GRA In Focus,” “Law enforcement and You,” “In the Miners World,” and “Sports Magazine” will all be axed; at least it seems so.
Dear Readers, please note that the action of ‘cutting/ slashing’ by the opposition parties comes over as most contradictory. Prior to this, they used to clamour about access to government information, being informed of what is being done in government agencies and about government policies, activities of the president, argue in favour of a well-informed citizen and now, they are going against all of these.
To me, this is just another example of vindictiveness. I am hoping that especially NCN will make a move towards generating income from services and products.
GINA will have to ‘feel some squeeze’. As noted, this kind of politics borders on the illegal. Maybe there is some kind of overlooked infringement. Also, nothing is cast in stone, and at least there is room for further discussions.
With regards,
Jamunie Greaves
Congratulations to the ‘Tiger’ for making Guyana proud yet again
May 10, 2012 By
Dear Editor,
Every Guyanese should be proud of the achievements of Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Indeed this top-class cricketer’s accomplishments are a direct result of hard work, determination, and stamina. Once gain he has put Guyana on the map, as every time he is referred to in the international media, he would be identified as a GUYANA and West Indies cricketer.
Editor, these are the positive things Guyanese like to see about their country. Sections of the local media have been engaging in a campaign of negativity, and persons abroad are being turned off from coming back home to visit family and friends or for a simple vacation, as all they are fed is “trash”. So,congrats to the Tiger.
Not that publicity about his achievements will repair the damage done to Guyana, but it will make us Guyanese feel good about our country and others will see that we are still capable of producing the best in various fields.
Chanderpaul became the first Guyanese, second West Indian and 10th international cricketer to pass 10,000 Test runs, during the final Test against Australia last week, and was ranked the number one Test batsman when the ICC released its latest rankings last weekend. By reaching the mark of 10,000 Test runs from 140 Test matches, Chanderpaul joined India’s Sachin Tendulkar (15,470); Australia’s Ricky Ponting (13,346); India’s Rahul Dravid (13,288); South Africa’s Jacques Kallis (12,379); West Indies’ Brian Lara (11,953); Australia’s Allan Border (11,174); Australia’s Steve Waugh (10,927); Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (10,440); and India’s Sunil Gavaskar (10,122).
Chanderpaul was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded home Test series against Australia, with 346 runs at an average of 86.50. He reached the top of the rankings after his twin half-centuries in the final Test in Dominica, moving ahead of the South African duo of Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers. The left- hander last attained the number one ranking in July 2008 and held it for seven months. He briefly dropped to number two in February 2009, but returned to the top spot three Tests later, after the fifth Test against England in Trinidad.
That aside, I hope that young cricketers will emulate this gifted cricketer as he has proven he has the drive, humbleness, and determination to achieve great things. Perhaps upon his return to Guyana after the upcoming West Indies-England series the government, business community and others may want to join in giving him a hero’s welcome like we did a few years ago. He deserves it.
Yours truly,
Raymond Singh
Guyanese in New York are concerned about the impact of the budget cuts on national development
May 10, 2012 By
Dear Editor,
The discussions about the budget cuts have dominated the various media outlets and all around the Guyanese community in New York, persons are talking about the kind of impact such action by the opposition would have on the country’s future. I agree with some persons that these cuts suggest that it was a deliberate ploy to ensure that the people of Guyana fall prey of a political game. Why would the opposition want to take such an action that would see ordinary people on the breadline? I have been asking myself how can they be so heartless to do such a thing.
Whatever beef they (Opposition) had with the government could have been addressed through another mechanism, or I guess if they were not satisfied with the way the government was conducting the affairs of the nation, there are so many other actions they could have taken instead of cutting the monies for various agencies that would see many jobless and many projects come to a hal
Also, there could be no rationale for cutting funds intended for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) that have several programmes attached to it. Not only did parliament endorse the document in December 2009, but it is a nationally endorsed strategy. Further, there were approvals by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The world has recognized Guyana for taking such initiative aimed at saving its forest and in effect helping the entire world deal with climate change
I have taken note of the fact that for every question posed by the combined opposition, government provided a detailed answer showing cause why such spending was necessary. So many of us living in New York, cannot understand why, apart from derailing the political process, the opposition would want to take that kind of action on the 2012 budget. What about their (APNU and AFC) election plans to create thousands of jobs for young people? I am also sure that some of those same persons voted for these parties. I wonder what they must be thinking now.
Editor, I am not sure how long the government will allow the country to go down this path. From the way it looks, Guyanese back home have much more ‘dark days’ to experience and we in the diaspora must make our voices heard because it’s a matter of concern to us too.
Yours truly,
Reginald Smith
Brooklyn, New York
Donald Ramotar for U.S. visit
May 10, 2012 By
President Donald Ramotar will be meeting with several officials from the United States administration and multilateral agencies’ officials, in Washington DC from May 12 to 19. He is also expected to meet with the Guyanese disapora in the U.S.
Sources say Ramotar will be engaged with officials of the State Department and others from the Western Hemisphere, and will be part of discussions on areas of collaboration with that country such as security, economics and politics.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon at his post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Office of the President.
After those meetings, the head of state will part take in the Caricom/ Mexico Summit hosted by Barbados on May 20 before returning to Guyana on May 21. That summit will focus on political and economic cooperation.
Ramotar will travel with a team of government officials, including Ministers Dr Ashni Singh, Irfaan Ali and Ganga Persaud and Ambassador General Elizabeth Harper.
Legislative Dictatorship
May 10, 2012 By
Chief Justice Ian Chang (acting) issued a decision on the case brought by the attorney general against the leader of the opposition and the Speaker of the House on the issue of the criteria for constituting the Committee of Selection (CoS).
The gravamen of the government’s argument was that the Speaker and the combined opposition used its one seat majority to alter the strength of the “mother of all committees” from 10 to nine and then allocated them on a 4-4-1 basis to the PPP, APNU and AFC respectively. With its one out of 65 seats (1.5 per cent) advantage at the plenary level it catapulted this into a one out of nine advantage (11 per cent) at the CoS level.
For its part, the government proposed that a 5: 4: 1 split between the government and the opposition reflected a fairer allocation based on the Proportionality Principle immanent in the Constitution. This principle has been the foundational principle of representation since 1964. The government has made reference to Articles 60 and 160 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act Number 15 of 2000. In addition and more specifically Standing Order 94 (1) of the Parliament states: “Every select committee shall be constituted as to ensure, as far as possible, that the balance of parties in the Assembly is reflected in the committee.”
The constitutional provisions all refer to the electoral system and the need to maintain proportionality between the votes obtained by the individual parties and the seats they end up with in Parliament. This is succinctly summarised on the GECOM website: “Under the current system which was adopted after the amending of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act {Constitution (Amendment) Act Number Three of 2000 and Election Laws (Amendment) Act Number 15, 2000} in November, 2000, all members of the National Assembly are to be directly elected. Twenty five (25) to be elected from the ten (10) geographic constituencies and the remaining forty (40) elected from a national “top-up” list to guarantee a very high degree of proportionality.”
To emphasise the overriding need for proportionality, GECOM points out: “On February 13, 2001, conscious of the need to ensure the constitutional requirement for proportionality, the National Assembly further amended the Representation of the People Act, Constitution (Amendment) Act Number One, 2001 and Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001 to allow the National Assembly to have at least sixty five (65) members and allow GECOM to allocate “overhang seats”, if required. Overhang seats would be required if a Party wins a disproportional number of constituency seats thereby giving it an advantage over other parties. Under these circumstances, GECOM would award overhang seats to the national top up to ensure that the advantage is removed.”
Notwithstanding the above arguments, Justice Chang ruled bluntly: “It is the National Assembly which fixes the numerical strength of its membership. If so, it is difficult to conceive that there would be any constitutional limitation on the power of the National Assembly to fix the numerical strength of the membership of any of its Standing Committees.” What the CJ is now affirming is that the Legislative branch can do whatever it wants inside Parliament – even though their procedural action has infringed on the right of representation of the people.
And this is the bottom line. As we pointed out at the time of the action: “It is pellucid that after going to such lengths to ensure proportionality of votes from the people to be reflected in the respective voting strength in Parliament, it is unthinkable the framers of the constitution would completely eviscerate the principle at the points where it becomes most meaningful: the committees. Considering the history of the framing of our constitutional principles, the principle of proportionality, based on fundamental fairness, cannot be sacrificed at the altar of bureaucratic efficiency – ‘gridlock’, according to the opposition.” We are on the cusp of a legislative dictatorship.
Govt lambastes opposition’s motions
May 10, 2012 By
By Ariana Gordon
Government on Wednesday lambasted the parliamentary opposition parties the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) for tabling motions before the National Assembly on a number of identified issues ranging from the production of public records to the House to amendments to the Presidents’ Pension Act.
At a media briefing hosted by the leader of the House, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the National Communications Network (NCN), government said that the motions presented to the House and placed on the 20th Order Paper for consideration today (Thursday) lack merit and reflect pure vindictiveness. Hinds said that the motions were prepared “hurriedly and prematurely” to say the least.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the press conference at the National Communications Network studio. Also in photo are Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall
