To prosper, our economy needs to be more broad-based
May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
In a most timely manner, the president has 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 our country is to continue on the road to development. This is certainly true as there is a feeling that once oil is discovered, all the attention will be shifted towards that sector at the expense of others.
In my view, the president’s warning was very much on target and it is hoped that other stakeholders involved in various aspects of the economy are paying attention. Over the past years, Guyana’s economy has been based mainly on three commodities: rice, sugar, and bauxite. However, even though the country remains optimistic that oil will be discovered, we should not allow the economy to be based on one resource. In fact, we should ensure that we do not fall into that situation where we are dependent on oil alone.
We all know that while the cost for oil on the world market is high, it may not remain that way, it is very likely to change as we have seen before. It is therefore necessary that we continue to invest and expand the other sectors so that when, and if one fails, the others will serve as a boost to the economy. In essence, there needs to be good balance and coordination so that all local sectors can develop simultaneously and the economy would not be at risk.
For example, there are huge possibilities available in the manufacturing, processing and agricultural sectors, and persons need to take advantage of them. I do not believe that we are capitalising on the possibilities in these sectors the way we should. Our exports of fruits and vegetables, etc, should have been flooding the shelves of the supermarkets in the Caribbean by now, but this is not happening. Is it a case that we lack the vision; I do not think so. The government offers some assistance to small entrepreneurs, but it is up to the private sector to develop a vision and implement it. The money is there for our products and services; we just need to go after it.
That aside, it is encouraging to note that Guyana has attracted much attention in the area of mining and a number of other companies are now showing an interest in investing here.
Mining has contributed significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and has maintained its number one ranking. With the mining industry booming, particularly the resuscitation of manganese mining in the North West District (NWD), I want to believe that Guyana’s future in this area will be even brighter in years to come.
Yours truly,
T Khemraj
The legal comparison – Guyana and the U.S.
May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
It is all too easy for Guyanese to simply up and say that ‘Guyanese law makers should follow the example of The United States of America’. This would be great in many areas. However, I have a strong revulsion for the many ‘soft acts’ that the U.S. has for some very serious situations. I also need to remind people that Guyana and U.S. are really quite different when it comes to the legal culture and its various manifestations.
So I bring to attention what happened recently in this ‘dream country.’ A former police officer grabbed a school teacher off the street, and sexually attacked her. He was sentenced to at least three quarters of a century in prison, seeing that he was convicted of high-level sex charges. I do not know what this means. The jury could not decide whether or not actual rape had taken place. I ask here how come? Yes this is a good story for all Guyanese to read, but already there are some questions, right?
The makers of Guyana indeed should take note of this and implement similar laws to deal with law enforcement officers and former law enforcers, who are involved in criminal activities. And in Guyana, this has been happening quite a lot. The punishment should be double for these officers or erstwhile ones. So if and when found guilty, then simply let them face the dire consequences. However, there is a second aspect to this case.
This woman explained that the attack has now destroyed her life.
“My life has been shattered; my sense of security; my sense of safety; any and all independence”. She expectedly wept after she had finished speaking, but her psychological wounds may never be healed.
So I implore the forces that be to ensure recovery counselling be administered to victims of these kinds of crimes. In fact, the trials for these kinds of offences should be very private. I also believe that when a guilty verdict is handed down, the perpetrator must not only be sentenced. His resources and energies should be used up by the victims for recovery processes.
As a foot note, yes I know that many Guyanese take up law enforcement for improper reasons. Usually they see it as a way of making fast money, via questionable means. Sometimes it is because there is nothing else to do. However, a bad motive does not have to be realised. The training must be geared to expunge this kind of mind-set. Also, if the law enforcement is seen as an avenue to get rich really quick, then it is suggestive of some questionable activities. I mean why and how can the general public feel this way then. So then it is time for some serious thinking and planning.
With deepest regards,
Ramesh Pertab
Begging mercy for the accused must not weigh in
May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
I can already sense ‘soft hands’ and smell the ‘rat’ in this case, involving a really brutal woman-beater. This abuser was granted bail by the magistrate, for hitting his reputed wife on her head with a hammer, rendering her unconscious. The bail was set at $75,000 and the accused has to appear in court on June 22.
Masquerading as a cricketing comedian, this individual has to be insane, if it can be established that indeed he committed the many acts of violence against the woman, and then went into hiding for a while. This kind of cruelty is abnormal. Dear Readers, the list is ugly: attempt to murder his reputed wife by beating the woman unconscious; a phone call from Taylor to the brother of the beaten woman, informing him that he left the ‘woman’ in a pool of blood; the demand to speak to her (after he left), but when permission was denied, he threatened to kill the relatives; the ‘run-hide’ game with the law. Look at the effects now – the woman in a state unconsciousness; hospitalisation of her; and (the woman) suffering broken fingers and injuries to her head, which required more than 100 stitches. No wonder this man fled. He represents the typical beast-bully the weak, but runs from the law. I give him this though. He has a secret charm. After hiding out, he seems to have cajoled the woman into a ‘pity me please’ state, and she diluted her story. I am so glad that medical evidence is there. I am also happy that police have numerous reports at the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost about physical abuse that this suspect allegedly inflicted on the woman previously. It is like a done deal. In closing, I am somewhat bothered by these kinds of relenting women. They have been conditioned by this kind of treatment. I dare say that some of them have reached a level of masochism. They need help. So my ruling in this is that even if she begs mercy for him, if he is deemed guilty, then he should be adequately sentenced.
Yours truly,
Keiron Moore
Please play by the same rules
May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
I had this kind of foreboding premonition and now it is being realised, and sadly so. I am not one to rejoice when others stumble or even seem to do so. Neither will I say, “You see. I told you so.” But I still have a justified and forceful contention. This has to do with the call for an independent inquiry as well. Now to the story (I kept you waiting), and it is that The Alliance For Change (AFC) councillor for Region Six is urging the National Executive Council of his party to move quickly to address the allegations of corruption he has brought against Veerasammy Ramayya. Councillor Yusuf has alleged that after the November elections, the three AFC groups in Berbice had to submit their financial reports on campaign activities to the party’s head office with the necessary supporting documents, a criterion that Ramayya, an AFC parliamentarian, could not satisfy. So if this is true, this parliamentarian must do some plausible explanation. Ramayya submitted a financial report without supporting documents and he furthermore made a ludicrous claim… that he spent $4.5 million from his pocket, and that the party should reimburse him. This is now taking it even further. The regional councillor is arguing that Ramayya did not receive the requisite approval from the campaign manager to spend in excess of the money that was given to him through the party. Now with no paper or receipts for the amount spent, corruption is quite a possibility.
With the many attempts to get the national committee of the AFC party to deal with the matter proving futile, then indeed Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan is conveying a bad impression-what is it? Maybe it is collusion or simply being carefree. Both possibilities (if they have even a tincture of truth) are most ridiculous. Mind you Dear Readers, Mr Ramayya has his side of the story. He strongly sought to defend himself. He is seeking to debunk the charges made on his character and credibility as an AFC parliamentarian and a representative of the people in Berbice. His story is that that he did spend approximately $4.5 million of his own monies on the campaign, “as the AFC did not give a lot of monies for the Berbice campaign”. However, he admitted that he did not have the requisite bills and receipts in order. So what to make of this?
Dear Editor, indeed “When (people) go to the market… (they do not) get receipt(s), (as in cases of)… chicken, fish or celery… etc.” However, I personally find it a bit far-fetched and unbelievable to spend that kind of money on basic necessities, during a political campaign that lasted for a short time. Sounds more like a carnival splurging to me. I agree that this whole thing is quite shady. It may be that nothing untoward was done. However, it is incumbent upon the AFC to practise what the party preaches. I mean AFC members and supporters always demand honesty, integrity and transparency. This is the opportune moment to ‘shine’ and come good.
Yours truly,
Jenny Shakoor
A badly needed step-up (GRA and technology)
May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
Reading good news is so refreshing these days. Many media entities have taken it upon themselves to focus only on the bad and the controversial. Now that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched its fully automated Motor Vehicle Certificate of Registration, it is time for all Guyana to be happy.
The GRA explained that from May 8, 2012, motor vehicle owners would have been issued with the new document which is expected to significantly cut the time spent by motor vehicle owners at the Licence Revenue Office (LRO). Yes, the reduced time factor is one positive element, with the other being that of the build-up of clients. Usually this creates confusion, and panic usually steps in.
What is very encouraging is the fact that the software for the new official document was developed by GRA’s in-house software programmers. So, in Guyana, the expertise is very much local. The software includes enhanced security features such as a watermark, micro-fibres and ultraviolet (UV) images to allow for the detection of fraud. I admit here that too many people are wont to take this route. So now it might result in instant trapping.
Dear Readers, the large number of vehicles in circulation is in excess of 80,000, and this really necessitated a step-up in the system. I am sure that there will be a few snags here and there, but in the end, all Guyanese will profit from this use of technology.
In fact, the positives to look forward to are many: tracking motor vehicle registrations by their serial numbers; recording electronically all registrations issued and cancelled (and thus rapid access to records); verifying legitimate registrations and exposing the fraudulent ones. This is really a good start and must be built upon.
Small beginnings must never be despised. Things will not happen overnight – they never do. So, my appeal is that other entities take inspiration from GRA. I think here of the Guyana Post Office Corporation.
Yours truly,
Carlyle Whitaker
Stepping up the fight against illegal river activities
May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
“Better be sure than sorry” is still applicable today. I also like “Better late than never”. It seems that this value of ‘patience is profitable’ is most obvious when it comes to more security measures in Guyana.
The very ecstatic news is that “…work on establishing a floating security base, at the mouth of the Pomeroon River, has been progressing slowly, although the actual base has already been constructed. The base is intended to arrest rampant smuggling of drugs, guns, and goods.” I add here that piracy will be impeded in this venture too.
It is a known and accepted fact that many illegal substances and persons cross the river, back and forth, and do their nefarious work. So this security outpost is really a must. I mean security entails at least the equivalent in intensity and technology where outdoing the criminals are concerned. In fact, it would be great if the law can even go one step ahead. This may be costly, but absolutely necessary.
The government last year awarded a contract to the tune of $36 million for the construction of a pontoon base, but a further $140 million was allocated for the operationalisation of the base, which is yet to be commissioned (but I hope it would). You see, Dear Editor, I feel at ease knowing that criminals are ill-at-ease. These ‘chaps’ are unscrupulous. They operate with arrogance and cruelty. So ‘going all the way’ is the way to go, if they are to be stopped.
I ask here if drug trafficking, transport of guns, and smuggling of fuel can be tolerated? These activities must be swiftly put out.
Currently, the stakeholders are working out the logistics for the continuation and completion of this outpost. I can hardly wait for this unit to become fully functional.
In the meantime, even as I look with a discerning eye, I suggest that ‘good informers’ keep up their vigilant work. Many times, the unsuspecting people around the area know what is happening. It is the responsibility of all Guyanese to help in the fight against crime.
Yours truly,
Devon McAllister
Good news that could have
May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
been better
Dear Editor,
I am really saddened by the ‘budgetary cuts’ which have a direct negative impact on the implementation of the Hinterland Electrification Programme (HEP), which is linked to the Amaila Falls Hydropower, which is also a major aspect of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). However, amidst this setback, positive things are still happening.
The confirmed word is that Amerindian Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall recently visited Region Nine, where he handed over solar panels to residents there. Specifically the homes of residents in areas such as Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Shulinab, Karasabai, Potarinau, Baitoon, Katuur, Shiriri and Parikwaranau, will be illuminated, with 12 to 15 kilowatt hours of electricity. This kind of development should be more heralded. I mean this is something to really shout about.
Under the HEP, some 11,000 homes were initially targeted in many villages across the hinterland regions. However, unless some prudent fiscal moves are forthcoming, many homes will now short changed. So far, only about 2000 panels have been distributed. The systems have the potential to provide power for lighting and the operating of small household appliances such as sewing machines and radios. I mean this is the least a good government can do.
Dear Editor, I truly admire the foresight in this venture. It has nothing rash and chaotic in it. All the villages that are in receipt of panels were given two kits with the necessary tools needed for installation and servicing. Also, an officer from the Office of the Prime Minister which has oversight of the programme will visit each village, at least twice per year, to ensure that the home systems be fully functional.
I am thinking here of the fact that when some villages will be without systems (hopefully not for long), how grossly incongruent this will appear. Also, my mind is reflecting on how crass the combined opposition members were, actually stymieing national development.
Will there be a redress? I really am clamouring for one.
Yours truly,
Carmen Kowlessar
Some funny things in private schools
May 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
I have read and heard too many complaints about private schools in Guyana. I think this kind of ‘skinning up’ has some merit and I suggest that officials from The Ministry of Education take steps to investigate these issues, and also put monitoring measures in place.
My first grouse deals with actual teaching requirements. I loudly clamour for something to be done. Readers, a student from one of the East Coast academies took ‘af’ out of ‘afraid’ and deemed it to be a prefix. The student was marked right. This student’s English teacher must be interrogated. I get the impression that this ‘Master of English’ has no idea about syllables (generally meaningless) and morphemes (generally meaningful units). So ‘afraid’ has no prefix, but with the prefix ‘un’ it becomes the opposite, since a prefix is a designated morpheme. At the CSEC level, teachers must be armed with this kind of knowledge.
Now I have my qualms about this SBA business too. This has been hijacked by greedy teachers. They do the SBAs for set fees, thereby making a few extra dollars. This SBA thing must go. It is not a true reflection of anything, and it leaves room for cheats to flourish. I even know of some schools (private again) that charge for the SBAs in a similar way that CSEC fees are paid. I have been told that this is totally wrong, and thereby smacks of exploitation.
My final irritation is that of the issue of the number of subjects students should be allowed to write. I can corroborate if this matter should be investigated, but the bottom line is that the students from Apex Academy were told that they have to sit a minimum of eight subjects. My friend’s daughter is at best a 40 per cent student. So what does this say about the institution? All for the money – that is the motto as I see it.
So Dear Editor, I am really urging the authorities that be to check out what is really happening in some of these unmonitored private schools.
Yours truly,
Karan Ramdeol
Guyanese in New York are eager to meet with President Ramotar
May 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dear Editor,
I have been informed via your online newspaper that President Donald Ramotar will be visiting the U.S. to meet with officials from the United States administration and multilateral agencies. These are all very important meetings and I wish the president much success in his engagements, but I also hope that Guyanese living here would also get the opportunity to meaningfully engage him and other government officials as we believe this is long overdue.
Like other Guyanese residing here, I have some very important issues I wish to raise with the president especially regarding current happenings back home. We are getting mixed reviews of the situation as it relates to the future of the country from the media.
I also would like to get more information on some investment plans which I am considering to undertake in Guyana. Many of us here have accumulated financial and other resources over the years and wish to return home and invest.
We are indeed excited to welcome President Ramotar and his team to the U.S.
Yours truly,
M Khan
Queens, New York
