PPP Congress - Stabroek News Editorial
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Posted By Staff On August 10, 2008 @ 5:01 am In Editorial
Nobody expects the PPP when talking among themselves to be open-minded and imaginative, let alone to delineate a vision for the future which soars above the present grubby realities, but did their senior spokesmen really have to address the party cohorts in quite such tawdry and misconceived terms last weekend? There was the General Secretary of the party, Mr Donald Ramotar, delivering the report from the Central Committee, waxing lyrical on the virtues of the now disbanded Target Special Squad (TSS). Never mind that evidence was given to a US grand jury concerning the corrupt activities of some members of that squad, or that it became associated with what is known in international parlance as “extra-judicial killings.” All of that, it seems, was irrelevant – and unproblematic – as long as it was killing “criminals.”
Mr Ramotar told the cadres that a similar unit to the defunct TSS was “urgently” needed, raising the inevitable question as to whether the governing party is really committed to the kind of professional policing which the British had in mind when they involved themselves in the Security Sector Reform Action Plan. The thought would not be dispelled after the General Secretary expanded on the theme of crime and politics, telling his audience that the PNC was appeasing its extremist elements; that by implication the main opposition would be the beneficiary of the action of the criminals; that Mr Corbin was “making concessions” to the “extremists”; and that the AFC’s position approximated to that of the PNCR. As such, he had no difficulty concluding that the PPP could not give in to demands for political unity when it was widely believed that criminals were executing a political programme.
Well the rest of the population might be completely in the dark as to the precise nature of the political programme the criminals have in mind, since none of them has promulgated any coherent ideology or even given a brief exposition of their political ends, but that small detail aside, the General Secretary managed to convey the unambiguous message that any discussions with the opposition on any topic whatsoever, but more particularly on security, were unwelcome. So, therefore, one must presume that when the government held its meetings with national stakeholders on security matters in the wake of the Lusignan and Bartica killings, it did so in a cynical frame of mind. Other than that, the Central Committee’s report to the membership reflected nothing more than a cynical approach to keep the constituency solid with the traditional anti-PNC rhetoric. Or again, perhaps there was a measure of cynicism on both occasions. Either way, it is no doubt significant that the governing party announced last week that they were pulling out of the US Embassy-sponsored Guyana Civil-Military Relations Conference.
As it is, the party has provided itself with the ultimate excuse for not talking to anybody, for not listening to anybody, and for indulging itself in the conviction that it has a monopoly on understanding and insight. By extension it appears to consider it has the right to implement whatever measures it sees fit, other viewpoints with a rational foundation notwithstanding. It is not the recommended way to run any democracy, let alone one in a divided society such as this.
Of course what the party membership heard last Saturday was not very different from what the PPP had said before; it was just that it was expressed in more explicit and if it might be said, rather more crass language. One wondered just how many of the faithful seriously believed some of the political analysis; surely the Central Committee with its command of electoral arithmetic could not have been unaware, for example, that “many” PNCR supporters did not go over to the PPP in 2006 as their report claimed. While percentage-wise the party’s majority was greater than in 2001, the absolute number of votes it received was lower than in the preceding election. In addition, the well-publicised fact that in the last general election turnout was lower than usual in traditional PNC constituency areas does not seem to have troubled the Central Committee one jot when it drew up its report. While there was the concession that other voters “who are still in transition have stopped at the AFC,” it was thought that with hard work the PPP could attract many of these into its ranks. Surely, one would have thought, when the governing party holds conversations with its own, a greater convergence between analysis and reality would have underpinned the exchanges.
But no, as far as can be discerned not even a hint of uncertainty appears to have entered the discussion framework that perhaps, just perhaps, for example, the party strategy on crime has been a dismal failure; that the voting population is as divided as ever; or that there is genuine dissatisfaction with the government among significant segments of the society. As long as there is no expectation of being voted out of office, of course, there is no need for introspection or to confront weaknesses or mistakes. The Central Committee can cruise along in propaganda mode – with one caveat. With migration rates being what they are, nowadays the PPP needs some help from the Amerindian vote to get into government, and that at least was one reality which appears to have been recognized, albeit indirectly.
Since the PPP has no faults, clearly, the problems the government faces are caused by the independent media – at least that was the thesis promoted by President Jagdeo, Mr Ramotar and Dr Roger Luncheon. The Head of the Presidential Secretariat, while not mentioning names, talked about media which were “enemies of the PPP,” and that they would have to be dealt with or “left unbridled” they would remain “a permanent thorn in the side” of the party until 2011 (the next general election). He also referred to the need for “media management,” although exactly what he intended by that phrase was not explained and presumably only time will tell what the party has in mind, if anything. After sixteen years in office it seems, the PPP resists the notion that criticism from the media and elsewhere is part and parcel of democratic practice, and that contrary to the beliefs of its hierarchy, the intrinsic definition of a critic – media or otherwise – does not include the association of “enemy” and particularly not of “unpatriotic.” Patriotism has not been cornered by the PPP.
The most extraordinary event at the conference came at the end in the form of the political declaration. As we reported on Monday, Ms Indra Chanderpal explained, among other things, that the party was ready to engage with the PNCR, the AFC or any other opposition group so inclined, to discuss areas of disagreement and policies in order to arrive at unified positions for the benefit of the people. So did the conference in the back rooms away from the public floor quietly reject the analysis of Mr Ramotar et al, indicating there is some level of true debate going on in the party after all, or was the declaration only for public consumption thus representing the final act of cynicism?
As a kind of codicil to all of this, it has to be said that the PPP/C did support Mr Corbin’s parliamentary motion on the late President Forbes Burnham on Thursday. It was certainly the correct gesture, and they should be commended for giving their backing to the motion, because given our history it must have been a difficult thing for them to do. However, in the end, historians will make their own judgements on Mr Burnham and the past, irrespective of what the politicians say, and what is important now is how the PPP deals with the opposition and civil society on the substantive issues which affect us today. All the same, is the motion evidence that it is the political declaration of the congress which will guide the party in its approach, and not the report of the Central Committee? How it deals with the opposition over the extension of Parliament and the five bills will no doubt clarify everything.
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Sunday, August 10, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
The tax laws cannot be applied retroactively
The tax laws cannot be applied retroactively
Posted By Administrator On August 7, 2008 @ 5:06 am In Letters | 3 Comments
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Dear Editor,
Your Sunday Business columnist Mr Christopher Ram has provided an invaluable public service through his analysis of the divestment of the Sanata complex and the accompanying investment concessions offered to the investor. From what has been revelaed by Mr Ram, it can be concluded that the property of the people of Guyana has been taken and handed to a private investor through a process that was less than transparent.
To add insult to injury, agreements were signed granting the companies involved tax holidays which were in contravention of the existing laws. A corollary observation is that there seems to be uncertainty as to whether local investors can enjoy similar concessions. The laws of the country have since been amended to regularize the concessions but it must be noted that tax laws cannot be retroactively applied and therefore the agreements signed before the tax laws were amended are invalid. I hope that the opposition which recognizes this will challenge the legality of any tax holiday granted under the agreements signed.
I was surprised that Mr Ram in his analysis omitted to consider whether any due diligence was conducted on Queen’s Atlantic Investments. Before any deal is inked between the government and any investor, the government should examine the financial records of that company to determine the track record of that investor. If, for example, that investor has not been showing a profit for years, then caution needs to be exercised. No tax concessions should be offered to companies which have not been showing profits since it would amount to taxpayers foregoing taxes in order to support an investor which has been in the red. I am sure that as an accountant, Mr Ram can offer his insights as to what degree concessions should be offered to loss-making or non profit-earning entities.
Yours faithfully,
Salman Safee
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Posted By Administrator On August 7, 2008 @ 5:06 am In Letters | 3 Comments
http://www.stabroeknews.com/letters/the-tax-laws-cannot-be-applied-retroactively/
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Dear Editor,
Your Sunday Business columnist Mr Christopher Ram has provided an invaluable public service through his analysis of the divestment of the Sanata complex and the accompanying investment concessions offered to the investor. From what has been revelaed by Mr Ram, it can be concluded that the property of the people of Guyana has been taken and handed to a private investor through a process that was less than transparent.
To add insult to injury, agreements were signed granting the companies involved tax holidays which were in contravention of the existing laws. A corollary observation is that there seems to be uncertainty as to whether local investors can enjoy similar concessions. The laws of the country have since been amended to regularize the concessions but it must be noted that tax laws cannot be retroactively applied and therefore the agreements signed before the tax laws were amended are invalid. I hope that the opposition which recognizes this will challenge the legality of any tax holiday granted under the agreements signed.
I was surprised that Mr Ram in his analysis omitted to consider whether any due diligence was conducted on Queen’s Atlantic Investments. Before any deal is inked between the government and any investor, the government should examine the financial records of that company to determine the track record of that investor. If, for example, that investor has not been showing a profit for years, then caution needs to be exercised. No tax concessions should be offered to companies which have not been showing profits since it would amount to taxpayers foregoing taxes in order to support an investor which has been in the red. I am sure that as an accountant, Mr Ram can offer his insights as to what degree concessions should be offered to loss-making or non profit-earning entities.
Yours faithfully,
Salman Safee
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Gov’t to shun US security confab
Gov’t to shun US security confab
Posted By Staff On August 8, 2008 @ 5:10 am In News | 15 Comments
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The Guyana government will not be taking part in the US Embassy-sponsored Guyana Civil-Military Relations Conference because it does not reflect suitable input from the government, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said.
Asked at his post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday to confirm if indeed the Guyana government was not taking part in the four-day conference scheduled for the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir from August 11, 2008, Dr Luncheon said that the government, its departments, agencies, employees and functionaries would not be participating.
He said that the government was “not of the opinion that the actual programme itself reflects a suitable input from the government of Guyana. We questioned the absence of our integral involvement and we would not be participating.”
The four-day conference is the second such event being held under the auspices of the United States Embassy in Guyana, and US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).
A US Embassy release said the objective of the conference is to expand the understanding of defence strategy and the role of non-traditional actors in security policy. Topics for discussion include the rule of law and its relationship to security implementation mechanisms, strategic resource prioritization and management, public diplomacy, and other leadership concepts necessary for establishing security in a democratic society.
Invitees will include regional and national security sectors, members of Parliament, active duty and retired members of the Guyana Defence Force, representatives of the British and Canadian High Commissions, regional military leaders, members of academia, media executives, and other relevant public and private sector representatives who have an important stake in security issues.
The Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS) at National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C. will facilitate the overall agenda for the conference with assistance from the US Military Liaison Office and the Guyana-based Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS).
The release said the conference was being held following the success of the first one in December 2007.
The conference, described as non-partisan and apolitical, is intended to facilitate an emerging national and regional public-private partnering process with the goal of defining and addressing relevant security challenges that the United States, Guyana, and its Caribbean neighbours continue to face, the release said. It noted too that in a world of limited resources, such challenges to public defence and security require a broad dialogue, fresh approaches, and meaningful action.
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Posted By Staff On August 8, 2008 @ 5:10 am In News | 15 Comments
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The Guyana government will not be taking part in the US Embassy-sponsored Guyana Civil-Military Relations Conference because it does not reflect suitable input from the government, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said.
Asked at his post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday to confirm if indeed the Guyana government was not taking part in the four-day conference scheduled for the Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir from August 11, 2008, Dr Luncheon said that the government, its departments, agencies, employees and functionaries would not be participating.
He said that the government was “not of the opinion that the actual programme itself reflects a suitable input from the government of Guyana. We questioned the absence of our integral involvement and we would not be participating.”
The four-day conference is the second such event being held under the auspices of the United States Embassy in Guyana, and US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).
A US Embassy release said the objective of the conference is to expand the understanding of defence strategy and the role of non-traditional actors in security policy. Topics for discussion include the rule of law and its relationship to security implementation mechanisms, strategic resource prioritization and management, public diplomacy, and other leadership concepts necessary for establishing security in a democratic society.
Invitees will include regional and national security sectors, members of Parliament, active duty and retired members of the Guyana Defence Force, representatives of the British and Canadian High Commissions, regional military leaders, members of academia, media executives, and other relevant public and private sector representatives who have an important stake in security issues.
The Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS) at National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C. will facilitate the overall agenda for the conference with assistance from the US Military Liaison Office and the Guyana-based Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS).
The release said the conference was being held following the success of the first one in December 2007.
The conference, described as non-partisan and apolitical, is intended to facilitate an emerging national and regional public-private partnering process with the goal of defining and addressing relevant security challenges that the United States, Guyana, and its Caribbean neighbours continue to face, the release said. It noted too that in a world of limited resources, such challenges to public defence and security require a broad dialogue, fresh approaches, and meaningful action.
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State institutions need to be more vigorous
State institutions need to be more vigorous-GHRA tells UN expert on minority affairs
Posted By Staff On August 7, 2008 @ 5:13 am In News | No Comments
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The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) says that many societal issues would be better handled if the institutions of the state are more vigorous and it has raised this concern with United Nations Expert on Minority Issues, Gay McDougall.
In an invited comment about the meeting GHRA co-president Mike McCormack told Stabroek News that the association also apprised McDougall and her team about a survey which it had conducted which found that there was a sense of “futurelessness” particularly among youths. He said the survey also found that over 48% of the youth population studied were either planning to leave Guyana or expected to leave in another year.
McCormack said that he told the UN expert that there was a certain level of predictability in the general elections in the country and a sense of there being no incentive in it for any normal kind of participation in political life. He also broached an issue he termed ‘executive lawlessness’; pointing to the number of extra-judicial executions and the many investigations that are launched yet bear no fruit.
To this end too, he noted that though some efforts have been made to implement constitutional mechanisms, they have lapsed.
Accordingly the co-president said he has told McDougall of the association’s position that many minority issues could be better dealt with if the state institutions were more vigorous; pointing to the judicial system and parliament. McCormack contends that once mechanisms are vigorously implemented they could provide proper redress and reduce discontent to persons, especially those in conflict situations.
McCormack said he also raised the numerous torture allegations and ongoing probes with the UN expert. He said the fact that nothing has come out of these investigations points either to a weakness in the system or it just being a mechanism to deflect focus from the issues in the hope that something else comes up.
McCormack said the meeting with McDougall was timely and important especially since the team aimed to meet with several other groups which would present a wide range of perspectives on matters important to Guyana.
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Posted By Staff On August 7, 2008 @ 5:13 am In News | No Comments
http://www.stabroeknews.com/news/state-institutions-need-to-be-more-vigorous/
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The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) says that many societal issues would be better handled if the institutions of the state are more vigorous and it has raised this concern with United Nations Expert on Minority Issues, Gay McDougall.
In an invited comment about the meeting GHRA co-president Mike McCormack told Stabroek News that the association also apprised McDougall and her team about a survey which it had conducted which found that there was a sense of “futurelessness” particularly among youths. He said the survey also found that over 48% of the youth population studied were either planning to leave Guyana or expected to leave in another year.
McCormack said that he told the UN expert that there was a certain level of predictability in the general elections in the country and a sense of there being no incentive in it for any normal kind of participation in political life. He also broached an issue he termed ‘executive lawlessness’; pointing to the number of extra-judicial executions and the many investigations that are launched yet bear no fruit.
To this end too, he noted that though some efforts have been made to implement constitutional mechanisms, they have lapsed.
Accordingly the co-president said he has told McDougall of the association’s position that many minority issues could be better dealt with if the state institutions were more vigorous; pointing to the judicial system and parliament. McCormack contends that once mechanisms are vigorously implemented they could provide proper redress and reduce discontent to persons, especially those in conflict situations.
McCormack said he also raised the numerous torture allegations and ongoing probes with the UN expert. He said the fact that nothing has come out of these investigations points either to a weakness in the system or it just being a mechanism to deflect focus from the issues in the hope that something else comes up.
McCormack said the meeting with McDougall was timely and important especially since the team aimed to meet with several other groups which would present a wide range of perspectives on matters important to Guyana.
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PPP’s 29th Congress -Moses, Donald, Frank in top 5
PPP’s 29th Congress -Moses, Donald, Frank in top 5
Posted By Miranda La Rose On August 4, 2008 @ 5:19 am In News | 24 Comments
Luncheon speaks of ‘media management’
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If the election of the PPP’s new central committee is an indicator of who its next presidential candidate might be there could be a three-way battle with party stalwart Moses Nagamootoo returning to the fray but being pipped by General Secretary Donald Ramotar and rising star Dr Frank Anthony in the top 5.
[1] Dr Frank Anthony
Dr Frank Anthony
As they had in 2005, the top two positions were occupied by President Bharrat Jagdeo – who is not eligible for another term – and former President Mrs Janet Jagan while two other oft-mentioned names Robert Persaud and Ralph Ramkarran placed 9th and 22 respectively.
There are five new faces on the Central Committee including Dr Anthony who polled the third highest number.
In brief remarks on his return to the leadership of the party, Nagamootoo said that he saw his comeback as a re-affirmation of the desire of the party’s rank and file for the strongest possible unity in the leadership of the party. Nagamootoo had not attended the previous congress after a falling out with the party.
And as the 29th Congress of the party ended at the Diamond Secondary School yesterday, PPP Central Committee Member and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon told a closed session that media management and how to use the new media to confound the “hostile media” is one of the main areas of focus of the PPP as it moves to the 2011 general elections.
In his presentation on ‘A vision for 2011’ the PPP Central Committee member and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, said that in the run up to the next general elections the party has to look at the media from two perspectives.
In the first instance he said that the media has to take the message of the party and the achievements it has made in government to all parts of Guyana. People have a right to information he noted.
On the other hand, he said that there was also need for media management in which the media should also be held more accountable for its actions.
Without mentioning names, he said there were media that were enemies of the PPP which made them enemies of progress and the party has to “use the new media to confound them.”
“We have to deal with the media…left unbridled they will be a permanent thorn in the side of the PPP come 2011,” Dr Luncheon said.
Speaking about the selection of a presidential candidate for the 2011 elections, Dr Luncheon said the choice of a candidate would be done in 2010 in a special mechanism that would be done exclusively by the party and not by the media or external forces.
He said the party has already taken note of the attention the “hostile media, critical media” was paying to the issue of a PPP/C presidential candidate. The hostile media, he said sarcastically “knows more about this party than we do” adding that PPP members need to commit themselves to ensuring that the issue of a presidential candidate remains internal to the PPP.
[2] Donald Ramotar
Donald Ramotar
While the issue of the media and the choice of a presidential candidate were key to 2011, he said that the party would also have to find a way of handling its internal image given the impression the hostile media was conveying internationally.
The media, particularly Stabroek News came under harsh criticism by President Jagdeo and the party’s Central Committee in its report to the congress.
Wrapping up the congress yesterday was a political declaration which was explained by Central Committee member Indra Chandarpal.
The declaration spoke of the party and its objectives particularly in maintaining unity in its leadership and among members in the run up to the 2011 general and regional elections; and building unity and declaring its readiness to engage with the PNCR and the AFC and any other opposition group so inclined to discuss areas of disagreement and policies in order to arrive at unified positions for the benefit of the people.
On the economy, the party declared that critical features of economic development at this time are the maintenance of economic stability, encouraging investment, increasing economic growth, the completion of the Skeldon sugar factory, the completion of the Berbice River Bridge, the construction of the Amaila Hydro Project, and increasing food production for consumption and export.
The declaration reflected on its social sector policy and noted that Guyana spends a larger percentage (over 30%) of its budget on social services than many other countries and registered more advances in the past 15 years than in the 50 years before that.
[3] Moses Nagamootoo
Moses Nagamootoo
The party declared that the rule of law flourishes and the media was free in Guyana with criticisms of the government flowing freely although from time to time there have been tensions between the two.
In dealing with the issues of crime and security, the party expressed its unwavering support for the security forces in their daily and deadly battles against determined criminals and called on other political parties and stakeholders to join with them in doing so.
In focusing on workers and farmers, the party urged them not to limit their interests only to their own welfare but to become involved in issues of national importance and become active in trades unions, farmers’ organizations, as well as in community developments groups, parent-teachers associations and others.
The party expressed continued support to, and confidence in the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) as they continue to build their organisations to motivate their members, to promote the party’s agenda and to militantly fight for the realization of the goals of the PPP.
On the PPP/Civic alliance the party declared its continued support to the alliance and rededicated its commitment to work for its strengthening.
The party also urged members to study the Central Committee Report also known as the General Secretary’s report, discuss it and develop plans and campaigns to implement its conclusions and recommendations in their political work.
The last item before the close of the congress was the announcement of the 35 members of the party elected to the Central Committee and five Candidate Members also known as non-voting members of the Central Committee. A total of 913 votes were cast from a list of 1020 delegates.
Those elected to the Central Committee are Bharrat Jagdeo, 777 votes; Mrs Janet Jagan, 671; Dr Frank Anthony, 658; Donald Ramotar, 637; Moses Nagamootoo, 595; Roger Luncheon, 588; Navin Chandarpal, 582; Gail Teixeira, 558; Robert Persaud, 542; Indra Chandarpal, 524; Clement Rohee, 507; Clinton Collymore, 472; Komal Chand, 449; Ganga Persaud, 445; Hydar Ally, 443; Zulfikar Mustapha, 437; Anil Nandlall, 436; Ali Baksh, 430; Bheri Ramsaran, 393, Irfan Ali, 380; Jaffar Ali, 375; Ralph Ramkarran, 374; Harripersaud Nokta, 370; Ulric Ramanah, 363; Neil Kumar, 362; Jennifer Westford, 360; Cyril Belgrave, 332; Dharamkumar Seeraj, 332; Kellawan Lall, 324; Pauline Sukhai, 309; Reepu Daman Persaud, 300; Moti Lall, 286; Harinarine Baldeo, 270; Mitra Devi Ali, 251, and Shirley Edwards, 246.
The five new faces are Dr Frank Anthony, Irfan Ali, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Pauline Sukhai and Jaffar Ali. Those who lost theirs were Philomena Sahoye-Shury, Premchand Dass, Harrinarine Nawbatt and Bibi Shadick. The death of Satyadeow Sawh also created a vacancy.
The five candidate or non-voting members are Bijulee Moti, Anuppattie Veeren, Majeed Hussain, Ramdat Ramlakhan, and Chandilall Seechanlall.
The members of the new Central Committee will be required to elect a new Executive Committee for the party at its first meeting. At the same time secretaries to the various committees, including the party’s General Secretary would be elected.
While Anthony zoomed straight to number three after not being in the previous central committee, Persaud and Ramotar stayed around their same positions while Ramkarran fell from 13 to 22. Party stalwart Reepu Daman Persaud moved from 12 to 31 and another senior party functionary Navin Chandarpal from 3 to 7.
1. Bharrat Jagdeo 777
2. Janet Jagan 671
3. Frank Anthony 658
4. Donald Ramotar 637
5. Moses Nagamootoo 595
6. Roger Luncheon 588
7. Navin Chandarpal 582
8. Gail Teixeira 558
9. Robert Persaud 542
10. Indra Chandarpal 524
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[1] Image: http://www.stabroeknews.com/images/2008/08/frankant.jpg
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Posted By Miranda La Rose On August 4, 2008 @ 5:19 am In News | 24 Comments
Luncheon speaks of ‘media management’
http://www.stabroeknews.com/news/ppp9s-29th-congress/
- Stabroek News - http://www.stabroeknews.com -
If the election of the PPP’s new central committee is an indicator of who its next presidential candidate might be there could be a three-way battle with party stalwart Moses Nagamootoo returning to the fray but being pipped by General Secretary Donald Ramotar and rising star Dr Frank Anthony in the top 5.
[1] Dr Frank Anthony
Dr Frank Anthony
As they had in 2005, the top two positions were occupied by President Bharrat Jagdeo – who is not eligible for another term – and former President Mrs Janet Jagan while two other oft-mentioned names Robert Persaud and Ralph Ramkarran placed 9th and 22 respectively.
There are five new faces on the Central Committee including Dr Anthony who polled the third highest number.
In brief remarks on his return to the leadership of the party, Nagamootoo said that he saw his comeback as a re-affirmation of the desire of the party’s rank and file for the strongest possible unity in the leadership of the party. Nagamootoo had not attended the previous congress after a falling out with the party.
And as the 29th Congress of the party ended at the Diamond Secondary School yesterday, PPP Central Committee Member and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon told a closed session that media management and how to use the new media to confound the “hostile media” is one of the main areas of focus of the PPP as it moves to the 2011 general elections.
In his presentation on ‘A vision for 2011’ the PPP Central Committee member and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, said that in the run up to the next general elections the party has to look at the media from two perspectives.
In the first instance he said that the media has to take the message of the party and the achievements it has made in government to all parts of Guyana. People have a right to information he noted.
On the other hand, he said that there was also need for media management in which the media should also be held more accountable for its actions.
Without mentioning names, he said there were media that were enemies of the PPP which made them enemies of progress and the party has to “use the new media to confound them.”
“We have to deal with the media…left unbridled they will be a permanent thorn in the side of the PPP come 2011,” Dr Luncheon said.
Speaking about the selection of a presidential candidate for the 2011 elections, Dr Luncheon said the choice of a candidate would be done in 2010 in a special mechanism that would be done exclusively by the party and not by the media or external forces.
He said the party has already taken note of the attention the “hostile media, critical media” was paying to the issue of a PPP/C presidential candidate. The hostile media, he said sarcastically “knows more about this party than we do” adding that PPP members need to commit themselves to ensuring that the issue of a presidential candidate remains internal to the PPP.
[2] Donald Ramotar
Donald Ramotar
While the issue of the media and the choice of a presidential candidate were key to 2011, he said that the party would also have to find a way of handling its internal image given the impression the hostile media was conveying internationally.
The media, particularly Stabroek News came under harsh criticism by President Jagdeo and the party’s Central Committee in its report to the congress.
Wrapping up the congress yesterday was a political declaration which was explained by Central Committee member Indra Chandarpal.
The declaration spoke of the party and its objectives particularly in maintaining unity in its leadership and among members in the run up to the 2011 general and regional elections; and building unity and declaring its readiness to engage with the PNCR and the AFC and any other opposition group so inclined to discuss areas of disagreement and policies in order to arrive at unified positions for the benefit of the people.
On the economy, the party declared that critical features of economic development at this time are the maintenance of economic stability, encouraging investment, increasing economic growth, the completion of the Skeldon sugar factory, the completion of the Berbice River Bridge, the construction of the Amaila Hydro Project, and increasing food production for consumption and export.
The declaration reflected on its social sector policy and noted that Guyana spends a larger percentage (over 30%) of its budget on social services than many other countries and registered more advances in the past 15 years than in the 50 years before that.
[3] Moses Nagamootoo
Moses Nagamootoo
The party declared that the rule of law flourishes and the media was free in Guyana with criticisms of the government flowing freely although from time to time there have been tensions between the two.
In dealing with the issues of crime and security, the party expressed its unwavering support for the security forces in their daily and deadly battles against determined criminals and called on other political parties and stakeholders to join with them in doing so.
In focusing on workers and farmers, the party urged them not to limit their interests only to their own welfare but to become involved in issues of national importance and become active in trades unions, farmers’ organizations, as well as in community developments groups, parent-teachers associations and others.
The party expressed continued support to, and confidence in the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) and the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) as they continue to build their organisations to motivate their members, to promote the party’s agenda and to militantly fight for the realization of the goals of the PPP.
On the PPP/Civic alliance the party declared its continued support to the alliance and rededicated its commitment to work for its strengthening.
The party also urged members to study the Central Committee Report also known as the General Secretary’s report, discuss it and develop plans and campaigns to implement its conclusions and recommendations in their political work.
The last item before the close of the congress was the announcement of the 35 members of the party elected to the Central Committee and five Candidate Members also known as non-voting members of the Central Committee. A total of 913 votes were cast from a list of 1020 delegates.
Those elected to the Central Committee are Bharrat Jagdeo, 777 votes; Mrs Janet Jagan, 671; Dr Frank Anthony, 658; Donald Ramotar, 637; Moses Nagamootoo, 595; Roger Luncheon, 588; Navin Chandarpal, 582; Gail Teixeira, 558; Robert Persaud, 542; Indra Chandarpal, 524; Clement Rohee, 507; Clinton Collymore, 472; Komal Chand, 449; Ganga Persaud, 445; Hydar Ally, 443; Zulfikar Mustapha, 437; Anil Nandlall, 436; Ali Baksh, 430; Bheri Ramsaran, 393, Irfan Ali, 380; Jaffar Ali, 375; Ralph Ramkarran, 374; Harripersaud Nokta, 370; Ulric Ramanah, 363; Neil Kumar, 362; Jennifer Westford, 360; Cyril Belgrave, 332; Dharamkumar Seeraj, 332; Kellawan Lall, 324; Pauline Sukhai, 309; Reepu Daman Persaud, 300; Moti Lall, 286; Harinarine Baldeo, 270; Mitra Devi Ali, 251, and Shirley Edwards, 246.
The five new faces are Dr Frank Anthony, Irfan Ali, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Pauline Sukhai and Jaffar Ali. Those who lost theirs were Philomena Sahoye-Shury, Premchand Dass, Harrinarine Nawbatt and Bibi Shadick. The death of Satyadeow Sawh also created a vacancy.
The five candidate or non-voting members are Bijulee Moti, Anuppattie Veeren, Majeed Hussain, Ramdat Ramlakhan, and Chandilall Seechanlall.
The members of the new Central Committee will be required to elect a new Executive Committee for the party at its first meeting. At the same time secretaries to the various committees, including the party’s General Secretary would be elected.
While Anthony zoomed straight to number three after not being in the previous central committee, Persaud and Ramotar stayed around their same positions while Ramkarran fell from 13 to 22. Party stalwart Reepu Daman Persaud moved from 12 to 31 and another senior party functionary Navin Chandarpal from 3 to 7.
1. Bharrat Jagdeo 777
2. Janet Jagan 671
3. Frank Anthony 658
4. Donald Ramotar 637
5. Moses Nagamootoo 595
6. Roger Luncheon 588
7. Navin Chandarpal 582
8. Gail Teixeira 558
9. Robert Persaud 542
10. Indra Chandarpal 524
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/news/ppp9s-29th-congress/
URLs in this post:
[1] Image: http://www.stabroeknews.com/images/2008/08/frankant.jpg
[2] Image: http://www.stabroeknews.com/images/2008/08/20080804_ramotardonald.jpg
[3] Image: http://www.stabroeknews.com/images/2008/08/20080804_nagamotoo.jpg
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sanata Complex deal stinks to ‘high heavens’…officials should all be charged and placed in jail-AFC
Sanata Complex deal stinks to ‘high heavens’…officials should all be charged and placed in jail-AFC
Kaieteur News. August 1, 2008 | News
http://www.kaieteurnews.com/?p=3925
The Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2008 that was successfully presented to the National Assembly yesterday attracted several hours of lively debate, especially in the context of the recently entered into deal regarding Queens Atlantic Investment Incorporated (QAII) on the Sanata Textile Complex in Industrial Site, Ruimveldt.
“It stinks to high heavens…Officials should all be charged and placed in jail…if a Minister breaks the law then there must be a price to pay.”
Those were among some of the comments uttered yesterday by members of the opposition benches.
People’s National Congress Reform Shadow Finance Minister, Winston Murray opened the floor after Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh presented the Bill.
According to Murray, he had several difficulties with the piece of legislation among which was the fact that there was a lot of vagueness in it with regards a number of words entailed in the Bill such as Demonstrably, Developmental and Risk bearing among others.
He also noted the fact that the previous legislation had taken from the President the unfettered authority to grant tax holidays to investors and the amendments in the current Bill sought to “in essence” reinstate it to the Minister of Finance.
He also questioned the fact that clauses that allowed the Minister to use his discretion in sectors and regions not named in the Bill were only subject to negative resolution of the National Assembly.
The first reference of the day to the QAII deal as it relates to the resolution came from Murray who noted that the legislation only came to the House in wake of sustained criticism of the grant of the concessions.
This, he noted, was that in the Minister’s opening argument he pointed to the fact that the Principal Act contained several errors namely typographical and numerical in nature.
“It has remained in the Act for the last five years and he (Finance Minister) never sought to correct it.”
He added that any doubts that he may have had that the two were related were laid to rest following the privatization and taxation seminar where the head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Geoff Da Silva said that, “We made a mistake and thought that it was covered in the law.”
According to Murray, “Confession is good for the soul…I hope that he (Da Silva) does not suffer any adverse consequences.”
The Shadow Minister noted that he was aware that the agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and if there was a breach in law then there must be a price to pay.
His comments were reflective of the Head of State announcing that if a forestry company recently accused of breaking the law was found to be guilty then it must be made to face the law.
“There cannot be double standards.”
Murray, however, sought to emphasise the fact that his party did not seem to detract from the investment or was not targeting the investment but the process should have been a lot more transparent.”
“What is our concern is the granting of concessions that were illegal and had no place in the legal system…this law seeks to cover some aspects that were done outside of the law.”
According to Murray, apart from covering the QAII concessions it gives back to the Minister a power that were taken from the President. “It creates enough flexibility to almost absolute discretion.”
Regarding the power that was presented to the Minister, Alliance for Change Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan told the National Assembly that the divesting of discretion was necessary because of its corruption influence — the position of the PPP/C in 2003.
He added that when Yesu Persaud suggested to the President at the launching of the Guyana Times that there must be a broad dissemination of concessions, he was put down by a belligerent President.
“Mr Persaud’s request was a balanced and justified call for a level playing field…Government doesn’t want any challenges to its actions.”
He posited that it was the events at that seminar that caused the legislation to be laid in Parliament noting that the circumstances surrounding the investment, “stinks to high heavens.”
He told the National Assembly that it is only now that stakeholders are aware that after there were no suitable tenders for the Sanata complex deal that the government approached the QAII investors.
“Why this investor? Was it because he was a friend?”
A World Bank report had stated that in Guyana some 15 per cent of the value of contracts awarded by the government was paid as bribes to officials.
He added that it was now known that what was advertised for and what was actually arrived at were different. He questioned what the appealing part of the investment was.
“I hope that it was the Bio technology and textile aspect of the deal that was appealing because it caused them to lose track of the legality. They are not saying it is wrong; they are saying the law was wrong…They should all be fired.”
Ramjattan went on to say that upon ardent perusal of the law he noticed that if an official was found guilty of colluding to defraud the government then that official should be fined $2M and sent to prison for three years
“Officials should all be charged and placed in jail.”
PPP Member of Parliament, Irfan Alli, told the National Assembly that the tax holiday was not illegal in that it was only announced and not brought into force as yet given that the process was only started. This was confirmed by Dr Singh following the passage of the deal.
When confronted by this newspaper, Singh said that the legislation will in no way affect the tax holiday arrangement for QAII.
The AFC Chairman, however, insisted that for the Finance Minister to sign documents purporting to grant tax holidays for the investor knowing that the law did not provide for it was criminal and that he should be charged and placed before the courts.
Kaieteur News. August 1, 2008 | News
http://www.kaieteurnews.com/?p=3925
The Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2008 that was successfully presented to the National Assembly yesterday attracted several hours of lively debate, especially in the context of the recently entered into deal regarding Queens Atlantic Investment Incorporated (QAII) on the Sanata Textile Complex in Industrial Site, Ruimveldt.
“It stinks to high heavens…Officials should all be charged and placed in jail…if a Minister breaks the law then there must be a price to pay.”
Those were among some of the comments uttered yesterday by members of the opposition benches.
People’s National Congress Reform Shadow Finance Minister, Winston Murray opened the floor after Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh presented the Bill.
According to Murray, he had several difficulties with the piece of legislation among which was the fact that there was a lot of vagueness in it with regards a number of words entailed in the Bill such as Demonstrably, Developmental and Risk bearing among others.
He also noted the fact that the previous legislation had taken from the President the unfettered authority to grant tax holidays to investors and the amendments in the current Bill sought to “in essence” reinstate it to the Minister of Finance.
He also questioned the fact that clauses that allowed the Minister to use his discretion in sectors and regions not named in the Bill were only subject to negative resolution of the National Assembly.
The first reference of the day to the QAII deal as it relates to the resolution came from Murray who noted that the legislation only came to the House in wake of sustained criticism of the grant of the concessions.
This, he noted, was that in the Minister’s opening argument he pointed to the fact that the Principal Act contained several errors namely typographical and numerical in nature.
“It has remained in the Act for the last five years and he (Finance Minister) never sought to correct it.”
He added that any doubts that he may have had that the two were related were laid to rest following the privatization and taxation seminar where the head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Geoff Da Silva said that, “We made a mistake and thought that it was covered in the law.”
According to Murray, “Confession is good for the soul…I hope that he (Da Silva) does not suffer any adverse consequences.”
The Shadow Minister noted that he was aware that the agreement was signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and if there was a breach in law then there must be a price to pay.
His comments were reflective of the Head of State announcing that if a forestry company recently accused of breaking the law was found to be guilty then it must be made to face the law.
“There cannot be double standards.”
Murray, however, sought to emphasise the fact that his party did not seem to detract from the investment or was not targeting the investment but the process should have been a lot more transparent.”
“What is our concern is the granting of concessions that were illegal and had no place in the legal system…this law seeks to cover some aspects that were done outside of the law.”
According to Murray, apart from covering the QAII concessions it gives back to the Minister a power that were taken from the President. “It creates enough flexibility to almost absolute discretion.”
Regarding the power that was presented to the Minister, Alliance for Change Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan told the National Assembly that the divesting of discretion was necessary because of its corruption influence — the position of the PPP/C in 2003.
He added that when Yesu Persaud suggested to the President at the launching of the Guyana Times that there must be a broad dissemination of concessions, he was put down by a belligerent President.
“Mr Persaud’s request was a balanced and justified call for a level playing field…Government doesn’t want any challenges to its actions.”
He posited that it was the events at that seminar that caused the legislation to be laid in Parliament noting that the circumstances surrounding the investment, “stinks to high heavens.”
He told the National Assembly that it is only now that stakeholders are aware that after there were no suitable tenders for the Sanata complex deal that the government approached the QAII investors.
“Why this investor? Was it because he was a friend?”
A World Bank report had stated that in Guyana some 15 per cent of the value of contracts awarded by the government was paid as bribes to officials.
He added that it was now known that what was advertised for and what was actually arrived at were different. He questioned what the appealing part of the investment was.
“I hope that it was the Bio technology and textile aspect of the deal that was appealing because it caused them to lose track of the legality. They are not saying it is wrong; they are saying the law was wrong…They should all be fired.”
Ramjattan went on to say that upon ardent perusal of the law he noticed that if an official was found guilty of colluding to defraud the government then that official should be fined $2M and sent to prison for three years
“Officials should all be charged and placed in jail.”
PPP Member of Parliament, Irfan Alli, told the National Assembly that the tax holiday was not illegal in that it was only announced and not brought into force as yet given that the process was only started. This was confirmed by Dr Singh following the passage of the deal.
When confronted by this newspaper, Singh said that the legislation will in no way affect the tax holiday arrangement for QAII.
The AFC Chairman, however, insisted that for the Finance Minister to sign documents purporting to grant tax holidays for the investor knowing that the law did not provide for it was criminal and that he should be charged and placed before the courts.
In keeping with constitutional reform...Speaker handed Auditor General 2006 report
In keeping with constitutional reform...Speaker handed Auditor General 2006 report
Guyana Chronicle news item, Thursday 31 July 2008
http://www.guyanachronicle.com/news.html
THE report of the Auditor General, on the Public Accounts of Guyana for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, was presented to Speaker of the
National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran yesterday.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran (at left) receives the
Auditor General Report on the Public Accounts of Guyana for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2006, from Acting Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma
yesterday. (Photo by Adrian Narine)
It was handed over by Acting Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma, at the
Speaker's Office in Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, where it is
required to be laid before the National Assembly.
Ramkarran accepted the compendium which includes the accounts of ministries,
departments and the Administrative Regions.
He said it was formerly the responsibility of the Finance Minister to
receive it on behalf of the Government but, under the new constitutional
arrangement, the Speaker of the House takes charge of it.
"So this is in addition to all the other reforms which have been carried out
both to the Auditor General's Department, making it an autonomous agency
within the State structure and those in the National Assembly, as regards
the Public Accounts Committee," Ramkarran explained.
He said: "But, more particularly, the establishment of other committees and
the expansion of the Committees Division of the National Assembly to serve
these committees attest to the transparency and accountability which was
developed during the past few years in relation to the Public Accounts of
Guyana."
Ramkarran also noted that there are additional factors, such as the reports
which the Ministry of Finance must present to the National Assembly within a
certain time, after receiving and studying that of the Public Accounts
Committee.
He said the compilation by the Public Accounts Committee is published and
tabled in the National Assembly, published and discussed at length.
That Committee is headed by People's National Congress Reform - One Guyana
(PNCR-1G) Member of Parliament, Ms. Volda Lawrence.
"It is served with equal competence by members of both the Government and
the Opposition," Ramkarran remarked, declaring that he is pleased to see the
degree of transparency and accountability which has grown and developed in
Guyana over the past few years.
The documentation at the centre of yesterday's formality is expected to be
laid in the House, as a public document, by August 7 before Parliament goes
into recess on August 10.
Sharma said, normally, it is due on September 30 the following year but the
Audit Office was not able to meet that deadline because of staff
constraints.
"Also the Ministry of Finance is required to produce a statement by April
30. In this case, they had some problems and they were not able to do so,"
he stated.
"So that, among other things, made the delay in my presentation but we are
working towards trying to meet that deadline of September 30 in the future,"
Sharma assured.
"The 2007 report is due September 30 this year. We have already started
working towards that and I am hoping to make the deadline but I still have
my staff constraints," he said.
Sharma said the authorised staff strength is 223 but, presently, there are
only 108 persons.
He said, this year, a request was made to recruit 35 more to enable the
office to meet the deadlines
ENDS
Guyana Chronicle news item, Thursday 31 July 2008
http://www.guyanachronicle.com/news.html
THE report of the Auditor General, on the Public Accounts of Guyana for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, was presented to Speaker of the
National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran yesterday.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran (at left) receives the
Auditor General Report on the Public Accounts of Guyana for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2006, from Acting Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma
yesterday. (Photo by Adrian Narine)
It was handed over by Acting Auditor General, Mr. Deodat Sharma, at the
Speaker's Office in Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, where it is
required to be laid before the National Assembly.
Ramkarran accepted the compendium which includes the accounts of ministries,
departments and the Administrative Regions.
He said it was formerly the responsibility of the Finance Minister to
receive it on behalf of the Government but, under the new constitutional
arrangement, the Speaker of the House takes charge of it.
"So this is in addition to all the other reforms which have been carried out
both to the Auditor General's Department, making it an autonomous agency
within the State structure and those in the National Assembly, as regards
the Public Accounts Committee," Ramkarran explained.
He said: "But, more particularly, the establishment of other committees and
the expansion of the Committees Division of the National Assembly to serve
these committees attest to the transparency and accountability which was
developed during the past few years in relation to the Public Accounts of
Guyana."
Ramkarran also noted that there are additional factors, such as the reports
which the Ministry of Finance must present to the National Assembly within a
certain time, after receiving and studying that of the Public Accounts
Committee.
He said the compilation by the Public Accounts Committee is published and
tabled in the National Assembly, published and discussed at length.
That Committee is headed by People's National Congress Reform - One Guyana
(PNCR-1G) Member of Parliament, Ms. Volda Lawrence.
"It is served with equal competence by members of both the Government and
the Opposition," Ramkarran remarked, declaring that he is pleased to see the
degree of transparency and accountability which has grown and developed in
Guyana over the past few years.
The documentation at the centre of yesterday's formality is expected to be
laid in the House, as a public document, by August 7 before Parliament goes
into recess on August 10.
Sharma said, normally, it is due on September 30 the following year but the
Audit Office was not able to meet that deadline because of staff
constraints.
"Also the Ministry of Finance is required to produce a statement by April
30. In this case, they had some problems and they were not able to do so,"
he stated.
"So that, among other things, made the delay in my presentation but we are
working towards trying to meet that deadline of September 30 in the future,"
Sharma assured.
"The 2007 report is due September 30 this year. We have already started
working towards that and I am hoping to make the deadline but I still have
my staff constraints," he said.
Sharma said the authorised staff strength is 223 but, presently, there are
only 108 persons.
He said, this year, a request was made to recruit 35 more to enable the
office to meet the deadlines
ENDS
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