Tiday ah satiday and meh see dat dere is some genuwin efforts wid da peepl at Linden.
But dat boi, de King of Israel - sorry, king of linden, soloman gat foh kno wen fa press on an wen fa bak dung. Leh dere be peace nah maan, leh de poor peepl get food and thing and mek yuh struggel wan intellectual struggle.
All dem years of racial fighting did nat help anny of us. Fram 1964 till tiday, how many black peepl and coolie peepl lass dem lives bekase of race hatred and foolish leadership? And did we gain anything?
Maak, yuh and fredny and roopie need to take note too. Egging peepl on nah gun mek us betta. When u put me lil pickney in de front line, imagin how dem gun grow up, wid hate and anga.
Ow meh pickney, leh we change course in guyana. Laan from Martin Luther or Gandi. If de peepeepee cant put guyana first, leh we do it.
Showing posts with label PNC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PNC. Show all posts
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Linden's cry
It is always a sad day when police and citizens clash. The current woes of Lindeners are multi-faceted.
The politicians of Guyana continue to lead people, like the pied piper, blindly to point of no return. The Linden situation has many layers.
1) Why should the rest of the country pay for the electricity cost of Lindeners? It is criminal of the PPP government to NOT charge Lindeners for electricity, which the rest of us have to pay for. Each persons must bear their own burden! We are all suffering. In this case, therefore, we support the move to have a small cost of electricity to be borne by the consumers in Linden. We understand that they still will get their first 50 watts free, thereafter they pay a fraction of the national rate. So it is still subsidized. We feel that over five years, Lindeners should be brought to the national rate level.
2) We disagree with the violent approach of the police. While we understand the nature of crowd hostility, killing is unwarranted. Guyana is not the only country with its share of problems and civil unrest. We are not the only country whose small minded politicians-wannabees go out to incite crowds. So let us learn how other countries manage these things! We must not kill our own citizens.
3) The protesters continue to exhibit zero human sense in their approach to challenging Government. Always its the women and children in front, while the call-to-arms by Bond and his ilk are making Guyana return to the days on unrest and mass killings.Where was the Linden Chamber of Commerce before the chaos descended? Where was the Private Sector Commission before the chaos came? Why have they not met with the Government to demand a solution? Where are the NDC? the School teachers? the churches? the town council????
Friday, July 20, 2012
Tun-up
Dear Editor
Guyana recently witnessed a bizarre corporate revolution with the resignation of GTT’s CEO whose ebullient spirit was all over the country. Not many people knew that GT&T’s chairman also resigned and was replaced instantly.
Joeseph Singh (JS) and (SJ) Sonita Jagan then jus’ “tun up”! These two with the same initials “tun-up” to switch us back.
Singh, who has been a pawn for the Americans since his Army days, is new Chairman of GT&T’s board and its CEO and is also Chairman of the Gold Board and chief adviser to Government on security (along with GeeGee).
It signals high-level corruption in Guyana fuelled by ATN which is allowing these new appointments by paying an employee of Office of the President. Singh and Jagan have been on ATN payroll for the past decade even when Singh was working at OhPee and Jagan was in USA. Everyone knows that a GT&T’s driver worked for Singh while he was working at OP as well with the entire Jagan family. Is there a sinister plot here? The bribery of previous and current GRA officials is well known through.
Was ATN keeping Singh to influence the Government while he is on both the payrolls of ATN and Government? Is Singh back now to control Government’s action on the monopoly? Will Singh and Jagan now influence the APNU and AFC to adopt the ATN brand of legislation by doling out american dollars to them? Of course corruption is nothing new to ATN. Some of us older people remembers ATN’s involvement in paying off officials in Guyana. Dating back to the payment for the privatization deals when ATN bought GTC, paying off of judges, commissioners, lawyers and even ministers, a lot of people were paid off over the past twenty years. The last CEO's anti-Government stance obviously upset ATN who signalled their new intent with return of Singh and Jagan.
And so ATN’s new-old faces now ‘tun-up’ to “switch” back to the good old days of fraud, industrial relations conflict and corruption of officials.
Break this monopoly now!
S. Issacs
Guyana recently witnessed a bizarre corporate revolution with the resignation of GTT’s CEO whose ebullient spirit was all over the country. Not many people knew that GT&T’s chairman also resigned and was replaced instantly.
Joeseph Singh (JS) and (SJ) Sonita Jagan then jus’ “tun up”! These two with the same initials “tun-up” to switch us back.
Singh, who has been a pawn for the Americans since his Army days, is new Chairman of GT&T’s board and its CEO and is also Chairman of the Gold Board and chief adviser to Government on security (along with GeeGee).
It signals high-level corruption in Guyana fuelled by ATN which is allowing these new appointments by paying an employee of Office of the President. Singh and Jagan have been on ATN payroll for the past decade even when Singh was working at OhPee and Jagan was in USA. Everyone knows that a GT&T’s driver worked for Singh while he was working at OP as well with the entire Jagan family. Is there a sinister plot here? The bribery of previous and current GRA officials is well known through.
Was ATN keeping Singh to influence the Government while he is on both the payrolls of ATN and Government? Is Singh back now to control Government’s action on the monopoly? Will Singh and Jagan now influence the APNU and AFC to adopt the ATN brand of legislation by doling out american dollars to them? Of course corruption is nothing new to ATN. Some of us older people remembers ATN’s involvement in paying off officials in Guyana. Dating back to the payment for the privatization deals when ATN bought GTC, paying off of judges, commissioners, lawyers and even ministers, a lot of people were paid off over the past twenty years. The last CEO's anti-Government stance obviously upset ATN who signalled their new intent with return of Singh and Jagan.
And so ATN’s new-old faces now ‘tun-up’ to “switch” back to the good old days of fraud, industrial relations conflict and corruption of officials.
Break this monopoly now!
S. Issacs
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The PNC/R's dilemma
The People’s National Congress has shot itself in the arm. A fatal one!
Already paralyzed by internal politicking, racism and bankruptcy, the second largest political party had begun to lose hundreds of members since the last two national elections. The return of Robert Corbin to the helm of the Party following two biennial congresses have not helped the party’s image. But the PNC may never realized this, in fact they are still to recognize that they need much more than insulin to survive.
Already the politics of inter-party ramblings are taking place in three of the most prominent political parties. The AFC is still to determine its leadership as talks about General Elections closes in, the PPP on the other hand has a more complex issue to deal with, the egos of many of those who wants to rule and of course the PNC is more head less that the previous two.
Recent talks about David Grainger and Basil Williams having a tug for the leadership of the party has not made any swooping waves with the populace.
Many simply do not know Grainger while Williams has a dishonest look, simply a dishonest one of a person desperate for some recognition or any at all.
How exactly does the PNC plan to sway voters in its direction with anyone of these two.
While this is no endorsement of Winston Murray, his candidacy for the next elections would have been the next best foot forward for the PNC.
That Party like many others have also failed to promote women candidates for leadership in its hierarchy, a move that will reduce it to lose its vital signs.
We have already predicted a low voter turnout if there are to be general elections next year, even lower than 2006, how the political parties will take advantage of this or not if yet to be visualized.
Already paralyzed by internal politicking, racism and bankruptcy, the second largest political party had begun to lose hundreds of members since the last two national elections. The return of Robert Corbin to the helm of the Party following two biennial congresses have not helped the party’s image. But the PNC may never realized this, in fact they are still to recognize that they need much more than insulin to survive.
Already the politics of inter-party ramblings are taking place in three of the most prominent political parties. The AFC is still to determine its leadership as talks about General Elections closes in, the PPP on the other hand has a more complex issue to deal with, the egos of many of those who wants to rule and of course the PNC is more head less that the previous two.
Recent talks about David Grainger and Basil Williams having a tug for the leadership of the party has not made any swooping waves with the populace.
Many simply do not know Grainger while Williams has a dishonest look, simply a dishonest one of a person desperate for some recognition or any at all.
How exactly does the PNC plan to sway voters in its direction with anyone of these two.
While this is no endorsement of Winston Murray, his candidacy for the next elections would have been the next best foot forward for the PNC.
That Party like many others have also failed to promote women candidates for leadership in its hierarchy, a move that will reduce it to lose its vital signs.
We have already predicted a low voter turnout if there are to be general elections next year, even lower than 2006, how the political parties will take advantage of this or not if yet to be visualized.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Bidding Moses Farewell
I refused to be a neemak haram!
Those once famous words were spoken by Moses Nagamootoo, PPP Stalwart and Jagan’s boy who claimed he should have been the next Presidential Candidate for the Ruling party.
Those words came as he retuned to the party on the heels of the 2006 elections and his friend, law partner and PPP colleague’s unceremonious exist from the PPP.
But what will Moses say this time around as his hopes for being the PPP’s Presidential Candidate diminishes?
He is struggling against a beast, he uses the media to sound his frustration and we all know that he will fail in any bid to get any recognition.
What will his legacy be as a PPP member though?
He has stood within party lines and refused to condemn them when they erred, so might as well bid him farewell from public life from now on.
Those once famous words were spoken by Moses Nagamootoo, PPP Stalwart and Jagan’s boy who claimed he should have been the next Presidential Candidate for the Ruling party.
Those words came as he retuned to the party on the heels of the 2006 elections and his friend, law partner and PPP colleague’s unceremonious exist from the PPP.
But what will Moses say this time around as his hopes for being the PPP’s Presidential Candidate diminishes?
He is struggling against a beast, he uses the media to sound his frustration and we all know that he will fail in any bid to get any recognition.
What will his legacy be as a PPP member though?
He has stood within party lines and refused to condemn them when they erred, so might as well bid him farewell from public life from now on.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Elections - 2011?
It’s close to the 2011 and you are not sure there would be General Elections- We share your pain.
If the Jagdeo administration throws a Manning fit and calls General Elections tomorrow - you have no idea who you’d be voting for- We share your pain.
It is quite obvious that voters this time around would have a difficult time choosing a leader as they have had in 2006.
The PPP record of corruption, crime, cronism and unaccountability haven’t help, neither has the PNC’s lack of leadership, indecisiveness and baggage of dismal performance has helped their image.
The AFC has practiced much of what it has preached since 2006 and opted to be a party that use to the opportunity to rebut everything that spilled from the others’ mouth.
We predict fewer voter turn out if elections is called, we also predict mass rigging- as the government may seek to allow overseas voting.
In 2001, the three main parties and two others blamed the low voter turn out on migration. None of them noted their dismal performance since 2001 and the fact that the citizenry may have been silently protesting against them by not exercising their franchise.
With a population or more than 700000 in 2006, the Guyana Elections Commission recorded a more than 350000 voter population. There was a 69% voter turn out for that Election says the Commission. It was the lowest voter turn out since Guyana’s Independence.
We see it as the year, the PPP and PNC also lost considerable votes in traditional strong holds as we will later point out.
The PPP lost Indian votes, the PNC sank lower and the AFC entered the political realm.
For the PPP Region 4 was a walk over, as President Jagdeo said publicly that he expects his party to win more black votes than the PNC and AFC combined.
We may never know, but what we know that the PPP netted only 61000 votes in 2006 a far cry from the more than 74000 it has won in 2001.
As for the PNC, that party scrapped a miserable 67000 votes that can’t even compare to the more than 94000 in 2001.
More than 217000 Region 4 residents voted in 2001 but in 2006 148000 voted, 2000 were probably unsure when they spoiled their votes.
As for Region 6, a stronghold of the PPP just about 50000 people voted, more than 80000 voted in 2006.
41000 of that more than 50000 voted for the PPP.
As for Region 10 the PNC strong hold, it lost more than 30000 to AFC and the Elections Commission averaged that more than 10000 Lindeners did not vote.
In the end, this is what happened, PPP won 36 seats, two more than it had in 2001, the PNC lost 3 and was reduced to 22 seats and AFC got 6. Two other parties got one each and the PPP fought CN Sharma and his Justice for All Party in Court for a region Ten Seat that they had already taken away.
Our prediction?
PPP will win the 2011 elections
Jagdeo will be President
PPP will lose one seat
PNC will lose more than 5 seats
PNC will struggle to be the main opposition party as it preaches
Shared Governance
AFC will gain 4 more with an alliance with GAP/ROAR
We will be screwed once again as the PPP will come up with another corny line like LET THE PROGRESS continues and we will battle with them for another five years.
p.s. Dear Mista Rohee, a corrupt goat bite the presidential seat. Let me translate: no one else can get it.
If the Jagdeo administration throws a Manning fit and calls General Elections tomorrow - you have no idea who you’d be voting for- We share your pain.
It is quite obvious that voters this time around would have a difficult time choosing a leader as they have had in 2006.
The PPP record of corruption, crime, cronism and unaccountability haven’t help, neither has the PNC’s lack of leadership, indecisiveness and baggage of dismal performance has helped their image.
The AFC has practiced much of what it has preached since 2006 and opted to be a party that use to the opportunity to rebut everything that spilled from the others’ mouth.
We predict fewer voter turn out if elections is called, we also predict mass rigging- as the government may seek to allow overseas voting.
In 2001, the three main parties and two others blamed the low voter turn out on migration. None of them noted their dismal performance since 2001 and the fact that the citizenry may have been silently protesting against them by not exercising their franchise.
With a population or more than 700000 in 2006, the Guyana Elections Commission recorded a more than 350000 voter population. There was a 69% voter turn out for that Election says the Commission. It was the lowest voter turn out since Guyana’s Independence.
We see it as the year, the PPP and PNC also lost considerable votes in traditional strong holds as we will later point out.
The PPP lost Indian votes, the PNC sank lower and the AFC entered the political realm.
For the PPP Region 4 was a walk over, as President Jagdeo said publicly that he expects his party to win more black votes than the PNC and AFC combined.
We may never know, but what we know that the PPP netted only 61000 votes in 2006 a far cry from the more than 74000 it has won in 2001.
As for the PNC, that party scrapped a miserable 67000 votes that can’t even compare to the more than 94000 in 2001.
More than 217000 Region 4 residents voted in 2001 but in 2006 148000 voted, 2000 were probably unsure when they spoiled their votes.
As for Region 6, a stronghold of the PPP just about 50000 people voted, more than 80000 voted in 2006.
41000 of that more than 50000 voted for the PPP.
As for Region 10 the PNC strong hold, it lost more than 30000 to AFC and the Elections Commission averaged that more than 10000 Lindeners did not vote.
In the end, this is what happened, PPP won 36 seats, two more than it had in 2001, the PNC lost 3 and was reduced to 22 seats and AFC got 6. Two other parties got one each and the PPP fought CN Sharma and his Justice for All Party in Court for a region Ten Seat that they had already taken away.
Our prediction?
PPP will win the 2011 elections
Jagdeo will be President
PPP will lose one seat
PNC will lose more than 5 seats
PNC will struggle to be the main opposition party as it preaches
Shared Governance
AFC will gain 4 more with an alliance with GAP/ROAR
We will be screwed once again as the PPP will come up with another corny line like LET THE PROGRESS continues and we will battle with them for another five years.
p.s. Dear Mista Rohee, a corrupt goat bite the presidential seat. Let me translate: no one else can get it.
Monday, April 26, 2010
As the Earthly One returns
We are rambling dangerously....on this special day:
As the Earthly one returns to Guyana, his worshippers are gathering at the Airport to welcome and worship him. Gerry Gouveia's invitation to the corporate world invited all to join him in the pilgrimage to the airport to receive The Big Ego. The Ministers, the Advisers, the soup drinkers, the account holders, the contract receivers - will all be driving hummers and prados and other SUVs to the airport tonight....polluting the air with their gas guzzlers while their environmental hero arrives in a cloud of pollution into his loving crowd of corruption.
No sweat! We dont begrudge the man for his award that was made on the backs of lying about the forests and the amerindians while sharing the profits from selling dolphins, mining concessions and large blocks of land and properties to Boyer, Gouveia,Brassington, Yong, Ramroop etc. No sweat at all!
But remember that while he is sashaying across the world, zipping from one country to another, we sweat it out in Guyana. Taking licks from the police, paying 16% VAT and 33% income tax on our earnings. No, no sweat that the Mighty Ego will be riding high in the next couple of weeks. After all, all the awards and degrees are like the presidency - fake, just paper awards - no real work done.
Caution to Kissoon, Christofer Ram, Ramjattan etc etc... watch out.... the Mighty Ego will be riding high during the next couple of days. He will lash out about Lumumba and its terrible indictment on him. He will lash out at the kaieteur and stabroek and will cut off ads.
He will lash out at the PNC, AFC, the UG protest and anyone who dares to criticize....sigh...those whom the Gods want to destroy they first make them mad.
Double sigh....But the cunning ways will continue as the $50-million hydro, $17-million road, $37 million cable and countless contracts will be awarded just like he has been. The stink of corruption is rising to high heaven. Welcome home oh mighty ego.
As the Earthly one returns to Guyana, his worshippers are gathering at the Airport to welcome and worship him. Gerry Gouveia's invitation to the corporate world invited all to join him in the pilgrimage to the airport to receive The Big Ego. The Ministers, the Advisers, the soup drinkers, the account holders, the contract receivers - will all be driving hummers and prados and other SUVs to the airport tonight....polluting the air with their gas guzzlers while their environmental hero arrives in a cloud of pollution into his loving crowd of corruption.
No sweat! We dont begrudge the man for his award that was made on the backs of lying about the forests and the amerindians while sharing the profits from selling dolphins, mining concessions and large blocks of land and properties to Boyer, Gouveia,Brassington, Yong, Ramroop etc. No sweat at all!
But remember that while he is sashaying across the world, zipping from one country to another, we sweat it out in Guyana. Taking licks from the police, paying 16% VAT and 33% income tax on our earnings. No, no sweat that the Mighty Ego will be riding high in the next couple of weeks. After all, all the awards and degrees are like the presidency - fake, just paper awards - no real work done.
Caution to Kissoon, Christofer Ram, Ramjattan etc etc... watch out.... the Mighty Ego will be riding high during the next couple of days. He will lash out about Lumumba and its terrible indictment on him. He will lash out at the kaieteur and stabroek and will cut off ads.
He will lash out at the PNC, AFC, the UG protest and anyone who dares to criticize....sigh...those whom the Gods want to destroy they first make them mad.
Double sigh....But the cunning ways will continue as the $50-million hydro, $17-million road, $37 million cable and countless contracts will be awarded just like he has been. The stink of corruption is rising to high heaven. Welcome home oh mighty ego.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Guyana features in Poker News
Guyana Opens First Casino, But Locals Barred from Gambling
The Princess Hotel in Guyana officially opened the country's first casino last week, but because of a law passed in 2007, Guyanese residents are forbidden from playing there. The Gambling Prevention Act restricted Guyanese gambling after several religious leaders and politicians led an anti-gambling crusade. For now, the only people who can gamble at the casino's 300 slot machines and 11 gaming tables are international ecotourists and the many Brazilians the casino hopes will travel there to gamble.
The government decided to grant limited casino licenses to hotels with a minimum of 150 guest rooms as a way to accelerate the growth of the country's young tourism industry. Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo denounced the hypocrisy of opening a casino where only foreigners are welcome, saying that freedom of choice should outweigh antigambling concerns. “For me, this is something that I find distasteful. I believe that Guyanese should enjoy all of the choices in the country… our society is a moderate one…there was opposition, but we will give people choices,” Jagdeo said.
The Princess Hotel is owned by Turkish hotel group Princess Group, which owns 14 hotels internationally. The company, which bought the hotel for $15 million in 2008, is exploring legal loopholes that would allow Guyanese residents to gamble at the casino as long as they are guests of the hotel. In addition to slots and table games, the casino plans to host poker tournament satellites in the future.
The Princess Hotel in Guyana officially opened the country's first casino last week, but because of a law passed in 2007, Guyanese residents are forbidden from playing there. The Gambling Prevention Act restricted Guyanese gambling after several religious leaders and politicians led an anti-gambling crusade. For now, the only people who can gamble at the casino's 300 slot machines and 11 gaming tables are international ecotourists and the many Brazilians the casino hopes will travel there to gamble.
The government decided to grant limited casino licenses to hotels with a minimum of 150 guest rooms as a way to accelerate the growth of the country's young tourism industry. Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo denounced the hypocrisy of opening a casino where only foreigners are welcome, saying that freedom of choice should outweigh antigambling concerns. “For me, this is something that I find distasteful. I believe that Guyanese should enjoy all of the choices in the country… our society is a moderate one…there was opposition, but we will give people choices,” Jagdeo said.
The Princess Hotel is owned by Turkish hotel group Princess Group, which owns 14 hotels internationally. The company, which bought the hotel for $15 million in 2008, is exploring legal loopholes that would allow Guyanese residents to gamble at the casino as long as they are guests of the hotel. In addition to slots and table games, the casino plans to host poker tournament satellites in the future.
Legalized Gambling illegal to Guyanese - Imran Khan
Legalized Gambling illegal to Guyanese
By Imran Khan
Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Following comments made by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the formal opening of the Princess Casino there has been a reheating of the debate on the virtues of casino/gambling legislation in Guyana. The President finds himself in some difficulty with regard to what appears to be an about face on the issue given his most recent comments and has been copping some criticism.
There is merit in most of the criticisms I have seen, however I have found that a narrow view is being mostly propagated (perhaps for political and other convenience) when there is a critical larger issue which needs to be ventilated.
The point of conditional and thus discriminatory casino/gambling legislation, in my opinion, takes a U-Turn from basic human equality – an essential facet of life now, apparently, taken much for granted to the point where it is treated with scant regard by even our National Assembly.
In my mind the issue is a simple one which can be a sorted through by asking a basic question. “How can an individual – regardless of who he or she is – have a legally protected right to partake in an activity in MY country which legally I, as a citizen of said country, am debarred from participating in?”
I am not a gambler and I may never visit a casino in Guyana or anywhere else, however I take offense to any law which prevents me from participating in an activity which foreigners are allowed to freely partake in. There can be no moral justification of it in what we all consider – perhaps to varying degrees – to be a democracy. The freedom of choice has been withdrawn from locals while foreigners have that option.
I have agonized over this to find some way of accepting that it can be. I am unable to find even an iota of sense or good judgment in it.
My view is that gambling should either be made legal and permissible for all in Guyana (whether Guyanese or not) or it should be an illegal activity for all. Legislation which discriminates on the basis of nationality reverses hundreds of years of social advancement.
It cannot be legal for some and illegal for others. Surely we have not forgotten times when there were restaurants for some, washrooms for some and when the front of the bus was only for some among other discriminatory practices.
The contention that government should allow vices for foreigners in our land whilst ‘protecting’ its citizenry from these vices is a flagrantly dangerous one as it is grounded in false logic and flawed thinking.
It is, in fact, the bedrock of hypocrisy.
The legislation as it now stands allows a loophole which defeats the presumed intention of the law. A local can very well enter and partake in the activities of the casino if they are a guest of the hotel. Therefore there is no real protection of the citizenry against the vice. It is in fact a worsening of the vice.
Whereupon a Guyanese wishing to gamble could have just walked into the casino and so do, they now have to expend additional financial resources to book a room to qualify themselves to gamble. For persons who are intent on gambling this is not a deterrent, it is a mere inconvenience. Addicts will find a way of overcoming the hurdles and the current design of the law aids them in so doing.
Also for government to take the role of – based on the construct and operations of our Parliament – unilaterally determine what is good and what is not for citizenry and enshrine same in law is to set a scandalously treacherous precedent – the perils of which, through unkind experience, I am sure most are all only too familiar with.
What next? Exclusive dining options for foreigners? Special airport transportation services only for foreigners?
The precedent has been set.
By Imran Khan
Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Following comments made by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the formal opening of the Princess Casino there has been a reheating of the debate on the virtues of casino/gambling legislation in Guyana. The President finds himself in some difficulty with regard to what appears to be an about face on the issue given his most recent comments and has been copping some criticism.
There is merit in most of the criticisms I have seen, however I have found that a narrow view is being mostly propagated (perhaps for political and other convenience) when there is a critical larger issue which needs to be ventilated.
The point of conditional and thus discriminatory casino/gambling legislation, in my opinion, takes a U-Turn from basic human equality – an essential facet of life now, apparently, taken much for granted to the point where it is treated with scant regard by even our National Assembly.
In my mind the issue is a simple one which can be a sorted through by asking a basic question. “How can an individual – regardless of who he or she is – have a legally protected right to partake in an activity in MY country which legally I, as a citizen of said country, am debarred from participating in?”
I am not a gambler and I may never visit a casino in Guyana or anywhere else, however I take offense to any law which prevents me from participating in an activity which foreigners are allowed to freely partake in. There can be no moral justification of it in what we all consider – perhaps to varying degrees – to be a democracy. The freedom of choice has been withdrawn from locals while foreigners have that option.
I have agonized over this to find some way of accepting that it can be. I am unable to find even an iota of sense or good judgment in it.
My view is that gambling should either be made legal and permissible for all in Guyana (whether Guyanese or not) or it should be an illegal activity for all. Legislation which discriminates on the basis of nationality reverses hundreds of years of social advancement.
It cannot be legal for some and illegal for others. Surely we have not forgotten times when there were restaurants for some, washrooms for some and when the front of the bus was only for some among other discriminatory practices.
The contention that government should allow vices for foreigners in our land whilst ‘protecting’ its citizenry from these vices is a flagrantly dangerous one as it is grounded in false logic and flawed thinking.
It is, in fact, the bedrock of hypocrisy.
The legislation as it now stands allows a loophole which defeats the presumed intention of the law. A local can very well enter and partake in the activities of the casino if they are a guest of the hotel. Therefore there is no real protection of the citizenry against the vice. It is in fact a worsening of the vice.
Whereupon a Guyanese wishing to gamble could have just walked into the casino and so do, they now have to expend additional financial resources to book a room to qualify themselves to gamble. For persons who are intent on gambling this is not a deterrent, it is a mere inconvenience. Addicts will find a way of overcoming the hurdles and the current design of the law aids them in so doing.
Also for government to take the role of – based on the construct and operations of our Parliament – unilaterally determine what is good and what is not for citizenry and enshrine same in law is to set a scandalously treacherous precedent – the perils of which, through unkind experience, I am sure most are all only too familiar with.
What next? Exclusive dining options for foreigners? Special airport transportation services only for foreigners?
The precedent has been set.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Boycott looms for Guyana's 1st elections since '94
Boycott looms for Guyana's 1st elections since '94
(Associated Press)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Opposition leaders in this South American country threatened Thursday to boycott the first municipal elections in 16 years over a plan to give a government-dominated commission control over local affairs.
The government says the proposed seven-member commission would reduce the central government's power over cities, but critics note that the government would still appoint a majority of its members.
"We can't agree with this and are not prepared to work with this," said Oscar Clarke, general secretary of the main opposition People's National Congress.
Clarke said his party might boycott planned April elections if the government doesn't agree to give local governments greater control over their own affairs, such as helping decide how to allocate funds.
He complained that the current system gives the central government power to fire and hire key city staffers, as well as to withhold funds for municipalities and neighborhood councils.
The government has proposed the commission plan to parliament as an alternative.
Vishnu Persaud, Guyana electoral commission spokesman, said officials are planning elections for a still-unset date in mid-April to choose mayors and councilors of six towns and 65 rural districts.
Guyana has not elected mayors, district and village leaders since 1994, largely due to continuing disputes about how to update voter registration lists.
Disputes over voting lists also prompted delays in several recent presidential elections.
Plans to hold municipal elections last year were scrapped because officials said new voter cards based on updated lists were not yet ready and a redistricting project had not been completed.
Presidential and general elections are scheduled to be held next year.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
(Associated Press)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Opposition leaders in this South American country threatened Thursday to boycott the first municipal elections in 16 years over a plan to give a government-dominated commission control over local affairs.
The government says the proposed seven-member commission would reduce the central government's power over cities, but critics note that the government would still appoint a majority of its members.
"We can't agree with this and are not prepared to work with this," said Oscar Clarke, general secretary of the main opposition People's National Congress.
Clarke said his party might boycott planned April elections if the government doesn't agree to give local governments greater control over their own affairs, such as helping decide how to allocate funds.
He complained that the current system gives the central government power to fire and hire key city staffers, as well as to withhold funds for municipalities and neighborhood councils.
The government has proposed the commission plan to parliament as an alternative.
Vishnu Persaud, Guyana electoral commission spokesman, said officials are planning elections for a still-unset date in mid-April to choose mayors and councilors of six towns and 65 rural districts.
Guyana has not elected mayors, district and village leaders since 1994, largely due to continuing disputes about how to update voter registration lists.
Disputes over voting lists also prompted delays in several recent presidential elections.
Plans to hold municipal elections last year were scrapped because officials said new voter cards based on updated lists were not yet ready and a redistricting project had not been completed.
Presidential and general elections are scheduled to be held next year.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Who will prevail - Guyana's PPP Presi-race
The battle continues for the Presidency candidate for the ruling party.
Some are secretly endorsing others while some are declaring ‘goat aint bite me’
But who will prevail?
We have already analyzed and opined the possibility of constitutional changes that can see the young dictator continuing his rule. For instance, the pursuit of overseas voting by filing a constitutional motion can see GECOM postponing the holding of any elections to have those in the Diaspora registered.
This postponement of the elections could see the government holding office for the next two years (and dictator holding unto presidency)
Then there is another theory being touted:
The Dictator steps out the race, returns to "help" as Prime Minister and then sworn in as President.
Guyana's Constitution says that the any president is barred from running for a third term for that Office. But the current dictator will not run for the Presidency or better yet be elected as President. He could be the Prime Minister or serve as another Minister in the government and be sworn in as President if the President at that time is unable to perform the duties of President.
With that aside, from the looks of things the Opposition Parties may not have a chance at even grasping at the seats of government.
The PNC is virtually dead, probably presently on saline solution but is dying a slow death. The only other real party at this time is the Alliance for Change, but what chances they really have in picking up the needed votes for change? They are gonna pick up a few votes from the young and professional, but there is no real indication that Guyanese are really ready to vote on issues and not race.
So who will actually be around in 2011?
Well, the race is apparently still on between Donald Ramotar, Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee and possibly Moses Nagamottoo for Presidential candidate.
These could be all a puppet show.
Word out is that a few have been booted and a few promised promotions. For instance:
--> Carolyn Rodrigues is tipped to be Prime Minister while
--> Sam is said to be rehired as a consultant.
-->Robeson Benn who was once tipped to be Prime Minister but who has ‘hammered’ too many wrong nails is tipped to be Minister of Mining. (a post set up to ensure that mining is minimized to capitalized on the LCDS finds)
--> Donald Ramoutar will be Minister of Works
--> A Ministry of Communications is to be shared by someone close to the President and yet to be named.
--> There is word that Odinga Lumumba will be made a Junior Minister (possibly the Sports Ministry)
--> Irfaan Ali is expected to be the Culture. Youth and Sports Minister
--> The current Culture Minister will probably be a serving doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital or head a foreign funded health programme.
--> Pauline Sukhai will remain Amerindian Affairs Minister.
--> Kellawan Lall is said to have already gotten the boot.
--> Manniram Prashad will not return (he is making no money holding the post of Tourism Minister)
--> Priya Manickchand will remain and her sisiter Jaya Manickchand is tipped for a Junior ministerial role.
--> So is Attorney General in waiting Anil Nandalall (and no, he will not be AG) Charles Ramson will remain there until someone else gets Senior Counsel Status and accepts the job.
--> Region 6 Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha is tipped for a ministerial post.
--> Robert Persaud will retain his post.
But there are a few who MAY retain their post for the fear of interdiction by the United States. Leslie Ramsammy is one of those.
These are The Happy Faces of the PPP government to come in 2011 !
Some are secretly endorsing others while some are declaring ‘goat aint bite me’
But who will prevail?
We have already analyzed and opined the possibility of constitutional changes that can see the young dictator continuing his rule. For instance, the pursuit of overseas voting by filing a constitutional motion can see GECOM postponing the holding of any elections to have those in the Diaspora registered.
This postponement of the elections could see the government holding office for the next two years (and dictator holding unto presidency)
Then there is another theory being touted:
The Dictator steps out the race, returns to "help" as Prime Minister and then sworn in as President.
Guyana's Constitution says that the any president is barred from running for a third term for that Office. But the current dictator will not run for the Presidency or better yet be elected as President. He could be the Prime Minister or serve as another Minister in the government and be sworn in as President if the President at that time is unable to perform the duties of President.
With that aside, from the looks of things the Opposition Parties may not have a chance at even grasping at the seats of government.
The PNC is virtually dead, probably presently on saline solution but is dying a slow death. The only other real party at this time is the Alliance for Change, but what chances they really have in picking up the needed votes for change? They are gonna pick up a few votes from the young and professional, but there is no real indication that Guyanese are really ready to vote on issues and not race.
So who will actually be around in 2011?
Well, the race is apparently still on between Donald Ramotar, Ralph Ramkarran, Clement Rohee and possibly Moses Nagamottoo for Presidential candidate.
These could be all a puppet show.
Word out is that a few have been booted and a few promised promotions. For instance:
--> Carolyn Rodrigues is tipped to be Prime Minister while
--> Sam is said to be rehired as a consultant.
-->Robeson Benn who was once tipped to be Prime Minister but who has ‘hammered’ too many wrong nails is tipped to be Minister of Mining. (a post set up to ensure that mining is minimized to capitalized on the LCDS finds)
--> Donald Ramoutar will be Minister of Works
--> A Ministry of Communications is to be shared by someone close to the President and yet to be named.
--> There is word that Odinga Lumumba will be made a Junior Minister (possibly the Sports Ministry)
--> Irfaan Ali is expected to be the Culture. Youth and Sports Minister
--> The current Culture Minister will probably be a serving doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital or head a foreign funded health programme.
--> Pauline Sukhai will remain Amerindian Affairs Minister.
--> Kellawan Lall is said to have already gotten the boot.
--> Manniram Prashad will not return (he is making no money holding the post of Tourism Minister)
--> Priya Manickchand will remain and her sisiter Jaya Manickchand is tipped for a Junior ministerial role.
--> So is Attorney General in waiting Anil Nandalall (and no, he will not be AG) Charles Ramson will remain there until someone else gets Senior Counsel Status and accepts the job.
--> Region 6 Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha is tipped for a ministerial post.
--> Robert Persaud will retain his post.
But there are a few who MAY retain their post for the fear of interdiction by the United States. Leslie Ramsammy is one of those.
These are The Happy Faces of the PPP government to come in 2011 !
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Corbin's Household assistants
Investment of the taxpayers continued
See document here
Corbin - Household Assistants
Contents read:
14 October 2009
Ms Paula James
Principal Assistant Secretary – Finance (ag)
Office of the President
New Garden Street
Bourda, Georgetown
Dear Ms James
Refund for Household Assistants – Leader of the Opposition
Please find attached the disbursement receipts Nos. 66381- 66382 and HPS
Ordinary Imprest Vouchers for payment to two (2) senior household assistants for
the month of September 2009 totalling $65,664 (sixty five thousand six hundred
and sixty four dollars).
I would be pleased if the necessary arrangements be made for reimbursement.
Yours sincerely
………………………
Robert H O Corbin, MP
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform &
Leader of the Opposition
See document here
Corbin - Household Assistants
Contents read:
14 October 2009
Ms Paula James
Principal Assistant Secretary – Finance (ag)
Office of the President
New Garden Street
Bourda, Georgetown
Dear Ms James
Refund for Household Assistants – Leader of the Opposition
Please find attached the disbursement receipts Nos. 66381- 66382 and HPS
Ordinary Imprest Vouchers for payment to two (2) senior household assistants for
the month of September 2009 totalling $65,664 (sixty five thousand six hundred
and sixty four dollars).
I would be pleased if the necessary arrangements be made for reimbursement.
Yours sincerely
………………………
Robert H O Corbin, MP
Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform &
Leader of the Opposition
Monday, March 1, 2010
Great investment for Guyanese Taxpayers - II
Great investment for Guyanese Taxpayers, Part II
We continue our analysis of the great investments that Guyanese taxpayers are proud to make. In the last installment we showed how each taxpayer is investing in the person and assets of the President.
In this second part, we will show how our taxpayers invest in the person and assets of the opposition leader.
We hope that at the right time, we can claim fair share of returns from these persons and their assets.
Unlike the previous paper, this bill must be on the conscience of the Opposition Leader since it is yet to leap off the Order Paper into the debate.
Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill
(WHAT ELSE TAX PAYERS COULD BE PAYING):
1. Rent free, furnished office accommodation
2. Medical attention including medical treatment and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for himself and dependent members of his family
3. Full time security at his home
4. Services of a secretary, executive security, chauffeur, gardener and domestic help
5. Vacation allowance applicable to that of the government minster (usually is 2 first class tickets)
More to come.
We continue our analysis of the great investments that Guyanese taxpayers are proud to make. In the last installment we showed how each taxpayer is investing in the person and assets of the President.
In this second part, we will show how our taxpayers invest in the person and assets of the opposition leader.
We hope that at the right time, we can claim fair share of returns from these persons and their assets.
Unlike the previous paper, this bill must be on the conscience of the Opposition Leader since it is yet to leap off the Order Paper into the debate.
Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and other Facilities) Bill
(WHAT ELSE TAX PAYERS COULD BE PAYING):
1. Rent free, furnished office accommodation
2. Medical attention including medical treatment and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for himself and dependent members of his family
3. Full time security at his home
4. Services of a secretary, executive security, chauffeur, gardener and domestic help
5. Vacation allowance applicable to that of the government minster (usually is 2 first class tickets)
More to come.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The GT&T scapegoat
A monopoly that is shaking and toppling over - a breath of relief for Guyana.
The building of a new era is being heralded by the opening up of the telecommunications sector. The Government of Guyana has promised to liberalize the economy and is delivering on this - even if it is the only thing they do.
While the opposition is scratching their privates, the dolphin expert who holds mining concessions and received US$$$ to bring in the red company is now the Government expert on telecommunication. Of course he is the expert as he held the US$ payoff and he made good on the Red store at the airport.
The building of a new era is being heralded by the opening up of the telecommunications sector. The Government of Guyana has promised to liberalize the economy and is delivering on this - even if it is the only thing they do.
While the opposition is scratching their privates, the dolphin expert who holds mining concessions and received US$$$ to bring in the red company is now the Government expert on telecommunication. Of course he is the expert as he held the US$ payoff and he made good on the Red store at the airport.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
PNC falling apart
The PNCR is falling apart at its seams every day. Corbin seems happy with his 300,000 salary plus driver plus security and lifelong pension. He is not going to budge!
Who is the loser?
Norton? Definitely NOT!
The BIG loser is GUYANA!
We believe that PNC's disorganized state and its ridiculous pursuit of its role as OPPOSITION is the cause for Guyana descent into the runaway corruption of the current Government.
Guyana ends up losing again!
Who is the loser?
Norton? Definitely NOT!
The BIG loser is GUYANA!
We believe that PNC's disorganized state and its ridiculous pursuit of its role as OPPOSITION is the cause for Guyana descent into the runaway corruption of the current Government.
Guyana ends up losing again!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Jagdeo finally admits to the "wrongs" of his Government
Jagdeo has finally admitted that his Government has run down this country. This amazing confession has come finally in answer to calls from everyone for the PNC and PPP to admit to the wrongs they have done to Guyana.
Stabroek's columnist, Kissoon, has quoted Jagdeo's admission in one of his columns:"When we run down our country all the time, then every immigration officer feels that every Guyanese wants to run away.” Obviously Jagdeo is admitting to running down the country.
Is this a hopeful positive beginning of admission to the wrongs they all did to this country? Will Jagdeo continues in this vein? We will wait - but not with bated breath!
Stabroek's columnist, Kissoon, has quoted Jagdeo's admission in one of his columns:"When we run down our country all the time, then every immigration officer feels that every Guyanese wants to run away.” Obviously Jagdeo is admitting to running down the country.
Is this a hopeful positive beginning of admission to the wrongs they all did to this country? Will Jagdeo continues in this vein? We will wait - but not with bated breath!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
