Guyana Politics: The race drum is out in Jagdeo’s hands – By Adam Harris

Jun 30, 2019  Features / Columnists, My Column – Adam Harris

There is never a dull moment in Guyana, especially when one looks at the political situation. In recent times there was a lot of excitement surrounding the decision by the Caribbean Court of Justice. The focus was on the preparation for general elections in the wake of the no-confidence motion.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo fuels most of the excitement with his statements. He rarely misses a trick to hurl darts at the government. But there is always the warning that not everything he says is true.

I keep abreast of international news and I find that at least one man easily matches Jagdeo when it comes to distortions. Indeed Jagdeo can be controversial, especially when he targets a person or a group. For example, he is obsessed that President David Granger has not attracted accusations of corruption.       

Granger: We respect the CCJ’s decision – will name elections day after GECOM’s recommendation

Granger: We respect the CCJ’s decision – President says as many as 200,000 incorrect entries on current voters’ list – will name elections day after GECOM’s recommendation

(Jun 19, 2019  KNews )  Hours after groundbreaking rulings yesterday by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the December 21st no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, President David Granger has made it clear that there will be respect for the judges’ decision.

Photo: President David Granger in Bartica, Region 7, yesterday.

However, there are immediate indications that the ruling Coalition is not inclined to rush into elections. Rather, according to the President, there are about 200,000 incorrect entries on the current voters’ list, which must be corrected.           

Guyana News: Ghanaian President arrives to 21-gun salute – Updated

A full military welcome greeted Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo upon his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at approximately 12.44 am today, June 11, 2019.

As the President descended the aircraft, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) commenced a 21-Gun Salute and the Flag of the Republic of Ghana was unfurled, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.           

GUYANA: HAPPY 53RD INDEPENDENCE TO ALL – Message from President David Granger

 — Guyana poised for transformative moment

By Svetlana Marshall – May 26, 2019 – Guyana Chronicle

President David Granger

– young people to benefit from window of opportunity

WITH the production of oil and gas on the horizon, Guyana is poised for another transformative moment, President David Granger said in his Independence Day address, as he placed the country’s future in the hands of young people.

“The commencement of petroleum production next year, and the transition towards becoming a ‘green’ state, will increase economic growth and provide greater resources for development. The future belongs to young people,” President Granger told the nation as it celebrates its 53rd Independence Anniversary. 

Guyana: Indian Immigration Monument commissioned by President Granger

Indian Immigration Monument

Stabroek News  – May 05, 2019

The Indian Immigration Monument at Palmyra was today commissioned by President David Granger.

The President said in part: “The Indian Arrival Monument recalls the Indian indentured experience. It celebrates the migrants’ resistance, resilience and resourcefulness.  It attests to the immigrants’ sacrifices, struggle and the pursuit of a good life.

“Indians have made indelible contributions to the nation’s cultural, economic, political and social development. These contributions have ensured the community’s progress and has advanced the nation’s development.

“Indians, as others before them, were confronted by the abuse, cruelty and domination of plantation life and they resisted, sometimes by riots and strikes.           

Guyana Politics: Ramjattan to challenge Nagamootoo for PM post

May 04, 2019  News

Photo: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (left), and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

Moses Nagamootoo, Guyana’s current Prime Minister, was nominated to serve in that post by the Alliance for Change, after an agreement laid out in the Cummingsburg Accord saw to it that the AFC would have the right to name the ruling coalition’s prime ministerial candidate.     

Guyana Government announces new Ministers: Resolves Dual-Citizen issue

Guyana has a new Foreign Minister.
Yesterday, President David Granger swore in Dr. Karen Cummings at the Ministry of the Presidency.
A former Junior Health Minister, Dr. Cummings will replace Carl Greenidge who was forced to resign after a recent Appeal Court ruling that barred persons with dual citizenships to be Members of Parliament, and by extension, ministers of the government.

Newly sworn-in Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, reassigned Minister, Dr Karen Cummings who now holds the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs, President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, newly sworn-in Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and reassigned Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, who now holds the portfolio of Minister of State.

Guyana Politics: Sitting members of Cabinet to act for resigned ministers – gov’t

  Stabroek News – 02 April 2019

The Government of Guyana today said that the portfolios of four Ministers who resigned because of their dual citizenship will now be held by sitting members of Cabinet who previously deputised for them.

The four who resigned are Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine who held ministerial portfolios for Foreign Affairs, State, Business and Tourism and the Public Service respectively.

A statement from the government also said that President David Granger will finalize ways for the quartet to continue in government service.

A statement from the government follows:

Cabinet statement on resignation of four ministers             

Govt. to make elections funds available ahead of CCJ rulings

 Mar 28, 2019 Kaieteur News

President David Granger has assured that funding to ensure the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is ready for elections will be made available.

President David Granger

With the recent Guyana Court of Appeal decisions, the Cabinet meetings have now restarted and it is the intention to request funds through a Bill which will be laid in the National Assembly for authorisation.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, Granger was answering questions on the state of preparedness when it comes to the Guyana Elections Commission.   

Guyana Politics: Jagdeo refuses invitation to meet President

• claims fraud in communication to GECOM

Jagdeo vs Granger

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has refused an invitation to meet with President David Granger and accused the APNU+AFC government of perpetrating fraud.

Speaking at a Press Conference at his Church Street office this afternoon, Jagdeo accused the President of sending one letter to the Guyana Election Commission  (GECOM) and releasing a different letter to the public.

“I am not going to be showing up for a PR opportunity with the President while they act as if everything is normal”, Jagdeo stressed adding that the issues which the President wishes to discuss are clear in the constitution.