Somoene finally woke up Roheee

Oh Gee Mr. Rohee, ya think??? Where the heck have you been all this time?? Anyway, I'm glad you've finally caught on though!!

The Frequent Flyer is off again

This time our most notorious airline user has whisked himself off to the US. For a small third world country our president sure does tour a lot.
I'm not sure but I'm of the opinion that Jagdeo might be the world's most traveled head of state. The thing though, is that his trips hardly ever brings any direct benefit to us, which begs to wonder if the taxpayers money cannot be better spent...then again, it's the PPP government we're talking about, they lack economic wisdom among other things.

Boring, Boring...Budget Debates are so boring

Earlier I was one for the live broadcasting of sittings of the National Assembly but I've recently been given a harsh reminder why for some, things are good the way they are.

With the budget debates going on, one would expect to have some lively, entertaining, insightful presentations from our MP's but what has been shown leaves much much to be desired. It really does make for depressing viewing. Most of these MP's just stands up and reads a very monotonous speech obviously prepared by someone else, gone are the spontaneity of Parliamentary debates. There are some persons in that honorable house that should be removed in order to spear us their crushing banality.

Apart from these presentations being severely lacking, they are ridiculously long, gosh I wish the speaker of the house would turn down those requests for additional 15 minutes and in effect spear us all from more mediocrity. Anyone who saw Pauline Sukhai's presentation would know just what I'm talking about, she shouldn't feel bad though, a lot of other members of that house have no talent, it's not like they can do any better. Do you hear me Clement Rohee? I hope you do because if I ever wanted to hear from an ass, I'd just fart and get it over with.

Volda Lawrence darling I'm writing this part with you and your other colleagues in mind. The horrible presentations weren't limited to the Government bench alone, the opposition members were just as guilty. If I could have, I'd slap all of them senseless but I really don't have the seven seconds to spare. These people are now like KFC chicken - lacking in the essential spices, come on people, spice it up a little...pretty please...

Anybody remember this though: Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. Personally I think the majority of them are born mediocre, I've seen very little to tell me otherwise.

Today is Budget Day...What are YOU hoping for?

Today is a day that affects the lives of all Guyanese, even if most of them don’t quite realize it.

Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance, will present the Government budget for 2009. This time however, he is presenting a budget when our country is feeling the ripples of a global financial crisis that has engulfed the economies of the developed and developing countries. Budget 2009 therefore comes at a most crucial time.

Our economy hasn’t grown much in recent years so it will be very interesting to note if the Minister will be forecasting growth in the economy during these turbulent times, or what the projected inflation rate will be.

What will also be interesting to know is how much of our GDP will be government spending on what and where exactly the money will be coming from. Well actually the last part isn’t much of a mystery. VAT, PAYE for individuals, corporate taxes for corporations will account for most of the government’s income, but where will the rest be coming from?

However, the part that will concern all of us is if the 16% rate of VAT will be reduced, a suggestion that has been made several times before but has always been rebuffed and whether the income tax threshold will be increased.

Traditionally, our budgets have been full of numbers and words but always lacking in vision, optimism and hope, let us hope beyond hope that 2009 will be different.

Justice Ramson may return as AG - Kaieteur News

If this Kaieteur News story is accurate, and Ramson is indeed chosen... gosh I don't even want to think of it. God have mercy on those poor souls at the AG chambers, and I'll finally agree with my very good friend that she's better off at the DPP chambers instead of being in Carmichael Street.

Since it's just speculation, I'll just say, it would be a horrible mistake to put Ramson back in the positon that he created such havoc in last time. And indeed if that decision is made, it'll just once again, show how intellectually bankrupt the PPP is - not like anyone needs reminding though.

GIve the 'Benn' some credit people...

At least give the man some credit, he does stick to his words (when it suits him of course).

Seriously, what's the matter with Minister Benn? He needs some straightening out

Well well well, not surprising, but Minister Benn is back at it again. This time the oh so arrogant minister is threatening to fire the air traffic controllers who are currently striking for accrued benefits due to them since 2007.

Now I’m not saying that the strikers are doing the right thing, and strikes are never nice but sometimes they are very necessary and with this administration it seems as if measures of aggression are the only things that they respond to.

All fair minded, decent individuals should want an end to this dispute but Minister Benn with his war-like, intolerant, arrogant attitude isn’t helping the situation very much, in fact he is not helping at all.

He goes as far to say that the workers actions are illegal…My my my, how the tables have turned now. When this very Minister was firing people that he had no right firing he didn’t know that it was illegal then. Anyways this minister and many of his colleagues are like slippers, flip flops to be exact and they only use some words when it suits their purpose.

On a final note though, since this particular Minister likes to fire people so much, it’s sad, very sad that he can’t execute a justified termination and get rid of the credibility tarnished Priya Manickchand.

This is so not going to happen in Guyana...Sad...

Now here is a story that you would only hope to dream about in Guyana. Former US Senator, Tom Daschale, the man nominated by newly sworn in president Barack Obama to be his Health Secretary (our version of the Ministry of Health) has withdrawn his nomination because of previous tax issues. Now isn’t that admirable?

I dare anyone to tell me where in Guyana something like this would happen. Nowhere in Guyana would this happen, everyone wants to reach the top and honesty and nobility is lost along the way. Practically, everyone cheats on their taxes, in one way or another. I cannot even begin to think that a person vying for a post of authority and responsibility in Guyana would let the fact that they haven’t paid adequate taxes get in their way.

For all that we rant and rave against America (a lot of it justified), and though their democracy is not always perfect, there still is a whole lot that can be learnt from them.

Priya Manickchand: Your silence says it all

I heard nothing all day from Ms. Manickchand concerning the allegations of abuse made against her boss by his wife. The President and First Lady respectively.
Priya why are you quiet? are you going to join the litter of hypocrites that the PPP has? I guess what they say is true, if you lie down with the dogs, you are going to get fleas.
You disappoint, not just me, but many many people in this country.

He Might Be The Next…

Attorney General. The unfolding drama between the President and his wife has the attention of many and while all eyes are focused there, I just can’t help but wonder, if the man that’s acting as the President’s Lawyer isn’t now seen as the clear front runner for the post of Attorney General.
The President has enough faith in Anil to have him as his personal lawyer, so what’s not to say that he thinks Anil should have the top Judicial Job in the Country. If he is offered the job though, I do think it will be a bad decision.
Time will tell…

Shaik Baksh son robbed

As reported in the news, the son of the Minister of Education was robbed of his $250,000 ipod and US$250 by two men.
I know some people are thinking that finally some people are benefiting from the generosity of the state, however that is wrong and such actions should never be condoned. The rule of law must always be upheld.

But wow, a $250,000 ipod, WOW…If the statement that Varshnie Jagdeo gave is correct that would make the cost of this ipod more than a months’ pay for the President, WOW.

I wonder how the Minister was able to afford this. This is why we need forensic audits, in addition to the Integrity Commission for parliamentarians, government functionaries, and senior public servants. I have this nagging feeling though that it might be listed as a gift from an overseas relative when declarations are made to the commission…that’s the thing with declarations; they doesn’t have to be true. And that’s a fact.

He did have some words concerning those public servants

Further to this, It turns out that Mr. President did have some words concerning the Robeson Benn matter. In his press conference yesterday, His Excellency stated there is justification in the firing of two senior public servants. If that is indeed the matter, then so be it. The issue at hand here is the fact that Minister Benn does not have the jurisdiction to dismiss these workers. Mr. President with his executive powers can, but Ministers cannot, so come on Mr. President, let's get this right. Get to the bottom of this.

Presidential Ramblings...

His excellency who just yesterday came back from his out of the way trip, was back in the accusatory mood, which he is often in these days and was filled with political rhetoric and accusations which by now is known to be just words.

The latest in his long list of accusations was directed towards Christopher Ram who he is accusing of writing the PNC manifesto, now that is quite a claim, wonder what else he will think of next. Maybe the PPP should get someone to help them write theirs also, they intellectually bankrupt party could sure use the help. Freddie Kissoon would love to help them, providing they stop interfering at UG.

Another issue the President dealt with was that tiny matter concerning the Integrity Commission. He wants all parliamentarians to make their declarations to the commission in two weeks time or face the brunt of the law. "I am going to request the Police to charge them " were his exact words, and while it sounds like he means business this time, but I doubt it. He isn't going to let any of his buddies face the law. And since I'm on the issue of the Integrity commission, what's so wrong with having an audit of their assets as the parliamentary opposition is calling for. PPP mouth piece Donald Romotar has stated the Integrity Commission is enough to deal with the financial position of parliamentarians but that's hardly acceptable. Khemraj Ramjattan rightfully states that the declarations made to the commission may be very inaccurate and deceptive. So Mr. President, let's have those audits. If your Government is as clean as you claim, here is another opportunity to prove it.

In his Press Conference the President also announced that Libya is GOING to be reopening an embassy here and will be sending a large team to examine potential investment here. I guess he did bring back goodies, forgive me however if I'm not jumping for joy because neither of those is going to help me afford to purchase those expensive vegetables in bourda market. Mr. Jagdeo also took aim at his critics (not the 'sleazeball' Freddie Kissoon) who shared their opinion about him traveling to that part of the world. Apparently he thinks the critics are two narrow minded and focus too much on the countries that we have relations with. In other words, we need to find new countries to help build the next bridge or install the next set of traffic lights. Libya apparently has billions upon billions, tens of billions of dollars in reserve and our oh so bright president is hoping to tap into some of that.

However, I heard nothing from him concerning Minister's Robeson Benn gross abuse of power, why the silence Mr. President?

For those who miss it, catch the entire thing all this week on NCN!

Robeson Benn...

…is a bullying, arrogant man. Some will say that he does work, unlike a few of his ministerial buddies, but someone should tell him that it is NOT his job to be firing public servants, no but’s, if’s or maybe’s about that.

The two employees that were recently sent home should not take this insult and arrogance from a man who surely does not know his limitations. Take his ass to court and get writs of Certiorari, Mandamus and Prohibition against him. Mr. English and Ms. Bowen, I’m sure you know that you have rights and what was done to you was wrong and therefore you should not go quietly into the night and let this injustice prevail. You must take a stand, not just for yourself but for others also because as sure as day turns into night, other ministers will suddenly start to feel that they have the right to just dismiss anyone at their whims and fancy.

Mr. President, the actual President, not the silent, ribbon cutting, decorative acting one. I hope that when you return from your two nations trip, that you will play a role in correcting this glaring and blatant wrong and maybe even have a rebuke for Mr. Benn while you’re at it. I’m not too certain about that though, but I can hope. One thing I am certain about though is that Mr. English and Ms. Bowen should not be dismissed BY Minister Benn.

Today is Martin Luther King Day, and many of us know who he was and what he stood for, I leave you with one of his best quotes:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

Judges wanted and they want their benefits

Nadia Guyadeen in an article titled “GBA President calls for introduction of temporary judges” lamented the lack of High Court Judges and the backlog of cases that the Court faces. However, nearing the end of her article Ms. Guyadeen gets her facts wrong. In listing the 9 current High Court Judges, Nadia included the name ‘Jainarayan Singh’. Now if she had done some research, even the tiniest bit, she would have realized that Justice Singh is no longer a judge, and he hasn’t been since September 30th 2008 when he vacated the bench, without his deserved benefits I might add which Carl Singh has allegedly refused to grant him. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!! Give the man what he rightfully and legally earned, and maybe while you’re at it, don’t forget Juliet Holder Allen either.


I should note that I find the silence of Justice Singh’s former colleagues rather surprising especially considering the fact that many of them are acting judges, just as he was and I’m sure they realize that they could face the same fate, but what do I know, maybe they know where they’re benefits are coming from.
I am certain that Justice Singh does not need the benefits OWED to him but he worked for them and it’s the principle involved. Should this not be corrected, then it sets precedent, and the current High Court Judges would not like to have this as a precedent but like I said earlier, maybe they know where they’re benefits are coming from…

Our Frequent Flyer President

Guyana’s most notable frequent flyer is expected back later today. No, I’m not talking about a group of birds who unlike berbicians, actually return to this country after getting their visas, or even the Mayor (for the time being). The flyer in question is none other but His Excellency the President himself. Can anyone at GINA deny that Mr. President uses the airlines even more than some pilots?
The President and his entourage are expected home (2 ministers, 1 adviser, 1 tag-a-long) from their intended tri-nations tour. Intended because they only visited Libya and Greece as Qatar requested him to postpone his visit.
I just have one question to ask: Apart from the ‘promise’ of a possible embassy here from Libya and a medal from Greece, what did Mr. President achieve for the people of Guyana that would actually benefit the taxpayers who again, have to foot the bill for this?
Prem? Roger? Kwame? Chronicle or Times letter section?...Anyone?

Doodnauth Finally Goes, Who Replaces Him?

With the impending retirement (finally) of our Honorable Attorney General at the end of this month, speculation is rife about his possible replacement. Mr. Singh has served this country very long, too long some say. It’s more than time for him to call is quits and while he is at it, he can carry Rohee, Baksh and Jagan with him into the retirement era where they can collect their old age pension (Yay, the President recently raised that figure by about $300, Yay).

Mr. Singh was very respected during his lengthy career (50 years to be exact) in the legal profession and deserved most of the accolades and plaudits that he received, with maybe the possible exception of the post of Attorney General that was gifted to him in 2001. That post given to him after he presided over one of the most destructive elections in this Nation’s history, was suspicious, questionable and cast severe doubts on his character and reputation. For the eight years that he held on to the position, it can be argued that Mr. Singh did very little to make the law, and the legal system any better. Now that he is vacating his post however, the rumor mill is busy with suggestions of possible replacements and three names keep popping up. Anil Nandalall, Charles Ramson and Ralph Ramkarran.

The most popular of these names for the position would be Anil, who has been touted as the next AG for so long. The thing though, is that Anil hasn’t done much to enhance his career enough to deserve the top position and while his skills are thought to be competent enough, he still comes across as wild and irresponsible at times and does not have the backing of many in the profession. Probably the biggest hindrance to Anil is his personal life (well those things don’t matter to this regime).

Mr. Charles Ramson is the least favorite of the three, a former AG, now Appellate Court Judge. This man has been a legal practitioner for a great many years and while he is thought to be very good, especially in land law matters, his biggest problem is his big mouth and his oversized ego. Ramson, thinks that he is best there is, God’s gift to mankind and he has no problems preaching that sermon to time after time. He is difficult to work with, and those of you who can remember the upheaval that he had that place in the last time he occupied the AG post would be certain that a repeat is very far from being desired. I hope the President takes Ramson’s past tenure into consideration when making his decision.

Mr. Ramkarran, the esteemed Speaker of the House. Mr. Ramkarran, is one of the most outstanding attorneys in the country and while he is a member of the ruling PPP, he has performed quite credibly in his post as Speaker, displaying utmost levels of professionalism and fairness. Anyone remember that little incident with himself and Rohee in Parliament last year? It exemplifies the fact that Mr. Ramkarran is not afraid of breaking with party ranks in order to be fair, a trait that many of his fellow PPP members sorely lack. It is for that reason that finding detractors of Mr. Ramkarran’s character, reputation, and abilities are few and far to come by. However, with his job as speaker of the House respected and secure, a lucrative private practice it is hard to imagine that he would leave that post to take up one at AG chambers, especially considering that he’s rumored to be harboring thoughts of being the next President. It is for that reason that he’s unlikely to be the choice, although he is the best choice.

Finally, it has been suggested that Mr. President, might make a benevolent step and choose someone from outside the core ranks of PPP supporters, if so, this would be very welcomed as it would be a small sign that the Government is willing to reach out to other groups. I guess we have to wait and see, time will tell.

Working Government.

Now the Government once again has used its parliamentary majority to once again serve the people of this land with great effect. This time they used it to defeat an opposition motion calling for live, UNEDITED broadcast of the National Assembly. (does the opposition ever get a motion passed)

Now what's so wrong with that? what's wrong with letting the people see what really goes on there without the propaganda machine putting its spin on things. Why they did this though is not hard to see, I guess they are just trying to cover up the obvious incompetence of their ranks, hide the fact that many of their parliamentarians are often absent and yet they’re collecting taxpayers money, or maybe the Government does not want to Guyanese to see what really goes when the national assembly is in session, the farce that it is. They expect Guyanese to just accept that the opposition has nothing to offer, or that the PPP bench has all the good ideas, and eloquent speakers, at least that’s how NCN tries to make it seem…seriously can someone tell me when last they saw an opposition member speaking on NCN?

Personally though, I wouldn’t mind not seeing what goes on in Parliament. It’s so bland, boring, corrupt and beyond predictable. The speaker will always disallow opposition motions, accept those by the PPP, opposition bills and motions are never passed, the idea that the PPP will not get even one through is just plain shocking and unthinkable , and the amount of white lies told in that building would be enough to cover a 9 tier wedding cake!

Government at work.

The title says it all, this week we’re really going to see the government working, they’ll even be putting in a few hours of overtime.

No guys, they’re not going to be addressing the flood situation on the east coast, nor will they be looking at the crisis at GuySuco or that sinking new road and bridge we have in the ancient county. This week the Government will be working to discredit the findings of an annual Wall Street Journal/Heritage report that has recently been released.

The Index of Economic Freedom World Rankings, compiled annually and globally, lists Guyana at 155, which is even lower than Haiti, which is widely regarded as the poorest country in the world. Guyana actually sits at the bottom of all countries in Caricom, and 27/29 in the region actually.

What it effectively means is that there isn’t much freedom for economic activity here, businesses are heavily screened, non-transparent (remember the Sanata deal) and licenses take forever to be given (except if you’re buddy buddy with the kings of this Country). The report also encompasses government size, investment, business trade and corruption.

The report also did not fail to note that for the past five years, all of which have been under the ever watchful eye of a trained economist (we know what kind of economics he knows) that we’ve only managed about 1% growth yearly, that is unacceptable. It is said that 57% of our GDP goes towards government spending, which more often than not were spent on poorly managed expenditures, and increased social spending, which ultimately does more harm than good.

The size of the government also received attention, notably so, why do we need a ministry of Foreign affairs and Foreign trade, why do we need two ministers of Education and why does Mr. President need all that advisers, who seem to give no advice, what the heck does LaPumba do?

Of course, the ever present Corruption was given honorable mention as well. According to the report, Guyana is the 123rd most corrupt country in the world, but I’m sure most of us already knows that. It is stated that corruption is everywhere, from the government itself to law enforcement and even the judiciary. Speaking of which, the judiciary was noted to be slow, inefficient and very much subject to corruption and the government is often accused of intervening in certain matters, again, we all know that and we all know who Carl Singh and a few others really work for.

The report was quite insightful and scathing, a lot of the shortcomings of the present government was highlighted, but they weren’t the only ones, the corrupt, incompetent customs officials also came in for severe criticisms, not to mention our extremely, burdensome 33% tax rate for workers and an even higher 35% for corporations.

Yes people, the government is going to work, they are going to tell us how the report is flawed and contain many errors, they are going to tell us that the country that the report comes from is no better than us, and they are going to tell us how better off we are now than during the 28yrs of PNC rule, they are going to tell us everything that they can think of the dispute the facts of this report, but they are not going to admit that anything written is true or even partly true and they certainly aren’t going to make an effort to correct any of the many wrongs listed.

Watch out people for your working government, coming to you via Guyana Times, Guyana Chronicle, NCN and a few select shows on Channel 65 and 69.

For the full report on Guyana, Check out here