A political dance seeking credence among Afro-Guyanese - WPA

A political dance seeking credence among Afro-Guyanese – WPA

Aug 22, 2010 News

Jagdeo’s Buxton Visit…

The Working Peoples’ Alliance says that it joins with others in characterising President Jagdeo’s recent visit to Buxton as a political dance aimed at satisfying the Peoples Progressive Party’s quest for respectability and acceptance in the African Guyanese community.
“While we respect the right of political parties to try to win support in all communities, to do so under the guise of giving a helping hand is nothing short of political deceit.”
According to the WPA, the government and party that participated in turning Buxton into a war zone cannot now claim to be a friend.
“The least President Jagdeo should do is apologise to Buxtonians for his government’s role during the period under question. The WPA also feels that it is an insult to the African Guyanese community in general for the government to treat Buxtonians as if they are beggars.”
The WPA says that the constant drumbeat in the state media since last Wednesday gives, “the PPP’s show away…The Chronicle’s depiction of Buxton as new converts to the PPP is in bad taste and it tarnishes the dignity of Buxtonians…The PPP must not be allowed to get away with this act of political gamesmanship.”
The party posits that while it does not wish to take sides in a village dispute over tactics, “but we feel that those Buxtonian activists, who mobilised for and facilitated the President’s visit have done their village a disservice.”
As such, the party fully endorsed the sentiments expressed by two Buxtonians, namely Eusi Kwayana and Dr. David Hinds.
“It is foolhardy to trade dignity for a loaf of bread. It would have helped the organisers’ cause had they consulted the village on what is clearly a controversial issue…Reports from the village indicate that the organisers ignored their own decision to engage the community and opted instead to engage the government… This is a colossal mistake.”
The WPA said that from their longstanding association with Buxton, they know that the majority of villagers do not support accepting government help on their knees or on terms dictated by the President.
“We therefore urge Buxtonians to let their voices be heard on this matter…When you give up your right to determine your own destiny, you give up your birthright.”
The party also called on all, “African Guyanese organisations, leaders and interest groups to condemn this latest assault on the collective African Guyanese psyche…Today it’s Buxton, tomorrow its Den Amstel and Ann’s Grove and Queenstown.”
The party is adamant that it will stand with the Buxtonians, “who reject this political invasion from outside and political betrayal from inside…We also stand in solidarity with Dr. David Hinds who has come under intense fire for his stand against the hijack of his village for narrow political purposes.

*************************

Alliance for 2011 elections is PNCR priority

…Presidential Candidate not as urgent – Corbin

Leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform, Robert Corbin says that identifying a Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General Elections is not as urgent as forging the alliance that is necessary for the upcoming General Elections.
Corbin said that should this objective not be achieved, the party still has a team in place to address the identification of leaders should the party have to go at it alone.
Corbin did stress that the Joint Opposition Parties are currently actively engaging several groups and various other bodies in seeking to form a strong alliance.
The Opposition Leader pointed out that there was still time, adding that there are still many things to be addressed such as the final list of registrants on the part of GECOM.

Robert Corbin

He said that while there is a constitutional deadline with some amount of flexibility, the party does not expect a surprise announcement as it relates to elections, adding that final plans for the party and its approach to the elections will be known by Nomination Day.
The party in its most recent press briefing had stated that recent reports, emanating from GECOM, suggest that the PPP/C Administration is already frustrating the work of that body, making it impossible for their proposed programme to be implemented within the timelines mandated by the Constitution.
According to the party, it is known that the law requires that the National Register of Registrants (NRR) be updated before the General and Regional Elections of 2011 to facilitate those who have not yet registered and to enable those newly qualified voters to register.
The project document produced by GECOM, had identified the commencement date for this exercise as the first week of September 2010.
“Arrangements were already made to rent offices and appoint staff so that this exercise could begin in a timely manner…The PNCR has learnt, however, that the PPP/C Administration has so far refused to make the necessary funds available for GECOM to commence its work…This is a dangerous development and the motives of the Office of the President must be suspect.”
Party Member Lurlene Nestor on Friday last, called on the, “Jagdeo Administration to provide an adequate explanation to the people of Guyana. The PNCR will remain vigilant and will expose every manoeuvre of the Jadgeo Administration to undermine the Constitution…The PNCR also calls on GECOM to make a Statement to stakeholders on this matter…The PNCR has written to the Chairman of GECOM on this matter and looks forward to a prompt response.”

*************************

Mining Week 2010 kicks off
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission will be launching a week long list of activities, commencing with a Mining walk to kick off their 2010 Mining Week celebration. The week will officially commence later this evening with a reception and cocktail at the Regency Hotel. At that event, “The Illustrated History of the Pork-Knocker” will be launched. This is a book produced by Barrington Braithwaite.
The week of activities will then continue with a mining exhibition at the Girl’s Guide Ground and at the Square of the Revolution. The exhibition will run from Monday to Thursday and will be open to the public from 8:00 hours to 20:00 hours.
Throughout the exhibition, several high-powered earth moving equipment will be on display from major companies including, MACORP and AINLIM. Also on display and demonstration will be mining processing equipment, in keeping with the mercury abatement programme. This programme is aimed at introducing types of processing equipment which will help eliminate the use of mercury.
The highlight of the Mining Week activities will be on Saturday, with the GGMC’s 10th annual Pork-knockers Day celebration. That event will be held at the Bartica Golden Beach Pavilion and the day’s event will see numerous competitions. These include tacoba race, jigging competition, batelling competition among others.
GGMC will also be launching two commemorative stamps featuring two pork-knockers Cyrilda De Jesus and Dick Manning.