Opinion

The letter argues against aggressive renegotiation of the 2016 PSA with ExxonMobil, citing historical failures and emphasizing legal sufficiency over perceived fairness. It suggests optimizing current agreements through enforcement, reinvestment, and capacity building, warning against economic risks of coercive renegotiation. Strategic pragmatism and responsible governance are advocated for Guyana's economic future.

HB Singh praises Guyana's counter-trafficking efforts, highlighting the C-TIP Department's initiatives and Minister Vindhya Persaud's role. Singh emphasizes the importance of awareness, victim support, and community feedback in combating trafficking. He also references global efforts like the UN TIP Protocol and stresses the need for vigilance against trafficking triggers.

Deodatt Singh criticizes Vishnu Bisram's claims about political support in Guyana, questioning the validity of his polls and findings. Singh challenges Bisram to provide evidence for his statements and to disclose details about his polling organization, NACTA. Singh argues that Bisram's conclusions are obvious and unsupported by actual data.

The author reflects on reaching the age of 75, reminiscing about the year 1950 and the progress made since then. They discuss the challenges faced and the resilience shown by people in striving for progress and maintaining principles despite adversities.

Christopher Ram addresses responses to his columns on oil agreements, criticizing PNCR's lack of coherent policy and Mr. Datadin's legal misinterpretations. He highlights Mr. Nascimento's political bias and stresses the financial stakes for Guyana in renegotiating oil terms, advocating for leadership that prioritizes citizens' interests.

The letter questions the legality of business contracts overriding Guyana's constitutional tax laws, highlighting tax unfairness. It discusses the insufficient oil revenue to cover government expenditures and the need for renegotiating the 2016 Petroleum Sharing Agreement to align with constitutional laws. Extraordinary costs and indirect impacts are also noted.

The author expresses concern over the elderly waiting in lines for cash grants. She suggests a better-coordinated system, like the Flood relief registration, to reduce stress and health risks for pensioners. The government is encouraged to learn from this for future improvements.

Devin Sears expresses concern over delays in school repairs in Guyana, criticizing the PPP government for inadequate planning. He urges the Ministry of Education to take action to ensure timely school reopening. Sears stands with affected communities, advocating for investment in education for Guyana's development.

GHK Lall criticizes the chaotic distribution of cash grants in Guyana, highlighting inefficiencies and unfulfilled promises by government officials. Despite initial assurances, many pensioners remain unpaid. The author questions the government's transparency and suggests the mishandling may influence future voting behaviors.

The letter warns that current political maneuvers in Guyana threaten democracy, drawing parallels to past fascism. Economic inequality and debt are highlighted as precursors to potential authoritarianism. The author criticizes leaders like Jagdeo and Ali for policies that may undermine democratic freedoms.

Susan Collymore highlights issues faced by pensioners and public hospital patients, including disrespectful treatment, lack of access to pension books, and inadequate healthcare facilities. Despite the country's wealth, public services lag behind, leaving vulnerable populations struggling. The letter questions the government's priorities in development projects.

Sherwood Lowe defends the PNCR against Christopher Ram's criticisms regarding their stance on oil contract renegotiation. Lowe argues that the PNCR has a clear position on renegotiation, as outlined in their 20-point statement. He suggests that the opposition's promise to renegotiate if elected is a more effective strategy than current calls for action.

GECOM's decision-making is hindered by absenteeism and voting patterns. A proposal to avoid recess was defeated, and a meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum. This has delayed discussions on enhanced biometrics for the 2025 elections, with nonchalance and obstruction affecting progress.

The letter supports Dr. Vishnu Bisram's nomination for the Pravasi Bharat Samman Award, highlighting his contributions to democracy, human rights, and cultural promotion in Guyana and the diaspora. Dr. Bisram's extensive writings and charitable activities have greatly benefited the Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean communities, making him a deserving candidate for this honor.

The letter criticizes GECOM's history of election rigging under various governments, highlighting recent issues with biased appointments under the PPP government. The author argues for depoliticizing GECOM to ensure fair elections, questioning the integrity of current leadership and the potential for future manipulation.

Jamil Changlee questions why the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act hasn't been applied to investigate the Exxon contract. He cites issues with the contract signing bonus and GRA audit results, urging a U.S. investigation. He also calls for a referendum in Guyana on contract renegotiation, emphasizing its importance for the 2025 elections.

The letter discusses the historical practice of distributing hampers by Guyana's PNC, estimating their present-day value considering inflation. It compares this with modern cash grants, highlighting a shift from goods to financial aid, reflecting changes in socio-economic policy and addressing poverty through different methods.

Alfred Bhulai discusses the early shutdown of streetlights on the Schoonord to Crane highway, suggesting adjustments based on sunrise times. He also comments on the Berbice Bridge's outdated schedule and proposes using the 'Vacancies' webpage for employment opportunities to improve public communication.

Sean Ori discusses the lack of dialogue between the President and the Opposition Leader in Guyana, attributing it to political issues. He urges the President to initiate dialogue, especially with elections approaching in 2025, and calls for a transformational government that moves beyond past conflicts.