Opinion

James A Bond endorses President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for another term, highlighting achievements in economic growth, infrastructure, and national unity. He praises Ali's leadership in defending Guyana's sovereignty, empowering citizens, and advancing regional food security. Bond urges Guyanese to support Ali's continued progress and leadership.

Jermaine Figueira discusses the implications of Article 32.3 on Guyana's sovereignty, particularly in relation to the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. He questions the enforceability of stabilization clauses that protect foreign investors' economic benefits against legal changes, emphasizing the need to balance these with national sovereignty and constitutional principles.

President Ali's government is addressing Guyana's skills gap through vocational training and scholarships, supporting economic diversification beyond oil. The issuance of work permits increased by 185% in 2024, reflecting economic growth. Initiatives like the GOAL programme and job fairs aim to equip citizens with skills for key sectors, ensuring workforce readiness.

Vishnu Bisram discusses the origins of the 'seven curries' in Guyana, noting it wasn't popular until the 1990s. He contrasts Indian and Indo-Caribbean cuisine, highlighting differences in spice use and preparation methods. Bisram critiques President Ali's comments on food history, emphasizing the historical context of indentured laborers' diets.

Jamil Changlee discusses the refurbishment of Queen's College, emphasizing the importance of a design competition to incorporate traditions and modern safety standards. He highlights the potential for upgrading the music room and stresses the need for a transparent and inclusive process to maintain enthusiasm and cooperation among stakeholders.

H. Persaud expresses regret over switching pension payments from vouchers to direct deposit due to inconsistent fund transfers by NIS and the Ministry of Social Security. The author highlights the lack of a reliable schedule for deposits, leading to delays, as experienced on January 16th.

Kit Nascimento criticizes the Stabroek News Editorial for suggesting the government should renegotiate the 2016 ExxonMobil agreement, arguing it would lead to legal battles and electoral losses. He accuses Christopher Ram of misrepresenting his views and the newspaper of misleading headlines.

Krishna Nand Prasad expresses concern over a missing NIS claim posted on September 24, 2024, via Wales Post Office. He suggests using registered mail for such claims and requests investigations by both the postal service and NIS.

Imtiaz Baccus urges the Minister of Finance to address the lack of pension increases for GuySuCo pensioners. For 5 years, those above the NIS minimum have seen no increase, while the GuySuCo Steps pension scheme has seen no increase for 15 years. A budget adjustment is requested.

The letter criticizes the awarding of contracts by the Guyanese government to unqualified contractors, resulting in substandard work and delays. President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed this issue in a 5AM meeting, reprimanding those responsible. The author praises the President's actions and highlights the competence of certain contractors.

Antonio Dey discusses Venezuela's election of a governor for Guayana Essequiba, urging the Guyanese government to take a proactive stance. He highlights the need for unity and preparedness against Venezuela's actions, citing criticisms from Beverly Alert and the Alliance For Change. Dey emphasizes the importance of international alliances and confronting Venezuela's aggression.

S. James appreciates the pension service for those unable to visit the Post Office but seeks clarity on deposit dates and questions bank service fees. They request the Ministry of Human Services and Ministry of Finance to publish payment schedules and investigate bank charges.

Guyana's economic growth from oil revenues has led to wealth concentration among elites with political ties, while the general populace remains impoverished. The $100,000 cash grant is inadequate against rising living costs. Corruption and inefficiency plague government projects, necessitating governance reforms for equitable wealth distribution and sustainable development.