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January 2, 2020

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Guyana is expected be featured tomorrow morning on US television network NBC’s Today show when a contributing editor of the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine is slated to appear to discuss some of the magazine’s selected destinations.

Guyana will be among the destinations discussed on the show, which will air 8 am Guyana time, when Mark Ellwood, who is a regular guest on the show to discuss travel destinations, makes his appearance.

Last month the global travel magazine listed Guyana as one of its suggested 20 destinations to visit this year. At that time the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) welcomed the exposure that the oil and gas sector will bring.

“There are 196 countries in the world and there are numerous destinations globally. For one of the largest international travel magazines to list us is a great honour and the exposure is great for this country,” Nicola Balram, Senior Officer of Marketing at the GTA, had told Stabroek News.

“The oil and gas sector sheds a light on Guyana that hasn’t been shed before and we would also expect it to contribute to increasing numbers,” she had added.

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ksazma posted:

Hopefully NBC warns their viewers that they should travel at their own peril. Guyana is a dangerous place and I wouldn't encourage anyone to go there.

There is crime, but that's different from being under embargo!

Baseman
ksazma posted:

Hopefully NBC warns their viewers that they should travel at their own peril. Guyana is a dangerous place and I wouldn't encourage anyone to go there.

Guyana is not ready for tourism.  Outside of crime, everything is disorganized and inefficient.  You go to Pegasus for dinner, you have to wait a minimum of an hour for your food after the kitchen reports that your first two orders are no longer available.  Badal is operating a piece of crap there.

Bibi Haniffa

There are many people in Guyana who live better than overseas Guyanese. There are huge mansions with servants and range rovers in their driveway.  In many instances the income doesn’t match the lifestyle. The fresh food and easy breezy lifestyle is very relaxing.

Bibi Haniffa
Bibi Haniffa posted:

There are many people in Guyana who live better than overseas Guyanese. There are huge mansions with servants and range rovers in their driveway.  In many instances the income doesn’t match the lifestyle. The fresh food and easy breezy lifestyle is very relaxing.

True. But they are always looking over their backs. Even the ones who have lots are constantly involved in conniving activities to maintain their edge. I know one who came over here last week and dropped about 40 US grands on their old years night outing but I still don’t want to be that person when they are back in Guyana. We may live poor here but our quality of life is much better. We are not all like Ray who is always chasing the green. 😀

FM

So NBC was spreading fake news on that clip. The fool Roker said that the waterfalls used in the movie UP was the Kaieteur Falls. Everything else they said was also incorrect. Guyana is an unsafe dump and they should have said so. The fool said that one spending $200 bucks per night in a hotel is affordable. Well yes. But not for the dumps that Guyana has. Fake news all around. 

And oil isn't going to change that. 

FM

I agree it’s fake.  Where does Guyana have beaches?  Maybe he referring to Marriott artificial beach?  And what’s with the Chinese food?  Didn’t know was that word class.  And 200/night?  He never said, don’t venture out at night.

He advertised a Guyana that does not exist.

Baseman
Last edited by Baseman
Baseman posted:

I agree it’s fake.  Where does Guyana have beaches?  Maybe he referring to Marriott artificial beach?  And what’s with the Chinese food?  Didn’t know was that word class.  And 200/night?  He never said, don’t venture out at night.

He advertised a Guyana that does not exist.

In Guyana, the dog shit sits next to the karahi in those Chinese restaurants so maybe he likes dog shit with his Chinese food. Chinese restaurants have the worst sanitary record in America where there are constant and vigilant restaurant inspections. Who exactly is doing those inspections in Guyana? Is it the same person who leaves the restaurant with a brown paper bag but refuse all free take-outs? 

Can't believe Ray got so excited. Ray is prone to romanticism when it comes to Guyana. A place where more than half of its citizens have preferred someplace else and most of its current inhabiters are hoping for a way out.

FM
Baseman posted:

I agree it’s fake.  Where does Guyana have beaches?  Maybe he referring to Marriott artificial beach?  And what’s with the Chinese food?  Didn’t know was that word class.  And 200/night?  He never said, don’t venture out at night.

He advertised a Guyana that does not exist.

 

Here you go !!!!

Django

While the clip was somewhat incorrect there is some little known truth. Shell beach is very beautiful. Saxacalli resort has a beautiful beach also. And it’s easily accessible from Parika which is about a one hour drive from Georgetown.  The eco tours in the interior are breathtaking. Surama in the Rupununi has waterfalls you can wade through.  Aruwai Resort has a beautiful beach.  My cousin owns Mainstay Resort, you get great food, and water sports there.

The government needs to invest more in tourism and advertise the industry.  You can book these tours through Old Fort Tours.

Bibi Haniffa
Last edited by Bibi Haniffa

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Baseman
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django

I see Ramjat was hitting out at PPP for the VAT and them poor supporters jumping for joy, but the SOB didn’t tell the crowd he cast his vote in support of the same VAT when he was a MP under PPP government. 

 

FM
Django posted:
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django, did they actually did a lot or did they continue the progress from PPP. 

Just name 5 New project started by APNU. It must not have PPP foot print. 

FM
Dave posted:

I see Ramjat was hitting out at PPP for the VAT and them poor supporters jumping for joy, but the SOB didn’t tell the crowd he cast his vote in support of the same VAT when he was a MP under PPP government.

Politics bhai..politics !!!

Django
Django posted:
Dave posted:

I see Ramjat was hitting out at PPP for the VAT and them poor supporters jumping for joy, but the SOB didn’t tell the crowd he cast his vote in support of the same VAT when he was a MP under PPP government.

Politics bhai..politics !!!

Did Ramjattan shed that politics tendency after he left the PPP?

FM

Setting the record straight: What the APNU/AFC really inherited from the PPP/C in 2015

Dear Editor,
During the TV programme Square Talk, televised on Monday, August 26, 2019, an obviously irate caller, annoyed with the host, Kwame Mc Coy, for saying that the Granger Administration had done nothing constructive for Guyana since taking office, asked “What did the APNU inherit from the PPP?” This loaded question was meant to justify the non-performance of the Granger Administration by insinuating there wasn’t much they could have done with a “bankrupt” economy.
Sadly, this caller was one of the many mindless PNC/APNU apologists who are unwilling to think for themselves, and prefer to repeat the mantra started by the caretaker President himself when he announced in the National Assembly that his Government inherited a “depressed economy” from the PPP/C in 2015. As we approach another national and regional election, it is, therefore, necessary to once again set the record straight by reminding everyone what the Guyana economy was like when the PPP/C demitted office, and why the PPP/C is the best choice, the most experienced, the most knowledgable with the best leadership to rebuild this economy when this caretaker President and his minions are through depleting the treasury.
In 1992, the Guyana economy was bankrupted. The then Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, can testify to this. The country’s infrastructure was in a state of disrepair. Schools and hospital buildings were dilapidated and unfunded. Basic food items and pharmaceuticals were in short supply. And foreign currency was unavailable for the importation of vehicles, equipment, spare parts or anything else. 153 per cent of the country’s revenue was used to service foreign debt. In May 2015, this was reduced to just 5 per cent. The road to economic recovery came with a heavy price tag and lots of sacrifices. Over its 23 years in Government, the PPP/C paid off US$3 billion in external debts that the PNC had accumulated during its 28 years in Government. It took prudent management of our resources by successive PPP/C Administrations to rebuild Guyana to the robust economy David Granger inherited in 2015, and it was done without waiting for oil revenue.
From 2006 to 2014, the Guyana economy was the fastest growing in the region with a continuous positive growth rate of 4.5 per cent per annum. This was also the longest period of uninterrupted economic growth in the history of independent Guyana. By contrast, due mainly to poor management and excessive spending, this growth rate declined to 3.1 per cent in 2015; 3.4 per cent in 2016; 2.1 per cent in 2017 and 3.4 per cent in 2018. (https://countryeconomy.com/gdp/guyana). In 2014, the last full year of the PPP/C in office, Guyana’s total international reserves were US$668 million. By March of last year, that amount fell to US$518.5 million. At the end of 2014, gold reserves in the Bank of Guyana totalled $25 billion. In June 2018 this amount was reduced to $3.1 billion, and today, this has further dwindled to a disturbingly low $589 million.
In 2014, the last year that the PPP produced a budget, the total tax take by the GRA was $135 billion. Since 2015, the Granger Administration has introduced over 200 new tax measures on the backs of ordinary Guyanese, raking in $223 billion in taxes, that’s $88 billion more in tax revenue on an annual basis. At the end of 2014, the total assets held at commercial banks were $421.8 billion. Commercial banks were therefore in a position to provide substantial credit to the Private Sector. Interest rates in 1992 were 35 per cent. By the end of 2014, Interest rates had reduced to 10.8 per cent, much more favourable to those borrowing. At the same time, our exchange rate was very stable. It was $206 to US$1.00 in 2014, compared to $216 to US$1 today. In addition, the APNU/AFC coalition borrowed over US$900 million, US$600 million of which was funded by the local banking system, adding to the national debt and making it difficult for ordinary citizens and the Private Sector to borrow money from commercial banks.
These figures, however, do not tell the whole story. The strides by the PPP/C were made in a very hostile environment by the then political Opposition, the APNU/AFC. One must recall the riots and destruction by fire after the 1992, 1997 and 2001 elections when businesses suffered millions of dollars in damage. These were clear attempts to destabilise our country.
And we must not forget that the last three years of the PPP/C Government were even more difficult. The APNU and the AFC displayed their total anti-developmental and anti-national side. They used their combined one-seat majority to block every developmental project including the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project and the Specialty Hospital Project. They voted against paying Government workers, voted to cut the capital budget of the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. They voted against money to help the sugar industry to restructure and mechanise more of its operations in the field and factory, just to name a few. The achievements were made in very unfavourable international circumstances as well. One may recall the destructive financial and economic crisis that gripped the world at the beginning of 2008 and lasted until 2012. That crisis affected our entire region, including our major trading partners. But impressive as the PPP/C Government was in the economic sphere, it was not all they managed to achieve. The PPP/C had secured US$250 million under the Guyana/Norway partnership on climate financing. Of this, US$190 million was already earned and only US$40 million disbursed to projects at the end of 2014. The APNU regime, therefore, had a lot of money to spend. More than US$500 million of resources were already secured to finance developmental projects. These included US$30 million for China Exim Bank to construct a new airport; US$66.2 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund a road network upgrade and expansion project; US$64.6 million from the IDB and EU to fund a power utility upgrade programme; US$50 million from the India Exim Bank to fund the East Coast to East Bank bypass road; US$34.4 million from the Caribbean Development Bank to fund the West Coast Demerara highway upgrade project; US$31.7 million from the IDB and EU to fund a water and sanitation infrastructure improvement project; US$15 million from IDB for a new Citizens Security project; US$12 million from the World Bank for a Flood Risk Management project; US$10 million from the World Bank for a new Secondary Education Improvement project; US$10 million from the World Bank for the University of Guyana’s Science and Technology Support project; US$7.5 million from the Caribbean Development Bank to fund a sugar industry mechanisation project; and a firm commitment from the Indian Government to help in the re-capitalisation of the sugar industry.
The above projects and figures were sourced from several credible online financial institutions including the Bank of Guyana and the World Bank. Former President Donald Ramotar also contributed and alluded to most of these facts in a letter, “Under the PPP/C, Guyana had the fastest growing economy in the region”.
Apart from the dynamic investments above, the PPP/Civic Government had secured not just growing local private investments, but some important foreign direct investments into our economy, many of which are now contributing in driving our economy. The following are some of these investments that came into commercial operation at the end of the PPP/C Administration, or shortly thereafter: Major oil and gas exploration activities, these included Exxon/Esso, Repsol and CGX; three major gold mines were ready to commence commercial operations, namely, Guyana Gold Fields Ltd/AGM, ETK/Sandsprings and Troy Resources. Mining of other minerals including Reunion Manganese and First Bauxite; a large scale agricultural project in the Rupununi – Santa Fe farms; two large information and communications technology investments – Qualfon and Teleperformance. The performance of the PPP/C Government, therefore, generated great confidence in both local and foreign investors. The above is a snapshot of the robust economy that the PPP/Civic left. Our economy was clearly strong and growing fast despite the Opposition and any challenges it encountered.
The APNU regime took over at a time when Guyana was leading the rest of the region. This regime had a very sound foundation on which to build upon. They screwed up big time.

Sincerely,
Harry Gill
PPP/C Member of Parliament

FM
Dave posted:
Django posted:
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django, did they actually did a lot or did they continue the progress from PPP. 

Just name 5 New project started by APNU. It must not have PPP foot print. 

There are new bridges ,road in Region 1 ,road in Madhia ,Rupununi ,new buildings ,Internet hubs ,radio stations ,roads ,electricity in region 10. New Road other infrastructure in region 6. Saw my cousin husband in an interview at the campaign launch ,said they build road for people to reach their farms in  their village ,region 3 , he is big in to cash crop farming.

Django
ksazma posted:

One has to be a real knucklehead to think that any progress was made since the Coalition got into government. But expecting better from PNC supporters is foolhardy.

You don't check on any thing about Guyana , all you doing is moaning and groaning , black people can't build or manage nothing.

Is it not so ?

Django
ksazma posted:

Better to advise tourists to visit Florida west coast. The beaches are second to none, the food is exceptional and safety is never a concern. Ask TK.

Guyana has better food.  Organic and very tasty.  On Christmas morning I had freshly baked bread with pepperpot, garlic pork, sponge cake, black cake, mangoes, sapodilla, papaya, breadfruit chips, ginger beer, and coffee for breakfast.

Bibi Haniffa
ksazma posted:

Better to advise tourists to visit Florida west coast. The beaches are second to none, the food is exceptional and safety is never a concern. Ask TK.

Can’t agree with you more. 
Guyana has beautiful toursim, but you have to be on guard to explore these natural beauty. Your security details must be something similar to visiting Bhagdad. And it’s costly visiting Guyana for these tourist attraction. Them resort charging you Rass in US$ and you can get twice the food and beverages if you are visiting Cuba, Mexico or Florida. 

No kidding guys. The vehicle infront and behind us are fully armed. For this reason, the females don’t wanna go and don’t send their children. 

 

FM
Dave posted:
Django posted:
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django, did they actually did a lot or did they continue the progress from PPP. 

Just name 5 New project started by APNU. It must not have PPP foot print. 

That's a hard question off hand, he has to get reply from Congress Place.

K
Django posted:
ksazma posted:

One has to be a real knucklehead to think that any progress was made since the Coalition got into government. But expecting better from PNC supporters is foolhardy.

You don't check on any thing about Guyana , all you doing is moaning and groaning , black people can't build or manage nothing.

Is it not so ?

Django, what about the hungry sugar workers who are moaning and groaning? They can't afford to buy clothes, books, shoes, pencils and provide lunch for their kids. Is this PNC progress? Are these black people progress...exterminating the coolies?

FM
kp posted:
Dave posted:
Django posted:
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django, did they actually did a lot or did they continue the progress from PPP. 

Just name 5 New project started by APNU. It must not have PPP foot print. 

That's a hard question off hand, he has to get reply from Congress Place.

Did you read my reply ??

Django
Django posted:

Dave ,Harry Gill says what he wants ,it all politics.

Are you saying the figures and achievements he posted is incorrect Django. The best way to dispute this is to rebut what he said with facts... don’t you think. 

FM
skeldon_man posted:
Django posted:
ksazma posted:

One has to be a real knucklehead to think that any progress was made since the Coalition got into government. But expecting better from PNC supporters is foolhardy.

You don't check on any thing about Guyana , all you doing is moaning and groaning , black people can't build or manage nothing.

Is it not so ?

Django, what about the hungry sugar workers who are moaning and groaning? They can't afford to buy clothes, books, shoes, pencils and provide lunch for their kids. Is this PNC progress? Are these black people progress...exterminating the coolies?

Banna don't joke , the sugar estates need workers , they have vacancies.

Django
Dave posted:
Django posted:

Dave ,Harry Gill says what he wants ,it all politics.

Are you saying the figures and achievements he posted is incorrect Django. The best way to dispute this is to rebut what he said with facts... don’t you think. 

Banna i can do that any time with real facts ,most of the times they make up a lot of stuff.

By the way instead of buying in to all ,try to find out for yourself.

That's the way i peruse subject matters , i don't believe everything politicians says.

Django
Last edited by Django
Django posted:
skeldon_man posted:
Django posted:
ksazma posted:

One has to be a real knucklehead to think that any progress was made since the Coalition got into government. But expecting better from PNC supporters is foolhardy.

You don't check on any thing about Guyana , all you doing is moaning and groaning , black people can't build or manage nothing.

Is it not so ?

Django, what about the hungry sugar workers who are moaning and groaning? They can't afford to buy clothes, books, shoes, pencils and provide lunch for their kids. Is this PNC progress? Are these black people progress...exterminating the coolies?

Banna don't joke , the sugar estates need workers , they have vacancies.

Not where they closed the factories. Are you saying all the workers from the closed factories should pack up and leave for the 4 open estates? Would there still be vacancies if this happens or they have to run back to their homes?

FM
Django posted:
Dave posted:
Django posted:

Dave ,Harry Gill says what he wants ,it all politics.

Are you saying the figures and achievements he posted is incorrect Django. The best way to dispute this is to rebut what he said with facts... don’t you think. 

Banna i can do that any time with real facts ,most of the times they make up a lot of stuff.

Well do so nah man. If you can show Harry Gill is lying it will be a Justice to APNU/ AFC . 
Please put your words into action. 

FM
Django posted:
Dave posted:
Django posted:
Baseman posted:

I agree, there is more than GT and ECD.  And we forget how much development and progress happened under the PPP.

I hope progress continues after March 2 when the PPP is returned to office.

Looks tough !!!

The coalition government did a lot in four years, more focus was in the interior regions, didn't want to highlight here.

Django, did they actually did a lot or did they continue the progress from PPP. 

Just name 5 New project started by APNU. It must not have PPP foot print. 

There are new bridges ,road in Region 1 ,road in Madhia ,Rupununi ,new buildings ,Internet hubs ,radio stations ,roads ,electricity in region 10. New Road other infrastructure in region 6. Saw my cousin husband in an interview at the campaign launch ,said they build road for people to reach their farms in  their village ,region 3 , he is big in to cash crop farming.

I have to run, but will do some research on this and reply back later . 

In the meanwhile, ask your cousin husband if the road is all purpose and let him send you wan pic and ting . 

FM
Dave posted:
Django posted:
Dave posted:
Django posted:

Dave ,Harry Gill says what he wants ,it all politics.

Are you saying the figures and achievements he posted is incorrect Django. The best way to dispute this is to rebut what he said with facts... don’t you think. 

Banna i can do that any time with real facts ,most of the times they make up a lot of stuff.

Well do so nah man. If you can show Harry Gill is lying it will be a Justice to APNU/ AFC . 
Please put your words into action. 

I leave the likes of Harry Gill to preach , they have their audience, most Guyanese know better .I don't have to represent any political party.

 

Over its 23 years in Government, the PPP/C paid off US$3 billion in external debts that the PNC had accumulated during its 28 years in Government.

 

For starters , the highlighted is BIG FAT LIE.

Django
Last edited by Django

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