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Ministry of the Presidency calls for an immediate retraction of misleading Guyana Times headline

<dl class="article-info muted"><dd class="published">Published: 28 December 2015</dd></dl>

Georgetown, Guyana – (December 28, 2015) The Government of Guyana refutes the deliberately misleading headline of an article, which was carried in the Monday, December 28, 2015 edition of the Guyana Times. The headline, which was at odds with the actual content of the article published in that newspaper, states "No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger."

Nowhere in the content of the article, nor in the source of the content, which was a recording of 'The Public Interest' aired on December 25 on the National Communications Network, does President Granger say or imply that there is no evidence of corruption against the People's Progressive Party/Civic. The Ministry of the Presidency would like to categorically state that the headline has no basis in fact and was clearly designed to mislead the readers of that publication and calls for an immediate retraction.

During the recording of 'The Public Interest', responding to a question posed by Mr. Mondale Smith, a Journalist from Kaieteur News; "...will there ever come a time when people will be held accountable in the true sense of accountability for the things or the atrocities of the past, as it relates to especially to our finances?" The President said that there is a need for evidence to be first established before criminal charges and prosecution can follow.

This is the verbatim response provided by the President: "The answer is yes. There is a difference between anecdote and evidence. There is a difference between speculation and surmise and actually providing proof and sometimes people make allegations and you ask them for the evidence and there is no evidence to prove; that is why we have a Court system that is why we have a criminal justice system. If people were assumed to be guilty, simply because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, the country will be in chaos. So over the months since the new administration has been in office, we have been conducting some inquiries, some investigations, some audits and when there is sufficient evidence, which we feel establishes the blame-worthiness of the persons concerned, we will go to the Courts. In some instances, some people have been sent on leave to permit investigations to take place, but you can only go to the Court when you have evidence. We can't go to the Courts and say, 'look there is a letter to the Editor alleging that you did so and so'. We've got to get proof."

As a follow-up to the first question, Mr. Smith then posed the question, "So your message to those who are a bit antsy as a result of all of those supposed exposÉ in the media quoting your Ministers of course, would be what exactly?"

The President responded saying: "When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evidence is not there for us to see so we have to find out and that is what has been taking place. In the meantime, we have work to do. We have to run the country. We can't spend all the time simply investigating, we've got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs. We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of governance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past. We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made complaints. Now we've got to provide the evidence."

The Ministry of the Presidency condemns this misleading headline, particularly since it purports to be comments of the President of Guyana. It is irresponsible and mischievous and the Government of Guyana calls for a retraction.

While the Government of Guyana promotes and stands solidly in support of press freedom, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Guyana Times to pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of Journalism. Importantly, the media must take seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

banna, is a waste of time requesting a retraction

the panty-wearing PPP thread starters on GNI needed some oxygen, so barat & wifey obliged

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Guyana Times has a political ax to grind, being a pro-PPP newspaper. Nothing is wrong with that. 

What is wrong is when Guyana Times resorts to distortion, misrepresentation and even outright fabrication and passes it on as facts.

The government is in order in condemning the GT report on President Granger's interview.

FM

Guyana Phoeeey Lies Times is not safe even for a bird cage tarass. That think toxic,dam!

Everyday day they print shyte and these guys take it as PROOF.

Da Prez, taking his time to provide PROOF in the tiefin by some ministers in the past Govt and when he come down, BADDAMMMM!!! all ah yall gonna start cring out.." all yall coolie man run away from Guyanaaaaa..WE time done, Blackman time deh hay.

Oh Pleeeeezzzzeeee Venezuelaaaaa, come tek we over"

cain

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

Bibi Haniffa
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

You are a jackass!

Mitwah
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

You are a jackass!

damn Mitwah, u beat me to it

FM
Last edited by Former Member
redux posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

You are a jackass!

damn Mitwah, u beat me to it

Haha.  Two jackassses braying at the same time!!!!!!!!

Bibi Haniffa
Bibi Haniffa posted:

. . . Granger's words are in quotation marks.  And don't ask me what are quotation marks now!!!!

if he is quoted correctly then, . . . why do u admit that the headline is "misleading"?

ever watch a jackass, member hanging, prancing around in a dress?

look in the mirror

FM

"The President responded saying: "When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evidence is not there for us to see so we have to find out and that is what has been taking place. In the meantime, we have work to do. We have to run the country. We can't spend all the time simply investigating, we've got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs. We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of governance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past. We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made complaints. Now we've got to provide the evidence."

cain
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

if he (Granger) is "quoted" correctly then, . . . why do u admit that the headline is "misleading"?

ever watch a jackass, member hanging, prancing around in a dress?

look in the mirror

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

Darn, and you still don't get it. Some people are just stupidy beyond help. 

Mars
redux posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

if he (Granger) is "quoted" correctly then, . . . why do u admit that the headline is "misleading"?

ever watch a jackass, member hanging, prancing around in a dress?

look in the mirror

I take the statement to mean that the President is saying that the government will prosecute when the evidence is found, and that they are still looking for evidence of corruption (some may call this witch-hunting if no such evidence is found).

On the question of the GT, here is my take on this. The GT is aligned with Jagdeo and the PPP. However, it is the only so called "opposition" paper which is holding the government's feet to the fire. The Chronicle (which should be privatized) and the KN are generally pro-government mouthpieces. Guyana needs a more independent paper, like the SN. If the people at GT have any sense, they should create a paper that is more independent. This will make the paper more appealing to more Guyanese, not to mention boosting sales. From what I hear, the GT is increasing its circulation circulation in Guyana and abroad...probably because of issues like this one. I often pick it up in the Richmond Hill area in many stores on Sundays. 

V
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Panditji it's not my fault that you can't read and understand basic English.  Here is a hint.  Granger's words are in quotation marks.  And don't ask me what are quotation marks now!!!!

You are a bigger jackass than I thought.

Mitwah
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mitwah
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

V
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

Like you the hots for the Shimsta....

Mitwah
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

suh VishMahabir, where exactly is Mitwah "plagiarizing" me?

careful with dem seductive somethings sounding nice that u cannot document, arite?

FM
Mitwah posted:
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

Like you the hots for the Shimsta....

You lost me banna, whats a Shimsta? Is that like one of them yiddish cuss word Donald Trump would use? 

V
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

suh VishMahabir, where exactly is Mitwah "plagiarizing" me?

careful with dem seductive somethings sounding nice that u cannot document, arite?

The dirty language ..I think its more like warria's style that yours.

V
VishMahabir posted:
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

suh VishMahabir, where exactly is Mitwah "plagiarizing" me?

careful with dem seductive somethings sounding nice that u cannot document, arite?

The dirty language ..I think its more like warria's style that yours.

so why use my name . . . am i occupying prime space in your head?

FM

Tell the Ministry to Haul their Ass. Granger is proving to be a dunce and when he is caught goofing up, they are attempting to suppress and intimidate free speech.

These dunces in the AFC must not be allowed to mess with free speech.

AFC/PNC are a bunch of idiots.

Indos must boycott KN and support GuyanaTimes. Support a paper which protects Indos and Boycott KN which support a racist PNC.

Hit them in the pocketbooks where it hurts. 

Bring it on !

FM
Last edited by Former Member
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

suh VishMahabir, where exactly is Mitwah "plagiarizing" me?

careful with dem seductive somethings sounding nice that u cannot document, arite?

The dirty language ..I think its more like warria's style that yours.

so why use my name . . . am i occupying prime space in your head?

Because you rass stoopidy like warria.

V
VishMahabir posted:
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
redux posted:
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:
Bibi Haniffa posted:

The proof is in the pudding Bubba.  The proof is in the pudding.  And I know it's Christmas season so don't think I am talking about black pudding!

I wonder how far up your poop chute you got your head to come up with this shit.

Mits...like you plagiarizing comments from Redux and Warria, eh?

This sounds like something warria would say.

By the way, did you complain when another newspaper distort the Jagdeo event at Success recently??

suh VishMahabir, where exactly is Mitwah "plagiarizing" me?

careful with dem seductive somethings sounding nice that u cannot document, arite?

The dirty language ..I think its more like warria's style that yours.

so why use my name . . . am i occupying prime space in your head?

Because you rass stoopidy like warria.

so i am occupying prime space in your head . . . good

FM
yuji22 posted:

 

Indos must boycott KN and support GuyanaTimes. Support a paper which protects Indos and Boycott KN which support a racist PNC.

Hit them in the pocketbooks where it hurts. 

Bring it on !

Bring it on? If "racist PNC" supporters retaliate by boycotting Indo businesses, you all won't be able to hold fat bank accounts. Black people like to spend and circulate money, most of which end up in the pockets of Indian farmers, gardeners, fishermen, shopkeepers etc. 

FM
Gilbakka posted:
yuji22 posted:

 

Indos must boycott KN and support GuyanaTimes. Support a paper which protects Indos and Boycott KN which support a racist PNC.

Hit them in the pocketbooks where it hurts. 

Bring it on !

Bring it on? If "racist PNC" supporters retaliate by boycotting Indo businesses, you all won't be able to hold fat bank accounts. Black people like to spend and circulate money, most of which end up in the pockets of Indian farmers, gardeners, fishermen, shopkeepers etc. 

I repeat, Hit KN where it hurts. Indos must boycott the KN which is supporting racism against Indos and is not speaking out against victimization of Indos.

Hit them where it hurts.  It has started to take effect. Indos can bankrupt KN is they boycott it for six months.

Indos produce good which are vital, there is always a ready market for them.

Boycott KN ! 

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Emails, recorded telephone conversation expose…Jagdeo/Nandlall/Sattaur plot to kill staff and shutdown K/News

October 4, 2014 | By | Filed Under Heist of Guyana, News 

September 21, 2014

Jagdeo/Sattaur plot to destroy Kaieteur News unearthed

Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, is in possession of incontrovertible evidence of a plot by former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, to bring down Kaieteur News.
Confidential documentation, leaked to this publication, reveals that the Commissioner-General provided the former President with detailed tax information of a number of independent media houses in Guyana.tax - a a
The disclosure of the information by GRA’s Commissioner-General to Jagdeo, represents a grave breach of the ‘Oath of Secrecy’ sworn to by Sattaur as an officer of the Guyana Revenue Authority, said one lawyer.
In taking the Oath, Sattaur solemnly declared that he would “truly, faithfully, impartially and honestly execute the powers vested in him.”
He also swore that he would “judge and determine upon all matters and things before him without fear, affection, or malice”.
And he swore, too, not to disclose any tax information concerning any taxpayer, but this has not been the case.
Both Jagdeo and Sattaur are fully aware of the impropriety of their action and as such Sattaur even acknowledged, in the documents, that Jagdeo is expected to treat the information with confidence, said the lawyer.
The documents would lift the lid off a few Government officials who have been insisting that all is right in Guyana and democracy is very much alive, he added.
Both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have been on the receiving end of Government’s anger over critical issues like corruption, value for money on projects, and local government elections.
This publication is of the firm view that former President Jagdeo is not entitled to receive financial or tax information of any taxpayer, let alone a private citizen, as it would be highly improper, and clearly a breach of regulations.
The information received revealed that Jagdeo advised Sattaur on “an impending major audit of the Kaieteur News” as a public ploy to defend the GRA and Sattaur against criticisms by the Kaieteur News.
There is strong indication, according to the documents seen by Kaieteur News, that the plot between Sattaur and Jagdeo was hatched after a news report a few weeks ago raised questions over the employment of three children of the Commissioner-General at GRA. The report had questioned whether it was proper.
Sattaur had also been highly defensive and upset with Kaieteur News and the private media, after questions were asked of GRA’s role in granting Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese logging company that is being investigated by Parliament, tens of millions of dollars in duty free concessions.
When asked about details of the duty free concessions granted to Bai Shan Lin, Sattaur made it clear that the laws that are in place barred him from ever disclosing the information. He said that the matter was closed.
As such, the public was kept in the dark over those duty free concessions for high-end SUVs, like a Lexus, an Infiniti series, and even a number of luxury vans.
The granting of duty free concessions for vehicles pertaining to investments has to be relevant to the type of investment being made.
GRA remained silent on this and also how it granted the duty free concessions even before Bai Shan Lin was given permission to freely operate its concessions.
According to Kaieteur News’s publisher, Glenn Lall, he is now even more convinced that certain members within the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Government are determined to silence the voice of the independent media.
“The use of the Guyana Revenue Authority, a body to which members of the public entrust their most private information, as a weapon against the media is a dangerous development indeed, and a violation of press freedom…
“Kaieteur News is forced to ask what other tax information has not been compromised by Sattaur and Jagdeo?”
Lall opined that it is time for Sattaur to step down as Commissioner-General of GRA with an independent, criminal investigation launched to enquire the role played by Jagdeo, and to ensure that the tax agency is operating within its mandate.
“We also call on President Donald Ramotar to take steps to prevent Mr. Jagdeo from interfering further in his administration of the country,” Lall said.

 

Mitwah
Mitwah posted:

Emails, recorded telephone conversation expose…Jagdeo/Nandlall/Sattaur plot to kill staff and shutdown K/News

October 4, 2014 | By | Filed Under Heist of Guyana, News 

September 21, 2014

Jagdeo/Sattaur plot to destroy Kaieteur News unearthed

Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, is in possession of incontrovertible evidence of a plot by former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, to bring down Kaieteur News.
Confidential documentation, leaked to this publication, reveals that the Commissioner-General provided the former President with detailed tax information of a number of independent media houses in Guyana.tax - a a
The disclosure of the information by GRA’s Commissioner-General to Jagdeo, represents a grave breach of the ‘Oath of Secrecy’ sworn to by Sattaur as an officer of the Guyana Revenue Authority, said one lawyer.
In taking the Oath, Sattaur solemnly declared that he would “truly, faithfully, impartially and honestly execute the powers vested in him.”
He also swore that he would “judge and determine upon all matters and things before him without fear, affection, or malice”.
And he swore, too, not to disclose any tax information concerning any taxpayer, but this has not been the case.
Both Jagdeo and Sattaur are fully aware of the impropriety of their action and as such Sattaur even acknowledged, in the documents, that Jagdeo is expected to treat the information with confidence, said the lawyer.
The documents would lift the lid off a few Government officials who have been insisting that all is right in Guyana and democracy is very much alive, he added.
Both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have been on the receiving end of Government’s anger over critical issues like corruption, value for money on projects, and local government elections.
This publication is of the firm view that former President Jagdeo is not entitled to receive financial or tax information of any taxpayer, let alone a private citizen, as it would be highly improper, and clearly a breach of regulations.
The information received revealed that Jagdeo advised Sattaur on “an impending major audit of the Kaieteur News” as a public ploy to defend the GRA and Sattaur against criticisms by the Kaieteur News.
There is strong indication, according to the documents seen by Kaieteur News, that the plot between Sattaur and Jagdeo was hatched after a news report a few weeks ago raised questions over the employment of three children of the Commissioner-General at GRA. The report had questioned whether it was proper.
Sattaur had also been highly defensive and upset with Kaieteur News and the private media, after questions were asked of GRA’s role in granting Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese logging company that is being investigated by Parliament, tens of millions of dollars in duty free concessions.
When asked about details of the duty free concessions granted to Bai Shan Lin, Sattaur made it clear that the laws that are in place barred him from ever disclosing the information. He said that the matter was closed.
As such, the public was kept in the dark over those duty free concessions for high-end SUVs, like a Lexus, an Infiniti series, and even a number of luxury vans.
The granting of duty free concessions for vehicles pertaining to investments has to be relevant to the type of investment being made.
GRA remained silent on this and also how it granted the duty free concessions even before Bai Shan Lin was given permission to freely operate its concessions.
According to Kaieteur News’s publisher, Glenn Lall, he is now even more convinced that certain members within the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Government are determined to silence the voice of the independent media.
“The use of the Guyana Revenue Authority, a body to which members of the public entrust their most private information, as a weapon against the media is a dangerous development indeed, and a violation of press freedom…
“Kaieteur News is forced to ask what other tax information has not been compromised by Sattaur and Jagdeo?”
Lall opined that it is time for Sattaur to step down as Commissioner-General of GRA with an independent, criminal investigation launched to enquire the role played by Jagdeo, and to ensure that the tax agency is operating within its mandate.
“We also call on President Donald Ramotar to take steps to prevent Mr. Jagdeo from interfering further in his administration of the country,” Lall said.

 

Knucklehead, whats your point with this?

Who is engaged in yellow journalism here...the GT or KN??? This article in KN is as sensational as they come. Yet no one branded the KN as an opposition paper in its relentless attacks against the PPP.

V
Last edited by VishMahabir
VishMahabir posted:
Mitwah posted:

Emails, recorded telephone conversation expose…Jagdeo/Nandlall/Sattaur plot to kill staff and shutdown K/News

October 4, 2014 | By | Filed Under Heist of Guyana, News 

September 21, 2014

Jagdeo/Sattaur plot to destroy Kaieteur News unearthed

Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, is in possession of incontrovertible evidence of a plot by former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, to bring down Kaieteur News.
Confidential documentation, leaked to this publication, reveals that the Commissioner-General provided the former President with detailed tax information of a number of independent media houses in Guyana.tax - a a
The disclosure of the information by GRA’s Commissioner-General to Jagdeo, represents a grave breach of the ‘Oath of Secrecy’ sworn to by Sattaur as an officer of the Guyana Revenue Authority, said one lawyer.
In taking the Oath, Sattaur solemnly declared that he would “truly, faithfully, impartially and honestly execute the powers vested in him.”
He also swore that he would “judge and determine upon all matters and things before him without fear, affection, or malice”.
And he swore, too, not to disclose any tax information concerning any taxpayer, but this has not been the case.
Both Jagdeo and Sattaur are fully aware of the impropriety of their action and as such Sattaur even acknowledged, in the documents, that Jagdeo is expected to treat the information with confidence, said the lawyer.
The documents would lift the lid off a few Government officials who have been insisting that all is right in Guyana and democracy is very much alive, he added.
Both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News have been on the receiving end of Government’s anger over critical issues like corruption, value for money on projects, and local government elections.
This publication is of the firm view that former President Jagdeo is not entitled to receive financial or tax information of any taxpayer, let alone a private citizen, as it would be highly improper, and clearly a breach of regulations.
The information received revealed that Jagdeo advised Sattaur on “an impending major audit of the Kaieteur News” as a public ploy to defend the GRA and Sattaur against criticisms by the Kaieteur News.
There is strong indication, according to the documents seen by Kaieteur News, that the plot between Sattaur and Jagdeo was hatched after a news report a few weeks ago raised questions over the employment of three children of the Commissioner-General at GRA. The report had questioned whether it was proper.
Sattaur had also been highly defensive and upset with Kaieteur News and the private media, after questions were asked of GRA’s role in granting Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese logging company that is being investigated by Parliament, tens of millions of dollars in duty free concessions.
When asked about details of the duty free concessions granted to Bai Shan Lin, Sattaur made it clear that the laws that are in place barred him from ever disclosing the information. He said that the matter was closed.
As such, the public was kept in the dark over those duty free concessions for high-end SUVs, like a Lexus, an Infiniti series, and even a number of luxury vans.
The granting of duty free concessions for vehicles pertaining to investments has to be relevant to the type of investment being made.
GRA remained silent on this and also how it granted the duty free concessions even before Bai Shan Lin was given permission to freely operate its concessions.
According to Kaieteur News’s publisher, Glenn Lall, he is now even more convinced that certain members within the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic and Government are determined to silence the voice of the independent media.
“The use of the Guyana Revenue Authority, a body to which members of the public entrust their most private information, as a weapon against the media is a dangerous development indeed, and a violation of press freedom…
“Kaieteur News is forced to ask what other tax information has not been compromised by Sattaur and Jagdeo?”
Lall opined that it is time for Sattaur to step down as Commissioner-General of GRA with an independent, criminal investigation launched to enquire the role played by Jagdeo, and to ensure that the tax agency is operating within its mandate.
“We also call on President Donald Ramotar to take steps to prevent Mr. Jagdeo from interfering further in his administration of the country,” Lall said.

 

Knucklehead, whats your point with this?

Who is engaged in yellow journalism here...the GT or KN??? This article in KN is as sensational as they come. Yet no one branded the KN as an opposition paper in its relentless attacks against the PPP.

Mitwah can only post from toilet paper yellow journalism.

Indos are now boycotting KN and must continue to do so until this Rag is bankrupt. It is the best way to deal with KN.

There must be a relentless programme on social media to boycott KN which supports the destruction of Indos.

FM
Bibi Haniffa posted:

Ok good.  So the headline is misleading but the content of the article and the facts remain the same?  In the article, Granger clearly states that there is no evidence to prove corruption.  You people who are wishing and hoping can continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel.  

Clearly Granger is hedging and managing expectations.  This is a major climb down from the rhetoric of the past. If they cannot prove, they are left with two choices, 1) admit there was none of major consequence or 2) they are a group of incompetents and the PPP boys are way ahead of them.  # 2 is worse as these are the incompetents who will need to run the show until 2020!

FM

Mitts, In the video, granger said that charges will be laid before the court when there is evidence of corruption. No charges have so far been laid, so one is to think that at this point, none of the forensic audits have turned up any corruption.  So, why all the crude language to Bibi?  Redux's language is what we expect from him because he is still in the gutter metaphorically. 

Granger might want to be more careful with what he says. The Times drew the conclusions based on what was said on the interview and spun it a little bit. This approach is what has been happening in Guyana for some time. KN is really good at it in the interest of glen Lall and the AFC ans APNU when they were in opposition. The demand for a retraction by the ministry of the office of the president only give added traction to the report because the Times was able to keep the report topical. Maybe, they need to think carefully about the skills of their media advisor also. 

 

Z

Corruption in PPP… Ministry of the Presidency tells Guyana Times, ‘Retract misleading headline’

December 29, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 
President David Granger

President David Granger

The Government has refuted what it says is a deliberately misleading headline of an article, which was carried in yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Times, a newspaper closely linked to ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo.
The headline, which was at odds with the actual content of the article published in that newspaper, states “No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger.”
“Nowhere in the content of the article, nor in the source of the content, which was a recording of ‘The Public Interest’ aired on December 25, on the National Communications Network, does President Granger say or imply that there is no evidence of corruption against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.
“The Ministry of the Presidency would like to categorically state that the headline has no basis in fact and was clearly designed to mislead the readers of that publication. (The Ministry) calls for an immediate retraction.”
During the recording of ‘The Public Interest’, responding to a question posed by Mr. Mondale Smith, a Journalist from Kaieteur News; “…Will there ever come a time when people will be held accountable in the true sense of accountability for the things or the atrocities of the past, as these relate especially to our finances?”, the President said that there is a need for evidence to be first established before criminal charges and prosecution can follow.
This is the verbatim response provided by the President: “The answer is yes. There is a difference between anecdote and evidence. There is a difference between speculation and surmise and actually providing proof and sometimes people make allegations and you ask them for the evidence and there is no evidence to prove; that is why we have a Court system that is why we have a criminal justice system.
“If people were assumed to be guilty, simply because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, the country will be in chaos. So over the months since the new administration has been in office, we have been conducting some inquiries, some investigations, some audits and when there is sufficient evidence, which we feel establishes the blame-worthiness of the persons concerned, we will go to the Courts.
“In some instances, some people have been sent on leave to permit investigations to take place, but you can only go to the Court when you have evidence. We can’t go to the Courts and say, ‘Look there is a letter to the Editor alleging that you did so and so’. We’ve got to get proof.”
As a follow-up to the first question, Mr. Smith then posed the question, “So your message to those who are a bit antsy as a result of all of those supposed exposé in the media quoting your Ministers of course, would be what exactly?”
The President responded: “When we get the evidence, we will embark on prosecution. We are not interested in condoning malpractice but sometimes the evidence has been concealed, sometimes the evidence is not there for us to see so we have to find out and that is what has been taking place.
“In the meantime, we have work to do. We have to run the country. We can’t spend all the time simply investigating, we’ve got to move the country forward so we are doing both at the same time. We are walking on two legs.
“We want to ensure that malpractices are brought to an end and there is no reoccurrence of any wrongdoing that has occurred in the past. At the same time we have got to provide a quality of governance to make sure that the country does not slip backward. So it will take time, it will take time but we are not unaware of the wrongdoings of the past.
“We were in the Opposition for three years and we ourselves made complaints. Now we’ve got to provide the evidence.”
The Ministry of the Presidency, in the statement, said it is condemning the misleading headline, particularly since it purports to be comments of the President of Guyana. “It is irresponsible and mischievous and the Government of Guyana calls for a retraction. While the Government of Guyana promotes and stands solidly in support of press freedom, the Ministry of the Presidency calls on the Guyana Times to pay attention to the ethics and responsibilities that ought to be observed in the profession of journalism. Importantly, the media must take seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information to the members of the public.”

Mitwah

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