标签： Guyana

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global anti-corruption watchdog, has been called upon to intervene in a growing dispute over the selection of civil society representatives in Guyana’s local EITI chapter, GYEITI. The controversy centers on allegations that the Guyana government is exerting undue influence over the process, undermining the independence required by EITI standards. Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), alongside EITI chapters from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Australia, has formally requested the EITI Board to issue a public statement condemning the government’s actions. The Board is set to meet this week in Armenia. The civil society groups argue that the government’s approach violates the EITI Standard 2023, which mandates the independence of all sectors involved in the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). The Ministry of Natural Resources has been accused of monopolizing the selection process, despite already controlling the GYEITI Secretariat’s financial, staffing, and communications decisions. Earlier this year, the ministry appointed Dr. Ivor English as the convenor of civil society organizations, a move criticized by PFG and other groups. The organizations are demanding a return to compliance with EITI standards, including the reconvening of previous MSG co-chairs to oversee the selection process. They also recommend an early validation of Guyana’s adherence to EITI requirements. The dispute highlights broader concerns about the government’s influence over civil society and its commitment to transparency in the extractive industries.

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) has issued a final report on the September 1 general and regional elections in Guyana, urging the government to activate the 2023 Data Protection Act. The move aims to prevent the recurrence of politically motivated misuse of personal data, particularly information collected for cash grant processing. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights that the absence of enforced data protection legislation allowed for unchecked doxing and the exploitation of government-held personal data for political gains. The EUEOM emphasized the need for the establishment of a publicly accountable Data Protection Office to safeguard voters’ personal information from unauthorized publication and political misuse. This recommendation comes amidst the government’s push for public servants to register for the Digital Identity Card, despite the lack of a commencement order for the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act. The report also criticized the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) for allegedly using mobile phone numbers of cash grant recipients to solicit votes, a practice deemed inconsistent with Guyana’s international commitments, including the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Joint Declaration on a Digital Alliance. The EUEOM noted that police failed to take action against PPP/C activists accused of profiling individuals from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party events, leading to intimidation and unwarranted publicity. The report, already presented to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and political party representatives, calls for the appointment of a Data Commissioner and the establishment of a Data Protection Office, which are yet to be realized. The 2023 Data Protection Act, praised for its alignment with international standards, mandates individual consent for personal data use and protects against unwarranted profiling. The EUEOM’s recommendation references Article 17 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguards against arbitrary interference with privacy.

In the aftermath of a devastating bombing at a Georgetown gas station last month, the opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has intensified its scrutiny of the government’s border monitoring and migrant management practices. APNU’s shadow home affairs minister, Sherod Duncan, has posed a series of pressing questions to the government, focusing on the security of border regions and the implementation of electronic identification (e-ID) cards for migrants.

The opposition party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has raised significant concerns regarding the Guyana government’s agreement with Coursera to provide upskilling courses for public servants. APNU’s parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul announced that a meeting of 12 parliamentarians would determine the best approach to address the issue, whether through a motion, parliamentary questions, or direct engagement with relevant ministries. Mahipaul emphasized that if the government seeks supplementary funding for Coursera, APNU will rigorously question the necessity and effectiveness of the programs. APNU’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency in the contract, including undisclosed costs, procurement methods, and data protection measures for public servants’ personal information. Minister of Public Service and Government Efficiency Zulfikar Ally has yet to respond to these allegations. APNU also criticized the government for adding another standalone program to an already fragmented training landscape, questioning how Coursera aligns with existing initiatives like the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy (GOAL) scholarships. Shadow Education Minister Coretta Mc Donald argued that Coursera’s courses are inadequate for developing the necessary skills and values in Guyanese public servants, advocating instead for the reopening of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, which was closed in 2021. Mc Donald emphasized the need for a national institution that fosters professional development, integrity, and patriotism, qualities she believes Coursera cannot provide.

Dr Terrence Campbell, the parliamentary leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), remained tight-lipped about his membership in the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) during a press conference on Friday. While confirming his affiliation with the PNCR’s Alberttown Group, Campbell declined to disclose the exact date he joined the party, citing it as an internal matter. He emphasized that his focus is on strengthening APNU as a robust opposition rather than pursuing leadership within the PNCR. Despite speculation about his potential candidacy for PNCR leadership, Campbell dismissed such notions, stating his vision is solely directed toward holding the government accountable. He also refuted suggestions that his reluctance to reveal his membership date was linked to fears of being perceived as a newcomer. Campbell, a prominent businessman, previously distanced himself from A New and United Guyana (ANUG) in 2019 following a boycott of his fast-food franchises by APNU+Alliance For Change supporters. He expressed unwavering commitment to PNCR’s ideals, affirming his dedication to the party’s goals and objectives.