Social Security & Mandatory Retirement!

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

February 18-2010:

Social Security & Mandatory Retirement:

This issue is being debated currently in France. Where there is an aging population that would be eligible for Social Security Pensions soon. And in a society where the working population that can contribute to the pool of Security Benefits is dwindling, due to an aging population would qualify very soon, and a small and younger work force.

Which threatens the viability and longevity of the Social Security Pension Scheme.

GUYANA:

As far as I am aware, the Guyana National Social Security contribution requirement are the following.

* The total amount to qualify for Retirement Pensions is 750.

* This can be acquired/accumulated over the course of TEN years of continuous employment.

* Each employee has to make a weekly contribution via his/her employer payroll.

* If that employee is paid monthly. Then he/she will pay four contributions for each month.

* The employer also pays a supplementary contribution for each employee also.

This was the requirement as @ May-1989, when I still resided therein.

I don't know if the contribution period have been changed, or if the rate per person, and the rate per employer has changed.


VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS:

Individuals who are Self-employed can also contribute to the Social Security Scheme, if they so desire. And are expected to contribute the same amount per person, as if they were employed with some firm or organization.

The National Retirement Age Legislated by Parliament is 65 years. And if at fifty five years you are still not qualified for N.I.S. pension.

You have the option to Voluntarily Contribute the remaining contributions that would make you eligible for a pension.


CONCLUSION:

Maybe the French should consider Voluntary Contributions (if that does not exist), for those who have past the retirement age, and for Self-employed persons willing to contribute towards their retirement also.

Derryck.
New York City.

A New Central Intelligence Agency For Guyana!

February 13-2010:


A New Central Intelligence Agency For Guyana!


This seems to be the idea of president Jagdeo currently, and I am worried about the oversight, supervision, functioning, and accountability concerns of this agency, if or when it gets underway!


Historically, the GDF have had the responsibility of collecting information that may be deemed necessary, for the National Security & Sovereignty of Guyana. I also think that this unit or department fell under the purview of the presidential secretariat/president.

Historically, and with the advent of the PNC-LFS Burhnam administration, it was used as a political tool for the spying, harassing, and intimidation of citizens deemed by the regime as anti-government, or a political threat to the political administration. This behavior continues even to this day, with impunity.

Having a special agency setup for this task, and not associated with the GDF does not make any difference with the role it will play, or is playing undercover currently.

And if or when this agency is established, who will be responsible for the oversight, supervision, and accountability?

And does the National Constitution Of Guyana provide for such an agency, which can be used as a tool to compromise the democratic process of any democracy, if left to it's own devices?

The USA Supreme Court's Decision:

Only recently, we have witnessed how the US Supreme Court issued an edict 5-4, allowing for any organization, individual, or interest group, (within or without the USA), to use it's financial resources to influence, advertise, or subscribe to any political candidate running for public office. This according to the interpretation of that vote, allows those individuals to practice their Rights To Free Speech in that manner.

Therefore, with the above in mind, any individual who has unlimited financial resources can subscribe millions of dollars to any candidate or campaign, that they would like to push or have their specific needs met, if or when elected to public office.

And the majority of the commonweal, most of whom are too poor to match those large contributions, will be overwhelmed with ads on the national TV, Radio, and other networks. By those who can afford to pay large sums of money for air time and exposure.

ALBEIT:

It is also fact that most states (even democracies have some sort of national security/spy organization). And most military establishments have their own specific type of internal security unit or establishment.

And these institutions can be used as a means of oppression, spying, communication blackouts, and monitoring, in any state where the political administration is allowed to do as they please, without Checks & Balances, Oversight, or Accountability.

And I don't see any of these checks and balances ever happening in Guyana Period!

Derryck.
NYC.

Ref: http://propagandapress.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/what-will-guyanas-cental-intelligence-agency-do-for-guyanese/

President Bharat Jagdeo Spurns Guyanese Men!

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January 25-2010:

President Bharat Jagdeo Spurns Guyanese Men!

QUOTE: "Define yourself," the president urged men, "be confident and don't let the other sex define you…redefine yourself."

These are the remarks from our Dear President, Jagdeo. This man who is bent of establishing relations with a regime like (Iran, Kuwait, & Saudi Arabia). All of which have absolutely no regard for Human Rights when it pertains to women, in those societies.

This hypocrite has the temerity to tell Guyanese men how to behave, when he hasn't a clue what is Maleness, or Manliness in his personal life. Nor has he any respect for women period.

Least of all his own legal spouse/wife!

This kind of rhetoric is for the Dumb, Ignorant and Gullible within Guyana's society. And reflects the narrow mindedness, and self-righteous attitude of the Government, their acolytes, and lackeys.

Those Who Have Glass Houses, Should Never Throw Stones!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Trade Between Guyana & Iran!

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 23-2010:

Trade Between Guyana & Iran!

Every nation state has the right to trade with whomever it wishes. There is no law that stipulates who or what country must, or must not trade with.

Some countries have established cultural and trade ties for decades.

These ties have been strong in good times, and bad times, and are cherished dearly. Others try to dictate to their friends and allies about their preferences for trading purposes. Some alliances are also hinged upon certain Trading Blocks or Packs, which those countries have chosen to conduct.

However, there are some countries that are notorious for infringing on the Human and Civil Rights of their citizenry. And each country that is also a member of the United Nations, is expected to comply with the UN Charter On Human Rights, and express their dissatisfaction with any member state violates that charter.

Some countries within the UN have expressed their preference for Non Alignment, where trade relations are concerned. China, Guyana, Latin America, and most African states hold this view too, and are sometimes referred to as Non Aligned Countries.

Guyana's Relations With Iran:

Guyana like most Sovereign states also have the right to trade with whomever it wishes. If the commonweal within Guyana feels that the government aught not to trade with certain countries. Then they also have the right to express their disapproval, verbally, via the mail, local media, and Online.

That is what any Civic minded citizen does, when he/she disproves of any national or international policy his/her government espouses or practices.

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

Guyana government Commits One Million Dollars To Haiti

http://netmail.verizon.net/webmail/driver?nimlet=deggetemail&fn=INBOX&page=1&degMid=25018&folderSelected=INBOX&degErrorMsg=Success.&sfield=Num&sorder=descending

Guyana government Commits One Million Dollars To Haiti

Three of Guyana's most dangerous criminals meets with one of the most delusional men in Guyana to discuss Haiti relief
Georgetown, GINA, January 13, 2010

Government has committed US$1M towards assistance for Haiti, which has suffered from a massive earthquake and several aftershocks, and has established a multi-stakeholder committee, chaired by Minister of Human Services, Priya Manickchand, to oversee the effort.

In a statement released today, President Bharrat Jagdeo said, "I was deeply shocked and saddened at the extent of the destruction caused by the catastrophic earthquake which devastated our sister nation of Haiti yesterday. The haunting images of bodies, injured persons and ruined buildings struck a chord of compassion throughout our nation for the people of Haiti."

"Haiti as the poorest country in the western hemisphere is now severely challenged to cope with this tragedy. Haiti needs all countries, including the small developing countries to come to its aid urgently."

As a result, the President organized a meeting of various stakeholders, which included the opposition political parties, religious organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), at the Office of the President to coordinate a national effort by Guyana to render the assistance needed.

The earthquake, a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale, was centered approximately 15 kilometres from Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, and struck at around 17:00 hours local time on Tuesday, January 12.

Most of Port-au-Prince's major landmarks were significantly damaged or destroyed in the earthquake, including the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, the main jail and at least one hospital, and the Haitian President has said that possibly hundreds of thousands of people have died.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) after the meeting, Minister Manickchand noted that while an assessment of the full impact of the earthquake is still to come, the need to act quickly is critical, noting that all parties involved in the meeting recognized the urgency of the situation.

She indicated that the first meeting of the committee will be held tomorrow at the Civil Defence Commission, and stakeholders will identify the persons who will serve on the committee.

Several of the participants involved in the meeting praised the President’s leadership and the speed with which Government has responded to the crisis. They have also called on Guyanese to be forthcoming in rendering assistance to Haitians, both in financial contributions and goods.

Minister Manickchand noted that the relief efforts will be two-pronged: immediate assistance will focus on relieving the ongoing human suffering while the long-term effort will seek to rebuild the country.

Kite Flying In Guyana Explained:

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January 10-2010:

Kite Flying In Guyana Explained!

In Guyana, it symbolizes the Ascension of The Risen Christ into Heaven.

And Kite Flying is done on Easter Monday. The day supposedly when the ascension took place. This is a tradition that most Guyanese practice. Christians and Muslims alike. It transcends all religious faiths in Guyana.

Kite Flying In India Announces The Arrival Of Summer:

The Indo Guyanese community seem to feel that putting a 'sharp razor blade' on the string of your kite, when it is hoisted in the sky, and makes contact with other strings in the facility, it will cut that string, and cause it to come down.

That to them is very funny, and is seen as trying to gain the upper hand in how long one can keep his/her kite aloft, without it being compromised that way. It is all done for FUN. By I also find that most Afro-Guyanese frowns upon that aspect of the festivity.

Easter Monday:

Kite Flying is done on Easter Monday. The day after the official day or Sunday, that Christ ascended to Heaven, according to Christian belief.

And that day is a holiday in Guyana. So families are able to repair to open fields, parks, football grounds, and the Sea Wall/Atlantic Ocean Sea Shore, (where the wind is always very strong), thus making it very easy to hoist your kite into the sky/air. Thousands of kite fliers of all ages gather at these places from early morning, until sundown for kite flying and picnicking.

Baskets of Curry, Roti, Puri, Dhall, Rice & Curry, are taken in lunch baskets for a family picnic while they take intervals at kite flying. Music is played by food sellers carts and stalls, some individuals also bring their own mobile music box/player to entertain themselves too.

By and large, Easter Monday Kite Flying in Guyana, is looked forward to, and celebrated by all ethnic groups, regardless of your religious beliefs, and affiliations, and with a spirit of joviality, on this National Holiday.

CONCLUSION:

I understand that in India, kite flying is done by the poor, or the Dalits in the streets, parks, and open spaces. While the Rich fly their kites on their terraces and roofs. This has been so for generations, and it is class associated and identified activity too!

Derryck.
NYC.

Guyana Economy Doing Better Than Barbados-2009!

http://blp.org.bb/news/1028

Guyana Economy Doing Better Than Barbados-2009!

Saturday, 14 Nov 2009

Commendable performance of the economy under current circumstances The financial crisis which has gripped the world has sent shockwaves across the major economies of the world and has had rippling effects across the developing world as development aid and forms of assistance has significantly dried up and many countries are still struggling to recover from the impact of the massive increases in food prices which occurred only a year ago and earlier skyrocketing fuel prices.
According to Wikipedia the financial crisis of 2007–2009 has been called by leading economists the worst financial crisis since the one related to the Great Depression of the 1930s. It contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in the trillions of U.S. dollars, substantial financial commitments incurred by governments, and a significant decline in economic activity. Many causes have been proposed, with varying weight assigned by experts. Both market-based and regulatory solutions have been implemented or are under consideration, while significant risks remain for the world economy.

The collapse of a global housing bubble, which peaked in the U.S. in 2006, caused the values of securities tied to housing prices to plummet thereafter, damaging financial institutions globally. Questions regarding bank solvency, declines in credit availability, and damaged investor confidence caused a ripple effect in global stock markets, which suffered large losses during 2008.

Economies worldwide slowed in late 2008 and early 2009 as credit tightened and international trade declined. Critics argued that credit rating agencies and investors failed to accurately price the risk involved with mortgage-related financial products, and that governments did not adjust their regulatory practices to address 21st century financial markets. Governments and central banks responded with unprecedented fiscal stimulus, monetary policy expansion, and institutional bailouts.

The crisis in U.S. financial markets is raising uncertainty and dampening growth prospects around the world, but the IMF still expects a gradual economic recovery during 2009, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said.

Speaking in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after the latest U.S. action to stem the worsening crisis on Wall Street, Strauss-Kahn said that the financial turmoil was very serious and other major financial institutions could be expected to face trouble.

"The consequences for some financial institutions are still in front of us. We have to expect that there may be in the coming weeks and coming months other financial institutions with some problems," he told reporters.

The financial crisis would have repercussions for the global economy that is already in a slowdown. But Strauss-Kahn saw resilience in developing countries, aided by falling oil prices. "What is important to see is that it has an influence on the real economy but that the real economy is resilient both in developed and emerging countries."

While Guyana has not escaped from the repercussions of the financial crisis a sound macro-economic architecture which has been formulated over recent years has certainly helped to minimise the effects on our economy.

Only recently President Jagdeo drew attention to the fact that while many of our regional counterparts have instituted a wage freeze we are still granting wage increases and in this regard he assured that the public sector will receive an increase for this year.

Notably too Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, in a mid-year review tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday said that at the end of the reporting period, the non-sugar economy recorded positive growth, with expansion in output reflected across a broad base of sectors, pointing out that the Guyana economy has withstood challenges from the continuing global economic downturn and modest growth is projected by the end of the year.

This result undoubtedly demonstrated early returns to the government’s efforts at diversification, with the strongest rates of growth achieved in non-traditional agriculture sub-sectors. That notwithstanding, difficulties were encountered in some traditional sectors…on balance, the economy is still projected to achieve positive growth at the end of the year and continued macroeconomic stability is expected to be maintained,” the Finance Minister declared.

Of special note is the fact that the economy is projected to show a positive a growth for this year of 2.7% albeit a reduction from the projected 4.7% originally predicted. But under the current circumstances this is understandable and feather in the cap of those who are responsible for the management of the economy as well as the business sector which has continued to show confidence in the national economy.

Of course this positive news will be like poison for few among us but certainly welcome by the vast majority of Guyanese.

Source: Guyana Chronicle, November 14, 2009.
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