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Opposition votes $1 each for GINA, NCN…in historic move

Following a gruelling session that saw Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill facing a barrage of questions the opposition banded together and excised the budget allocations for state TV, NCN and GINA in a historic move in Parliament today.

The opposition voted for the two agencies to receive one dollar each, cutting their proposed budgetary allocations of $211M and change.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill conferring in Parliament today. NCN Head Mohamed Sattaur is at right.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill conferring in Parliament today. NCN Head Mohamed Sattaur is at right.

 

Arguing in support of the motion in his name, APNU MP Carl Greenidge said that the opposition is unhappy with the reporting of both NCN and GINA. He said that the agencies have a responsibility to serve the nation and all the people. He said the entities refuse to deliver “professional services and balanced news reporting.” Based on their operation over the years Greenidge said that the entities do not “merit taxpayers’ money to subsidize them.” He said they should use the monies they gain from other avenues to run their operations.

 

The vote signified that further excisions will be made today by the joint opposition to slash around $18B in what they see as budgetary fat in the 2012 estimates of expenditure. It also underlined the rejuvenated unity between the two opposition parties after APNU had briefly flirted with the government on a deal to permit the passage of the budget without cuts.

 

In what would be the first instance in independent Guyana where an opposition defied a sitting government and slashed its expenditure, the opposition is taking aim today at so-called `fat cats’ in several key offices and projects they believe are not transparent.

 

Former PPP stalwart and now AFC MP Moses Nagamootoo charged that GINA is a propaganda outfit that uses monies to pay letter writers. He said both are “propaganda outfits.” Nagamootoo was mercilessly heckled by members of the government which obviously got to him as he said they were coming at him like a “pack of wolves” and described then as hyenas. He was forced to withdraw those descriptions when longstanding colleague, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee objected and Speaker Raphael Trotman asked him to withdraw.

 

Moses Nagamootoo arguing for the GINA abd NCN cuts today. [Anjuli Persaud photo)

Moses Nagamootoo arguing for the GINA abd NCN cuts today. (Anjuli Persaud photo)

 

Prime Minister Sam Hinds expressed regret at the opposition’s move and said all Guyanese wants to see cricket and other programming which may now have to be cut.

 

However AFC parliamentarian Cathy Hughes countering this statement said that in 1996 two other television stations -VCT 28 and WHRM – showed cricket with feed from CMC. This stopped after NCN went directly to CMC and made a higher bid to be the sole distributor of the sport. She said if the cut means that cricket will be pulled, the private sector will come together to ensure cricket is shown.

In a bid to sway the opposition Edghill described the issue as a “sensitive one” and argued that citizens have a right to information as is provided by NCN. Amidst loud heckling by the opposition of “too late” among others, Edghill stated that NCN is a “national asset”. With the cut, he said shows such as GT&T’s Feel the Beat dance show, the Sports Magazine and the Excellence Dazzel show would not receive any discount to be aired and they would have to start paying more to have their shows aired.


As he repeated that it is a national asset many called NCN a “propaganda machine.” Edghill said that 38 persons from GINA will be out of a job due to the cuts. He said NCN is the “prime training” ground for the electronic media.
Vanessa Kissoon of APNU said that NCN has been stifling Region 10 for years.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Originally Posted by Mitwah:
 

The opposition voted for the two agencies to receive one dollar each, cutting their proposed budgetary allocations of $211M and change.

This is $1 dollar too much.

 

Mitwah

I feel so proud to see this. Well done to AFC/APNU. These two parasitic agencies must be made accountable to all tax payers. Glad to see that all the effors and sacrifices are paying off.

FM

I guess Albert would have to moonlight elsewhere. No pay packet from GINA! I am so happy these two grotesquely partisan agencies are gutted. Maybe they will reconstitute themselves properly and then get funding,

FM
Member
 
November 14, 2011 1:16 AM
 

If the PPP is the minority government, one of the first thing I would want tabled in parliament is disbanding of GINA. The government should not be in the business of the news. Check the crass misuse of the Chronicle. The bloody PPP has a banner and a negative story on the main page daily!

In that bill where should be complete financial disclosure of elections funding.
 
 
 
 
FM
Originally Posted by Dondadda:
Originally Posted by Mitwah:

This is $1 dollar too much.

Mitt, do they still print $1 note in Guyana? I don't think so.

 

It's symbolic!!!

 

Bhai, I hope the AFC keeps the scissors sharp and go after the Fat Cats and especially those under contracts at the OP.

 

Changes are happening.

 


 

Mitwah

In a democracy there is no place for state controlled media. That boy TK supports govt controlled media and speaks from both side of his mouth. Indeed gina and ncn should be disbanded, all govt controlled news media should be closed. 

FM
Originally Posted by Mitwah:
Originally Posted by Dondadda:
Originally Posted by Mitwah:

This is $1 dollar too much.

Mitt, do they still print $1 note in Guyana? I don't think so.

 

It's symbolic!!!

 

Bhai, I hope the AFC keeps the scissors sharp and go after the Fat Cats and especially those under contracts at the OP.

 

Changes are happening.

 


 

Dah AFC gatt some gud intentions but dem a tek aan too much lil and stupit issues soa dem a loose credibility and ah look laka wan PNC poodle.  Dem a run haay and daay and nah pik dem fites so now peeple nah kno wah dem game plan.  AFC muss learn fun nah bite pon every bone dah PPP and PNC thro out deh.  Fram wah peeple seh donk hay, nex elekshun, dem done.

FM
Originally Posted by Mitwah:

Miss Sledgehammer, looks like you ladies have to fight for yourselves. What does the PPP/C have in the budget for you ladies?

Bai, nah mek worries, mi two ladies dem deh good lang as dem treat me good.

FM
Originally Posted by BGurd_See:

In a democracy there is no place for state controlled media. That boy TK supports govt controlled media and speaks from both side of his mouth. Indeed gina and ncn should be disbanded, all govt controlled news media should be closed. 

A new Guyana does not need a state media. Disband state media.

A reasonable person can support these types of cuts. The PPP can use the good old Mirror Newspaper.

 

Let us create a new Guyana with a even playing field for all political parties. AFC and PNC must stay away from cuts that directly affect the truly working class.

 

Employees from these state owned media will definitely find work in the private media.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by BGurd_See:

In a democracy there is no place for state controlled media. That boy TK supports govt controlled media and speaks from both side of his mouth. Indeed gina and ncn should be disbanded, all govt controlled news media should be closed. 

A new Guyana does not need a state media. Disband state media.

A reasonable person can support these types of cuts. The PPP can use the good old Mirror Newspaper.

 

Let us create a new Guyana with a even playing field for all political parties. AFC and PNC must stay away from cuts that directly affect the truly working class.

 

Employees from these state owned media will definitely find work in the private media.

An dah PPP muss stay away from mekking "contracta" position fuh dem frenns and pay dem 500k per month fee.  Alyuh see, dah AFC natt totally out, dem gatt wan point hay.  PPP ah create nuff fake position foa tief an' bribe dem frenns.

FM
Originally Posted by Sledgehammer:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by BGurd_See:

In a democracy there is no place for state controlled media. That boy TK supports govt controlled media and speaks from both side of his mouth. Indeed gina and ncn should be disbanded, all govt controlled news media should be closed. 

A new Guyana does not need a state media. Disband state media.

A reasonable person can support these types of cuts. The PPP can use the good old Mirror Newspaper.

 

Let us create a new Guyana with a even playing field for all political parties. AFC and PNC must stay away from cuts that directly affect the truly working class.

 

Employees from these state owned media will definitely find work in the private media.

An dah PPP muss stay away from mekking "contracta" position fuh dem frenns and pay dem 500k per month fee.  Alyuh see, dah AFC natt totally out, dem gatt wan point hay.  PPP ah create nuff fake position foa tief an' bribe dem frenns.

Sledge, I do not support corruption and these types of unacceptable practices must come to an end.

 

Let us give Donald a chance and judge him at least by mid term. The combined opposition wants to kill the Sheriff even before he governs the town and this is making Guyanese angry.

 

Sensible cuts to OP and state media are welcomed. The AFC's role is to keep the PPP honest and giving Donald time to prove himself may prove to benefit all parties since this government will be held accountable by the opposition.

 

Until then, let the Government conduct it's business. Pass the budget and let us judge the Sheriff. As for those who try commit unacceptable practices, expose then with facts and evidence (please, no snake oil) and let us create a new Guyana.

 

Let us not forget, the PNC is anxious to put Mr. Donkey cart economist Carl Greenidge at the helm once again and this drive fear into the hearts and minds of the masses of Guyanese.

FM
Originally Posted by Conscience:

Every democratic state in the world has an Agency that informs the populace about Government programmes, Guyana is no different

I support the PPP but to be fair, the state media is spending million of taxpayers money.

 

The PPP can use the good old Mirror Newspaper. That paper was for the working class and reached the grass roots. Revive Mirror. We need to create a fair playing field for all political parties.

 

The PPP can create it's own Agency to promote it's policies but not at the taxpayer's expense. Nadira's call for the PPP to return to it's grass roots politics must be heeded. Let us be fair.

 

State media is always bloated and expensive to run. I will only support a state media that gives all parties equal opportunity to promote their agenda.

 

Until then, let the PPP return to the Mirror Newspaper, that used to be a truly working class Newspaper. They can also use their own website and social media to promote their agenda.

 

Let us be fair.

FM

At the end of the day I'm deeply concerned about the employees on those entities that will be out of jobs. I'm sure they have financial commitment to met. Why would politicians wanna put their citizens on the breadline? food for thought

FM
Originally Posted by Conscience:

Every democratic state in the world has an Agency that informs the populace about Government programmes, Guyana is no different

LOL! Trying to save yuh 500K ah month job.

Mitwah

That U tube video is exactly why all these little minions of the PPP are to find new jobs. We do not need to pay for their propaganda machine. The state is not the PPP slush fund to do with it as it wishes. I bet these are some of the same ones that were here being paid to post including you. Sorry, we do not want to subsidize them to wound us. GINA has over 500 million in earnings, they can place these in legitimate news jobs. However, ultimately, that agency is to go completely.

FM

As expected., you are here with the same hapless spam. As noted; you lost. Liars never win.  It is fat trimming time and all the things that are bad for us are being whittled down to what is useful and healthy.

FM

I feel sorry for the people not the agency. Both agencies were propoganda machines and needs to be closed. Reshuffle these workers to other positions or put them on a list so that as soon as a gov't vacancy comes up they can get placed. 

FM

Arguing in support of the motion in his name, APNU MP Carl Greenidge said that the opposition is unhappy with the reporting of both NCN and GINA.

 

 

..........................................................................................................

This seems like a petty issue in the scheme of material things that need fixing right away. It's been 6 months since the elections, what has the combined opposition accomplished to show they are working WITH the Government FOR the people.   

alena06

In the scheme of things, GINA and NCN were number one. It is from there much of their propaganda and coverup machine is at work. Even their petty scheme of sending armies of posters here to "counter" anti government sentiment was funded from there. Its naked display as an arm of the government funded by taxpayers money was seen in the last election. That is  naked subversion of democracy.

 

The opposition is not to work with the government. They have competing views as to how the nation is to be run so the necessity for compromise through deliberation is to be the mode of operation.

 

The PPP refused any cooperation in forging the budget. They  went in secret to craft it as they pleased. They felt it is their right and having done it in secret  for 20 years they were not in the habit of explaining their methods to anyone.

 

That unfortunately is where we are at. The opposition is reminding them this is a new dispensation and they are the government but a minority one and have an obligation to seek consent for their actions.

 

 

 

 

FM

In the scheme of things, GINA and NCN were number one. It is from there much of their propaganda and coverup machine is at work. Even their petty scheme of sending armies of posters here to "counter" anti government sentiment was funded from there.

 

 

..........................................................................................................

So it was laid out in the AFC/APNU action plan that GINA and NCN were top priority, RIDICULOUS.  You need proof that they are sending armies of paid posters here...INSANE.

alena06
Originally Posted by alena06:

In the scheme of things, GINA and NCN were number one. It is from there much of their propaganda and coverup machine is at work. Even their petty scheme of sending armies of posters here to "counter" anti government sentiment was funded from there.

 

 

..........................................................................................................

So it was laid out in the AFC/APNU action plan that GINA and NCN were top priority, RIDICULOUS.  You need proof that they are sending armies of paid posters here...INSANE.

Girl alena, yuh funny.

FM
Originally Posted by alena06:

In the scheme of things, GINA and NCN were number one. It is from there much of their propaganda and coverup machine is at work. Even their petty scheme of sending armies of posters here to "counter" anti government sentiment was funded from there.

 

 

..........................................................................................................

So it was laid out in the AFC/APNU action plan that GINA and NCN were top priority, RIDICULOUS.  You need proof that they are sending armies of paid posters here...INSANE.

I have no desire to convince you. I am sure most of the people here are convinced of that since they saw the information for themselves.

FM

For those who are unaware of what happens on GNI. The PPP/GINA paid blogging unit members were required to fill out this form on a weekly basis and submit it to their handlers. They frequent sites such as GNI, Nuff's site, Topix and their own liveinguyana trash blog. Hundreds of files with irrefutable evidence were "borrowed" from the blogging unit and circulated. There is undeniable proof of their existence, all funded with taxpayers/working class peoples' dollars. 

 

Mars
Originally Posted by alena06:

In the scheme of things, GINA and NCN were number one. It is from there much of their propaganda and coverup machine is at work. Even their petty scheme of sending armies of posters here to "counter" anti government sentiment was funded from there.

 

 

..........................................................................................................

So it was laid out in the AFC/APNU action plan that GINA and NCN were top priority, RIDICULOUS.  You need proof that they are sending armies of paid posters here...INSANE.

Why don't you check the FOI documentation? Why do we need two Ministers to run one Ministry? AFC must continue to go after those over paid nad bloated contract workers who are friends, familes and cronies of the PPP/C regime.

Mitwah
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by warrior:

i was wondering which TV station  THE AMERICAN and the CANADIAN government own

The Canadian government own the CBC. State owned.

Keep alyuh Socialism up deh.  No wunda ting bad up deh.

FM

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