Georgetown: Amaila Falls and Local Government Elections – is there a link?
There was none until the PPP-C decided that the recently drafted amendments to the
Hydro Electric Power Act, along with the motion to raise the country’s loan guarantee
limit should be dealt with by the National Assembly before the long overdue Local Government reform bills.
Does the AFC support the Local Government reforms?
Yes, we feel the passage of these bills and their assent by the President will pave
the way for the holding of Local Government Elections before the end of the year.
Does the AFC support the amendments to the Hydro Electric Power Act?
Yes.
Why did the AFC not support the amendments to the Hydro Electric Power Act?
Because the PPP-C refused to table the four Local Government Bills which were due to be read at that sitting of the National Assembly.
Why was this a factor in the AFC’s decision not to support the amendments to the Hydro Electric Power Act?
Because in the ensuing negotiations the PPP-C sought to leverage its support for
the local Government bills in exchange for opposition support for the Hydro Power amendments PLUS its motion to increase the loan guarantee limit.
Does the AFC support the motion to raise the country’s loan guarantee limit?
No.
Why not?
The AFC is unclear as to why this is necessary at this point.
What would it take for the AFC to support this motion?
Firstly, the Government must provide the people of Guyana with the following information:
* Who is the borrower whose loan is being Guaranteed in the case of the Amaila Falls Project?
* Is this a requirement of the senior lenders?
* Why is GPL not creditworthy enough after it would have invested over G$30 Billion?
* Does the PUC have regulatory authority over Amaila Falls Hydro Inc.?
Secondly, the AFC’s several concerns about GPL including the composition of its Board need to addressed.
Thirdly, the AFC’s remaining concerns about the Amaila Project need to be addressed.
