Head of the PNCR’s Human Services and Welfare Department Volda Lawrence said the party has “just a social partnership” with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, facilitating its humanitarian work in several communities for nearly a decade.
In an interview, Lawrence told Stabroek News that members of the Church have never sought any discourse on local politics, concentrating solely on giving assistance to as many communities as possible. “No one can claim political involvement,” she said.
Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that in accordance with the Immigration Act, it had issued letters denying work permits and extension of stay to 50 missionaries belonging to the Church. They were ordered to leave the jurisdiction, the ministry explained in a statement issued after members of the Church were detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary for several hours. The statement also sought to correct a report which it said purportedly originated from the US embassy that the missionaries were being expelled because “they were engaged in espionage activities”-a claim denied by the embassy. The missionaries were subsequently given a 30-day period to leave, after a meeting between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Church representatives. The main opposition party has criticised the government’s handling of the incident, calling it an assault on the religious community, while warning that it could have implications for the treatment of Guyanese abroad.
Asked whether he felt that the party’s relationship with the Church could have been a motive for the incident, PNCR leader Robert Corbin expressed doubt, explaining that it served as a mere facilitator for the work of the religious organisation. He said the party has never received assistance from the Church or any other such organisation. “We have been working in communities and these religious bodies have contributed to many communities in which we work and we have encouraged groups in them to make requests to these organisations for assistance,” he said, adding that if this relationship was the basis for action against the Church, many other organisations would have to be given similar treatment.
The PNCR’s Human Services Department, which was established in 1997, provides, among other things, assistance to fire and flood victims, supplies to senior citizen homes and needy families. Lawrence said that eight or nine years ago, the humanitarian arm of the church approached the department for assistance in reaching out to communities. According to her, she introduced members of the Church to several communities, where they sought to find areas where assistance could be provided to meet the needs of the people.
Lawrence explained that the Church assisted various groups, including farmers, women, orphans, and indigenous peoples as well as health, schools and other social institutions, in many different communities over the years. In particular, she said they concentrated on working in several hinterland regions being impelled by the belief that the indigenous people are special to God. Further, she emphasised that the party’s Human Services Department served only as a “conduit” for the efforts by the Church to meet the needs of the people. She added that she could never recall a single occasion where any member of the Church sought to engage in any discussion that was political. “They are all about helping people,” she said, “that is where they are at.”
Additionally, Lawrence said, whenever donations are made, they are done in public and the Church is solely responsible for distribution in all communities. “They are only in it to help people,” she added.
Leslie Sobers, the Church’s Director of Public Affairs, has said that despite the incident, it has pledged to continue its humanitarian work here and would not deprive Guyanese of its services.
“We have also asked that certain key members among the group of 50 missionaries asked to leave Guyana be allowed to remain,” Sobers told Stabroek News on Friday, while noting that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been operating in Guyana for more than two decades. During the last two years, according to Sobers, the Church has expended more than $422 million here in humanitarian services.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the missionaries who are expected to leave by the end of September were not granted extensions of stay and some were not in possession of valid work permits. This was denied by Sobers, who said that applications were submitted for extension of stays but as far as he knows they were never given responses.
An elderly missionary couple was the first to be picked up from their home by police on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning the rest of their colleagues showed up at the Criminal Investigation Department, Eve Leary and were detained there for about 12 hours. The US embassy and senior members of the church were forced to intervene and meet President Jagdeo at Office of the President before the missionaries were finally released that day. Meanwhile, discussions are still underway between the Home Affairs Ministry and the Church on a settlement to allow church members to continue their work here.
sometimes i wonder why do the president get involved in these little domestic squabbles, what are his homeaffairs minister, and police and local authorities doing that the president has to be involved, don’t he have other pressing issues to attend.
THE PRESIDENT HAS TO GET INVOLVED SO THAT THE MAJORITY OF A BADLY INFORMED ELECTORATE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE AN ACTION PACKED LEADER WHO DESPITE MAJOR DEFICIENCIES WILL NOT THINK TWICE TO KEEP HIM IN THE POSITION…HEY! MY DESK IS FILLED WITH PAPERWORK AND GADGETS (BUT I AM NOT GETTING THE WORK DONE) YET TO THE BADLY INFORMED PUBLIC I AM GOOD BECAUSE I MUST BE DOING ALL THE WORK IN THE OFFICE
Don’t we blame the president for everything that goes wrong in the country, crime and failings of every agency of the government. Then when he gets involved we can’t see why he gets involved. He certainly cannot please everyone and it is not why he is President.
On the flip side, this is what happens when the president does NOT get involved. The country becomes devoid of the basic needs for survival. Therefore, it open the doors for outsiders to indoctrinate the vulnerable in the guise of providing the basic needs to the people.
You hit the nail on the head my friend, only in guyana and some caribbean island this happens.
Yeah “amenra[jackass seh de wurl na level]“! That was a very good observation… Now, after looking at a scenic picture of the Takutu River and that man made structure spanning it one wonders how long before nature takes its tool on the foundations when compared to the design of those built in the United States of America and other developed countries around the world. It is quite certain that the late L. F. S. Burnham was deeply involved with the development of the MMA and the Upper Mazaruni Hydro-Electric Projects. Now, one also wonders how many development projects (like the flimsy Takutu Bridge the current leaders of the PPP Administration were involved with during their 17 years in office and what the records of the “Frequent Flier” miles shows in comparison to the economic destruction in their path – GAC, GAIBANK etc, etc…. and, that how busy this particular office appeared to have been.
Go figure.
Next stop – “The L. F. S. Burnham International Airport.
This should read: “Now, after looking at a scenic picture of the Takutu River and that man made structure spanning it on the front page of the state owned Guyana Chronicle one wonders how long before nature takes its toll on the foundations…” instead of “Now, after looking at a scenic picture of the Takutu River and that man made structure spanning it one wonders how long before nature takes its tool on the foundations…”. Thanks.
What are you saying at all “NotFromGT”! re: “On the flip side, this is what happens when the president does NOT get involved. The country becomes devoid of the basic needs for survival. Therefore, it open the doors for outsiders to indoctrinate the vulnerable in the guise of providing the basic needs to the people….”
Back Tracking, Coke in Pepper Sauce, Coke in Fish, Coke in Furniture, Extra-Judicial Killings, Illegal Mining by Brazilians etc, etc…. So, are you therefore saying that there has to be (has been) involvement at the “top” where those things that have been mentioned are concerned.
So, how goes the “monitoring” of those issues rather than that of these persons from the U.S.A that are spreading the Word of God!
KG(SA), Please allow me to rephrase.
When jagdeo does not get involved in the welfare of the Guyanese people, or, when his govt does not show concern for the plight of the ordinary folks, it creates a vacuum that begs to be exploited
Hi NotFromGT; “Re: “When ………… in the welfare of the Guyanese people, or, when his govt does not show concern for the plight of the ordinary folks, it creates a vacuum that begs to be exploited”
Like certain recent court proceedings involving Guyanese and American nationals – Are we talking here about having another government demonstrating to the world how a government “gets involved and show concern” for its citizens and those of other countries.
Come October (and, Stabroek News must have their draft headlines already), the world awaits the sentencing in a New York Court; and, it is unlikely at this time that this would involve the Mormons. So, which government was not doing its homework here and getting involved. And, one does not need to be a rocket scientist or a legal eagle to know about some of the other “real ills” (social and economic) that have been brought to bear upon the “ordinary and poor citizens” of Guyana while the “begging bowl” is constantly held out.
So, Lets be realistic here.
Hypocrisy to the highest level. This is the same PPP Government that screamed fowl when Barbados excercised same immigration rights by expelling overstayed/illegal Guyanese from their island.
“Social partnership”? A new name for being in bed together is more like it. Was the PNC/R in “social partnership” with Jim Jones too?
Does this mean that the PNC/R condone the breaking of the law – people to remain illegally in Guyana?
Social partnership with mormons
If no one smells a rat here then you better take the smell test..
So many Guyanese needs a helping hand in Guyana but it appears like only PNC supporters needs spiritual help since the start of Burnham’s rule.
Watch out for more opposition forces full support and cries for these Americans who broke the laws of Guyana.
We now know the so called mormons are linked to politics in Guyana.
MAN MADE RELIGION TO SUITE THE LIKES OF PNC.
Some claimed that Jesus was resurrected,but let me see if i can witness history here…let me see if the Mormons can resurrect this dying party.
You’ve said it well but I would like to add; “Man made religion for the spiritually bankrupt”.
evileyes put a sock in it, name any organization that doesn’t have some sort of affiliation with politics and political leaders.
Smiley face. Cheer up old buddy, the face has a familar look. A name is more appropriate for serious discussions.
While I agree with some of what you say, the undertones of some of the other statements and what it implies is what is distastful. Your last statement imples that you are the authority to distinguish between good and bad religions.
But individuals must follow the laws of any land, specifically church members, they should be the ones setting the examples. The US Embasy getting involved should be reminding their people of the need to follow the laws, after all Christ did.
While Guynese are running away by the thousands, I am not surprised when the month grace period is up, to see the group in confrontation with baton welding police, holding on to fixedly affirmed steel grills and singing “We Shall Overcome”.
The mormons like any other group from the North, is always on the look out for new places to explore; Mars, Moon, under the ocean, pluto, some place a zillion light years away from Neptune, ants nest etc. It just comes naturally.
Remember also that the bible speaks of the meek inheriting the earth.
The real purpose of being in these countries has to do with the geographical mapping of these areas; its numbers, people, races, culture, norms, morals, values, dogs, amount of cats and its’ kittens, horses, waterways, plants, etc., all with the intention of if something goes horribly wrong in those areas, which it will, that there are safe places to mirgate to.
The attacks on other countries do not occur in a vacuum, it goes with careful pre-planning. Armed with this knowledge the fight becomes a walkover.
The group is least interested in politics, who win and who loses.
Some of the “partying” parties may see an opportunity while others may discover a lost of support,especially those who depend on racial and religious stereotyping votes. (Not issues)
For the locals claiming to be members of the organisation and claiming intimate knowledge the body’s agenda, I call on them to take a walk over to KFC or the Coke bottling company, ask any one of the Managers or workers for the Mission and the Vision of the company, then asked the same workers for the formula for the making of these products.
If they receive the correct answer for the formula question, then they know that they possess the true agenda of the missionaries.
EVILEYES you need to stay quiet. If the PNC was able to get these mormons to be of assistance to various communities then its a good thing that they did because the way that things are going in Guyana, the people need all the help they can get and they are certainly not getting it from the gov’t. So on this one I say well done PNC.
Yeah right! Re: “But individuals must follow the laws of any land…”
Go tell this to the more than twelve million persons from around the world (including thousands of Guyanese who violate housing codes) and living and working here illegally.
Don’t you have better things to do with your time other than the compulsion to hit the computer keys with your fingers!!!
Also, Re: “So many Guyanese needs a helping hand in Guyana but it appears like only PNC supporters needs spiritual help since the start of Burnham’s rule….”
Well, what “spiritual help” did they need when they were receiving the constitutional instruments of the country from Great Britain; and, we know who are some of the people that were involved in the process. Here, take a look:
http://www.genealogymagazine.com/luckhoo.html
And, they must be looking over the shoulders of the current PNC Leaders as well as those of the Mormons and giving them guidance – eh!
Gold finger,
As a defender, I suspect that you were censured by SN.
If not, if that is everthing you know about your group then you have succeeded in describing it in pretty short sentences.
Almost saying nothing, which is a fine command of your knowledge of the group, also padding with “computer and keys etc. Confirnmation of knowledge.
You have not touched on the central issue of my comments.
The Guyanese hiding and living in the US are not professing to be part of any big religious body, they have no values to live up to. They break the laws at their own risk, when caught they are deported home. It is like comparing fleas and elephants.
On the other hand, this is a group who preaches publicly about heaven and hell and the conversion of minds. They are the ones in the public eyes.
This can be a a debate where further exposures and censureship by the Editor will be more common place.
Be thankful to him for what you have escaped and continue to hit your computer keys.
Well done with the “Proverbial Axe”… Stabroek News (SN) with the response to CA and the dude with the Maple Leaf flying over his head and who had apparently fallen into the La Brea Lake so that the vision and hearing about recent happenings in the U. S. Courts are almost nil; or, is it that the “truth cannot be handled” by some!
MAN MADE RELIGION.I like that on. I know about politics and show business now we are having POLITICS AND RELIGION.I wonder if they are ABSOLUTE::::LY socilaizing with TOWEL ROUNG THEIR WAIST…TOOTH BRUSH IN THEIR MOUTH…AND DANCE HALL MUSIC BLASTING OFF.I am olso wondering if they had to fax the president for an appointment…..Prezo is busy MORMONS that he does not have time for a GRIEVING MOTHER
Hi “johnander”!
Re:
“Gold finger,
As a defender, I suspect that you were censured by SN.
If not, if that is everything you know about your group then you have succeeded in describing it in pretty short sentences.
Almost saying nothing, which is a fine command of your knowledge of the group, also padding with “computer and keys etc. Confirnmation of knowledge….”
While this response is not in relation to your question on “censorship by SN”… SN knows full well that anyone who wishes not to respect certain norms are free to establish their own online newspaper (at least that goes for the laws of the country in which I now live; and, as citizen enjoy the right of freedom of expression except that of shouting “fire” in a crowded theater etc, etc…). That notwithstanding… try putting into context the acts of Samson (according to the Bible) when he single handedly slew a vicious mountain lion, his battles against the enemies of his tribe…. in defense of his less able brethren. And, perhaps, just perhaps some of us have been give charge (the protective role); intelligence…. to watch over certain members of His flock here on Earth in his physical absence in the hour of need.
BTW, in that it is said that “self-praise is no recommendation….” – just how much computer programming skills lies behind the ability to “tap the keys on the computer keyboard – huh!
Peace!
Mr.corbin you do not need partnership with the church people.I told you people yesrtday in 1960 this same church did not well people of color insider the church get them out of guyana.mr corbin you need to do is step down.
Just a social partnership? Volda Lawrence has revealed a lot here, but left out the fact that she was an honoured guest of the Mormons in Utah two years ago. I guess that was an expression of Mormon gratitude for “assistance in reaching out to communities” in Guyana. Ms Lawrence said the Mormons “concentrated on working in several hinterland regions being impelled by the belief that the indigenous people are special to God.” I wonder what the AFC’c Sheila Holder has to say about this. Only yesterday, according to Stabroek News, Sheila said the AFC “is concerned about the activities of the (PPP) administration, particularly in indigenous and depressed communities.She argued that large sums are being spent for politicking under the guise of giving assistance.”
When the PPP renders help to Amerindians it’s “politicking.” What is it when the PNC and the Mormons help the Amerindians in the name of “social partnership?”
Y71,
“What is it when the PNC and the Mormons help the Amerindians in the name of “social partnership?” Answer: humanitarian not political.
SWAT,
“What is it when the PNC and the Mormons help the Amerindians in the name of “social partnership?” Answer: VOTES
SWAT well said, the PPP supporters cannot recognise humanitarian efforts becaus their PPP dosent get involved in that
Re: “Just a social partnership? Volda Lawrence has revealed a lot here, but left out the fact that she was an honoured guest of the Mormons in Utah two years ago….”
Well, if ya knew the early “USA Baptist” (A. C. Miller et al) origins of de PNC ya will hush ya loud mouth!
The work of the ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,’ is directed by a power that is higher than any earthly so call ‘power,’ and so no one, or anything, will ever be able to prevent, or halt the progress of this noble and worthy cause in which these missionaries are involved. Whether they leave or stay in Guyana to continue their humanitarian efforts it will not be the final result of their efforts. It will surely sort out the wolfs from the sheep, and the cries of the impoverish in body and soul will be on the heads, of those who are proud, and puffed up, in their own pride. Just to be reminded of a timeless quote; “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18 And as to the version of events, I know whose’ words would be more credible; “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matt, 7:16.
Speaking about sorting out the wolves from the sheep. The Good Shepherd Himself also gave us warning in
Matthew ; Chapter 7 Verse 15
Acts ; Chapter 20 Verse 29.
Wolves, not wolfs, sir.
i’m am god i never said those things.
these preachers are using my name to accumulate wealth and it is nothing further from the truth.
Well, what a revelation, the opposition has a “social partnership” with the Mormons and the Mormons consider the indigenous people “special to God.”I don’t know who to believe.
SWAT ,You can believe the “special to God” bit when The Book of the Mormon ,as well as the thinking of many of its members, are revised.Perhaps we should rename it ‘John Smith’s Revised Version.’
If that’s your interpretation of the opposition, the are we to assume that the PEEPEEPEE President has a social partnership with extremist religious countries such as Iran and Pakistan. He certainly gives the impression of being militant.
The Mormons and other missionary groups have the rights to go almost anywhere in the world and do what they do. I wonder if uncle sam would grant other religious groups, lets say from the Middle East, to practice and spread their beliefs on US soil; needless to say if such a group should over stay.
First world countries have strict immigration laws and are enforced with harsh penalties. By rule of law, the Guyanese Gov’t is simply asking this group to leave but some want to make it appear as though its the Gov’t that is doing the wrong.
The PNCR seems desperate these day and would cling to almost anyone who can earn them political points; if they break the law or not makes no difference.
Re: “I wonder if uncle sam would grant other religious groups, lets say from the Middle East, to practice and spread their beliefs on US soil; needless to say if such a group should over stay…”
There is religious freedom (to practice any religion) and freedom of speech in the USA. In which world are you living….
“At least two thirds of our miseries spring from human stupidity, human malice and those great motivators and justifiers of malice and stupidity, idealism, dogmatism and proselytizing zeal on behalf of religious or political idols.”
– Aldous Huxley(1894-1963), English novelist.
You have to be dumb and dumber not to be suspicious of any foreign group that be it religious or otherwise that allies itself with the any political party even if they claim it’s for humanitarian work. Let’s not forget that The House of Israel and the Peoples Temple also came to Guyana as religious organisations doing “humanitarian” work.
I urge you all to go online before you swallow this “humanitarian” business hook, line and sinker. The CJCLDS (Mormon) is a FOR PROFIT ORGANISATION.
Unfortunately, to their detriment, the dumb and dumber will always need to be spoon fed. They cannot do the reasearch and form their own opinions. It is much easier to accept other’s opinions and indoctrinations. That is why Guyanese are in their current predicament. This is why we become easy target for the likes of the Mormons.
and what’s your point.
Re: “That is why Guyanese are in their current predicament. This is why we become easy target for the likes of the Mormons….”
Who become “easy targets” to serve as de “Drug Mules”!!! de smarter Guyanese – eh!
My response is missing! And it wasn’t even that colorful! What is going on Moderator?
I replied in an earlier post that my point is; “when we follow blindly we are led into darkness”.