U.S. citizen, 67, shot dead

A 67-year-old U.S based Guyanese was shot dead at around 19:40 hrs yesterday during a robbery at a grocery store in Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt Park, which his relatives operate.
Vincent Williams, who only arrived in Guyana three days ago, was reportedly shot at least three times by one of two young men who had attempted to rob him and a female relative.

Pic: Dead: Vincent Williams

One of the bullets reportedly struck him in the chest.
Kaieteur News understands that the men shot Williams even though the relative had tossed a bag of money at them.
The bandits reportedly fled empty-handed.
According to reports, Williams and the female relative were in Bebe’s Supermarket and General Store, when the two bandits entered the premises.
One of the men reportedly walked up to the U.S.-based Guyanese, who was backing them, and struck Williams in the head.
On realizing that a robbery was in progress, Williams’ relative tossed a bag of money at the unmasked bandits.
However, it is believed that the men became confused, and one of them then shot Williams. They fled on foot.
Neighbours recalled hearing gunshots and then saw one man fleeing the scene.
Williams was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed at around 19:54 hrs.
The relative, who had witnessed the robbery, was too distraught to speak to reporters.
One of the dead man’s nephews, Kevin Price, told this newspaper that he had just left the premises and was at a friend a few doors away when he heard someone say that a man was shot at the supermarket.
He said that since he did not hear any gunshots, he thought that the person was joking.
It was only when he saw his cousin in a minibus heading to the hospital with the mortally wounded man that Price realised that something terrible had happened.
He said that he waited until persons started gathering at the scene before coming back home only to confirm his worst fears.
Wendy Lindore, the dead man’s niece, said she was not at home when the incident occurred.
She told the media that she received a call from her daughter who told her that her uncle was shot and she should come home immediately.
When she arrived, Williams had already been taken to the hospital.
“What I understand was that my uncle gave them the money and they refused the money, and they just shot him and leave,” Lindore said.
She added that even the jewellery her uncle was wearing at the time was not touched.
According to Lindore, Williams’ relatives in the United States were informed and they expressed disbelief.  
They have indicated that they will be traveling to Guyana soon.
Last night’s incident shattered the normal silence of the South Ruimveldt Park community and residents are now certain that not even the ordinary citizens are safe.

Protesters burn Jagdeo’s effigy outside of Parliament
…parliamentarians kept locked in

The People’s National Congress Reform took to the streets once more, along with thousands of supporters, yesterday, to protest several issues including what the party says is the inadequate five percent increase in wages for public servants and the extremely high food prices, among others.
From the beginning of the protest which assembled at Joseph Pollydore Street and Mandela Avenue, demonstrators were riled and illustrated by the banging of empty pots.
This, according to the protestors, signified the fact that they are without food and so they brought their empty pots as proof. There were also a number of bells and whistles among other noise-making items.
This mood by the protesters was elevated even more with the arrival of an effigy of Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo, complete with a coffin that proclaimed “Death by High cost of living…death by VAT.”
Smokescreen
Prior to their departure from the assembly point, PNCR Leader Robert Corbin told media operatives that the announcements by President Bharrat Jagdeo the previous night were a smokescreen.
He emphasised that the timing of the announcement was specific in response to the planned protest by the PNCR. “At least he has recognised that there is need to respond.”
According to Corbin, his calls have been resounding ever since the tabling of the Budget but nothing was done “until we announced a march for today (yesterday). Suddenly he (Jagdeo) takes to the airwaves and makes these half measures announcements…How long are we going to get this cheaper flour…How much is $4,000 going to do for the average civil servant?”
He also described as a farce the date set by government for the holding of the National Assembly given that his march was announced since last week. The motion was aimed at deluding the public, Corbin said.
Agitated
The crowd, which numbered thousands, then made its way west along Joseph Pollydore Street, continuing along D’Urban Street and shouting chants such as, “Jagdeo must go…Five per cent can’t wuk…No Justice, No Peace.”
The first sign of further agitation for the crowd came when they approached the Camp Street prisons and observed that there was a barricade at Creen Street, and a number of ranks directing the crowd to head south.
A short distance west of the barricades and in close proximity to the rear of the Camp Street Prisons, a number of  police ranks dressed in riot gear and with tear smoke was spread out across the road.
Persuaded by the leadership of the PNCR, the crowd, while voicing its displeasure about having to divert, headed along the direction pointed then turned west along Norton Street only to be directed to head further south along Russell Street.
After snaking their way through Albouystown and Charlestown, the protesters wended their way north along Smyth Street working their way around the rear of the Brickdam Police Station thence to the barricades at Brickdam and Manget Place intended to prevent vehicular and pedestrian traffic from traversing the area whilst the National Assembly was in progress.
The barricades along with the few police ranks who manned it proved to be far too minimal to keep the enraged crowd from breaking through and sprinting to the Parliament Buildings.
As the crowd poured into the vicinity of the Public Buildings, members of the Quick Reaction Group based at the Tactical Service Unit headquarters swooped down but only managed to keep the crowd within a few feet of the Parliament gates which by this time were locked even to the parliamentarians who attempted to enter the compound.
Security within the Public Buildings was also instantly beefed up. And by this time the sitting was adjourned so several members of the ruling party were seen on the corridors of Parliament observing the happenings outside the gates.
The makeshift coffin which was transported along the way was then set ablaze and the effigy of President Jagdeo was thrown into the small inferno much to the approval of the protesters.
Regent Street
lock down
After that symbolic display, the protesters then turned their attention to the streets of central Georgetown. They made their way to the rally point at the John Ford car park, just across the road from the Bourda Market. That car park was named after a mayor.
The protesters first headed along Avenue of the Republic and attempted to enter Regent Street but that approach was barricaded so they headed further north to Robb Street. This time the protesters managed to break though the barricades and it was time for another sprint as some insisted on parading on Regent Street.
The scene was reminiscent of the protests of 1997 which saw several stores looted and millions of dollars lost.  Store owners on Regent Street, fearing the worst, immediately proceeded to lower their steel blockades erected on the doors and showrooms.
As the crowd made its way along Regent Street, police ranks quickly took up a strategic position just east of Wellington Street.
One woman who hurriedly made her way away from the mob approached the police muttering, “God is good …Oh Lord please help…I don’t want to die.”
The sight of the police also deterred the protesters from continuing to enter Regent Street. The march eventually continued along the prescribed route culminating at the John Ford car park where a rally was held.
At the rally it was announced that the party will be taking to the streets again today and will continue in earnest this time. The assembly point will be Square of the Revolution at 10:00hrs.

Sitting magistrate flees bench
...after refusing to give her name to murder accused

There was high drama in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday as a murder accused jumped out of the dock and attempted to attack Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle, who is performing the duties of Chief Magistrate.
The accused, Sherwin Anthony Hyles, had to be restrained by police ranks and public-spirited citizens who were in the courtroom at the time.
During efforts to subdue the prisoner, the prosecutors’ table and bench were broken and the Magistrate even hurt herself trying to seek refuge in her chambers.
Hyles, who is said to be of unsound mind, is charged with the murder of Joel Savory on May 1.
He made his first appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday and the saga began at around 11:30 hours after the indictable charge was read to him.

Pic: Murder accused Sherwin Hyles
being restrained by police ranks

After reading the charge, Magistrate Robertson-Ogle asked Hyles his age and he told her that he did not know.
She also asked for his address and he said that he lives on the Low Coastal Plain. Hyles added that people told him that he lives in the East Bank Demerara village of Friendship.
The Magistrate transferred the matter to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for May 23 and that should have been the end of the matter but when she was finished with Hyles, he asked her name.
Magistrate Robertson-Ogle replied that her name was not important. The accused asked again but before she could reply, Hyles jumped over the dock, unto the bar table and charged the Magistrate.
Magistrate Robertson-Ogle dashed off the bench and into her chambers closely followed by two of her clerks, one of whom was screaming.
Hyles made it all the way to the Magistrate’s desk and picked up her reading lamp. By this time Attorney-at-Law James Bond had grabbed his leg.
The court orderly and prosecutor along with public-spirited citizens then struggled to restrain the hysterical man.
In the process, the prosecutor’s table and bench were broken and all the case dockets were scattered on the floor.
The outburst sent the persons in the courtroom scattering and heading for the exit.
It took several persons to control Hyles and they eventually had to use the laces from his sneakers to secure his hands and feet.
Four police ranks fetched Hyles out of the courtroom and into the lockups. He was placed to lie face down on the floor of the lockups as ranks untied him and put handcuffs on.
The police shortened his stay in the lockups by hurriedly placing him in a police vehicle bound for the Georgetown Prisons.
Magistrate Robertson-Ogle told this newspaper that she has always asked for armed security in the court.
She added that when the police were trying to handcuff him he jumped out of the dock and charged at her.
“He jumped out of the dock and charged in my direction and he got hold of my reading lamp.”
According to her, she and two clerks hurried into her chambers and were bracing the door as they were not sure whether the man had gotten beyond the Magistrate’s bench.
This newspaper understands that the Magistrate hurt her leg in the process of racing into her chambers.
She asked one of the clerks to get added security and when the police came to the rescue and peeked into the courtroom, the man had already been constrained.
“In all of my years, no one has ever charged towards me,” Magistrate Robertson-Ogle.
She said that she is just thankful to be alive and well.
After the outburst, Magistrate Robertson-Ogle did some matters inside chambers and ventured out on the bench again some time after 11:00 hours.  The prosecutor’s desk  was supported by a chair and the bench was pieced back together. An uneasy atmosphere then prevailed in the court throughout the rest of the day.
A police source told this newspaper that police ranks in the courtroom, including prosecutors, do not carry firearms.  
He also said that routinely there is enough security at the court.  However, he stated that the Magistrate was advised that Hyles should wear handcuffs even while the charge was being read since he is said to be of unsound mind but Magistrate Robertson-Ogle told the police to unshackle him.
Previously there was a situation whereby a prisoner used a toy gun to hold the courtroom hostage.
Since then there has been improved security at the court. Ranks have been placed at the gates with metal detectors.
Hyles was charged with stabbing 41-year-old minibus driver, Joel Savory, to death on Labour Day at Friendship, East Bank Demerara.

Police to take action for PNCR protest breach

The Guyana Police Force in a release to the media last evening stated that appropriate actions will be taken in relation to the breaches of the law yesterday by the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and members and supporters of his Party.  According to the Police, the PNCR had requested a specific route which included passing by the Georgetown jail and proceeding down a section of Regent Street.
“The Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud, considered the request and did not grant permission for the procession to pass the jail or to proceed along Regent Street…The current security situation in the country and the concerns of members of the business community were taken into consideration by Persaud.”
The police force also expressed its gross disappointment with the conduct of the protesters during the procession held yesterday.
“To the shock and surprise of members of the Force and perhaps all law abiding citizens, the barriers at Brickdam and Manget Place used to prevent traffic, other than Members of Parliament, from proceeding west along Brickdam, were thrown down and the protesters then proceeded to the area outside of Parliament in breach of the approved route…
“Subsequently, the procession proceeded along Avenue of the Republic and instead of turning east into Church Street, proceeded east into Robb Street and in the process threw down the barriers and proceeded unlawfully along a route not approved.”

Protesters force MPs to be locked in Parliament compound

During a 45-minute sitting of the National Assembly, with only members of the ruling party and the Alliance for Change, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud urged that Guyanese do not panic since there is enough food for local consumption.
In a statement to the National Assembly, Persaud said that ‘luckily’ Guyana remains food secure both in terms of locally produced and imported food.
Guyanese, he said, must ensure that this status is maintained.  The Agriculture Minister was scheduled to table a motion on food prices yesterday but in a statement to the National Assembly, said that in the interest of national participation, he prefers the proposition to be deferred for debate when the main opposition is in the House.
According to Persaud, it is time for Guyanese to work together to combat the challenges as they unfold and ensure that the country does not suffer unnecessarily from the global rising food prices and cost of living.

Pic: Protestors outside the
National Assembly yesterday

“Even though rising food prices are pushing up the cost of living, we must remember that they also provide our farmers with a unique opportunity to increase their income and transform the agriculture landscape.”
Persaud told the National Assembly that this is the first time that rice farmers have received such high prices for their crop.  “The price of non-traditional agriculture crops is also increasing, providing further opportunities for farmers to increase their income and for the country to increase export earnings.”
He added that Guyana must take full advantage of these new opportunities and see the global challenge as an opportunity for farmers to increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.
It is important to note, the Minister said, that the food price situation is a global crisis driven by global factors.
These factors, he stated, such as rising oil prices, increasing demand for food and climate change are not within the control of any one government and are certainly not within the control of the Government of Guyana.
The Minister added that an appeal is being launched by the administration to all political parties, communities, workers, private sector, religious organizations, young people, farmers and consumers, for their support in responding to this challenge.
“We feel strongly that there must be a collective and national response to this situation and it is for this reason the motion was tabled in the National Assembly.”
Meanwhile, following the suspension of the National Assembly, parliamentarians and all those who were present for the sitting were forced to stay inside the compound because of protest actions.  An aggressive crowd had gathered outside Public Buildings and police were forced to lock the gate to the National Assembly as protesters burnt debris outside the compound.
This lasted for at least an hour after which the protesters moved to other parts of the city.
The protest, which was organized by the PNCR, sought to highlight the plight of Guyanese as a result of the rising prices of food.
(Tusika Martin)

Foulis sibling murder…
‘I will serve me time’-suspect

A Foulis, East Coast Demerara man who fatally stabbed his brother with a broken bottle over a $60 wager in a card game has expressed remorse and has resigned himself to whatever fate awaits him.
The suspect, who was taken into custody following the death of his brother, Ramesh Nandkishore, called Reagan, cried excessively throughout the night in the lock-ups.
He reportedly told police ranks guarding him that he never expected that his actions would have resulted in the death of his brother.
“I will serve me time,” the tearful suspect told police as he was taken to the Cove and John Police Station lock-ups.
A post mortem examination will be performed on Nandkishore’s body today.
Nandkishore collapsed in his yard at 397 Foulis Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara around 17:35 hours, minutes after he was stabbed in his neck, even as his mother left her cooking to try to make peace between the two feuding brothers.
Neighbours said that the two brothers who lived with their elderly mother were both unemployed and would normally imbibe alcohol daily.
On Wednesday, Nandkishore and his older brother were drinking vodka and playing cards under their single flat wooden house, while their mother was preparing dinner upstairs.
A heated argument ensued between the two brothers when Nandkishore reportedly refused to pay a wager that he had lost.
Their mother heard the commotion and left her cooking to try to bring peace.
But before she could do so, Nandkishore’s brother picked up the vodka bottle and, after breaking it, stabbed him in his neck.

Hijacking and Piracy Bill withdrawn from National Assembly
- Minister not satisfied with some clauses

The much anticipated Hijacking and Piracy Bill 2008 was yesterday withdrawn in the National Assembly by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.
Rohee was scheduled to present the Bill but opted to withdraw at the last minute when he was called upon by the Speaker of the House to read the Bill for the first time.
Yesterday, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) boycotted Parliament in order to stage a protest in the streets on the high cost of living among other issues.
Speaking to the media about his reasons for withdrawing the Bills, the Home Affairs Minister said that he is not satisfied with some of the clauses.
He said that the Bill needs to be ‘tightened up greater.’
“I’m not happy with the bail aspect of the current draft that is with us. The Bill needs to be tightened up a little bit more and the bail clause needs to be tightened up further,” the Minister told the media.
The Hijacking and Piracy Bill is seeking to provide for the punishment for the commission of piracy when murder is not involved.
It also deals with the punishment of accessories in respect of the offences punishable under the proposed legislation.
The Bill also seeks to provide for the forfeiture to the State, of buildings owned and used by the accused, any vessel, all things, machinery and accessories and weapons made use of or intended to be used in the commission of an offence under the proposed legislation.
One of the clauses also seeks to empower the court to issue restraint order in respect of certain properties of the accused person, which are suspected to be proceeds of the crime and are likely to be alienated or disposed of in case no such order is issued.
The draft which was circulated in Parliament yesterday also stated that the Bill will seek to provide for issuance by the Court of a civil forfeiture order in respect of proceeds of crime or ill-gotten property.
It seeks to lay down a provision shifting the burden of proof to the accused person or the person claiming under him any right, title or interest in the property in respect of which a restraint order may be issued.
Another clause seeks to provide that a person accused of an offence under the proposed legislation shall not, if in custody, be released on bail or on his own bond unless the court gives the prosecution an opportunity to be heard. However, there shall be no bail in respect of an offence. (Tusika Martin)

GBF to host literacy training workshop

The Guyana Book Foundation with support from the Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE) will be hosting a literacy training workshop for men, next week Saturday, May 17th, 2008, at School of the Nations, 120 Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There is no cost for this programme, and organizers promise that the forum will help participants learn ways of making a difference in the reading skills of children and youth.
For more information, interested individuals are asked to call Lall or Rosheni on Tel 227-7824

Local artist petitions Carifesta Secretariat to use logo

The Carifesta Secretariat is still pondering whether the Guyanese artist nominated for the imminent Women in Business Awards (WIB) will be given permission to use the Carifesta logo.
Irene Bacchus-Holder, who produces collectible items made from the finest local wood species, has officially signaled her desire to have the Carifesta logo imprinted on her handicraft.
Mrs Bacchus-Holder said she has approached the Carifesta Secretariat revealing her intention to use the logo for the upcoming event to be held in Guyana.
When contacted yesterday for a comment, Major Claudius Vaughn told Kaieteur News that the Secretariat has received a written request from Bacchus-Holder.
Major Vaughn stated that there have also been several requests from various entities and private citizens to use the logo.
However, so far only UNICEF has been granted the go-ahead to utilize the logo.
Major Vaughn said the requests were discussed at a meeting but no decision was arrived at.  He disclosed that another meeting is scheduled for next week where the issue will come up for further discussions.
According to Vaughn, the Secretariat was forced to write to individuals who had begun using the logo without permission, warning them of the ramifications.
However, Mrs Bacchus-Holder expressed concern that the delay in granting her permission may not afford her enough time to engrave the logo into her products.
She noted that since writing to the Secretariat months ago, she has received no favourable response.
The business awards nominee said she telephoned the entity two weeks ago but was informed that the issue “was not yet discussed”.
Officials initially said it was the first time that they had received such a request and consequently they were not sure how to respond.
The businesswoman disclosed that should she be granted permission, her collector souvenirs will be embossed with the official logo.
She added that with only about three months to go to Carifesta, she hopes permission would be granted soon.
“I would have to prepare these items so that they can be ready for Carifesta. The items are mainly made from wood but then there are other fineries like screws, bolts and other stuff that I would have to buy to get the final products ready.”
Mrs Bacchus-Holder stressed that most of the accessories are sourced from overseas markets and may take some time to place the order.
Her extraordinary talent has earned her a nomination in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Women in Business (WIB) Awards.
Bacchus-Holder is the lone Caribbean finalist among the 10 other female entrepreneurs nominated.
Should she be adjudged winner, Bacchus-Holder will be the first businesswoman in the Caribbean to covet such recognition.
She currently owns and manages “Irene’s Creative Handicraft” in the mining town of Linden.
Her business employs a small team of five young workers who create originally decorative items of exceptional quality.

“Robbing dead” message on Channel 69 raises ire of CNS 6

Embattled television station, CNS Channel 6, has accused another station, NTN Channel 69, of defamation and has written to the Advisory Committee on Broadcasting (ACB) protesting.
In a letter written to Chairman of ACB, Patrick Dial, and released to the media, Programme Director of CNS Channel 6, Savitree Singh, said that it is officially complaining about a message that was repeatedly aired on NTN Channel 69 yesterday.
According to Singh, the message which read- “You were the champion for robbing the dead. This will be no more”- was being aired all day long and is obviously directed at CNS Channel 6.    “I believe the Advisory Broadcasting Committee will agree with me that Channel 69 is abusing its broadcasting privilege by this brazen attack on us since our licence is already suspended for four months,” wrote Singh. 
“The message is also distasteful and of no relevance to broadcasting. It is defaming to CNS Channel 6 and will cause us to lose more revenue than is already being lost.”
Singh, who is also the wife of C.N. Sharma, a controversial talk show host, urged the ACB to look into this “deliberate act” and expressed hope that measures will be taken to ensure that Channel 69 does not abuse their privilege of being a television licence holder.  Contacted yesterday, Anand Persaud, an official of Channel 69, expressed puzzlement that the airing of the text could have been linked to Channel 6.
“I can tell you that it is part of our marketing strategy to garner more customers. Additionally, the words, “robbing the dead”, are something that is spoken by our local people. When you use those words, people understand immediately what you talking about. Why not link it also to Channel 11, Channel 9, Channel 65 or any other channel? I don’t understand.”
CNS Channel was closed on April 12 for four months after he was accused of repeatedly broadcasting a live programme in which a caller threatened to kill President Bharrat Jagdeo.
The decision was taken by the President after the threats were made on Sharma’s Voice of the People.

Parika scalding incident…
Post mortem says 3-month -old died of natural causes

Three-month-old Wenita Ferrier, who died early Tuesday morning, one day after she was scalded during a brawl between her mother and another woman, reportedly died of reasons completely unrelated to that incident.
This disclosure was made by a police source who related that a post mortem which was conducted on the child’s remains on Wednesday revealed that she had a congenital heart condition.
It was disclosed that ever since the birth of the premature child, she was never really healthy and succumbed to natural causes rather than from being scaled by the water.
On Monday last, Butcher Shop Street, East Bank Essequibo was converted to a mini war zone when a brawl ensued between the child’s mother, Savitri Boodnauth, and another woman over a kerosene stove.
Reports are that Boodnauth was holding her baby at the time.
It was also reported that the two women were engaged in a heated row for quite a while, before the neighbour, in a drunken rage, threw the lighted stove along with a pot of boiling water at Boodnauth and her baby, causing the two to squeal in pain.
Several residents rushed to their aid only to witness an apparent deterioration in the child’s health.
Boodnauth, as a result, made a report to the Parika Police Station after which she was advised to take the child to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where the child was examined and sent away. The child, however, succumbed the following day.
Regional Health Officer, Dr Mellicent Benjamin, in an invited comment that day, had disclosed that while she was not aware of the incident, an investigation into the matter would be engaged at the hospital level.
She had said, too, that while it is assumed that the child may have died due to being saturated with the scalding water, only a post mortem could really determine the cause of death.
She also speculated that the child could have in fact died of a totally unrelated cause.
And the neighbour who was arrested and detained at the Den Amstel Police Station lock-ups was released after the cause of death of the child was revealed.
However, it is expected that the assault matter will still engage the attention of the courts, according to the police source.

Second army chopper arrives

The second Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell 206 B Ranger III helicopter arrived yesterday at army headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, at around 17:15hrs.
The 3000-pound transporter landed after a 48-hour flight from Mexico to Miami and through the Caribbean.

Pic: The GDF helicopter that landed
at Camp Ayanganna yesterday

It joins a similar helicopter that was secured by Government to enhance the country’s crime-fighting ability about two months ago.
Colonel Cargill Kyte told reporters yesterday that the chopper would boost the security forces’ crime-fighting capabilities.
However, he stated that a decision is yet to be taken on the role of the newly acquired helicopter.
Colonel Kyte added that the chopper is outfitted with a loud hailer for crowd control.

Berbice fishermen cleared for firearms

Berbice fishermen, who for over a year were under attack from pirates, have been granted gun licences, something that they had been lobbying for some time now.
According to officials yesterday, the fishing society from Number 66 Village, Upper Corentyne, will be armed with five pump-action shotguns while another six licences were reportedly issued to the fishing cooperative at Rosignol.
However, fishermen will have to learn how to use the weapons and sort out issues regarding safe storage, the fishing officials said.
Berbice fishermen have been clamoring for some time now for firearm licences following numerous pirate attacks that intensified last year.
More than 50 boats were robbed and fishermen were estimating losses at over $30 million last year.
The Guyana Government, also, following numerous attacks on fishing boats by pirates, announced that two boats manned by Coast Guards will be permanently placed off the waters in Berbice to provide security for fishermen.
This announcement came at the same time that the government launched an Anti-Piracy Revolving Fund. Under the “insurance” fund which will be run by the sub-committee of the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of Agriculture, fishermen will be able to claim back as much as 20 per cent for loss of engines, seines and boats due to piracy acts.
Last year the Ministry donated two boats complete with engines to the Essequibo and Berbice Fishermen’s Co-op Societies for use as patrol boats.
Additionally, some $15 million has been committed to develop a state of the art communication system that will allow a quicker response by Law Enforcement officials during or immediately after a piracy attack.
Some $5 million has been allocated by the government also to establish the fund and the government has started looking at legislation that will make hijacking a non-bailable offence.
Under the security programme, fishing co-operatives will be equipped with communications equipment linking them to boat operators and could even allow for distressed fishermen to be located using the Global Positioning System (GPS) radios and special wristwatches.
According to Coast Guard Commander, John Flores, four boats will be placed at New Amsterdam standing ready to respond to piracy attacks.
Currently, two boats are being purchased and these will further boost the capacity in that county.
During the launching of the fund, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, had stressed that fishing in Guyana is crucial since 13,000 households depend on the industry for a living with almost US$55 million being earned annually from seafood export.   
Berbice fishermen had positively identified three suspected pirates who were captured in Suriname last March. They were fingered for being part of a gang that carried out several vicious attacks on Guyanese fishermen earlier this year.
Fishing officials of the Ancient County had also confirmed that one of the captured men belonged to a boat that was operated by a member of their fishing co-operative at Corentyne.
The officials, who asked not to be named, also confirmed that the six suspects, who are still in the custody of Surinamese authorities awaiting charges, were long suspected by the fishermen.
The officials said some of the pirates posed as legit fishermen in Berbice and were even part of the co-ops. However, they used the opportunities to canvas fishing boats and plan attacks, it was claimed yesterday.
Several fishermen have gone missing, the bodies of  three having been washed up late last year. Another boat with fishermen from the East Coast Demerara has gone missing with no signs of the vessel or the men so far.
According to the fishing officials, all the suspected pirates are from the Number 55 and Number 73 Villages area.
One of the suspects was said to have been on the run from local investigators here for armed robbery and murder.
Police in Suriname had confirmed the arrest of a gang of six Guyanese men at the end of March for alleged piracy and hijacking of fishing boats in Suriname waters.
Recently, the Suriname’s Minister of Justice and the police announced that the authorities are considering issuing firearms to fishermen, to enable them to protect themselves against the violent attacks of pirates who are mostly Guyanese criminals.

Young businessman seeks intervention to keep business

A young West Coast Demerara businessman is fearful that he may lose his livelihood or some harm may come to him or members of his family if the relevant authority does not intervene urgently in a dilemma that has confronted him.
Speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, 28-year-old Harry Singh, who operates a business at Lot 48 Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, said that he first ventured in to the business, ‘Precious Moments Diner’ that allows him to sell beverages and food.
The man said that he has leased the Meten-Meer-Zorg property for five years in order to open the business after securing a licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which allows him to sell malt and wine.

Pic: The modest establishement which
is operated on the ground floor

Singh said that he operates his business every day of the week, opening its doors at around 17:00 hours and keeping the business open until his customers leave. He offers an atmosphere of neon lights accentuated by sensual music from a 19-inch television set aided by a mini-Digital/Video Disc player.
He said that when he started his operation last September, he had begun operating with the aid of a generator but early this year he applied to the Guyana Power and Light for a connection, since he wanted his food business in particular to thrive.  It was shortly after this move, Singh said, that he was alerted through a newspaper article published in March that not only was his business a nuisance but that it was also affecting a nearby place of worship.
Singh said that at no point was he ever approached by anyone in the community or its surrounding environs and informed that his business place was disturbing the peace. Instead, he received numerous compliments for being a young man with a vision.
Singh explained that the previous owner of the property had run foul of the wishes of the worshipers and thus was subjected to their wrath and even court action which saw an injunction being secured preventing him or his servants from operating a liquor restaurant.
The owner eventually ceased his operation at the premises, Singh said.
He, however, noted that the worshippers are now trying to have the same injunction enforced against him (Singh) even though he is by no means operating a liquor restaurant.
The evidently disturbed young man provided his 2007 receipt of payment to the GRA for a malt and wine licence, adding that he never had the intention of operating a rum shop since he is aware that this could indeed lend to a number of demeaning activities.
However, according to the man, when he attempted to renew his licence this year he was informed by GRA officials that he cannot be afforded a licence until an investigation based on the newspaper article is completed.
According to the article, the worshippers “are considering taking legal action against the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for its continued granting of liquor licences to a business opposite the place of worship, despite a court order preventing this.”
Singh insisted, though, that this could not be further from the truth but rather noted that he is of the belief that the action is a deliberate act to undermine his operation in order to ensure the survival of a similar business place a short distance away which is owned by one of the prominent worshippers.
The young man disclosed, too, that although he was informed that the GRA has to investigate the matter, so far no official has even attempted to visit his business place.
The man said that he has complied with every ethical and hygienic measure and has not even breached the injunction, yet he is being threatened to “move out or get burnout...”
Singh said that while he is not afraid of any threats or is not looking for a problem with any one, he has and will continue to stand up firmly for his rights.
The man said that his business place has been vandalised on numerous occasions, a matter he has tolerated without even casting an accusing finger at anyone.
Singh has so far been able to secure written petitions from his three immediate neighbours, requesting that his licence be renewed since it is not a nuisance to them. He apparently also has the support of more than 50 residents, who claim that the diner in no way casts a bad light on the community, as is being suggested in some quarters.
Halim Khan, an Imam at the masjid, and one of the worshippers who was directly responsible for filing the injunction, said that the move to remind GRA of the illegality of the operation was engaged since he is of the firm belief that no place of worship should be defiled by the lewd operation of a liquor shop.
Khan said that based on documentations, Singh is not allowed to sell even malt or wine, adding that his food business is nonexistent.
He added that the GRA had also admitted that Singh’s licence was granted by mistake and a letter will be sent to the establishment in this regard. However, Singh claims he has never been in receipt of such a correspondent.

Fidelity Investments fostered GRA corruption probe

More than three million bottles of ‘soft drinks’ were cleared by Customs for Fidelity Investments but investigators are yet to find one of these bottles, Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo said. Quite a few of the Customs officers said that they saw ‘soft drinks’, he added.
However, when asked to describe the drinks the officers gave varying descriptions, President Jagdeo added.
But even as the investigations continue at the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Head of State is looking at overseas companies who can handle investigations of serious financial frauds and forensic audits.
According to President Jagdeo, he has requested information from the U.S. Government and has since got a list of companies that are involved in such investigative work.
The Head of State stressed at a press conference on Wednesday that he hopes that members of the GRA are not ‘just only going to be dismissed’.
“I have seen quite a few of the members of the GRA dismissed and I hope that that is not the end of the matter. The people who are involved should be prosecuted,” the President said.
He noted that Fidelity Investment broke the law and will have to face the consequences.
“The case we are building now is largely because of Fidelity saying to us that they did not import soft drinks but instead imported beer. The police questioned all the people in the warehouse and they said that they never saw soft drinks yet several Customs officers cleared soft drink.”  The correct import duties were not paid because there was corruption.
The company, the Head of State noted, claimed that it gave the import duties to the broker and the broker split the money with the Customs officers so that they would change ‘beer’ to ‘soft drink’ on the manifest.
Based on the entire scenario, the President repeated the need for plea bargain legislation.
“I have spoken about this (plea bargain legislation) repeatedly so that people who are involved could become state witnesses. Then you will be able to make a case. The only reason we could have done it in this case is because one of the importers is willing to say that (the company) did not bring in soft dink but beer. How many others would come forward?”
Last January, a team of GRA enforcement officers went to the Fidelity Investment bond where, after identifying themselves, they requested several records including registers, Customs declarations and tax and sales invoices for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages imported and sold by the company. 
GRA officials also went to the company’s head office at Regent and Oronoque Streets to uplift other documents.
An inventory was also ordered at the Ruimzeigt bond of the company.
While the officers were carrying out investigations, Fidelity Investments secured three injunctions against the GRA.

GRA officers not part of investigating task force
– Auditor General

Auditor General (ag) and Head of the task force investigating the alleged fraud within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Deodat Sharma, yesterday cleared the air on misconceptions that officers of the revenue agency are part of the task force.
The Auditor General in a press release stated that the task force comprises representatives of three agencies: the Ministry of Finance, the Guyana Police Force and the Auditor General’s office.
“The task force in the execution of its functions will from time to time require the assistance of senior GRA officers to provide necessary explanations and clarification on operational and procedural matters. However, these persons do not form part of the investigating team,” the release stated.
Some media houses had carried reports that GRA officers form part of the investigating task force, raising the question of the credibility of the task force.
The Commissioner General of the GRA, who has been tasked with the responsibility of facilitating the investigation by providing the requisite documents and staff as required by the task force, is also not part of the team, the press release stated.
Further, it noted that the task force “sees these reports carried in the media as erroneous, misleading and designed to create mischief, and urges persons to desist from engaging in such practices and allow the Task Force to perform its functions unhindered”.

Sand truck crushes foot of 14-year-old

A 14-year-old girl of Charity Housing Area narrowly escaped being run over by a sand truck on Wednesday but nonetheless sustained a crushed left foot.
Reports are that Kaysheena Ramotar, a student of the Charity Secondary School, was in the company of friends and heading home at the time of the incident.
It was said that while the children were in the vicinity of the Charity Housing Scheme bridge, the truck started heading towards the group of children, running over Ramotar’s foot in the process.
It was reported that a friend who was with the injured girl, upon realising the danger, managed to pull her to safety.
In immense pain, and with blood oozing from her foot, the teen was rushed to the Charity Hospital where she received some medical treatment before being transferred to the Suddie Hospital for further attention.
According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, Ramotar’s foot was crushed badly.
Following the incident both the driver and the truck were detained at the Charity Police Station while ranks investigated the matter. However, the driver was subsequently released, a development which aroused concerns among the child’s parents, teachers and villagers.