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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday January 28, 2014
DEALERS IN DEATH
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- Are teens being used as conveyors of arms, as seems to be the case in this instance?
POLICE patrol in the South Ruimveldt locale last week, which resulted in the stopping and searching of two teenaged youths that led to the discovery of a deadly assault M-16 rifle, ammunition, and the equally deadly accessories of grenades in their possession, further underlines the frightening fact of the presence of high-velocity weaponry, and their easy acquisition, by whomsoever, for what definite evil and murderous activity. Of course, Samuel Johnson, 17; and Kevin George, 18, the youths found with the semi arsenal, were arrested, and have since been charged, placed before the court and subsequently remanded. One must commend the police patrol for their prompt response to the calls from the South Ruimveldt citizens that led to the interception and arrests, and the professionalism with which they executed their duties. It is quite obvious that they adhered to standard operating procedures. Further, those residents who observed the suspicious actions of the two teens should also be congratulated for doing their civic duty; for such timely intervention definitely resulted in some highly dangerous and illegal mission for which that arsenal had been intended, being thwarted. The new millennium, particularly, has been very informative as to the proliferation of gun crimes in Guyana, and the calibre used in committing deadly acts of violence. It is certain that the handgun, though still used in a number of crimes, is no longer the
weapon of choice in the possession of those who carry out their criminal activities. From accounts given by eye-witnesses, there is always the description of “long guns” carried by the gunmen. This claim is supported by police investigators, whenever they explain the type of casings found at the scenes of most crimes. It points to a perception that the perpetrators, particularly those of the “hit men category”, wanting to ensure the efficiency and completeness of their deadly assignment, since they are often paid assassins. It is more than clear that there is a ready market for this heavy calibre type weapon, particularly the well known and much used AK-47, as a result of the changed social dynamics of our society where narcotics and other related crimes, have
‘SHOCKING’: The deadly assault M-16 rifle, grenades and ammunition that were seized from two teenagers recently.
resulted in a frightening demand for arms being acquired for bodyguards and personal protection, mostly illegally. Certainly, such high-voltage arms are not known to be licensed to private citizens. Hence, they are acquired illegally. Surely, these guns are smuggled into Guyana without lawful permission, and by gunrunners who have their ready clientele. Therefore, the challenge for the authorities is to determine the manner of entry, and their locations, with a clear-cut strategy of minimising an activity that is manifest at the centre of bloody, murderous acts being committed with alarming regularity in this country. One feels horrified, aware that a very lethal device such as a grenade is easily acquired from sources responsible for gun-running and illegal arms sales, by persons for whatever evil purpose is planned. For too long there have been contentions that our borders are too lengthy and porous, cannot be efficiently policed, if at all, and therefore facilitate the easy entry of illegal firearms. But what about the nation’s waterways and berthing areas? Are these also not possible for use of landing illegal arms? It is time that our security advisors and strategists evolve plans for combating a situation that is at crises proportions. One can only speculate as to the number of these “dealers in death”, but that is not important. Irrespective of their numbers, and where their supply bases are located, whether source or middlemen, our security forces, supported by proper intelligence must begin an all-out assault against these “dealers in death”, for they are out there, in many forms and guises. Their illegal enterprise must be broken and eliminated. One is certain that the two teens, who ought to have been at school, were possibly acting on behalf of someone. Are teens being used as conveyors of arms, as seems to be the case in this instance? Of course, such will be determined by law enforcement and intelligence personnel in their investigations. This particular incident must be a catalyst for action by our security forces.
Rohee charges APNU with ‘dereliction’ of duty over budget talks
By Vanessa Narine
than a dereliction of duty to our workers and to the constituencies of the opposition parties which elected them as their THE position of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), voices. regarding the repeated invitations for talks on the national “… it is evident that Granger had instructed Greenidge to budget, is that it is too late for any meaningful consultaengage in consultations - just Greenidge choose to disobey tions. him. To save face Granger, instead of disciplining Greenidge, However, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, in made the excuse that it is ‘too late’ for consultations.” commenting on this stance, said that the position of the main According to him, the “ever changing” position has opposition party on the matter is reflective of a “dereliction” been noted with great concern by the People’s Progressive of that party’s duty towards its conParty. stituencies. Rohee said, “True “To not engage in budget consultations is nothing less Speaking at a press conference to its agreeing antics, than a dereliction of duty to our workers and to the held at Freedom House, Robb Street, the APNU has been constituencies of the opposition parties which elected offering a plethora of yesterday, he said, “To not engage in budget consultations is nothing less them as their voices.” - Rohee excuses for not accepting to consult on budget 2014. “First they were not invited, then when the APNU Leader, Granger, directed Member of Parliament Greenidge to engage From page 3 argument broke out and the he said that he needed more information and then finally it was driver of the car exited the claiming that Rose, of 331 that it was too late for consultations.” vehicle and opened fire on the East Street, Georgetown was occupants of his car, killing not an “enemy maker” and POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING the designer and injuring himthe killing could well be a self and the designer’s female case of road rage. The General Secretary noted that the “flimsy excuses” companion. The driver of the taxi in seem to indicate that the APNU is more interested in political According to the driver, which Rose was travelling said Rose was the last person to grandstanding, rather than serving the interests of their conthat he pulled up at the traffic be shot. The first was said to stituents and the nation as a whole. light at Eccles and shortly after be the driver of the car and He said, “It is quite comical to hear the APNU, only a few a car that was heavily tinted, then the woman. According weeks ago, declaring 2014 boldly as “Year of the Worker” pulled up alongside him and to some persons, had Rose but weeks later, when the workers’ interests would be best the driver began accosting him been the intended target, the served by budget consultations, APNU turns its back on the about the way he was driving. gunman would have targeted very workers. The taxi driver said an him first. “The annual budget is the single most important
Trevor Rose shooting ...
government intervention which impacts on the lives of our country’s workers and their families. “…this opposition’s political grandstanding and continuously shifting of the goalpost on budget 2014 consultation only serves to divide and sow discord and discontent.” Rohee stressed that PPP General Secretary APNU’s position “hurts Clement Rohee rather than helps” the people of Guyana and the development of the country. “Division and discord are tools commonly used by the PNC and which they seek to inflict on the wider society,” he said. “The People’s Progressive Party in giving meaning to our constitution has devolved in favour of consultative democracy in Guyana.” COMMITMENT TO CONSULTATION The General Secretary made it clear that it could never be too late for consultation. “At the very heart of the PPP is its commitment to consultation and its conviction that decisions made based on consultations, would stand the test of time,” he stressed. Rohee called for all stakeholders who have been invited to engage in the 2014 Budget consultations to take the opportunity to engage the Minister of Finance to the fullest, with respect to their ideas and to negotiate on behalf of their constituents.