Keeping you updated on current events... Sunday February 14, 2021
ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER
FIRE DESTROYS THREE HOUSES IN CASTELLO HOUSING SCHEME
Pg2
Pg2
Early Morning Fire gutted two homes in Shell Road Kitty Pg3
Taxi Driver charge for manslaughter over D’Urban St dragging now charge for murder Brilliant Johnson century leads Jaguars past Hurricanes
Guyana Post Sunday February 14, 2021
Fire destroys three houses in Castello Housing Scheme
The gutted remains
A midday fire in the Castello Housing Scheme area has completely destroyed some three housing, while scorching two. The fire, which would have started at the nearby home, that reportedly housed a the church has left countless homeless
smoke quickly spread to a nearby soup kitchen and to another house. According to a victim, whose name was given Lenox Jones, and resides in one of the affected houses, in tears, related to this NewsCast, that he ran into his middle room and saw a “Brother George”
Lenox Jones, one of the house owner
and millions in losses after nothing was saved. Aided by the wind and hot temperature, the fire which started like a little
House, which was on fire and quickly went to alert the tenants in the house at the bottom flat. Jones stated that at that
moment while over at the house, Brother Gorge Son would have handed him and bottle of gas and said “Oh God, like something lef on”. He added that when he went back up into his house and was told that by his wife that their house has now caught fire and nothing could have been done with the smoke and along with troubling from heart complications. “Ran into my middle room, pull the blind and I saw the smoke coming from brother George house. I ran downstairs and by the time I ran over by brother George house nobody was there, all I know the tenants were downstairs, they started to break down the gate and they weren’t getting through. So, I ran
back home, well, I got a little heart problem so I bent catch myself, then I came back home and my wife says Lenox don’t go upstairs, the smoke coming over” Jones recalled “I went down back and saw brother George Son coming, apparently, he went by the church or something like that, and then I said open the gate and let us go in we open the gate and we went inside.
The gutted remains
was only just smoke. They said, however, aided by the temperature, wind and less water the fire quickly spread Minister of Home Affairs, Roberson Benn defended the works of the fire service by saying he is satisfied with the
He gives me a 20-pound cylinder gasoline bottle to put outside, then say “Oh God, like something lef on” Jones explained After which, Jones said that he could do anything but stood and hope for the best, as the house went up in flames and all was lost. According to some residents, the firefighter could have done a better job since the fire on the time of their arrival was only at the stage, where it
additional units were dispatched there was a fire in kitty, where several units responded, there was a fire at the bourda ground, a garbage fire but again they had to respond to prevent it from touching the northern grandstand and they came to this fire. So, they are four fire all ready for the day so the challenge is to keep the unit with water and to be ready to respond to
works of the fire service, while noting that there has been a challenge all day to cover some four fires for the day. “I’m satisfied given the challenges, the fire services have had this morning there was a fire at Melanie, where
multiple fires today” Benn further applauded the firefighter, as he said that it had been more disastrous. On the other hand said that there is a need for fire hydrants to be rehabilitated and those on the Ministry agenda at the moment.
Taxi Driver charge for manslaughter over D’Urban St dragging now charge for murder
Some two months later after Taxi Driver was a charge for the death of Passenger, David Barclay over allegedly slamming him into several cars and was charged for manslaughter, that charge has now been upgraded to murder. The Accused, Kester Lewis, who appeared in court early January was granted bail for $300,000 will would now remain on remand due to the new info@guyanapostonline.com
charge. Lewis yesterday was caught with some level of a surprise after making his second court appearance and hearing of his new charge. According to reports, the Matter was called in the Magistrates Court before the Chief Magistrate and upon the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution(DDP), the charge of manslaughter was withdrawn, paving
the way for a fresh charge of murder. As such the court heard, Lewis was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on December 29, last, at D’Urban Street, Lodge, he murdered 29-year-old David Barclay. He was not required to plead to the charge. It was back on the day question, Barclay, who had a flat tire and later flagged Lewis from some
assistant. Lewis, who later stopped, then agreed on taking Barclay to his home for his spare wheel. Upon returning, Lewis had a charge of $4000 for his service. As such, Barclay went to pay but only realized that he had only $3300 change and a $5000 bill, and as such Barclay refuse on given him the $5000. Sometimes later an argument ensued and
2
Accused: David Barclay
Accused: Kester Lewis
Lewis took the money, slash another tire on the car, and attempted to drive away when Barclay
jumped on the side of the car and was then slammed into several cars in the area.
Early Morning Fire gutted two homes in Shell Road Kitty
An early morning fire in the Shell Road, Kitty area has destroyed two houses. The fire which started just after 6 AM has left some three persons homeless. According to one occupant of the houses, Murine Monroe, she related to this newscast that it was just after 2AM
this morning, she had left to go see doctor and left the house in the hands of her alcoholic family member and another person. The woman said later she had many calls informing her of the houses on fire and as she returned, she saw both houses on fire.
With one at home when the fire started, firefighters responded to several calls and saw the two houses were on fire. As a result nothing could have been saved, as no one was at home at the time when the blaze started and at time of arrival of fire fighters both house were in
Fuel tanker explosion causes massive fire at Afghanistan, Iran border: officials
A fuel tanker exploded Saturday at the Islam Qala crossing in Afghanistan’s western Herat province on the Iranian border, injuring at least seven people and causing a massive fire that consumed more than 500 trucks carrying natural gas and fuel, according to Afghan officials and Iranian state media. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the blast. Wahid Qatali, Herat’s provincial governor, said info@guyanapostonline.com
Afghan first responders did not have the means to put out the fire and had requested support from Iran in the form of fire fighting aircraft. “For the time being, we can’t even talk about the casualties,” Qatali told The Associated Press. The intensity of the flames meant ambulances were having trouble reaching the wounded or getting close to the site of the blast, said Mohammad
Rafiq Shirzy, spokesman for the Herat regional hospital. Seven people injured by the fire have been admitted to the hospital in Herat so far, he said. The fire has forced Afghanistan to shut down its electrical supply from Iran, leaving Herat in the dark, said Wahidullah Tawhidi, spokesman for the Ministry of Power Supply. Iran’s state-run IRNA
flames. As such, at the moment it is unclear what may have started the fire as police investigators remain at the scene doing their investigation. No signs of arson have so far been reported, as the cost in damages are yet to be estimated. news agency reported that following the request from Herat’s governor, Iranian “rescue forces and fire fighters are underway to extinguish the fire inside Afghanistan,” according to Mohsen Nejat, director-general of crisis management in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province. Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency quoted truck drivers as saying more than 500 trucks carrying natural gas and fuel have been burnt so far. The fire spread to the Dogharoon customs facilities on the Iranian side and first responders — including the fire department, the Iranian army and border forces — were assisting in extinguishing the blaze, according to Iranian state television. Trucks carrying natural gas and fuel were directed to leave the scene.
3
Guyana Post Sunday February 14, 2021
Can one homemade website save wasted vaccinations? These guys want to try
NBC NEWS:
A growing group of technologists have built websites to centralize vaccination information, but those solutions can overshadow the complexity of the challenge facing government Jimmy Chion’s homemade website offers a simple solution to the problem of wasted Covid-19 vaccinations: a one-stop destination to pair people anywhere in the U.S. with excess or near-spoiled doses near them. It’s an alluring proposition. For many Americans, finding a vaccination appointment means navigating a maze of government websites and phone lines in hopes of snagging a spot only to be routinely told to check back later. Efforts to make appointments for older relatives have left even tech-savvy people frustrated. Chion, 33, a resident of Atlanta, and Ian Macartney, 33, of Watertown, Massachusetts, friends from their time at Stanford University, got together and created vaxstandby. com. Launched Feb. 1, it’s a slick, user-friendly website. People can sign up to receive notifications if doses become available near them. Chion is one of a growing group of
technologists who have taken matters into their own hands. In California, VaccinateCA.com was started by volunteers and now offers countylevel details about vaccination availability, with data compiled and updated on a daily basis. In New York, an Airbnb software engineer created a website to compile vaccination availability from the state’s city and state systems. In Massachusetts, a software developer on maternity leave created a website that pulls together vaccination appointments from state and private portals. Chion even faces some competition from a website, hidrb.com, which is also trying to pair people with excess doses. Those websites come as the challenge of signing up for vaccination appointments has emerged as one of the biggest problems for national distribution. In most states, people have to check multiple websites, many of which offer little information. And with older Americans waiting at the front of the line, some people have formed volunteer efforts to help them navigate the systems.
Guyana Post Sunday February 14, 2021
St Lucia’s COVID-19 carnage continues, death # 23 and 72 new cases
By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia (CNG Health) – The carnage of death and increasing COVID-19 cases continues, while the government of Saint Lucia values the effectiveness of campaigning over the lives and livelihood of the people. “ On Friday, February 12, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH) received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 72 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a batch of 413 tests
conducted on samples taken during the period January 31 to February 10, 2021. These samples were run on February 10, 2021, and February 11, 2021. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in the country to date to 2487.” The narrative of the MOH continued: “The total number of active cases currently in the country to date to 810. Two of the active cases are in critical care at the Respiratory Hospital and all of the others are
presently stable,” the press release state. “ Today the MOH, also reports one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the country to date to 23. “Death #23 is a 62-yearold female from the Micoud district who had been previously diagnosed with an underlying medical illness. At the time of her passing, she was in critical care at the respiratory hospital. On background, St Lucia’s increasing COVID-19 cases alarming, lacks attention accompanied the MOH reporting methodology, 278 new cases of COVID-19 was recorded on February 11, 2021. “This is from a batch of 617 tests conducted on samples taken during the period January 29 to February 11, 2021.
“Monday, February 8, 2021: a total of 287 tests were conducted with 117 positive samples; Tuesday, February 9, 2021: a total of 330 tests were conducted with 161 positive samples.” In an about-turn, the MOH announced effective February 11, 2021, the government of Saint Lucia is absorbing a greater part of the cost of state quarantine for returning nationals. “Subsequent to routine reviews of the quarantine policy, noting infringements in the process, home quarantine has been reduced to special circumstances only and will now transition to state-based quarantine facilities, as much needed vigilance is required in the management of all incoming nationals.” The announcement
elaborated that the government of Saint Lucia continues to cover the cost of locals and residents on island who are placed in state-quarantine and isolation. By the same token, pursued the doctrine that the government has cushion quarantine fees for returning nationals. “The daily fees cover the cost for a bed and bathroom, Air Conditioning, WiFi, 3 meals per day, toiletries, and bottled water. The revised fees apply to Single occupancy at which was USD $95.00 and is now reduced to USD $25.00, Double occupancy was USD $160.00 and is now reduced to USD $45.00, and Triple occupancy was USD $240.00 and is now reduced to at USD $65.00. Double and triple occupancy applies to
families within the same unit. According to a social media commentor: “Discontinuing home quarantine is not about safety; it’s about money for hotels since source markets are closed.” In more flip-flopping on electioneering policy, the MOH press release said: “The government, in acknowledging the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to honour applications for financial exemptions for students returning home within three months of completion of studies, and to persons who have traveled for medical care. The government will also consider dire socioeconomic and other related circumstances including, and the forced repatriation of nationals.”
Independent UN rights expert calls for unilateral sanctions to be dropped against Venezuela
USA/VENEZUELA – At the end of a two-week visit to Venezuela, an independent UN human rights expert noted on Friday that unilateral sanctions imposed on the country have exacerbated pre-existing crises, calling for them to be dropped. “The devastating effect of sanctions info@guyanapostonline.com
imposed is multiplied by extra-territoriality and over-compliance adversely affecting public and private sectors, Venezuela citizens, non-governmental organizations, thirdcountry national and companies”, said Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on unilateral
coercive measures and human rights. Imposed by the United States, European Union as well as other countries, the sanctions have sparked economic, humanitarian and development crises, devastating the entire population, especially those living in extreme poverty, women, medical
workers, individuals with life-threatening diseases and indigenous peoples. Exemptions are no answer First imposed against Venezuela in 2005, sanctions have been severely strengthened since 2015, with the harshest levied by the United States. Douhan stressed that unilateral measures are only legal if they are authorized by the Security Council, used as countermeasures, or do not breach any obligation of States and do not violate fundamental human rights. She also pointed out that “humanitarian exemptions are lengthy, costly, ineffective and inefficient”. Lack of electricity,
4
water, fuel, food and medicine along with the departure of qualified workers – many of whom have left the country for better economic opportunities – are having “enormous impact over all categories of human rights, including the rights to life, to food, to health and to development”, the UN expert highlighted. Complex situation Citing “the complexity of the situation”, during her visit the independent expert sought to meet “the widest range of people” to listen to their experience and insights, from government officials to opposition leaders and non-governmental organizations to victims of human rights violations “as well
as ordinary people”, Douhan said. She called on the sanction-imposing countries to observe the principles and norms of international law and reminded them that humanitarian concerns should always be taken into account with due respect to mutual respect, solidarity, cooperation and multilateralism. The human rights expert plans to issue a full report on her mission in September 2021. Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not they paid for their work.
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
British human rights lawyer elected chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
HAGUE, Netherlands – Criminal lawyer and human rights expert Karim Khan of the United Kingdom was elected on Friday to be the next Prosecutor of the
International Criminal Court (ICC). He will take office on June 16, replacing prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of Ghana. The president of the Assembly of States
Parties, O-Gon Kwon, applauded Khan on Twitter, saying “Warm congratulations! Thank you all for your hard work!!” The 123-member Hague-based court, which began work nearly 20 years ago, is responsible for judgements regarding war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. In its second ballot, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, selected Khan with 72 votes, surpassing the majority requirement of 62.
The other three male candidates, bested by Khan, were Carlos Castresana Fernández, from Spain, prosecutor of the Court of Auditors of his country; Francesco Lo Voi, of Italy, chief prosecutor of Palermo; and Fergal Gaynor, from Ireland, deputy international coprosecutor at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal and senior counsel at the ICC. In 2018, UN SecretaryG e n e r a l A n t ó n i o Guterres appointed Khan as special adviser to head a UN investigative
team assisting the Iraqi government to hold ISIL terrorists accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2379 (2017). In his 28-year law career, including as a Queen’s Counsel in the UK, Khan has worked as a prosecutor, victim attorney and defense lawyer in national and international criminal tribunals, including the ICC, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former -Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Extraordinary Chambers within the Cambodian Courts (ECCC), the Special Court for Lebanon and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The prosecutor-elect holds law degrees from King’s College and the University of London and has studied and taught Islamic law. Moreover, Khan is the author of numerous publications in the field of international criminal justice and human rights.
‘It’s a forest fire’: experts predict rise of COVID-19 variant cases, warn of 3rd wave
(CNN)Turmoil in Haiti could soon test democratic leaders’ support for embattled president Jovenel Moise, a former banana exporter whose claim to another year in office has sparked protests in the capital, arrests and the abrupt dismissal of several Supreme Court judges. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Portau-Prince this week, with plumes of black smoke from burning tires and flags seen in the capital city, as well as white clouds of tear gas. At least two journalists were injured, a witness told CNN. “I heard people saying I’m a dictator, but I want to be clear; I have a mandate for five years and I will finish my term,” Moise said in a televised speech on Sunday. The United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Biden Administration support info@guyanapostonline.com
his plan to remain in office until 2022 — but Moise’s attempts to end the debate domestically have taken an undemocratic cast that has his backers worried. On Monday, Moise ordered the retirement of three of 10 Supreme Court judges, raising the question of what institutional guardrails now remain on the presidency. Moise has ruled by decree since letting the parliament’s mandate expire in January 2020. “Jovenel Moise destroyed every institution, from the parliament to local government. It is clear what he wanted to do. Unfortunately, we have an international community who don’t support the fight against this corrupt dictator,” opposition leader and former senator Nenel Cassy told CNN. Moise’s office declined to comment directly for this story, instead referring questions to Haiti’s ambassador to the US.
Haiti’s opposition has called for a three day “general uprising” this weekend. It will be the latest in a succession of anti-government demonstrations that have marked Moise’s term, fueled by anger over Haiti’s foundering economy, a sweeping corruption scandal and surging criminal violence. A president accused of dismantling democracy Haiti’s democratic institutions have been crippled under Moise, who has not organized parliamentary or local elections, leaving the legislative branch of government largely vacant and powerless. His new order for judges from Haiti’s highest court to retire now deals a blow to the country’s judicial branch. In an interview with Voice of America, Moise accused all three of designs on the presidency, and said his order was intended to keep the Court from getting involved in politics. “As a guarantor of the institutions, we cannot allow an institution such as the Supreme Court to stray from its mission,” he said. “President Moise did not remove the
judges. He only asked them to exercise their right to retire,” Haiti’s Ambassador to the US, Bocchit Edmond, told CNN. Judge Jean Wilner Morin, President of the National Association of Haitian Judges, explains to CNN that the President has no constitutional authority to unilaterally retire a judge, or appoint a new one. “One cannot remove a judge in the course of his term. It is impossible. Therefore the decision to remove three judges from the Supreme Court by the President of the Republic, the order given by the president, is an illegal and unconstitutional order.” Without a functioning legislature, though, who is left to challenge the move? The US said it is monitoring developments. “We are deeply concerned about any actions that risk damaging Haiti’s democratic institutions. The Executive Order is now being widely scrutinized to determine whether it conforms to Haiti’s Constitution and laws,” the US Mission to Haiti said in a statement. Journalists face armed police as they gather
5
outside the Departmental Directorate of Police to file a complaint after they were hit with tear gas in Port-au-Prince, February 10, 2021.
his constitutionally mandated five-year term on Sunday and is now illegally occupying his office. But the President argues that he deserves
In the coming year, critics fear that yet another blow to Haiti’s democracy could take the form of changes to the constitution, which Moise sees as his legacy project. The new constitution, aimed to further empower the presidency, will go to a referendum in April — and only afterward will elections to fill parliamentary, mayoral and other posts follow. “The new constitution will guarantee when a president is elected they can do the job they were elected to do,” Moïse said in his Sunday speech. Backed by foreign support Haiti’s political opposition say that that Moise completed
more time because although he was elected in 2016, he was only sworn in 2017. A Constitutional Court could issue a definitive ruling on this. The problem, as Morin points out, is that such a court only exists in theory. “Haiti’s 1987 constitution provides for this constitutional court — but it has never actually been created and that’s why today we find ourselves in a situation where the president says his term ends in 2022 and the political opposition says it ends in 2021,” he says. “If (Moise) wants to stay in power, he must find a political consensus with other political actors and civil society,” he added.
Guyana Post Sunday February 14, 2021
Brilliant Johnson century leads Jaguars past Hurricanes
Guyana Jaguars roared to a five-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, thanks to a brilliant century from the bat of captain Leon Johnson, in the CG Insurance Super50 Cup,
at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Friday night. The Hurricanes openers posted the highest firstwicket partnership of the tournament so far, after Kieran Powell and Ross Powell had a slow but steady start of 152 in 31 overs. Ross Powell made 61, which included eight fours, but became the first victim of left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who took 4-45 and won the CG Insurance Man-of-theMatch award. Kieran Powell looked well set to reach triple figures, but on 94 he smacked a drive to
Johnson, at extra cover, to give Motie his second wicket. The knock came off just 97 deliveries, with four fours and four sixes. There was little resistance left as the Leewards Hurricanes finished their 50 overs on 244-9. Motie was the pick of the Jaguars bowlers, while seamer Nial Smith had 3-47 also from 9 overs. Assad Fudadin and Chanderpaul Hemraj started a cautious runchase, as they posted 45 before Hemraj was dismissed for 24 off 22 balls. Shimron Hetmyer was run out for nine from a brilliant diving throw-in from Hayden Walsh Jr at point.
But it was the partnership of the most experienced players, captain Johnson and Chris Barnwell that took the game away from the Hurricanes. Barnwell was the aggressor, striking three sixes and a boundary
on his way to a valiant 49 before Sheeno Berridge caught him slashing behind. Johnson soldiered on despite battling cramps. He eventually brought up his second List A century in style
with a drive to mid-off for a boundary. With Romario Shepherd at the other end, the pair rotated the strike to lead the Jaguars to the second victory of the tournament with 2.1 overs remaining.
Cornwall claims five-for but Bangladesh strikes back to leave Test in the balance Das. Shayne Moseley the case. Having earlier
Spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed a fivefor to put the West Indies in a strong position but Bangladesh struck back immediately to leave the second Test delicately info@guyanapostonline.com
poised at the end of the third day. By the final session of the day, the West Indies had dismissed the hosts for 296 to begin the second innings with a
113-run lead. However, they ended the day at 41 for 3, having lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite (6), John Campbell (18), and Shayne Mosely (7) before long.
The West Indies captain was the first casualty, miscuing a shot off Nayeem Hasan, which caught the top of his gloves before being taken by wicketkeeper Liton
6
then departed after edging to second slip, in the process becoming Mehidy Hasan’s 100th Test wicket. Brathwaite’s opening partner Campbell was then dismissed in bizarre fashion, with the ball spinning back off the ground to hit the stumps after he had attempted to play a defensive stroke. Earlier, Das and Mehidy, who got together before lunch, played out a crucial session after the break – with the team still over fifty short of avoiding the follow-on and looking at one point like they would have headed in that direction. Eventually, the two accounted for a valuable 126-run partnership and looked set to potentially cause even more severe damage. Cornwall, however, ensured it would not be
removed both captain Mominul Haque (21) a confident-looking Mushfiqur Rahim (54) and Mohammad Mithun (15), earlier, he put an end to the partnership after removing Das. The batsman took the dreaded walk after getting an edge off an attempted paddle, for 71. Cornwall added No. 9 Nayeem Hasan to complete his tally. It was pace bowler Shannon Gabriel who accounted for Mehidy after an attempted drive. Cornwall ended the innings with figures of 5 for 74, while Gabriel ended with 3 for 70. Nkrumah Bonner (8) and Jomel Warrican (2) will be the batsman resuming the day at the crease for the West Indies on the fourth day.
Guyana Post Wednesday February 10, 2021
FACTS OF BK WATERFRONT DEAL TWISTED TO SATISFY CERTAIN AMBITIOUS POLITICIANS - GASKIN
Dear Editor,
Mr. Ramon Gaskin
I have been following closely the news you have highlighted in your newspaper concerning the sale of a certain Water Street property to BK Marine Inc. From the reports in the media especially state media, the readers are led to believe that the transfer was attended by fraud and that it was done by the
APNU Administration. The mention of senior members the APNU administration lends credence to the notion that this was somehow a deal done by APNU. All of this is false. It so happens that in 2006 when the deal was done, I was consultant to the BK Group, and I together with Mr. Tiwarie met with Mr. Winston Brassington
to finalize the deal. All of this was done 14 years ago during the PPP/C administration. This is disappointing and truly disgusting to now see how facts can be twisted to satisfy the wicked tendencies of certain ambitious politicians. It is sad indeed. The sole purpose of this letter is to correct the false record.
I was a participant 14 years ago. The matter is heading to court and all the pertinent facts will be presented and all those who participated in the 2006 deal will have an opportunity to explain to the judge under oath what exactly happened 14 years ago. Yours Respectfully Ramon Gaskin
Fishermen call for protection from Venezuelan navy
Five fishermen who were detained by the Venezuelan Navy want protection from the Guyanese authorities. 12 fishermen from two vessels who were released last week after being detained by the Venezuelan navy in that country said that their livelihood remains affected. info@guyanapostonline.com
In what was described as a horrifying experience, five of these men told this publication that they felt they had a 50/50 chance of returning to Guyana. They ply their trade on the high seas, a job that brings a great amount of fear to their lives, and following the recent detention they feel their livelihood would be affected.
“Well, it’s a real experience for we Guyanese, because sometime you could leave your home and even know how the navy is operating on the waters if you could reach home back” Fisherman, Harrichan Omadat recalled. Omadat explained that during the day is quite calm since the navy
remains far out at sea, However, he noted that at nights the Navy would normally remain in the dark and sneak up on them as they are held at gunpoint. “Those men coming till in your waters, them men coming up far in the water. At night, by time day clean,” Omadat recounted, “remember now is the time you are working now at fishing, that is our fishing hours. So, the men would usually turn off their lights, and wait till the fishing boat puts on their lights and they are sneaking up to you. So, when they sneak up on you, you can’t go now, you have to freeze there” Omadat added. The fishermen, on the other hand, recalled that
7
their valuables were taken away, those cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. As such, the fishermen are calling the authorities for protection, noting that, if it continues, their livelihood will continue to be affected since fishing is what they all depend on to feed their families. In the past month, some three Vessels were intercepted by Venezuelan naval vessel Comandante Hugo Chavez, while operating off the coast of Waini Point, in Guyana’s waters. Guyana has condemned this action and with support from the international community, called for the release and return of the vessels and crew. As such, all the vessels were released,
President Of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro called it a sign of good faith. Guyana has hailed the move, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Huge Todd said that it now opens a space for dialogue between the two nations. Guyana continues to maintain that the men were arrested and detained while fishing in waters well within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and that the borders between the two countries were settled by an 1899 Arbitral Award. Venezuela’s rejection of the award has led to Guyana seeking a judicial settlement to the matter which is currently before the International Court of Justice.
Guyana Post Wednesday February 10, 2021
BK Waterfront Property Case shows how unreformed the PPP/C is from its previous 23 years in office Dear Editor:
I read with growing disappointment how the PPP/C is using the full weight of its administrative power and media influence to harass a private businessman and citizen of Guyana for his constitutional right to freely associate with a political party. This crusade against Brian Tiwari and his companies is quite
disgraceful and shows how unreformed the PPP/C is from its previous 23 years in office. 1) Note how at every turn they look to denigrate Mr. Tiwari’s reputation in the stateowned Guyana Chronicle and other aligned news outlets. Case in point is the seawall work on the Essequibo – BK has been doing seawall defence work for decades to the satisfaction of successive
governments, the IDB and the European Union. 2)Note the award, without any competitive bidding, of an 11,000-acre quarry in the Mazaruni which could serve to squeeze out Mr. Tiwari’s own quarry operations. In the interim, before this is being set up, the government is actually importing aggregate from Suriname at a higher price. So much for creating jobs for Guyanese.
Sophia Resident stabbed to death after refusing Eviction
An altercation with a ‘C’ Resident and Man, who was allegedly paid to evict the resident from his home turned deadly last evening. Dead is 36-year-old HandyMan, Kevin Smith of ‘C’ Field Reserve Dam, Sophia. Reports are that on the day in question, Smith was confronted by a 22-year-old, Suspect just
around 19:00 hrs in ‘B’ Field area. The two later had a physical confrontation at the house, where Smith at the time was told to leave the house in which he lived. In the process Smith refused and a fight broke out between the two, where the suspect later armed himself with a knife and advanced Smith.
Smith during the fight was reported stabbed one time and tried to escape from his attacker but was pursued and stabbed several more times. The suspect later escaped on foot, as the injured Smith with stabbed wounds to his abdomen, chest, and knee collapsed several feet away from his house
3)Most egregious is the invitation to a large Trinidad construction company to set up operations in the country so as to fill the void left by what is now a blacklisted company. This firm, which has a mixed reputation in Trinidad, has already shipped in millions of dollars in equipment to its Providence offices. Was it not Minister Deodat Indar as then President of the
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry who in 2018, when he heard about the investment MOU signed with Trinidad, warned hysterically: “It could mean the end of the private sector.” He was a true patriot then – now his silence is hypocritically pungent. Attorney General Nandlall’s latest move to try and seize BK’s Kingston wharf will be
tied up in court for years with no resolution but it will serve the purpose of freezing any investment for the facility. Mr. Tiwari would be well advised to seek the finest legal counsel, based on his right under the constitution for free expression and association and to ask for relief from state persecution. Yours truly, Francis Newton
Three remain missing after using “backtrack” route between Guyana and Suriname
Three persons including a 75-year-old man are feared dead after taking the backtrack crossing between Guyana and Suriname. Missing are 48-yearold, Sharida Hussein, a 75-year-old man from New Amsterdam and an unknown man. In a statement from the police, it was noted that Guyana Defence Coast Guard along with the Guyana Police Force’s river patrol received
reports that persons were missing. The GDF Coast Guard has since launched a search in Corentyne river but thus far has not found anyone. According to reports, a young man sometime last night told the authorities that his mother was missing after she would have told him that she was on her way to Guyana from Suriname through the backtrack route The man related that at
that time his mother told him that she was dropped off at #63 beach late last night, where the water remained very high to her waist. He said that since then, however, she has not been heard from and as such the family ventured to look for her but later turned up empty-handed. At news time, the search continues by the Coast Guard, who has so far turned has not located anyone.
Man charged for killing taxi driver at birthday celebrations
Charge: Leroy Jones info@guyanapostonline.com
Dead: Osafo Pollard
A North East La Penitence man has been charged and remanded to prison over the shooting death of a taxi driver at the birthday celebration. Appearing in court today was 24-year-old, Unemployed, Leroy Jones. He was not required to enter a plea to
8
the murder charge. The charge read that Jones on February 3rd at North East La Penitence, Georgetown during the birthday celebration, shot and killed Osafo Pollard. According to reports on the day in question, the party-goers heard a loud sound, and later thought
at first that the sound was from the motorcycles in the area just after 10 PM However, Pollard was later discovered bleeding from his head. Injured Pollard was later picked up and rushed to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries sometime after midnight.
Guyana Post Tuesday February 9, 2021
GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN BERTRAM COLLINS PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING COLLEGE, FIRES 24 STAFF
The Government has made move to shutdown the Bertram Collins Public Service Training College geared at providing training for persons entering the public sector. The training school
which carries the capacity of 24 staff, were all given letters of termination last Friday. This move, according to the staff, came as a shock to them, as they are now left to find a new job at the
end of the month. Withstanding the closure, the college official has been told to not accept any new student. Former Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo- Halley who
would hold responsibility for the college under the APNU-AFC Government condemned the act and said that this is a clear indication that the Government has no interest in a professional
public service. Ms. Halley added the Government also has shown that they have no interest in the structured and planned preparation of ambitious young people for a career in the public service. Public Service College opened its doors in 2016 under the APNU+AFC government as an initiative of then-President
David Granger, as the aim of the college was to have young people from all parts of Guyana trained for the modern workforce. Since its launch, in 2016, the School has trained 175 students so far in areas of financing, customer service, leadership for public servants, legal systems, international relations and information technology.
Second Suspect charged for Contractor murder on Garnett Street
Murder Suspect Kacey Heyliger
Dead Peter Consalves
Following another breakthrough that has led to the arrest of a second suspect in the murder Contractor, that was reportedly gun down info@guyanapostonline.com
last December during a robbery, that suspect was today charged and remanded to prison. While not being a stranger to the court,
25-year-old robbery convict Daniel Parris appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann Mclennan and was not required to enter a plea to the charge. The court heard that Parris on December 7th, 2020 while in the company of Kacy Heyliger murdered
60-year-old, Peter Gonsalves on Garnett Street. After the charge was read to Parris, he was immediately remanded to prison until March 1st, 2021 for his next hearing in court. Reports are that on the day of the incident, Gonsalves was on his way to make a purchase with another person on his XR Motorcycle, when he was approached by two men on a motorcycle near Red Bar, one of whom was armed with a handgun Gonsalves along with his Pillion Rider, who reportedly escaped without injuries, both
9
Murder Suspect Daniel Parris
fell to the ground while the two bandits left the scene with Gonsalves’ motorcycle. Sometime after the incident, Heyliger was later arrested and charged for murder and is currently on remand and Parris was arrested just last week.
Deeper investigation suggests that the crime may have been an execution, as Parris is suspected to have been the trigger man. Both, who is no stranger to the court were charged and convicted on several occasions from crimes related to robbery and murder. Parris was convicted for robbery in the past while Heyliger was freed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as “Fabulous”, who was gunned down in Georgetown in 2018.
Guyana Post Tuesday February 9, 2021
Guyana records
SOPHIA MOTOCYLIST DIES AFTER HITTING UTILITY POLE
A Family of another Motorcyclist is now mourning the lost of their family member, who lost control of his motorcycle, hitting a utility pole, injuring two pedestrians, and later died of his injuries. The deadman is being identified as Kempton Richards, a 26-year-old resident of Plum Park Sophia. According to
information received, Richard just around 15:30 hrs yesterday on Arapaima Street East La Penitence was riding at a fast rate when he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a utility pole. Richard later fell onto the roadway and sustained several injuries to his body. On the other hand, two Pedestrians, a 15-year-
its 181st COVID-19 related death
old and 24-year-old, Man, whose name was given as Kevin Fletcher, of East La Penitence were hit in the process but only sustained minor bruises. Richard along with the 15-year-old Pedestrian were both picked up and rushed to the hospital. The Pedestrian was later sent away, however, Richard later died of his injuries.
Guyana has recorded yet another COVID-19 related death, taking the total number of deaths to the dreaded virus to 181. The Ministry of Health today has identified the latest victim as a 74-year-old Man from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).
He was said to be an elderly man who was receiving treatment at one of the local medical facilities when he passed away yesterday (Sunday). The man has also been noted as the fourth victim in the month of February that has
passed away. With the number of alarming positive cases pushing towards 8000, the Ministry of Health continues to encourage Guayana to follow the health guidelines in order to protect themselves from the virus.
This comes on the heels as Senior Officer, Calvin Brutus made an application to the court essentially asking the court to halt promotions due to several irregularities in the process. Brutus complains of being overlooked and contended that the PSC is using a “trivial” pending matter of “breach of discipline” to deny his promotion to Assistant Commissioner. He said that is of the view that this practice of not promoting persons, who have disciplinary matters against them, perpetuates a permanent injustice against him and others who are slated for promotions. All of which started with when some other
issues raised along with the fact that now Minister of Home Affairs, Roberson Benn has submitted a list of persons to be investigated on several offenses leaving it up to the Commissioner of Police to cancel some promotions. By which in his application, Brutus asked for a declaration that the policy of the PSC not to promote, or consider for promotion, ranks with pending disciplinary matters before it, is unlawful; a declaration that he is entitled to be promoted to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police; and an order canceling the decision of the PSC denying his appointment to the office of Assistant
Commissioner of Police. Additionally, Brutus asked the court to cancel the decision of the PSC to promote Edmond Cooper, Philip Azore, and Kurleigh Simon – Senior Superintendents of Police – to the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police and to compel the PSC to reconsider its decision not to promote him to Assistant Commissioner of Police. Brutus contended that some of the ranks up for promotion also have disciplinary matters dated as far back as 2016. His matter dates back to 2019, but he claims no progress has been made on conducting and concluding an investigation.
AG and Senior Police Officers fail to meet consensus in police promotion case
Senior Officer, Calvin Brutus
The Attorney General and several other high ranking Police Officers have failed to reach an agreement outside of the court, and as a consequence, the matter will remain in court, as the Chief Justice, Roxane George will decide the outcome of the matter. info@guyanapostonline.com
On the last occasion in court, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had informed the court that the Police Service Commission had made moves to resolve the matter in their next meeting. That meeting did not, however, bear no fruit, and
as such, it was reported by the Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar. In the light of such revelations, the Chief Justice instructed that both parties submit their affidavit in response and return on April 09th for oral argument in the matter.
10
Guyana Post Saturday February 6, 2021
Lusignan Prisoner brick to death by fellow inmate
A Prisoner that was being housed at the Lusignan Prison for possession of narcotics has died after he was bricked to death by another prisoner. The dead prisoner according to the Guyana Prison Service is identified as 40-year-old Victor Soomaru, who was only remanded to prison just four days ago. According to information coming from the Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot it revealed that on Thursday, February 04,
info@guyanapostonline.com
at about 21:05h, an alarm was raised by prisoners housed in Unit #1 of the ‘Quarantine Section’. A quick response from the officer saw Soomaru being badly beaten, while he was asleep by another prisoner. The murder weapon was known to be a brick wrapped up in a towel. Soomaru was immediately picked up and taken out of the unit and escorted to the Prison Infirmary where he was seen by the medical personnel on duty and given the necessary
COVID-19 Death Toll pushes to 180
Guyana has recorded its third COVID-19 related death in the past two days, taking the death toll now to 180. The Minister of Health today has regrettably announced the passing of yet another COVID-19 patient at its health facility. According to the medical attention. Minister that patient has He was later referred been identified as an to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further medical treatment and was seen, examined by a doctor on duty. However, just about 10:30h today, the prison service was informed that Soomaru had succumbed to his injuries.Soomaru was reportedly part of a cell with three others including one man, who was arrested for the crime, as investigations continued.
86-year-old Man from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). As such, the Ministry expressed sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and will make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to render any assistance needed. The Ministry also
A man accused of stabbing both of his Nephews to death has been charged and remanded to prison. The accused 49-yearold, Vernon Rangadoo a resident of the number 43 village Corentyne appeared in the Number 51 Magistrates’ Court Magistrate Alex Moore and was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge. In court, the charge was read, which stated that Rangadoo on Sunday, January 31st at number 43 village Corentyne,
murdered his nephews, Mahendra Ramoutar and Surendra Raghunandan both of the same villages. Just after the charge was read to him, the Rangadoo was remanded to prison until April 23rd for a statement. According to reports coming out of the village, it was noted that the day in question the Uncle, who was at the timeconsuming alcohol went berserk and stabbed both of his nephews to death and injured two others in the process. This, however, started
maintained that in order to not have such occurrence of death or contraction of the virus, it has noted that a person should continue to follow the health guidelines. That is to stay 6 feet apart from persons in public, wear your mask, sanitize, and to only leave home when it’s necessary.
Uncle remanded to prison over stabbing two Nephews to death
11
when Rangadoo saw his brother and his wife having an argument when the two nephews intervened. It was at that moment, the Rangadoo saw what was transpiring and quickly armed himself with a knife and stabbed both to death while inflicting wounds on both his brother and his wife. Rangadoo has since far admitted to the killings and has since thrown the blame on him for being under the influence of alcohol.
Guyana Post Friday February 5, 2021
Claims of bias addressed by Speaker
Criticisms mounted by the APNU-AFC Opposition over accusations of the Speaker of National Assembly of being bias did not sit well with him, as he maintained that words and actions of the opposition would not move him and can only be vending through a motion and not in public. Responding to claims of being bias as it relates
to ruling and the flow of motion put forward by the opposition in the national assembly, Speaker of National, Manzoor Nadir, was elected by the Government, said that in respect to him having order in the national assembly, he will not allow any level of criticism on his actions orally but through a motion. Mr Nadir in his opening
remarks, this morning in parliament, said that the 16th Sitting felt like an open season for criticisms of the speaker’s work, which would have led to several breaching of some standing orders and with those breaches some members can reap some level of consequence. “Reflections of the character or actions of the speaker, for example, and
allegations of bias could be taken by the house a breach of privileges and can be punished accordingly” Mr Nadir emphasis Nadir maintained that despite the calls on him for being biased by the opposition he said that how I’ll stand his ground and will not be intimidated by backyard behaviour, as he will put his foot down if this behaviour continues. “I’m am neither anyone little boy nor am I intimidated by the front yard or backyard bullism….any occurrences of recurrences of the breaches of the standing orders: I will have to ask a minister to move a motion and that is in standing order 43.3, to refer the error member or members to the committee of privileges. At the time, the speaker referred to the post made
by Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan on his face bias, non-partisan for now allowing the motions to for debate on the Henry Boys killings and the narcotics bill tabled by the opposition. Mr Duncan said in the program that the Speaker of the national assembly appears to be influenced by the Governing Party due to his decision to disallow the motions. Leader of the
Opposition also added in the very program that the speakers appear to be working with the PPP/C in blocking certain motions. This the speaker said was not the case as the two bills were put to the floors days after the motion was ready and were subsequently denied by a vote of the majority PPP/C ruling party.
Co
Government Terminates Taiwan’s Office aggrement
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd
The Government of Guyana, while being criticized over the past 24 hours for the agreement to have an Office of investment for Taiwan set up, Guyana has terminated that agreement according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. info@guyanapostonline.com
That termination came with some level of criticism for one clear violation of its relations with China and its OneChina Police This policy notes that China which does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state and as such any such agreement
would put relations with China and Guyana in limbo. The agreement that was not formally announced by the Foreign Ministry in Georgetown, Taiwan has noted that they have signed an agreement on January 11, 2021, and would start operations on
January 15. As such it was noted by the Minister in a release that “The Government has not established any diplomatic ties or relations with Taiwan and as a result of the miscommunication of the agreement signed, this agreement has since
12 2
been terminated,” This falls on the backdrop as the Assistant US Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs tweeted and was later shared by the US Embassy here, that the US Government applauds the agreement to establish a Taiwan Office in Guyana. This according to
the US was set on “deepening ties between Guyana and Taiwan will advance their shared goals of prosperity and security. Closer ties with Taiwan will advance cooperation and development in Guyana on the basis of shared democratic values, transparency, and mutual respect.”
Guyana Post Friday February 5, 2021
Stafrei Alexander Construction worker walks free of another pinned to death murder charge
Worker is identified as an excavator that was 49-year-old Royston turning. It was at this moment, Souvenir of Canal No.1 Polder, West Bank the excavator reportedly pinned him down after Demerara. According to hitting him. Souvenir was at the information coming out of the company, it was time working as a senior Royston Souvenir related that an accident construction worker, at the A Local Construction occurred at the wharf site of the Guyana Shore company, friends, and development project in Base Company. family are now mourning the Houston, East Bank In a Facebook post, the the loss of a senior worker Demerara area. GYSBI noted confirm the of Gaico Construction, In what was described death and said that their who was killed after being as a tragic death, it was thoughts and prayers are pinned by an excavation. reported that Souvenir will the family and friends The Dead Construction walked into the path of of Souvenir
Stafrei Alexander
Career Criminal were jointly charged for verdict. The Judge in Stafrei Alexander, who the murder of Linden court said that upon was on trial for the 2015 businesswoman, Shevon his reading for the who was deposition in the case murder of his fellow Gordon, gang member was on gunned-down outside of there were issues of law Monday acquitted of the her Linden home in April and creditability. Alexander is also on charge following a not 2015. While in custody at the Mackenzie Police remand awaiting trial guilty verdict by a jury. Alexander called Station on December 8, for the High Court for ‘Mad dog’ is currently 2015, the duo escaped the murder of Gordon serving a life sentence but Thomas decomposed and also Richard for the attempted murder body was fished out from Wellington, who was committed on Curtis at Demerara River on gunned-down during a robbery at Chung Thom at Laing Avenue December 11, 2015 The state was Lee Hill, Wismar, on March 22, 2015. He was on trial before represented by prosecutor Linden in February Bishundial 2015. Justice Brassington Seeta Alexander was one Reynold and a while Alexander was 12-member jury at the represented by Damien of the six inmates who broke out from Demerara High Court Da Silva. The jury after the Camp Street Prison for the murder Terrence Thomas December 8 and deliberating for over on July 9, 2017, and was two hours on Monday recaptured on July 29, 11, 2015 at Linden. According to reports afternoon returned with 2017, at Topoo Village, Alexander and Thomas a unanimous not guilty Corentyne.
Stafrei Alexander escorted by officers of the Guyana Police Force info@guyanapostonline.com
3
3
Guyana Post Thursday February 4, 2021
POLITICAL SPACE FOR DIALOGUE OPENS BETWEEN GUYANA AND VENEZUELA AFTER RELASE OF FISHERMEN
A decision by the Venezuelan Government to release 12 Guyanese Fishermen from their locks has sprung some level of hope into a possible smooth dialogue between
Guyana and Venezuela. The 12 fishermen were held some two weeks ago after Venezuela claimed that the men were fishing in their waters, a claim Guyana has denied.
Since the men were held the Venezuelan Government came under some level of international pressure by the Organisation of American States,
CARICOM, Canada and several international governments, who demanded the men’s release. As such, it was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd last evening that the
men are set to be released last evening and will be in Guyana sometime later in the week. This Minister Todd said that he thinks has opened up a space for dialogue and international relations with the Venezuelan
government. “I think the early release of the vessels provides political space for dialogue in terms of inter-state relations and I think that it is a good show from the Maduro
Con’t on Pg5
Henry Boys Family calls for support in protest for justice
IN the second outing of protesting outside the Office of the President, Family members of the two Henry Cousin, who were brutally murdered in the Cotton Tree Backdam last September are now calling for support from the general public in standing by their side in protest for Justice. Joel and Isaiah Henry, bodies were discovered in the backdam, after they would have left their homes to get pick coconuts and would have met their demise in a very gruesome manner where
info@guyanapostonline.com info@guyanapostonline.com
they were chopped, tied, beaten and dumped. Since the incident, it has caused a widespread protest in the Berbice area and Georgetown, in the call for justice and later three men were charged with which some folks and allegedly are denying that they have committed the act. As such, the two families building on that momentum, today in their quest for justice called on citizens to come out in support of the call by standing with them on the protest line, a move which is far beyond the
support elsewhere. “I wanna thank the public in the way they are supporting us, in these protesting, and I am calling for people to come out and help us, as we as the henry families, we need for people to come out and support us in this peaceful protesting that we could get justice for our sons,” Joel Henry’s Dad said. He added that this must be a persistent call for justice and as such they need for support will be welcome since the way in which the investigation and prosecution are
going there might not be anything fruitful in the lines of justice. “We want to be persistence with what we are doing concerning justice, we need justice right about now, and up to now the way how this thing is going we still have to because the way how the trio that they have in custody and what they trio has said according to the information that we have and we are fully aware of what they say that confess but we are looking for more than confession. We are looking for
13 4
things like evidence and these things, more investigation” the father maintained. The father said withstanding their opinion and public opinion on the matter, the henry family will stand with the court in its work, but at the moment the evidence that is provided does not add up to the men being in custody being the rightful or only killers. With some five months gone since the murders of Joel and Isaiah, Henry and three persons were charged about a month
ago namely 19-yearold Akash Singh, aka “Monkey,” of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo; his stepbrother, 33-yearold Anil Sancharra, aka “Dan pole” and “Rasta,” of D’ Edward Village, WCB; and 34-yearold Vinod Gopaul, aka “Magga,” of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice. Since then the three have publicly noted that they were not a part of the murders, this has added some fuel in the directions of family members of the accused.
Guyana Post Thursday February 4, 2021
Murder
POLITICAL SPACE FOR....
Con’t from Pg4
administration and we must commend them and at the same time we must commend President Ali for his leadership and direction in this regard”, Minister, Todd said. With such a move by the Government of Venezuela, the tension between the two countries was eased but Venezuela’s latest decree claiming Guyana’s maritime space still remains a sore point. With the men now on their way back to Guyana to join their worried family member, Mr Todd
also explained this move will bring some level of a good relationship between the two nations. He said, “I see the relationship as an action consistent with international law and norms and we must commend the Government of Venezuela for the early release that shows goodwill and it helps to rebuild some of the bridges between Guyana and Venezuela and by extension, the rest of the Caribbean community”.
However, goodwill still remains one to be measured, as the Venezuela military still remains on patrol in Guyanese waters, that of which along the claims of Essequibo will remain an issue as Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali made it clear that Guyana remains united on issues related to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. As such the Government of Guyana is moving ahead to set a border patrol agency.
Fatal Accident
A horrific accident at the Beharry Edward Beharry and Company Ltd has claimed the life of a 32-year-old, Supervisor, who was struck off a loading truck by pressurized air. The dead worker is being identified as Mark Games of Long Pond, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara. According to a police statement on the matter, the incident would have been said to have occurred at the company’s Mandela info@guyanapostonline.com
Avenue, Georgetown location at the time of the incident MArks supervised the transfer of flour from a pressure tank. At the time the tank was mounted on a truck, which was connected to a silo when the pressure tank began whistling and Gomes went to check and see what it was. Gomes at the moment climbed onto the back of the truck when a hose connected to the tank and silo disconnected. He then later attempted
to fix the hose, however in doing so the pressurized air hit him in the face hitting him out the truck causing him injuries about his body. His colleagues, after seeing what had taken place, picked up the injured Gomes and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. CCTV footage according to the police are gonna be used to fully determine what had transpired.
Family in the West La Penitence are now mourning the loss of a 29-year-old, Taxi Driver, who was gun down outside a birthday celebration in North East Lapenitance. The dead are being identified as a father of two children, Osafo Pollard According to reports of the shooting which took place just after 10:30 last night, February 2nd stemmed from an old grievance with some suspect/s. Those suspect/s after yet to be identified as
14 5
police continue their investigation. Reports are that during the time of the shooting a group of individuals in the area were having a get-together, when Pollard, who was not a part of the invitation list but was a part of the get together was seen laying on the floor with a gunshot wound about his head. This came after a person at the get together heard several explosions, sounding like the sound of motorbikes in the area, but it quickly became known of the man’s injuries, when loud screams were
heard. Pollard was later seen laying on the ground. As such, an emergency ambulance was summoned to the area but it was related to News Source that the ambulance was going to leave the man on the ground because of who he was but a demand by the persons in the area led to them taking him to hospital. It was however later reported that Pollard died sometime after midnight while having medical attention. No arrests have been made so far.
Guyana Post Thursday Saturday February February 30, 11,2021 2021
THE SAME PRINCIPLE THAT APPLIED FOR THE GRB WHARF WAS APPLIED FOR DUKE LODGE
Dear Editor: Reference is being made to Kaieteur News’ article “Kingston Wharf purchased by BK days before the election” (2nd April 2020). Some years ago, I was the trade union representative on the Privatisation Board- the only black person- when the property in question was put up by the Bharrat
Jagdeo government for sale. That property which is located in Water Street was the former Guyana Rice Board (GRB) wharf which was burnt down through questionable circumstances during the life of the PPP government. Among the bids for that property was one from BK International. Winston Brassington,
Executive Director of NICIL, recommended at the meeting the property would be best given to a Company he was proposing which was registered at Phagoo Store in Regent Street. The proposed company had no track record with any business. I objected! I objected because I looked at the proposal of that company, BK International, and others, and found BK’s proposal to be superior, satisfying the many requirements demanded by the PPP/C government. In as much as Brassington represented the company registered at Phagoo, the CAGI representative and Consumer representative on the Board supported my justification for BK to be given the property. The entire Board, appointed by the PPP/C government, agreed we will
recommend to Cabinet the property will go to BK. Let me make it very clear, I never knew Brian Tiwari at the time, but met him subsequently at the funeral of Mr. Christiani Lewis, the original owner of Waterchris. What is instructive is that the PPP government took time in making sure the final and legal transfer of this and some other properties were never brought to finality. The reason behind this behavior is one of control over the intended Leasee/ owner. So if for any reason said person /persons or company wants to approach the bank or third party to be involved in any business it will require permission from the government to do so. As such, if the person to whom the property is given should take a position that conflicts with
Gary Best walks on DUI charge
Gary Best
Retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Rear Admiral Gary Best today walked free of his charge of driving under the influence of alcohol info@guyanapostonline.com
in the Former National Cycle, Jude Bentley Matter. Best, who walked free of causing death by dangerous driving back in December is now
free of both causing the death of Jude Bentley by Dangerous Driving and driving under the influence. Likewise, in the causing death matter, the
Magistrate has upheld and no-case submission, which essentially argued that the prosecution did not have enough evidence to convict Best. As such, the matter was dismissed back in December and Best walked a free man of both charges. Best back then offered an apology over the incident, but however, admitted no guilt in the matter. Shortly after, the Director of Public Prosecution has since signaled their intentions to appeal the decision of the Magistrate in the cause of death charge. It was back in March 2020, on the Rupert Craig Highway, when Best, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol caused the death of Bentley during his morning ride.
15 2
the government the owner will never be able to get the support or comfort to do any business with a bank or third party because the government can exercise leverage to keep the party in check. The property has been in the possession of Brian Tiwari and for all intended purposes was intended for transfer. The coalition government has done what the PPP initiated but failed to complete for whatever reason. This is a final and legal transfer to the owner. The same principle that applied for the GRB wharf was applied for the BIDCO house which was also transferred to Capt. Gerry Gouveia, currently Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Said property situated in Duke Street Kingston is now converted into a business called Duke Lodge. This is not a simple
case of disposal of state assets for if it is so then both governments would be held responsible and have questionable intent in starting this deal and/ or completing it. In my opinion, the completion of the transfer of the GRB wharf is just that, completion of one deal that started under a government and which another government has taken the responsibility to execute. The timing unfortunately like everything in Guyana right now, given the climate, is an opportunity for political advantage. If in the presence of the worst pandemic in years COVID-19 response and support are used for political ends what else must we in Guyana expect? Regards Lincoln Lewis
COVID-19 vaccines donated by Barbados Frontline workers are set to be the first who will get COVID-19 vaccines. The Government of Barbados donated 1500 vaccines. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony was on hand to receive the vaccines which arrived at Ogle Airport on Wednesday. President Irfaan Ali confirmed that 1400 vaccines will go “exclusively” to frontline workers, these are mainly nurses and doctors, while 100 dosages would be given to Caricom Secretariat. President Ali said that
the government is working to ensure that Guyanese are vaccinated by year-end as he said more donations are expected within the coming weeks. Earlier this week, Barbados received a donation of OxfordAstrazeneca vaccines. The OxfordAstrazeneca vaccine is said to be 62% effective. However, it is also reportedly 90 percent effective with a lower dose than the required two doses. Guyana expected donations of vaccines from India, China, and Russia.
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
Guyana Post Thursday February 11, 2021
Delay in CSEC results still Three brothers charged affecting students with murdering youth
The Education Ministry is still unable to make full disclosure of the CSEC results from the July-August 2020 examinations. The Ministry of Education has announced that due to the ongoing review of CSEC and CAPE Grade by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) disclosing the results may not be possible now. With expectations that results would have been announced on Wednesday, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand expressed some level of disappointment. “We believe it would be reckless at this time to announce the usual announcement Guyana makes,” Manickchand said, “if we do make an announcement it would be very clumsy, it would something like this student A, B and C received the highest amount of grade
ones in this amount, someone got 20 someones got 19 but this picture could change because student D currently has an outstanding review,” the Minister said. After the July/ August examination, students were geared to view these results in September, however, many students demanded that their grades be reviewed after they had doubts about the grades they received. Out of 20 schools, 21,000 of entries were affected but most of them were settled, leaving some 6261 entries being officially asked for a review by CXC in some 1258 subject areas. However, with the ongoing delay by the CXC, students are yet to receive their results, as CXC has announced that they have completed some 90 % of the review leaving some 128 reviews still being processed.
This Minister feels this is unacceptable as many students want closure to finalise their applications to universities and other programmes. “You would think in ordinary circumstances they would have taken just a few weeks to finish the four per cent outstanding and to give us our entire 100 per cent result,” Minister Manickchand said, “they are affected by the lockdown that is happening there and it is not something we can be unsympathetic to. The world is in this pandemic right now so that is what is being uncertain, so I can’t say when and they can’t say when they are going to finish,” Minister maintained. She, however, remains optimistic and said she hopes that we will not go into the May/2021 exams and students from last year have not had their results.
Three Brothers were today charged after they appeared in court this morning for the murder Belle West Youth. The three appeared in the courtroom of the Magistrate Zamina Ali Seepaul and were not required to enter a plea to charges. According to the charge sheet, it read that 26-year-old, Kayle Roberts, A miner along with his brother 23-yearold, Kurlsen Roberts both Canal # 2 Belle West, West Bank Demerara on the 5th February both murdered Emmanuel Solomon by stabbing him to death. On the other hand, it was also alleged that on the same day, their 17-year-old, Brother
Emmanuel Solomon
also acting in the crime. However, because of him being a juvenile, he was charged separately. The first two brothers were immediately remanded to prison, while the younger teenage brother was remanded to the juvenile holding facility, as their matter will be set to come up again on March 4th in the Wales Magistrate Court. Reports are that it was
just after 6 PM on the day in question, when the 17-year-old, Suspect approached Emmanuel while being armed with a sharp object, over an 8-month-old feud from a football game. The three suspects, later then, in front of the mother of the dead youth reportedly stabbed him several times, with the final wound being a stab wound to the heart. They all escaped, as Solomon was later picked and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Mother of the three suspects later turned her Sons over to the police where they were later charged for the murder.
82 year old woman latest COVID-19 victim COVID -19 related deaths have now moved up to 182. The Ministry of Health announced this latest death on Wednesday. The latest victim was an 82-year-old woman from Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The woman would have said to have passed away at her home and was later tested for the virus. After being swabbed it was confirmed that she had died from the coronavirus. With the passing elderly woman, the Ministry
of Health expressed condolences to the family of the deceased as it said it will make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to render any assistance needed.
old son. The boy told authorities that his mother contacted him and said she was on her way to Guyana from Suriname via the backtrack route. She related that she was dropped off in an unknown spot at the #63 beach where the water remained very high to her waist. Since then the
young man said that he has not heard from his mother. Search by family remembers turned up empty-han ded . The search, however, continued with the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, where they have now located two members of the crew with one missing.
Two found dead at 63 Beach after taking Guyana/ Suriname “Backtrack
Dead:Sharida Hussain info@guyanapostonline.com
Two Persons, who are part of a three-member crew feared dead after taking the Suriname/ Guyana “backtrack” route have been found dead along the #63 Beach. The two dead individuals who have so far been found are identified as 77-yearold Baboni Harihar, Dead:Baboni Hariha a Pensioner of Percy
Smith Street, Palmyra Village, and Alwin Joseph. 48-year-old Sharida Hussain known as ‘Sherry’, of Pilot Street, New Amsterdam is now said to be the only one missing. In a tragic situation that was reported to the authorities by Hussain’s 19-year-
16 3
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021 Regional News T&T TOPS THE REGION ON 2020 DEMOCRACY INDEX From Jamaica Loop Majority of the Caribbean nations assessed in the 2020 Democracy Index have been described as having flawed democracies. The countries were assessed on their Electoral process and pluralism, functioning of government, Political participation, Political culture and Civil liberties. Trinidad and Tobago ranked 41 on the index, which was two places better than in 2019. The twin-island nation received an overall score
of 7.16 out of 10. T&T received 9.58 in the Electoral process and pluralism category, 7.14 in Functioning of government, 6.11 in Political participation, 5.63 in Political culture and 7.35 in Civil liberties Jamaica was one spot behind, which was an improvement of eight places. Jamaica was given an overall score of 7.13 to tie with the European nation of Lithuania. The island was given 8.75 in Electoral process and pluralism, 7.14 in Functioning of
government, 5.00 in Political participation, 6.25 in Political culture and 8.53 in Civil liberties Suriname fell two places to 51 with an overall score of 6.82. The Dominican Republic placed 63 with a score of 6.32. Guyana fell four places to 75, which is just above being declared a hybrid regime, which combines features of autocracy and democracy. The country received 6.50 in Electoral process and pluralism, 5.36 in Functioning of
government, 6.11 in Political participation, 5.00 in Political culture and 7.06 in Civil liberties. Haiti was the lowest ranked Caribbean nation at 106 receiving a score of 4.22. The island received 4.75 in Electoral process and pluralism, 1.71 in Functioning of government, 2.78 in Political participation, 6.25 in Political culture and 5.59 in Civil liberties. Norway, Iceland, Sweden and New Zealand copped the top four spots. In this thirteenth
edition of the index, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) focused on the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on democracy and freedom around the world. “It looks at how the pandemic resulted in the withdrawal of civil liberties on a massive scale and fuelled an existing trend of intolerance and censorship of dissenting opinion,” EIU reported. “In 2020 a large majority of countries, 116 of a total of 167 (almost 70 percent), recorded a decline in their total score
compared with 2019. Only 38 (22.6 percent) recorded an improvement and the other 13 stagnated, with their scores remaining unchanged compared with 2019.” Some highlights of the report include Japan, South Korea and Taiwan moving from the “flawed democracy” category to be classified as “full democracies”. France and Portugal experienced a reversal, losing the “full democracy” designation and re-joining the ranks of “flawed democracies”.
OAS concern about the situation in Haiti
By Caribbean News Global contributor WA S H I N G T O N , USA – The OAS General Secretariat says it is closely monitoring the current situation in Haiti, with respect for human rights and the independence of powers. In a statement Tuesday the OAS General Secretariat said it “has an info@guyanapostonline.com
essential interest in the protection of democratic institutions and the political rights of its citizens. It is fundamental that state institutions work together to resolve the problems afflicting Haiti. We call for democratic structural changes in Haiti through the discussion of a new Constitution and effective participation
in general elections this year.” The OAS General Secretariat renews its support for the electoral process as the only option consistent with the Democratic Charter to replace the current constitutional president with another resident on February 7, 2022.
17 4
Regional News St Lucia parliament toggles COVID-19 legislation amidst more infections and deaths Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
By Caribbean News Global contributor CASTRIES, St Lucia (CNG Health) – While the parliament of Saint Lucia approved the State of Emergency (SOE), a change to the country’s arrival protocols for international visitors and toggled on the debate over COVID-19 vaccines and procedural matters, February 9, 2021 – the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed 110 new cases of COVID-19 and three related deaths.
“The total number of deaths recorded in the country to date to is 22. Death #20 is a 69-year-old male from Anse La Raye with underlying medical conditions. He was admitted on January 22, 2021, and was in critical care when he passed away on February 9, 2021. “Death #21 is an 85-year-old female from Babonneau with underlying medical conditions. She was admitted into care on January 19, 2021, and
passed away on February 8, 2021. “Death #22 is a 63-yearold male from Castries with underlying medical conditions. This individual was admitted into care on February 1, 2021, and passed away on February 7, 2021,” the MOH said in a press release February 9, 2021. According to the MOH formulation and statistics, “there are currently 712 active cases with three being in critical care at the respiratory hospital.
All of the other cases are presently stable. The new cases which have been confirmed now bring the total number of cases diagnosed in the country to date to 2137.” The debate in parliament lead by prime minister Allen Chastanet his servants and agents were at there lowestebb, at odds to reflect the reality of COVID-19 and “putting people first”. A concept the prime minister is at odds to understand. The alternative reality
espoused in parliament proffers the people of Saint Lucia as “collateral damage”. “I believe our children are safer at school that some of the homes they are at,” said Guy Joseph, minister for economic development, housing, urban renewal, transport and civil aviation. Fabricating the truth is a natural manifestation of the government of Saint
Lucia that coincides with “we are on the right track … Saint Lucia will succeed to bring this virus under control” is committed to “co-exist with COVID-19”. In a related article St Lucia: SOE – Curfew to restrict opposition campaign ahead of general elections CNG stated that this is a ridiculous narrative.
Dominica PM says receipt of COVID-19 vaccine signals start of fightback (CMC) – The donation of several batches of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine by the Government of India to Barbados and Dominica has been hailed as the start of the region’s fightback against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. Dominica’s Prime
Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasised that Tuesday night as he joined his Barbadian counterpart Mia Mottley via Zoom at a press conference that saw them expressing gratitude to the government and people of India for the first-ever donation of the vaccine to the region.
Both countries received shipments of the vaccines earlier that day. Addressing nationals of both countries, Skerrit said: “Guided by the results of the latest studies, this vaccine will reduce the likelihood of transmission to others; this means that Dominica
as a country will soon be empowered to achieve a crucial objective, which is to further minimise and eventually stamp out the impact of the various strains of COVID-19. The vaccine will not be mandatory, but I would encourage all citizens to consider the danger
of passing up such an opportunity as this to safeguard the health of yourself and your loved ones. “I am happy that our brothers and sisters in Barbados have also succeeded in their efforts to procure that
an immediate rescue, but food, water and a radio were dropped to them so they could communicate. “Unfortunately we didn’t have any fluent Spanish speakers but in my broken Spanish I was able to discern that they were from Cuba and that they needed
medical assistance. They made sure to stress that they had been on the island for 33 days,” Lt Beecher said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. View original tweet on Twitter 1px transparent line The group of two men and one woman told Coast Guard officials that they swam to the island after their boat sank. Justin Dougherty said the group later told him they were “able to get nourishment from coconuts”. “At first glance the island doesn’t seem to have much, but there is some shrubbery there and some trees so they were able to
country’s own batch of the vaccine for the benefit of all Barbadians. Tonight signifies the start of the fight back by the Caribbean islands against the virus that has threatened the livelihood of every CARICOM national.
Three people believed to have been stranded on an uninhabited island in the Bahamas for 33 days have been rescued, the US Coast Guard says
From BBC: An aircrew was on a routine patrol when it spotted the group frantically waving a makeshift flag on Anguilla Cay. The Cuban nationals told officials they had survived largely on coconuts. info@guyanapostonline.com
One of the crew members involved in the rescue efforts told the BBC he was “amazed that they were able to survive for so long”. The group was first spotted on the island located between the Florida Keys and Cuba on Monday.
Coast Guard official Riley Beecher told the BBC that he was out on patrol when “something caught the attention of my eye”. When he came back round at a lower altitude, he realised that there were people on the island in distress. The crew was not equipped to carry out
18 5
stay out of the elements somewhat,” he said. US media reports say they also survived on rats and conchs. The trio were finally airlifted from the island by helicopter on Tuesday and taken to a medical centre in Florida, though they have no reported major injuries. They have since been transferred to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard says. Members of the rescue team told the BBC they had never witnessed a situation like it before. “I’ve never come across anyone who’s been [stranded] for anywhere like that length of time before,” Lt Dougherty said.
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021 International News
Guyana Post Thursday February 11, 2021
PROSECUTORS IN GEORGIA OPEN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO TRUMP’S ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE ELECTION RESULTS
Loujain al-Hathloul: Saudi women’s rights activist released from prison
Former President Donald Trump
Loujain al-Hathloul
The prominent Saudi women’s right activist Loujain al-Hathloul has been released from prison, her family says. Ms Hathloul, 31, was instrumental in the movement to allow women to drive in the kingdom. She was detained in 2018, just weeks before the ban was lifted. In December a court found her guilty of seeking to change the political system and damage public order. She was sentenced to nearly six years in a maximum-security prison, but two years and 10 months were suspended. Her family have warned that she is “not free” and will face numerous restrictions while on probation, including a five-year travel ban. 1px transparent line “Loujain is at home!!!!!!” Ms Hathloul’s sister Lina tweeted on Wednesday, breaking the news that she had been released after 1,001 days in prison. Another sister, Alia, wrote that “this is the best day of my life”. Ms Hathloul became a symbol of the suppression of dissent in info@guyanapostonline.com
Saudi Arabia following her detention in May 2018 along with about a dozen other female activists who had also campaigned for women to be allowed to drive. Her family said she was initially held incommunicado for three months, and that she was subjected to electric shocks, whippings, and sexual harassment. They also alleged that she was offered freedom if she agreed to say she was not tortured. The Saudi government denied the allegations of torture, which her family said were recently dismissed by an appeals court. Officials also insisted that she was not detained because of her activism, but rather her contacts with foreign diplomats, media and other organisations. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Loujain Al-Hathloul has become the face of dissent in the kingdom - a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on any form of protest. More than any other female activist languishing in prison, her case has gained global prominence. Her outspoken family and a persistent campaign
by human rights groups have kept the spotlight on her. That’s thrown a long dark shadow on the kingdom’s efforts to publicise its new economic and social reforms. Saudi officials say they aren’t bowing to outside pressure. But it’s also clear they want this issue off the agenda now that there’s a new team in the White House emphasising human rights. This week also saw the announcement of reforms to the Saudi legal system. But there are other issues in this file, including the even longer shadow of the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi officials insist their strategic importance in the region will outweigh all other issues. Ms Hathloul and 10 other women were put on trial at a criminal court in Riyadh in March 2019. However, the case was adjourned several times. At the end of October 2020, Ms Hathloul started a hunger strike to protest against the conditions of her detention, including not being allowed regular contact with her family.
Washington (CNN) A prosecutor in Fulton County, Georgia, has opened a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump for his “attempts to influence the administration of the 2020 Georgia general election.” In a letter sent Wednesday to numerous Georgia state election officials, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis requested that they preserve documents related to Trump’s phone call last month in which he pushed Raffensperger to “find” votes to reverse his election loss. The investigation comes as Raffensperger’s office has launched its own probe into Trump’s attempts to overturn the election, an inquiry that includes a review of both that call and another phone call the then-President made to a Georgia election official. Willis said her “investigation includes but is not limited to, potential violations of Georgia election law prohibiting the solicitation of election fraud, the making of false statements to state and local government bodies, conspiracy, racketeering, violation of oath of office, and any involvement in
19 6
violence of threats related to the election’s administration.” “This matter is of high priority, and I am confident that as fellow law enforcement officers sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States and Georgia, our acquisition of information and evidence of potential crimes via interviews, documents, videos and electronic records will be cooperative,” the letter reads. Trump himself is not named in the letter, but Willis’ office confirmed to CNN that the probe concerns his phone call with Raffensperger. The letter also says Fulton County authorities currently “have no reason to believe that any Georgia official is a target” in the probe. The investigation was earlier reported by The New York Times. The criminal probe adds to a growing list of significant legal pressures facing Trump, including a Senate impeachment trial in which House Democrats are pushing to convict him for inciting the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, and the investigation launched by Raffensperger’s office into Trump’s election conduct. In that probe, Raffensperger, the state’s
top election official, is also investigating Trump’s one-hour phone call, in which Trump lambasted his fellow Republican for refusing to falsely say that he won the election in Georgia and repeatedly touted baseless claims of election fraud. Another call occurred on December 23 between Trump and a Georgia election investigator in the secretary of state’s office who was leading an investigation into allegations of ballot fraud in Cobb County. In that call, Trump asked the investigator to “find the fraud,” saying the official would be a “national hero,” according to a source with direct knowledge of the call. There were 18 attempted calls from the White House to the Georgia secretary of state’s office between the election and the January 2 phone call between Trump and Raffensperger, a Georgia state official has confirmed to CNN. There have been no credible allegations of any issues with voting that would have impacted the election, as affirmed by dozens of judges, governors, election officials, the Electoral College, the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the US Supreme Court. Michael J. Moore, the former US attorney for the Middle District of Georgia between 2010 and 2015 under President Barack Obama, told CNN the multiple calls “sort of start to tell the story that this was not an official trying to talk to another official about problems that he or she might see in an election.”
Guyana Post Friday Saturday February February 12,30, 2021 2021
ALI PROMISES STRONG LAWS FOR OIL SECTOR
President Irfaan Ali has signalled his intention to punish his Finance Minister and the Finance Secretary if all oil and gasrelated transactions are not published. Addressing the National Assembly today, Ali has noted that he intends to introduce legislation
aimed at promoting the transparency of all revenue and expenses relates to oil and gas sector. “My Government intends to account from the nations for every earned from the industry and for every cent that is spent. To accomplish this legislation will be made
during this session of the national assembly, making the finance minister and the Finance Secretary responsible for publishing details of all revenue and expenditure in the official gazette allowing people to track all transactions. Fail to do so, will be punished severely under the law,”
the President told the House The President explained that the new legislation that will be enacted, would ensure that the Guyanese people keep track, of how the oil and gas sector is being run by the Government. President Ali pointed to
the transformation that the sector is expected to bring to the country as he said its revenue must benefit Guyanese. “The right to make decisions in our national interest, while the prospect for the oil and gas wealth is now real. It could dissipate if we fail to take the
necessary steps to ensure that Guyana’s interest and its rightful income is safeguarded.” Ali said The Head of State promised a robust laws that would guide investment, guide Guyana’s negotiations with oil companies and a Local Content Policy.
Opposition MPS protest President Ali’s presence at Parliament The APNU-AFC Opposition today protested President Irfaan Ali’s presence in the National Assembly. The Parliamentary opposition MPs have labelled the President’s presence as disrespect to the House The APNU-AFC MPs were not present in the House for the President’s address. The lone opposition MP was Deputy Speaker Lennox Shuman. Chanting “fraud is a fraud”, the opposition MPs stood at the entrance of Arthur Chung Conference Center where the National Assembly is being held. Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon described
info@guyanapostonline.com
the action as peaceful, “we are here today to basically protest the statements which would be made by President Ali in the Parliament,” Harmon said “In fact, you recall that we spent 133 days during last year recounting ballots that were cast at the second of march election and this place is the place where the fraud which was discovered that benefited the PPP that is on the basis in which PPP Regine now exercises governance” Mr. Harmon said. Harmon blasted the government for failing to consult with the parliamentary opposition as well as his constitutional office as he said his members
represent more than half of the voting population. “We have a situation in which that regime has failed to recognize and fail to recognize the representative, the legitimate representative of over 217,000 persons whom we represent in that house and so that
disrespect in which he has shown to us,” Harmon pointed out, “If you disrespect me outside my house, You cannot come into my house and disrespect me,” he said. Even as the protest continued on the arrival of the Head of State,
20 2
Opposition MP. Sherod Duncan claimed that he was assaulted by the ranks of the Guyana Police Force with clear directions from authorities. The confrontation occurred when opposition members were told that they cannot
get close to the ACCC with their placards. A move, the opposition labelled this hypocritical as they argued that the then opposition PPP was allowed to protest President David Granger in a similar way.
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
Guyana Post Friday February 12, 2021
Pharmacist takes first jab with COVID-19 vaccine
In the interest of Guyana reaching herd immunity, the Ministry of Health administered the first dosage of vaccine On Thursday, one day after a donation of 1500 dosages of COVID-19 Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine from Barbados. Frontline healthcare worker Brinnet Bernarai a pharmacist attached to the Georgetown Hospital Public Hospital was the first to receive the jab. Bernarai in relating her experience said that she was nervous but then felt relaxed later in the process. With the first dose being administered, several other health care workers are expected to get the vaccine. Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said that his ministry will be rolling out an awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing the public on the safety of info@guyanapostonline.com
the vaccine. “We will really need a lot of public education awareness to ensure that people understand how vaccines work, how they can protect you,” Dr. Anthony said, “and also dispel the negativity that surrounds vaccines. They are persons that are totally against the vaccine, and you know, that isn’t gonna be helpful in this fight against the pandemic” Anthony explained. As the vaccination campaign rolls out, the Government of Guyana will be focusing on immunizing some 80% of the population. By which, the Ministry has noted that some 22,000 healthcare workers in the Public sector and private sector will first be vaccinated since health care is the first to come into contact with the virus. As the process continues older persons
Magistrate to do PI to ascertain whether there is evidence against Roxanne Meyers
among others will be vaccinated. “We are starting today, but by the end of the month and going into march our hope is that every single health worker will be able to get vaccinated,” Dr. Anthony said, “so by then, we would have enough dosage of vaccines to be able to provide for every health care worker. We have worked out a deployment plan for how we are gonna roll out vaccine and the first set of people the health care workers after that we will go to persons who are older cause against the base on the risk profile, we have seen older persons will get the more severe form of the diseases,” the Minister said The Health Ministry intends to use the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and other vaccines as they become available.
Magistrate Leron Daly had ruled that the matters Involving Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Roxanne Myers would remain indictable. As such, two charges against Myers for misconduct in office will go through and preliminary inquiry, leaving it up to the Magistrate to determine whether or not the evidence provided is sufficient enough to commit her to a trial in the high
court. Myers’s lawyer Nigel Hughes had made the submissions asking that the matters remained indictable. Special Prosecutor, Ganesh Hira told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will be appealing the ruling of the Magistrate and will provide it to the Court on March 9, 2021. Myers, who is currently on $300,000 bail on two charges of misconduct in the office during the March 2020
Elections. P ol i ce back t hen woul d have l aunched an i nvest i gat i on i nt o al l egat i ons of f r aud at t he GE COM and Meyer s was want ed f or quest i oni ng. Myers, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith L o w e n f i e l d , and Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo are facing criminal charges in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court relating to alleged electoral fraud.
21 year old housewife found murdered
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 21-year-old woman. The woman was found face down in her yard in an unregulated housing settlement in La Retraite. The dead woman was identified as Yashoda Andrews, called “Debbie” Based on reports,
21 3
people from the area recalled seeing the woman lying motionless in her yard. As such, police arrived on the scene and later confirmed those reports. On arrival of the body was checked for marks of violence but none were seen. However, a black
telephone wire was seen next to the body, a wire of which neighbors in the area, who came to her aid, removed. The body was later escorted to the West Demerara Hospital where it was pronounced by a doctor on duty. An investigation is said to have been launched into the matter.
Regional News
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
Dutch King Willem Alexander to make a state visit to Suriname now that diplomatic ties between the two countries has been Strenghtened ,
PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — The Nederlands Daily, Dagblad, reports that the Dutch parliament on January 9 is urging Dutch King Willem Alexander to make a state visit to Suriname
now that “diplomatic ties between the two countries have been strengthened after the departure of Desi Bouterse, who was president for ten years.” “A state visit would be good to give the relationship a further
boost” a majority of the House of Representatives have urged the cabinet. And according to the motion, “the King’s visit should take place in the context of the celebration of 46 years of Suriname’s independence. That will be celebrated in Suriname on November 25.” Last state visit was in 1978, three years after Suriname became an independent country. “The last state visit of the Royal Family to the former colony of Suriname was in 1978, then Juliana was still queen.” President of Suriname, Chandrika Prasad
Santokhi announced his first presidential visit to the Netherlands on January 13. Since 2006, there has been no presidential visit from Suriname to Holland. Sankokhi campaigned for closer ties with the Hague, and it will be his second overseas visit since taking office, Guyana being his first. The Netherlands foreign minister Stephen Blok visited Suriname in November 2020. “Relations between both countries have intensified since the government of Santokhi / Brunswijk has taken office. The two
foreign ministers have now started a journey of renewed cooperation,” Santokhi said. “Various discussions have led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between both countries at ambassador level. The technical cooperation has now been reactivated and has resulted in the Hoog Civil Service Conference in November 2020,” he also said in January 2020. Santokhi added: “Various sectors have been identified for concrete cooperation, as well as the use of the remaining treaty
resources. Support for discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also been confirmed.” Under the previous government of Suriname, the economy was despondent, but conveniently, the Netherlands and the United States were blamed. However, it is remittances, travel and tourism from Holland and the United States that kept the economy afloat. Reportedly, Santokhi would like Holland and the diaspora to invest in Suriname.
Export-oriented businesses in Barbados, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis will be offered globally standardised testing at domestic laboratories as early as next year
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Exportoriented businesses in Barbados, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis will be offered globally standardised testing at domestic laboratories as early as next year says Daniel Best, Director Projects Department at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The bank has partnered with the European Union (EU) and the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) to upgrade labs, train staff, and, in the case of St Kitts and Nevis, develop a national quality policy; to ensure businesses can deliver globally recognised goods and services info@guyanapostonline.com
required for the trade. According to Best, the Strengthening of the Regional Quality Infrastructure Programme in Barbados, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis Project, which is supporting these upgrades “will add value to local and regional enterprises and focuses on several important subsectors in each economy namely, agro-processing, transportation and construction.” This, he indicated is being provided at an opportune time given the economic hurdles being faced by the region. The intervention is being funded by the CARIFORUMEuropean Union
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Standby Facility for Capacity Building financed by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and managed by CDB. It is part of the Bank’s wider thrust to stimulate private sectorled growth focused on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development. Director-General of CARIFORUM at the CARICOM Secretariat, Percival Marie set the context for the project, stating that while there have been improvements in the region’s trade with Europe by businesses leveraging export opportunities, there
were gaps in both private and public sectors which required attention. The region in response has committed significant funding to strengthen the relevant institutions. According to Marie, “one of the major components of this CARIFORUM regional capacity building programme is a programme of support to CARIFORUM Member States in seizing market access opportunities through advancing the use of internationally recognised regional quality infrastructure”. Increasing the capabilities of the regional enterprise is the intent of several interventions supported by the EU in the region. Luis Maia, head of
22 4
cooperation at the EU delegation in Barbados stated: “As COVID-19 forces unprecedented changes to the way we work, live, and learn; the Standby Facility creates a critical avenue to address inequalities and constraints threatening growth in trade while providing much-needed aid to effectively implement CSME and EPA related activities at the national level”. Deryck Omar, chief executive officer at CROSQ, which is implementing the US$ 874,932 project, supported this view. “Through projects and resources, such as the European Union’s Standby Facility, we can make steps to bring our businesses and, by extension, our economies ever closer to being more competitive and sustainable.” US$ 587,325 was allocated from the Standby Facility while CDB provided US$118,840 from its Special Development
Fund (SDF). Exporters from various productive sectors in the region face several barriers when entering new markets, including issues related to quality and adherence to globally accepted standards. This project will assist local firms in accessing resident metrology services increasing export readiness. These arrangements will serve to strengthen manufacturing, reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of local commodities. The Standby Facility is a €8.75 million resource managed by CDB, which offers opportunities to 15 Caribbean economies to grow trade; deepen integration and economic involvement; and impact competitiveness, market access, and exports by implementing targeted projects in thematic areas.
Guyana Post Friday Saturday February February 12,30, 2021 2021
Haiti – a country to which all other countries that suffered slavery are deeply indebted – is once again in turmoil. By Sir Ronald Sanders
Therefore, no Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country should stand aside, silently, while Haiti is sliding into further catastrophe, retarding its already impoverished economy and depriving the Haitian people of hope for an improved future. Of course, no country should interfere in the internal affairs of any other state. CARICOM has never done that. In the times, when the organization has played a role in resolving political, electoral, and constitutional issues in a CARICOM memberstate, it has done so at the invitation of the government and other political parties. This occurred most recently in Guyana, where CARICOM played a pivotal role in upholding democracy and ensuring the credible result of elections. Non-interference in the internal affairs of a state should not be construed as approval. And, when conditions reach the point of loss of lives, the least that friendly states should do is to offer to help to bring about peace and to assist in resolving the issues that are causing violence and destruction. While the Haitian government might info@guyanapostonline.com
not agree, the present circumstances of the country are crying out for remedial action. Hence, CARICOM was right, on February 11, to issue a public statement “encouraging all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue in the interest of peace and stability” and “strongly urging that action be taken to foster a safe environment, a return to normal life and the building of sustainable democratic institutions”. Since October 2019, when president Jovenel Moïse postponed parliamentary and local elections, there has been no legislature in Haiti. The president has ruled the country by decree, contrary to its Constitution. Even at the municipal level, when the terms of elected Mayors end, Moïse has appointed persons of his own choosing. Further, in the absence of a legislature which, under the Constitution, is required to approve appointments to independent institutions and law enforcement agencies, including the police, president Moïse has unilaterally installed favoured persons. For over a year, these circumstances have infuriated opposition
parties as would be expected, but they also caused alarm among human rights groups within the country and internationally. More recent events in Haiti, however, have attracted strong criticism of Moïse. The most compelling condemnation has come from seven members of the House of Representatives of the United States of America (US). In early February, they wrote to the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, demanding the departure of Moïse “in accordance with the Haitian Constitution”. For several months, the contention has been made by political and civil rights groups in Haiti, that in conformity with the Constitution, the president’s term ended on February 7 – five years after the last elections in November 2016. He has contended that, notwithstanding the position stated in the Constitution about the life of the president’s term, he is entitled to remain in office for another year, since he did not assume office until February 2017. In a situation in which a president’s stewardship has brought peace, economic development
and social progress, the Haitian society may have gone along with Moïse’s view. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground in Haiti has been very different. Moïse was not a popularly elected president. The 2016 elections had a low turnout of voters. His actions, since then, especially his ruling by decree, weakened his approval still further. In this atmosphere, the country slipped into lawlessness – some of it allegedly engendered by Moïse’s ruling party. Kidnappings and killings haunted rich and poor alike, and marauding gangs ruled districts driving fear into communities. Massacres occurred in neighbourhoods where opposition to Moïse is strong. All this led to street protests which the government met with an iron fist. In recent weeks, police have fired live ammunition into crowds, killing and wounded people including two journalists, one of whom is in a critical condition. During this, on February 7, Moïse alleged that there was a plot to overthrow him. Police arrested and detained 23 persons,
23 5
including a former presidential candidate, a high-ranking police inspector and a judge on the country’s highest court. Additionally, Mosie, arbitrarily sent three judges of the Court of Justice on retirement. One of these judges was named jointly by the opposition parties as the “interim president” of Haiti – much as happened with Venezuela’s Juan Guaidó. The US Embassy in Haiti issued a statement questioning the merits of the action to unseat the judges. Several nonCARICOM countries, looking for a solution to the current problem, are doing what they usually do – focussing on presidential elections to end the conflict. The problem is that there is no credible election machinery in Haiti, including no upto-date and verifiable electoral list. What is more, Moïse appointed a Committee of his associates to make recommendations on institutional and political reform, including of the provisional electoral council (CEP) which administers elections. The much greater problem is that he plans
to hold a referendum on April 25 on a draft constitution that his Committee has drafted. Amongst other things, the draft Constitution, will set the stage for presidential and other elections. The process has no credibility and no support from opposition political parties and civil rights groups and, therefore, will continue to rouse protests and crowd demonstrations. Haiti, including president Moïse, and all the other actors – political and civil – need the help of honest brokers and mediators to help create agreed conditions to remedy the institutional issues, including the election machinery. Without it, the situation in Haiti will worsen. No country or organisation can impose itself to assist Haiti. The Haitian players must invite such help. Until they do so, all organisations, including CARICOM and the Organisation of American States should express their concerns and stand ready to be helpful to the people of Haiti who deserve the chance for a better life.
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021 Guyana Post Friday February 12, 2021 International News US President Joe Biden Minnesota health clinic has rescinded the national killer was charged emergency order used to fund Wright County Attorney Donald Trump’s border wall. Brian Lutes said
Gregory Paul Ulrich
Loujain al-Hathloul
In a letter to Congress on Thursday, Mr Biden wrote that the order was “unwarranted” and said that no further tax dollars will be spent on the wall. Mr Trump declared a state of emergency over the southern border in 2019, which allowed him to bypass Congress and use military funds for its construction. When Mr Trump left office, about $25bn (£18bn) had been spent on the project. Judge: US can’t expel migrant children over Covid-19 How much of Trump’s wall has been built? Who decided to separate immigrant families in the US? The announcement from President Biden is the latest in a series of executive orders that have rolled back key parts of the former president’s agenda. Last week, Mr Biden signed orders seeking to reunite migrant families split up by Trump-era policies, and ordered a probe of his predecessor’s immigration agenda. In a letter on Thursday, Mr Biden wrote that he would also seek a review of “all info@guyanapostonline.com
resources appropriated or redirected” to the construction of the wall. Building a border wall was a signature pledge of Mr Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. But the project faced strong opposition in the Democratic-controlled House, and the Republican president announced he would use emergency powers to fund its construction. An emergency declaration allows US presidents to circumvent the usual political process and to access military funding. Various types of fencing totalling 654 miles (just over 1,000 km) were already in place before Mr Trump became president in 2017. During his time in office, 80 miles of new barriers were built where there were none before, and almost 400 miles replaced existing parts of the structure. “Trump’s national emergency was never about security,” wrote Arizona Democratic Congressman Raul Grivalva on Twitter following Biden’s
announcement. “Now we must cancel the contracts and ensure that not another foot of the border wall is constructed.” Former Trump campaign advisor Jason Miller also took to Twitter to comment on the decision, writing “Biden loves illegal immigration”. But some parts of the Trump administration’s immigration policy will be left in place. At a press conference on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki appeared to confirm the new administration would keep a Trump-era policy that allowed border officials to summarily expel undocumented immigrants amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Due to the pandemic and the fact that we have not had the time, as an administration, to put in place a humane, comprehensive process for processing individuals who are coming to the border,” she said. “Now is not the time to come, and the vast majority of people will be turned away”.
The suspect in the Tuesday shooting at a Minnesota health clinic that killed one person and wounded four others was charged with murder on Thursday. In a criminal complaint that detailed the gruesome attack, authorities said Gregory Ulrich, 67, also detonated two explosive devices. Ulrich was charged with second-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder, and one count each of felony use of an explosive device and carrying a pistol without a permit. According to the criminal complaint, Ulrich entered the clinic just before 11 a.m., pulled out a semi-automatic
24 6
handgun, and began threatening the staff. He then allegedly entered the reception area and shot two victims, before moving to the interior of the clinic and shooting three more. The first four shooting victims survived. But the final victim, who was hit by a bullet that tore through her liver and spine, later died of her injuries, the complaint said. The victim was later identified by Allina Health as Lindsay Overbay, a 37-year-old medical assistant who had worked for Allina Health since November of 2018. “The victim was a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister,”
during a morning press conference. “She went to work and she didn’t come home due to the senseless gun violence inflicted by Gregory Ulrich.” Ulrich is also accused of detonating two bombs in the building, one near the entrance and a second in the interior of the clinic. Investigators found a third, undetonated explosive near his briefcase that consisted of black powder in a small cylinder, the complaint said. At 10:58 a.m., Ulrich called 911 and told police that he would surrender, the complaint said. Police said they found him laying facedown in the entryway with his arms out. When he was searched by police, he was allegedly carrying two loaded magazines, ammunition, and two marijuana cigarettes, and a preliminary search of his phone allegedly revealed a “rambling video message that alluded to an incident at the clinic.”
International Sports
Guyana February 12, 2021 GuyanaPost PostFriday Saturday February 30, 2021
Fernando Alonso has been involved in a road accident while cycling in Switzerland
The two-time world champion is “conscious and well in himself” and now awaiting further medical examinations on Friday morning, his Alpine F1 team said in a statement. No further details were released, with the team saying that the next update will be on Friday.
Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Alonso was hit by a car while he was cycling on roads near Lugano. The newspaper says that the Spaniard was hospitalised for checks, with X-rays showing a suspected jaw fracture, and that Alonso was being transferred
to Bern for further examination. F1 pre-season testing starts in Bahrain in four weeks’ time, with the racing season underway at the same venue on March 26-28. Alonso is returning to F1 this year after two seasons spent racing in other categories, with
the 39-year-old back with the team he won his two world titles with in 2005 and 2006. The former McLaren and Ferrari driver won the World Endurance Championship with Toyota in 2019, while he has also competed in the Indy 500 and Dakar Rally.
Facebook says it is “horrified” at the continued
online abuse of footballers and has announced what is says are tougher measures to tackle the issue The social media platform is changing the rules governing direct messaging on Instagram, a platform it also owns. It will disable the accounts of those found to have repeatedly sent abusive private messages on Instagram. UK head of content policy Fadzai Madzingira said it was “saddening” to
info@guyanapostonline.com
25 7
see continued abuse on the platforms. Madzingira told BBC Sport: “I’m horrified at the type of abuse that people, especially these footballers, have to deal with on the basis of who they are, whether it’s their race or their religion or their gender, and as a company, we’re disappointed to see that
sort of behaviour that plays out offline also playing out on our platform. “It’s why we’re making the announcements today about taking tougher measures to go after accounts that are violating our community standards and our goals within Instagram direct messages.” Con’t on pg9
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
Facebook says it is “horrified”.........
A number of Premier League footballers including Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe, West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers and Chelsea full-
info@guyanapostonline.com
back Reece James - have been subjected to abusive online messages in recent weeks. The Football Association has called for action from the
government, which has since stated social media companies could face “large fines” potentially amounting to “billions of pounds” if they fail to tackle abuse on their
platforms. Asked by BBC sports editor Dan Roan whether Facebook was enabling such abuse, Madzingira said: “No, to imply that it’s about enabling I think would be inaccurate. “I think that platforms like ours allow communities of people to connect on the things that they love. If we need to have a conversation about hate, it really needs to be not what is just happening on the platform.” What will change on Instagram? Footballers past and present have called for users of social media platforms to be required to provide verification documents when creating accounts so that they can be traced more effectively if they breach rules. Facebook says this measure would prove challenging in communities where such documents would not be readily available. “If we were to insist on using government ID or passport details we would be barring access to the very people who use our platforms to build communities, so we are very conscious we allow for that access,” added Madzingira. The company claims it “took action” on 6.5 million pieces of hate speech on Instagram between July and September last year, including within direct
26 8
Guyana Post Friday February 12, 2021 Con’t from pg8
messages which are harder to police because of privacy rules.“To date, if someone violated the rules in Instagram direct messages, we would set a specific ban or a block for a certain amount of time and extend that period, should they continue to violate,” Madzingira explained. “Today we’re announcing that we will now be removing those accounts, should they continue to violate within Instagram direct messaging.” Facebook said it would not spell out how many offences would trigger removal as offenders could use the information to “game the system”. We are a small part in fixing this’ Facebook said it was “doing everything we can to fight hate and racism on our platform” but added the “problems are bigger than us”. Some users have sought a ban on specific emojis commonly used in racist messages but Madzingira argued against banning symbols that could be used innocently in other contexts. She also said filters could be used to prevent others from leaving offensive comments on posts, and that work was also being done to prevent banned users from opening new accounts. Asked whether Facebook has prioritised profits over clamping down on abuse, Madzingira said: “I think that would be an inaccurate assessment. “Because if people didn’t feel safe on the platform they wouldn’t be able to be there. “We accept that being able to deal with this issue is everyone’s responsibility and we want to play our part. The frustration that these players have is right - it is horrifying the abuse they are receiving.” ‘The police need more help from social media platforms’
Bristol Rovers full-back Mark Little - the target of a racist message on social media that is being investigated by police - said he was surprised that those in charge of the platforms were only reacting now. He said: “I welcome that they’re making a change but it’s quite confusing for me, as what they have announced is what I assumed was happening before. “They’ve jumped to a standard rather than getting anywhere near what I would think would be acceptable for what is going on.” Little, 32, added that “a big corporation like Facebook should be able to set the precedent for what is going on in wider society” and that “the police need more help from the social media platforms”. He added: “I don’t think it would be that difficult to identify the people who are doing this. “Everyone should have some form of identification to use these platforms and I think that would eradicate a very large portion of the abuse.” ‘More has to be done to stamp out abuse’ Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden welcomed the tougher measures but insisted “racist abuse is still a fact of life for too many people and more has to be done across the board to stamp it out”. He added: “For too long, the world’s most popular and powerful social media companies have failed to tackle the stream of horrific racist attacks on their platforms. “We’re introducing a new age of accountability for these companies through our upcoming Online Safety Bill and this could see huge fines for firms which fail to clearly and transparently protect their users.”
Guyana Post Saturday February 13, 30, 2021
BUDGET 2021 SET AT $383.1B Budget 2021 labelled as “a fast Recovery economic dynamism and resilience” has been set at 3833.1 Billion according to the Ministry with the responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh Building on the 329.5 Billion set in the year 2020 Budget, the PPP/C Government has announced the biggest budget with the claims of on introduction of any new taxes.
The government in this year’s budget has plugged the largest fund in the Education sector, which was set at 60. 6 Billion, while Health, on the other hand, shared the secondlargest budget fund, with the aim of providing through Guyana during the COVID-19 Pandemic that is set at 53.5 B. According to Mr. Singh, Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by
20.9 percent this year. With the growth projected, Mr. Singh has indicated that the growth would be mainly facilitated by oil but cushioned by the non-oil sector. The non-oil sector is excepted to contribute some 6.1 percent through developments primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, and mining sectors even in spite of the pandemic.
A CLEAR SEQUENCE OF THE EVENTS RELATED TO THE BK WATER STREET PROPERTY
The Guyana media including state media have reported that BK bought a valuable piece of property worth 5 Billion for 20 Million by improper means. It is completely false. The response from a former Director on the Privatization Board that top Guyanese businessman, Brian Tiwarie, used political connections to enrich himself prior to the March 2, 2020 general elections in Guyana. Reports in some sectors of the Guyana press have tried to link the past APNU government to a deal inked by Tiwari which saw him buy valuable waterfront property, suggesting that info@guyanapostonline.com
the deal is somehow suspicious. But the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) document on the deal in detail 2006- 14 years ago proves that the deal was sealed by NICIL since 2006. Also adding his version of the events is Lincoln Lewis, the former Trade Union representative on the board. NICIL confirmed that a lease agreement was subsequently entered into between NICIL and BK International Company Inc. with an option to purchase. NICIL was keen to point out that this Agreement was signed by former Head of
NICIL, Winston Brassington, a key player in the previous PPP government. BK International Inc. submitted an offer to purchase based on the terms and conditions of the 2006 deal on November 19, 2009. It was explained that this offer was under active consideration by the then Head and Board of NICIL Eventually. NICIL subsequently began legal proceedings against BK. in June 2013 to recover rental arrears owed. This action was later set aside instead and the judge ordered that the dispute be settled by arbitration as provided for in the agreement. He
also ordered that certain arrears of payments be made this was done immediately. NICIL said it then made an updated calculation that included rental arrears, all outstanding rent and accrued interest. BK accepted the updated calculation in October 2017, and the approval for transfer by sale was submitted to cabinet for approval once again. In late 2019, NICIL resubmitted its request for approval for transfer of sale. Cabinet returned its approval and NICIL and BK Inc completed the transaction just days before the March elections. This execution of sale was gazetted on
27 2
March 28, last using the option price of $110 Million as set out in the 2006 deal as per the price for the property. Lincoln Lewis, who was a representative on the NCIL’s Privatization Board during the previous PPP government under Bharrat Jagdeo, confirmed that. He states that ‘’the entire board, appointed by the PPP/C government, agreed to recommend to Cabinet for the property to go to BK.” Lewis said he did not at the time know BK at all. The aim of the PPP now is to attempt to embarrass BK by claiming somehow that
the APNU transferred the property to BK by improper means. The bottom line is that the deal was done since 2006 during the PPP Administration and finalized during APNU. BK should defend itself with a lot of energy and all those involved in the deal in 2006 will have an opportunity to explain to the judge how the deal went down in 2006. It is my opinion the efforts by the current administration to embarrass BK will fail. Yours Respectfully, .................................... Ramon Gaskin
Guyana Post Saturday February 30, 2021
Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to have published them ExxonMobil Oil Rig
adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com info@guyanapostonline.com
28