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SUNday, may 4, 2014
guyanatimesgy.com
News
Several injured after boat crashes at Kaow Island ly damaged boat and were rescued by nearby residents. The injured passengers were taken to the Bartica Hospital where a few were treated and sent away while the others were transferred to Georgetown.
Asleep
The boat registered to Odyssey Jet Boat Transportation Service at the crash site
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t least eight persons are nursing bodily injuries after a passenger jet boat registered to Odyssey Jet Boat Transportation Service crashed into Kaow Island on its way to Bartica on Saturday morning. The incident occurred about 04:30h. Of the eight persons, at least four were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated, but only two were admitted. Those rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital were Clairmont Williams, 49; Charles Richards, 40, and Devon Williams, all from the Pomeroon River and Jonathan Da Concellan, a Brazilian miner. Curtis Barnett of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and a
baby, “Jonathan” (only name given) were taken to private medical institutions. Clairmont Willams reportedly sustained a broken leg and so was Curtis Barnett. Jonathan Da Concellan suffered severe injuries to her arms and legs and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was subsequently transferred to a private institution. According to reports received, the boat left Parika about 03:30h for Bartica with at least 13 passengers, who were all asleep when the accident occurred. It is believed that the Captain of the boat may have fallen asleep on the journey, causing the boat to crash into the island. The passengers managed to carve out of the bad-
At the Georgetown Public Hospital, one of the injured men who sustained a gash to his chin, said he and almost all the passengers were asleep when they felt a sudden impact. He said as he opened his eyes, he saw the boat on land and the other passengers scampering for safety. Luckily, he stated that
sconded after the accident. Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a release stated that about 05:00h on Saturday, a jetpropelled passenger vessel was involved in an accident in the Essequibo River in the vicinity of Welga, as it was proceeding from Parika to Bartica. There were 13 persons onboard, and there were several casualties, but no fatalities as a result of the accident, the release added. MARAD officers have travelled up to the area to assess the situation and are conducting the initial phase of the investigation. In June last, several per-
The wrecked boat covered by fallen trees
the boat did not explode as it would have been detrimental. The injured passaengers, he said were rushed to the Bartica Hospital. According to reports, the Captain of the boat was unlicensed and may have ab-
sons were injured after a speedboat crashed next to the Island. It was reported that the Captain of the vessel was alleged intoxicated and the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
Ronald Webster laid to rest
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh remembering the late Roland Webster
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undreds on Saturday paid their last respects to the business icon and patriot Ronald Webster, who was laid to rest amid glowing tributes from business associates, friends and senior Government functionaries. Webster was the sitting Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) at the time of his passing. He was remembered mostly for the sterling contributions he made towards the overall development of the private sector and Guyana’s economy as well as the interest he showed in youth development. They were a number of tributes from various organisations that Webster served. On behalf of Caribbean Containers Inc, Zukfikar Samdally said it was a
He was a hard worker, led by example and was an example to many at CCI. Ramesh Dookoo, who spoke on behalf of the PSC, stated that there is still a sense of loss and shock at the passing of Webster. He said that the man had the ability to stabilise any difficult situation and a very admirable capacity to give with both hands. “Ronald Webster was a patriot, a man of many colours, exceptional boardroom skills, a man of strength and sense of purpose, a sense of what is right and wrong and he knew where he wanted to take the private sector when he took it over,” Dookoo stated.
Exceptional leader
He stated that Webster walked with leaders from across the world and epitomised what a private sector leader should be. Dookoo
Thousands attend IAC Berbice mala
This patron about to feast on his seven curry purchased from this stall
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housands on Saturday turned out at the grand mela and cultural show held at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) to celebrate the 176th anniversary of East Indian arrival in Guyana. The celebration was organised by the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC). IAC Raymond Azeez Executive said the occasion is a time for reflection and to chart the way forward. He said the IAC over the years has tried to maintain, enhance and build on the strong cultural heritage
A jewellery stall at the mala
brought to Guyana by Indian indentured servants. Azeez said the IAC does not only celebrate, maintain and build on the rich cultural heritage of the country, but also gives back to the community. Neaz Subhan, another executive member, said apart from the reflection, the occasion is a celebration of the gains made. “They came, they made numerous sacrifices, they endure the hardships, and despite all odds they have managed to build temples, mosque and churches, all in an effort to maintain their culture,” he said. He said it is now the role of this and future generations to preserve the culture they have inherited. Meantime, several patrons told Guyana Times that they are proud of the work of the IAC in preserving the Indian culture. The mala was an event for the family, featuring performances from cultural groups here and from Trinidad and Tobago. No alcohol was allowed at the celebrations.
Private Sector Commission Executive Ramesh Dookoo paying tribute to the late Ronald Webster
privilege and honour to pay tribute to such a remarkable colleague and leader. He said Webster lived his life to the fullest. “Looking through his life, I see many valuable roles that he played, he was a family man, devoted husband, father and grandfather and not to mention a father to many at CCI,” Samdally said. He pointed out that Webster was man who one can always count on whether it’s on counselling or a smoke buddy to just have a cup of coffee with. He also stated that “Ron” lived a life of principle and was never a man to back down on a challenge.
also stated that Webster pushed for the Government and the Opposition to unite and live in peace and harmony. Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, reading a speech written by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, said Webster was a man of great worth and would be missed dearly. In his own remarks, Dr Singh said Webster’s service to the country was very diverse and he will be remembered mostly for his service to the public and private sectors. The Minister stated that he was a man of great conviction, who was never afraid to speak his mind. turn to page 17