NEWS 9
WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 13, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com
Ramjattan to address rift in police force hierarchy
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Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud
he recent differences in opinions between Police Commissioner, SeelallPersaud and his second in Command, Deputy Commissioner David Ramnarine, regarding the promotion of several ranks within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), will be addressed by Public Security Minister, KhemrajRamjattan. This is according to State Minister, Joseph Harmon, who at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, at the Ministry of the
Presidency, stated that in large organisations, there would always be some level of conflict. However, he explained that due to the importance of the GPF to the national security structure, “it is important that these matters that occur in the public space, in the media, that they be dealt with in another way.” Minister Harmon added that, “The issues that came into the public space, are issues that could have been dealt with internally…The question or writing let-
ters here and there.” The Minister noted that if a subordinate has done something which requires a reprimand, or some amount of proper assigning, those things can be done internally. “In fact, the President said he prefers that you have public praise and private reprimand, so that if something like that is done, the person is brought in and you say, man what is it you’ve done here? Let us correct it.” Ramnarine was appointed to act as Police Commissioner for a 100-day period whilst his superior was on annual leave. The acting Commissioner then, with advice and the support of the Force’s top management, promoted several ranks for their outstanding services and actions during this period. Upon his return, Commissioner Seelall instructed that all of the promotions approved by Ramnarine be rescinded.
Bartica Massacre trial: Voir dire continues
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Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon are standing trial for the 2008 Bartica Massacre
he trial of Bartica massacre accused Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon continued at the High Court on Tuesday, with another Voir Dire (trial within a trial) hearing. These trials are being held to determine if testimonies can be deemed material to the Bartica massacre case. Following its conclusion, presiding Judge Roxanne George will rule on the admissibility (validity and acceptability) of the evidence into the main trial. Half a dozen witnesses have testified so far and another preliminary trial is slated for today (Wednesday), as another witness is scheduled to be called by the defence. The three men along with Celbert Reece and Michael Caesar – both of whom pled guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter early last week – were
all accused of executing an attack where 12 persons, including three Policemen were brutally murdered in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Police Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, along with civilians Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh were all killed in the February 17, 2008 ordeal. It is believed that the five were part of the Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins gang which attacked the town and murdered the 12 individuals. The February 2008 Bartica attack followed another massacre at Lusignan, on the East Coast of Demerara, where 11 persons were also brutally killed.
Guyana Govt seals US$10m India bank loan for Northwest ferry
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overnment, through the F i n a n c e Ministry, officially secured a US$18 million agreement to finance a new ferry to ply the Georgetown-Region One (Barima-Waini) route. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the signing essentially marked a US$10 million loan would be granted by the Government of India together with the US$8 million grant for the acquisition of an oceangoing vessel for the Georgetown-Region One route. The money will be provided to the Government of Guyana in two parts – the concessional loan of some US$10 million and a US$8 million grant. Minister Jordan said that the new vessel would bring much-needed relief to residents in the area. “These resources will be used to facilitate the construction of the passenger and cargo vessels to provide river transportation to residents plying the route.” According to the Minister, the other two vessels are very aged and in dire need of repair. He said over the years residents have been complaining about the negative impact of the service on their lives and livelihood. “The construction of this new cargo ferry is expected to provide improved services to these residents who commute regularly between Regions One and Four. This mode of transportation is also expected to provide a number of social and economic benefits to the two regions and the country as a whole,” he continued, noting that passengers
Finance Minister Winston Jordon and IndiaImport (EXIM) Bank resident representative Sailesh Prasad sign the 20-year agreement
and goods would now be moved at affordable prices in a safe, secure and reliable environment. “This new ferry vessel will increase efficiency in operation, by allowing passenger and freight to be conveyed more swiftly with fewer delays as a reduction in traffic time. It will allow for greater market access, where the economy of scale will improve through production, distribution and consumption, contributing to the economic growth of Guyana,” the Minister said. He noted that the signing of the agreement was also another kind gesture in support of Guyana’s socio-economic development. He recalled signing earlier this year an agreement with the India EXIM Bank for the construction of the bypass road between Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara and Great Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. Construction on the road is slated to commence in 2017. He said there were also a number of other areas of bilateral assistance being pursued with the Indian Government, including the establishment of a centre for excellence
in technology, which would offer Information Communication Technology (ICT) training to members of the Public Sector. G u y a n a ’ s Government will have a period of some 20 years to repay the loan. Meanwhile, Government is yet to procure the vessel. Also speaking, just before the signing ceremony, was Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who said the Transport and Harbours Department (TH&D) has been a very faithful servant to the people of Guyana over the years. He spoke too of the “aging vessels”, particularly the two that currently ply the Georgetown-Supenaam route. He said there were still a lot of Guyanese in these regions who depend on the services of the T&HD, to carry out their daily activities. He reported on the MV Kimbia, which is currently down and awaiting repairs, while the MV Barima is expected to be up and running soon. The only vessel that is in operation, he reported, is the MV Lady Northcote. (Alexis Rodney)