Lindo Creek murders…
Relatives of victims secure UK forensic assistance offer
RELATIVES of the eight Lindo Creek miners, whose burnt remains were found after their murders, have, through the law firm Hughes, Fields and Stoby, secured the assistance of the United Kingdom (UK) Government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS).

They informed Acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene of the development, by letter, on Tuesday, a release stated.

Greene was first written to on June 30, informing him of their desire to have independent forensic experts observe the conduct of any such examination of the deceased, the surviving clans said.

But, upon hearing Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, state that the Government was still awaiting a response to its request from the United States (U.S.), the firm wrote him and the Commissioner, again, urging them both to accept the British offer immediately.

The release said a recommendation by FSS is that a team of two pathologists, two forensic scientists, two crime scene officers and two mortuary staff be retained for the purpose and that has been conveyed also to Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Commodore Gary Best and the British High Commissioner, Mr. Fraser Wheeler.

The communication gave contact details, as well, of Dr. Alfredo Eugene Walker, MB.BS, FRC (Path), DMJ (Path), as well as the likely cost of the assignment, the release stated.

It said Walker, by e-mail on Tuesday, indicated, to the lawyers, that FSS could also provide the forensic scientific support needed for the investigation, including ballistic examinations and ancillary pathology analyses of histology and toxicology.

The release said such a holistic service may not be available from the U.S. and added: “We are keenly aware that, with the passage of every day, there is degradation of the crime scene and this, coupled with the real possibility of its contamination, will further jeopardise the integrity of any independent investigation.”

The men killed in the Upper Berbice River tragedy are Nigel Torres, Bonny Harry, Cecil Arokium, Lancelot Lee, Horace Drakes, Dax Arokium, Clifton Young and Compton Speirs.

The discovery of the mass killings was made by their employer, Leonard Arokium, whose son, Dax and brother, Cecil, are among the dead.

Since the occurrence, there has been speculation about who were the killers and when the crimes were committed, including that most wanted Rondell Rawlins alias ‘Fine Man’ and his gang were responsible.

Skinny’s escape unforgivable, inexcusable
- those guilty of negligence to face the law – Minister Rohee
Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, has assured that the persons guilty of negligence leading to escape of multiple murder accused Jermaine ‘Skinny’ Charles will face the full force of the law.

Speaking at a press conference hosted at his Brickdam Office, Minister Rohee said, “No ‘red herring’ whatever the shape, form or fashion is acceptable to the Administration. The escape is unforgivable and inexcusable.”

Jermaine ‘Skinny’ Charles escaped from the Sparendaam Police Station last week Wednesday, after appearing in the Magistrates Court there to answer charges of murder committed against the late Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh, his siblings and security guard and five Kaieteur News’ press men.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Henry Greene had said at a press conference following the escape that a number of standing orders were not observed which enabled ‘Skinny’s escape.

A full investigation has since been launched by the Office of Professional Responsibility to determine all the circumstances leading to the escape. Action will be taken based on the findings of the report at the end of the investigation, the acting Commissioner had said.

Minister Rohee warns media against persistent police bashing
- as Force celebrates 169th anniversary
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, in extending congratulations to the Guyana Police Force on the occasion of its 169th anniversary, used the occasion to solicit the support of the media for the Force’s work. However, he warned against what he termed, “unnecessary and persistent police bashing,” which he said could lead, “extremist elements in society to believe that the law enforcement agencies have failed and therefore, there is need for private militias to fill the vacuum.”

He said, “No Police Force in the world is perfect and without criticism from the public. Our Police Force has its deficiencies like its counterparts in other parts of the world.  In the struggle to maintain law and order the contest between perceptions and reality will always be present,” he said.

Minister Rohee urged both the print and electronic media to “reflect on their approach to addressing the crime situation…and let better editorial sense prevail on highly sensitive and emotive matters.”

The Guyana Police Force is celebrating its 169th anniversary during this month and to mark the occasion several activities have been planned, including a ‘Drum Head’ Church service held Tuesday at the Police Headquarters, a route march scheduled for Saturday and Awards, Wreath Laying and Medal Presentation ceremonies later in the month.

CANU head to be appointed soon
- Interviews in progress
The new head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) may be appointed soon as interviews are being conducted to fill the position.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, made this disclosure during a media conference Tuesday at his Brickdam Office.

He said if the person selected has not been subjected to a polygraph test then he/she will have to undergo same when the next round is done in six months time.

The Minister said that the interviews are being done with individuals already employed by CANU and others, noting that it was important that “the so-called “3 ‘C’s” be stamped out,” he said. These are collusion, corruption and connivance.

President Jagdeo had earlier indicated that CANU Officers who underwent polygraph testing and failed will be sent home. The contracts of nine officers, including the former acting Head of the Unit, have since been terminated. (GINA)

OPR investigating Benn Jr. complaint
- Incident requires professional investigation – Minister Rohee
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the allegation against the Police rank involved in an incident with Robeson Benn Jr., the son of Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn, on Mandela Avenue, last Friday, while the young man was driving.

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee told the media Tuesday , “It is a matter that requires professional investigation and that is precisely what is being done.” He said that “Ranks entrusted to safeguard the safety and protection of the community and who are found guilty of dereliction of duty and bringing the force into disrepute have no place in the Police Force and must be weeded out.”

Minister Benn’s family had issued a statement to the media, following the incident two Fridays ago, indicating their intention to take private action against the ranks.

Benn Jr. has accused the policemen of “pushing a cocked and loaded 9mm Glock pistol in his face while he was driving, slamming him twice against his car when he exited the vehicle, on their orders, throwing him bodily into the back of their pickup while he was handcuffed, and putting their feet over his head while he was being taken to Brickdam Police Station.”

The Home Affairs Minister said, “Acts of police brutality will not be condoned and any such allegation will be thoroughly investigated. Too many Traffic Ranks under the guise of ‘walking magistrates’ have resurfaced.  The demand for one, two or three “towels” on public highways must stop,” he said. (GINA)

Guyana attends American Birding Association Convention
- presents wealth of opportunities for Guyana
Guyana’s exhibition at the American Birding Association (ABA) convention in Snowbird, Utah, was well received as the local birdwatching community’s interest continues to grow. The forum allowed the country’s representatives to make important market connections.

The representatives included Tourism Coordinator, Wally Prince; Manager of Wilderness Explorers, Teri O’Brien; Tourism Director for the Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative (GSTI), Judy Karwacki; and GSTI senior writer and author of the Bradt Travel Guide to Guyana, Kirk Smock.

They met with several companies from the American birdwatching industry to discuss the possibilities of developing Guyana’s tourism potential as a birdwatching destination, a Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) release said.

The convention, which lasted for one week, gave the representatives the opportunity to meet with Leica Sport Optics, one of the world’s leading producers of optics, including binoculars, scopes, cameras and lenses, during which they expressed interest in forging a multi-faceted partnership that would bring a range of exciting benefits for Guyana, the release said.

As a result, Guyana may be the new destination for the digiscoping trips as discussions were held with the company to promote its product here.  Digiscoping is a method of taking photos by installing a digital camera to a spotting scope.

This is a new trend in birdwatching, and Leica Sport Optics and the company is considering Guyana as a destination for its promotional trips. Countries that host the digiscoping trips benefit by receiving media attention and top-quality gear, while the local guides are also given the chance to learn from the birding experts who attend the trips.

The company plans to have a senior officer attend the upcoming November familiarisation trip to Guyana.

The representatives also made connections with several media houses. James Currie, of Birding Adventures, plans on filming two different television shows in Guyana’s interior: Birding Adventures and a show on fishing, Reel Adventures.

Birding Adventures is a show that, “explores the best exotic birding destinations on the planet; the most unusual, rare and highly sought after bird species; and amazing cultures and wildlife,” the release said.

Currie said he plans to film three shows on birding and a number on fishing in Guyana. Filming, he noted, could start as early as October, with the first show likely to be aired in 2009, according to the release.

Sharon Stiteler, the writer behind Birdchick.com, the highest read birdwatching blog on the internet, and Rick Wright, freelance writer and Managing Director of leading birding tour operator Wings, expressed interest in visiting Guyana on a familiarisation trip.

This is the third year since Guyana has exhibited at the ABA convention and officials of the ABA are now showing a keen interest in the possibilities Guyana offers to birdwatchers.

Other possibilities that were explored at the convention include Guyana being a destination for the Institute for Field Ornithology Workshops and Century Club Donor Trips.

Further, the release said, “Guyana is also one of the countries seriously being considered for the ABA’s bi-annual International Conference, which could bring upwards of 150 birdwatchers and ABA members to Guyana in 2011.

The ABA also spoke about the prospect of being an official endorser of select birdwatching tours to Guyana and offering to sponsor experts who could help start volunteer conservation tourism programmes in Guyana, the release stated.

The Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative is receiving support from the Guyana Trade and Investment Support programme, a joint project of the Government of Guyana and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Acting President visits Spa Wood Products site

Acting President, Samuel Hinds, inspects lumber at Spa Woods Products site. At his right is, Michael Vieira, and Manager Marlon Chung at his left.

Spa Wood Products, a wood-drying company located aback of Gafoor’s Group of Companies Limited at Plantation Houston, on the East Bank of Demerara, is aiming at further development.

The company, partly owned by Michael Vieira, is a fledgling operation that was given encouragement by Acting President Samuel Hinds who visited the location yesterday.

After a first-hand look at the many features of the company, which came into existence in 2006, the acting President urged Vieira to move in the direction of advertising.

“I urged him to advertise it because we have to move in Guyana from just using green raw wood to using kiln-dried wood, certainly for furniture and floors and internal work, and also for export. Some places are calling for the wood to be kiln-dried in a certain way so that certain types of pests and fungus would have been killed, so that you can feel comfortable,” the Acting President said.

He considers Vieira’s operation a good first step, noting that it is an example of the spin-off benefits from mining. 

Michael Vieira, who is also the owner of a few mining operations in the interior regions, was amazed at the Acting President’s knowledge of the drying system which, he said, he has been pursuing for a while.

He acknowledged that the business is slow at present, but is confident that with the advice of the Acting President to advertise, it will improve significantly.

Following audit report…
City Council sending Town Clerk, Treasurer on leave
CITY Councillors, on Tuesday, voted unanimously to send Town Clerk Beulah Williams and Treasurer Roderick Edinboro on leave, following the release of a report by the Auditor General (AG), on the general financial system of the municipality.

Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Public Relations Officer, Mr. Royston King, told the Guyana Chronicle the decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting convened at City Hall.

He said the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Kellawan Lall, in the absence of a Local Government Commission, will decide when and how long the two officials will be away from their posts.

The M&CC, in a release, said the City Administration welcomes the AG’s report and acknowledged that its recommendations are in keeping with good corporate governance and development.

The City Administration pledged to review its procedures and systems to include what is recommended in the compilation, the release said.

It said, consistent with the compendium, there has been steady improvement in the Treasurer’s Department but more work is needed to improve its efficiency and effectiveness to provide the needs of the city and its citizens.

CARIFESTA X materials for distribution to citizens
THE build-up for Carifesta X continued yesterday with the enlistment by the Secretariat of two groups in the city for the distribution of flags, postcards, banners and other promotional materials for the event.

Minister of Sports and Culture Dr. Frank Anthony handed over flags, posters, banners and T Shirts to representatives of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Carifesta Planning Committee of Festival City, Georgetown.

The items are to be distributed by the two groups to residents and members of the public for use in creating the colour and atmosphere which would promote public awareness of the upcoming mega event, Minister Anthony said.

The postcards to be distributed bear pictures of historic buildings as well as many of the venues of the event, and are aimed at educating visitors on the cultural heritage of the country, Dr Anthony said.

The materials were handed over at the Carifesta Secretariat on Middle Street in the city.

Present at the handing over were Chief Executive Officer of the Carifesta Secretariat Nigel Dharamlall, Director of Logistics Colonel Lindon Ross, Media Co-ordinator Ms Carolyn Walcott and other members of the Festival City Planning Committee.

Deputy Mayor Mr. Robert Williams received the materials on behalf of the M&CC and Mrs. Barbara Gainer received hers on behalf of the Festival City Planning Committee.

Deputy Mayor Williams stressed that in the buildup to the start of the event, all the homes in Festival City built in 1972 to accommodate artistes for the first ever Carifesta will be specially decorated to recreate the atmosphere which existed at that time.

The Deputy Mayor, who is also a part of the Festival City Planning Committee, took the opportunity to appeal to city residents to help keep the city free of litter as the festival approaches, and to continue this during the event and even after.

“We want a special effort by all to keep the city clean; to keep the drains clean to help prevent flooding in the event of rain,” he stressed.

He also disclosed that the M&CC was working closely with the Carifesta Secretariat and the relevant Government Ministries to ensure that all the venues for the event and their environs are spruced up to reflect the highest standards of environmental cleanliness and aesthetics.

Guyana will not sign EPA until full national consultation is completed
– President Jagdeo
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo said Guyana will not sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) until there has been completion of a full national consultation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 29th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday evening, the President said the European Union (EU) continues to seek to impose tariffs on the country’s exports.

The Head of State noted that the EU is aware that Guyana’s exports into Europe cannot withstand tariffs and is using this as a threat.

He said Guyana will sign the EPA after consultations, or “pragmatically earlier if the European Commission continues with its bully boy tactics of seeking to impose tariffs on our exports.”

He said, “I feel we should do only what is necessary to make us World Trade Organisation (WTO) compatible as agreed to in the COTONOU agreement and we should forge greater solidarity with those countries who are initialled partial EPS and those who have not initialled anything so far,” the Head of State said.

The President had long before expressed his dissatisfaction with the agreement and the short time frame which the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries were given to sign the agreement.

The President also addressed the issue of the EU’s insistence during negotiations with the EPA for the protection of the sugar industry in Martinique and Guadeloupe. He noted however, that this is not being reciprocated for the region’s industry.  

“Sometimes I feel that it boils down to the question of philosophy and we are seduced by the rhetoric of free trade, rhetoric which is not practiced in the developed part of the world,” the Head of State said.

President Jagdeo stated that there is need for strong argument for preferential treatment for the region.

“On the EPA, we need to have a practical approach, there are many good things enshrined in the agreement as it currently stands and we should seek to preserve those,” he said.

The Head of State noted that governments must decide whether during bilateral relations with the EU there will be intraregional competition and fragmentation.

“Are we going to be competing with each other because we are entering into disagreement not as a region but as individual countries?” President Jagdeo asked.

Meanwhile, the President also addressed the issue of the free movement of people in CARICOM countries. The Head of State noted that the centre of the process of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was the people of the region.

“They are in effect an essential pillar of the CSME and it was in recognition of this that we decided to fast track arrangements for the unrestricted movements of our people throughout the region,” President Jagdeo said.

He noted however, that the very opposite is happening and people cannot enjoy one of the basic rights of hassle free travel as enshrined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The Head of State said, “What I find most disturbing is not the issue of the denial of entry of CARICOM citizens at the various ports of entry in the community but, the humiliation suffered in the hands of some immigration officers at these ports. One of the tragic truths is that we treat foreigners better than we treat our own people.”

President Jagdeo noted that while every member state has a sovereign right to address what may be legitimate security concerns, harassment of citizens is unacceptable.

“The CSME would be a failed enterprise unless people are treated in a dignified manner,” he said.

A number of Guyanese have complained about the treatment they received at the hands of immigration authorities in Barbados. Though these complaints have declined, they have begun to emerge from Guyanese attempting to enter Trinidad and Tobago with a group of Guyanese recently complaining about the treatment they received when they attempted to enter T&T for employment purposes.              

Other speakers at the opening ceremony of the Heads of Governments Conference included Prime Minister Winston Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding. (GINA)

Third SVN Student on US scholarship

Natasha Persaud

A third student of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), Ms. Natasha Persaud, of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara has been awarded a scholarship by her school to study in the United States. Two other students of the school are already on similar scholarships in the City University of New York system, one at Brooklyn College and the other at Lehman College.

Ms. Persaud graduated in 2006 with eight subjects including six grade ones. The support for the scholarship was available since 2007 but she was required to serve the school for one year before taking up the offer. She will be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at York College-CUNY beginning in the Fall of 2008.

All SVN scholarships come with the condition that the recipients will return to Guyana to serve Saraswati Vidya Niketan for a minimum period of five years. This is one of the conditions in the agreement signed between SVN on the one hand and the student and guardian on the other.

Support for the scholarship comes from in part the school itself which will provide among other things the international airfare while a US based couple who is acquainted with and supports Saraswati Vidya Niketan has guaranteed tuition and room and board.

Ms. Persaud was the first student to enroll at Saraswati Vidya Niketan in 2001 when the school started with a mere 15 students. (SVN release)

Santa Mission graduation…
Fox announces $14M new school building, other initiatives

The graduates performing in a play yesterday

PUPILS of Santa Mission Primary, along Demerara River. will move into a new $14M building for the September start of the next school term.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Desrey Fox, gave the September 10 date during her speech at the 15th Awards and Graduation Ceremony.

She said, in order to ensure that every child, including those with disabilities, benefits from quality education delivery, the ministry is now looking to train 26 teachers in sign language so that the deaf and hearing impaired can be beneficiaries.

Fox said the ministry is also moving to see that all children receive secondary education.

“Young children should be focused on pursuing higher education. There is a better life than what you see around you,” she remarked.

Fox encouraged the children to read newspapers and listen to the radio, so they can become familiar with what is happening in the country.

The minister said at least 200 children from Santa Mission have, so far, taken up scholarships and are attending schools in Georgetown.

She said, to continue this trend, the ministry is planning to construct a dormitory in Georgetown to house more hinterland scholars but advised them that their best asset is their culture and they should be proud of who they are.

From left to right: Headmaster of Santa Primary School Mr. Gordon Chung; Chairman of PSC and CEO of Roraima Airways, Captain Jerry Gouveia; Minister within the Education Ministry Dr Desrey Fox; and Mrs. Chandra Amres, Manager of Timberhead Rainforest Resort as they pose with some of the students.

“Amerindians taught Guyanese many things, including drainage and irrigation and how to do agriculture. They were the first policemen on the borders,” Fox related.

She spoke of the desire to boost agriculture science in schools so that residents can assure food security and, in turn, be able to sell some produce.

Minister Fox told the gathering that a deep sense of identity is what citizens need, in order to work and do well for their community.

“Loyalty to one’s community is one of the most important things when it comes to growth,” she said, observing that there are better school resources and teachers now than what she had in her time and admonished them to make full use of what they have.

“The sky’s the limit. You must have lots of self-esteem and confidence,” Fox lectured.

Addressing the forum, too, was the School Headmaster, Mr. Gordon Chung, who reported on developments over the past year.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for the new edifice and said, on the opening day, the village will be celebrating its 150th anniversary, coinciding with Amerindian Heritage Month.

Six of the proud graduates with their certificates

Among some of the concerns Chung alluded to was the need for more furniture which he said has been promised, by the Regional Administration, by August month-end.

He said additional teachers are required for the different levels in the school as the pupils’ performance were affected by the absence of some who were in their final year at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

Chung reported that they received regular supplies of exercise books and other items for which they are thankful.

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways, Captain Jerry Gouveia also addressed the gathering.

He recommended maximum use of the library and care of their community while exhorting parents to take pride in their surroundings.

“Santa Mission is an icon for tourism. It is one of the most beautiful communities in Guyana,” he pointed out.

Gouveia said Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, wants to work with persons in the area because the soil is conducive to promoting the ‘Grow More’ campaign.

A number of pupils received awards for being outstanding, among them athletes of the year, most improved pupil, best pupil and best all-round pupils.

Steffon Samuels and Chryssanti Brown were the best all-rounders and each won a trip to Kaieteur Falls.

Isa Islamic School records 100 per cent passes