CARICOM-CIDA trade and competitiveness project launched

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett addresses the participants at the launch of the CARICOM-CIDA trade and competitiveness project.

The project, designed to ensure a better functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), will address a number of supporting administrative reforms and actions required at the national level to give full operational effect to the CSME, not just in Guyana, but in 12 CARICOM countries.

Participating countries in the project are Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The project will examine all departments within Government ministries, statutory bodies and non-state institutions involved in the administrative process of the CSME regime.

Giving brief remarks at the launch, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted that the revised treaty of Chaguaramas speaks about the full integration of the national markets of member states in a single, unified and open market area. She expressed the belief that this project will aid in the achievement of that goal.

“The treaty further spoke about the right to travel, the right to provide services, to establish businesses and the right to move capital in the single space and I think what we are doing this morning is beginning a process which will move us one step farther in the whole process as outlined in the treaty,” she stated.

The project is divided into four components:

* Component 100 deals with the harmonisation and standardisation of administrative practices and procedures across the 12 participating countries;

* Component 200 seeks to enhance the effective functioning of the services and labour markets through standardised licensing and certification and mutual recognition of licences and certificates, making the free movement of services and people easier to accomplish with the Community;

* Component 300 will focus on widening the scope of participation of stakeholders and beneficiaries in the process of decision-making, implementation and operation of the single market; and

* Component 400 is a call down facility for consultations.

The first component of the project that will be developed in Guyana is component 300 and it was also launched yesterday. Work under this component will focus on information flows, the environment and gender issues.

According to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, the work of the project under this component will look at the environmental framework that exists.

“It intends to look at the adequacy of that framework, to look at the gaps that we have and the end product will be a synchronised document across member states to see where we are and hopefully we will be able to move forward,” she explained.

To complement this project, the Minister also revealed that a public awareness campaign will be launched by her Ministry to sensitise Guyanese to the CSME.

“The information that we have here and from the enquiries that we get here at the Ministry… (point to) a lot of misinformation out there, and so we will be starting an education campaign…not only in Georgetown, but in Essequibo and in Linden and Berbice as well, and my Ministry’s staff members will be going on the television and the radio, and also at public gatherings so that people will be able to ask questions and get feedback right there on the spot,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett stated.

Though the CSME has been in operation since 2006, its implementation remains incomplete, since some member states have not discharged in full their basic treaty obligations to remove restrictions. This is consistent with Chapter Three (Establishment, Services, Capital and Movement of Community Nationals) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Programme for the Removal of Restrictions agreed to at the 13th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in Belize in 2002. (GINA)

RK Security Services to stand funeral expenses for murdered guard
By Michel Gonsalves

Murdered: Lennox O’Dean

The project is Government funded and is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security led by Minister Priya Manickchand-Murli.

Transport and Hydraulics Minister Mr. Robeson Benn submitted to Cabinet the report on the designs, quantities, estimates and the tender documents for its construction shortly after the announcement was made in June.

The project is additional to the shelter at East La Penitence and will be located in an area near to the MMA/ADA Complex.

The hospice will include dormitory style arrangements and will accommodate well over 100 persons, both male and female, in separate sections.

It will have facilities for recreation, medical care and physical work-related activities, such as agricultural production.

Dr Luncheon said that the decision to take up residence there will be made by the street dwellers themselves, because the shelter is not conceived as a prison and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will not have a mandate to restrict their movement in or out.

“I suspect that persons could voluntarily assign themselves to the home and seek admission. So, I could see there will, probably, be a number of different ways in which a homeless person can get in,” he said then.

Bidding by contractors closes on September 1.

RK Security Services celebrates its 30th
‘It all began with a beat-up motorcycle and $7.50 in my pocket,’ says Roshan Khan
By Delana Isles

Managing Director of the RK’s Security Network, Roshan Khan.

With a seeming indifferent attitude, Khan stated that due to his rapidly rising success in the business, the owner of another security company tried to hire people to steal his “little” payroll and his motorcycle. That plan was however foiled when the contracted thief confessed to him what he was being employed to do.

Being in business for 30 years, he said, is a significant landmark in this country. Since its establishment, RK Security has gone into some very remote areas and provided security.

Today the company has offices and bases in New Amsterdam, Black Bush Polder, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Crab Wood Creek, Anna Regina, Charity, Linden, Kimbia, Matthew’s Ridge, and Kurupung, as well as other parts of Region 1,7,8,9 and 10, Khan told the Guyana Chronicle.

We have a very simple motto, “Our next address will be…wherever you want us”, he stated, adding that he feels his business has inspired a number of other security services to follow, expressing pleasure that he has been able to inspire others.

“I don’t look upon other businesses as competition, I look upon them as helping us to keep ourselves well balanced and on razor’s edge; they make us strive for higher standards and to do well…,” he said.

Khan proudly stated that he does not believe in incurring too much debt, and has, over the years, always invested and managed his money wisely; as a result, today he fully owns all of his buildings.

He stated that he received a lot of assistance and guidance from several businessmen in the country, notable among whom was Mr. Dennis Beepat of Beepat and Sons. Khan added that Beepat and other business people’s confidence in him soon after he struck out on his own was very instrumental in him being where he is today.

Meanwhile, to mark the anniversary, Khan spent that day in prayer and meditation as he does not believe in pomp and ceremony. However, the company will be conducting a series of programmes and projects, with special emphasis on helping the poor and needy.

The businessman noted his business will be providing meals at Joshua House and St. Ann’s orphanage, and will also be feeding the poor.

“One of the other important things we are going to do is give blood to the blood bank, so we will get our management teams and some of our loyal security personnel to be involved in this,” he said.

The Roshan Khan Security Service will also be venturing out into the city and assisting the Mayor and City Council with its efforts to keep the city clean.

“We are very grateful to God and to the successive governments we had in this country, and for all of the Commissioners of Police that always supported us.

“We are very grateful to our many customers, including the government locations...and we are very grateful to the guards, the workers, who form the backbone of the service; our workers are our pride and joy and we have about 95 per cent of absolutely loyal workers in our company,” he added.

The company’s future plans include, constructing a five storey office complex, not too far from its main location at Charlotte and Light Streets, in Georgetown. That building will house all the various sections of the business, he said.

Another business venture is in the works, but the Security boss said he is keeping that one close to the chest as he is still finalising details.

He stated however that when introduced, the project will be revolutionary as far as Guyana is concerned, and will provide more security to the Guyanese public at an affordable price.

Ken Corsbie enthralls GEMS Theatre youngsters
By Vanessa Narine

Ken Corsbie telling the story of ‘Monkey Liver Soup’ to a group of youngsters aspiring to work in theatre.

This was the end to Ken Corsbie’s story of ‘Monkey Liver Soup’ as he regaled a group of youngsters from GEMS Theatre Workshop, in hopes of teaching them a few tricks of the theatre.

The story’s end was every bit as exciting as the beginning, and the middle, coupled with the antics of the veteran storyteller, poetry performer, stand up comedian, theatre designer, director, writer and educator, amongst other things.

“What we are doing is simply taking a simple story and adding rhythm, sound, character and other bits to bring it to life,” Corsbie said in an invited comment.

He explained that this was the art of theatre, bringing to life what words depict on paper, in other words, giving life to literature.

Then Corsbie allowed the aspiring artistes to try their hand at telling the story.

Script in hand, in groups of three, the youths proceeded to read from the script changing the pitch of the voices to mimic the characters in the story.

Acknowledging their efforts Corsbie, added his own flair to the script as he launched into the story, ‘Monkey Liver Soup’, appending accents that drew loud guffaws from his audience.

….crick crack, wire bend and the story end.

Later, Corsbie observed that by adding a certain flare to the activity, a performer is able to create adventure for one’s listeners from one single story.

Ken Corsbie will be appearing in ‘This Mango Sweet’ tomorrow night at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, where he will be performing with others from what he calls “The good old days.”

Corsbie started as an actor in amateur theatre in Guyana in the early 1950s.

He spent three years at Drama College in England where he was exposed to the finer detail of stage, lighting design and directing.

Also he has the experience of radio announcer and liaison officer throughout the islands for the fledging Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

In Guyana, Corsbie was also a producer/ performer of a two, then, four person theatre group. The group, including Marc Matthews, Henry Muttoo and Johnny Agard, was featured in ‘Dem Two’ and ‘All ah We’ during the 1970s.

Subsequently, he emigrated to Barbados in the 1980s, and for the next 17 years worked throughout the island chain, from Guyana to Belize, choosing to go solo.

Presently the multi-talented artiste lives in the United States.

He continues to perform in the Caribbean and North America where he runs workshops, designs, directs, and tells stories at festivals, cafés, schools, universities, libraries, dinners and special events.

Corsbie received the Arrow of Achievement from the Guyana Government, the Cacique Award from the Trinidad and Tobago Drama Association, and several for stage design and directing, as well as a special award from the Long Island Traditions Organisation.

14th Caribbean Jamboree ‘the best ever’
By Vanessa Narine

The Scouts march past the 1763 Monument on Vlissengen Road. (Photo by Sonell Nelson)

These were the sentiments expressed by head of the scout movement in Guyana, Mr. Ron Robinson, as he spoke of the just-concluded Jamboree in Georgetown.

The Jamboree was hosted under the theme “One Movement, One Destiny”.

The Jamboree began on August 8, and ended Sunday last.

Robinson pointed out that scouts came from many countries including British Virgin Islands, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamans, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica and Suriname.

ȁIt was a good time for all and each scout took back something special,” Robinson said.

He added that he is hoping that the little bits that were taken from the experience would enable scouting in the Caribbean to “hit a new high.”

The Beginning
In August of 1907, Lord Baden-Powell took 20 boys to a Camp at Brown Sea Island in London and, on the strength of that success, established the movement.

Today, the Scout Movement has a rich and exciting history which made it today’s leading global youth movement. It is also the largest co-educational youth movement in the world.

Some 300 million people have been Scouts, including prominent people in every field.

There have been 21 World Jamborees to date, the last being held in the United Kingdom in 2007, under the theme “One Promise, One World to celebrate the Centennial of Scouting worldwide.

The concept of a Regional Jamboree materialised in 1931 when a West Indian Camp was held in Jamaica.

This concept was reintroduced, after an absence of 30 years, when Trinidad hosted in 1961 another West Indian Camp dubbed the “West Indian Jamboree”.

Three years after scouting had been introduced here, the first Jamboree Camp was held locally.

The Jamboree
The word “Jamboree” was chosen by the founder of scouting who organised the first world Jamboree at the Olympia Stadium in London in 1920.

It originally meant something like “loud celebrations”. But since Baden-Powell wanted to give the word a new meaning, it was changed to “the most pleasant and joyous gathering of young people ever”.

And this year’s event was just that, plus more.

Robinson explained that among the many activities were community service, which saw scouts painting pedestrian crossings and trees, and a youth forum where the scouts were allowed to interact with President Bharrat Jagdeo on the issue of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

At the forum, he explained that the scouts were very interested in LCDS and showed a canny insight of the subject of climate change.

ȁThey were interested and will take the President’s mandate back with them because they share his concerns for protecting the planet,” he said.

Additionally, the scouts were treated to an eyeful as they visited a number of places of interest, including Wales Estate, Banks DIH, and Splashmins.

Some even ventured as far as Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo.

He said, “All in all, it was a fulfilling experience.”

The main event at the Jamboree was the global development village at the Sophia Exhibition Complex.

This placed exhibition booths at the scouts’ disposal, helping to educate them on various global issues.

They learnt about HIV/AIDS, the environment and social and world issues.

Generally, according to Robinson, the 14th Caribbean Jamboree served to facilitate learning and education, to give youths once in a life time experiences, and provided a medium via which friendships were made.

NBTS raises buffer stock level to 200 units
The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has raised its buffer stock level from 170 to 200 units.

This follows an increased demand, and though the stock is not now in serious straits, there is need for donors to continue supporting the bank.

So says NBTS Coordinator Ms. Shameeza Mangal, who added that the continued support will allow the bank to be in a “comfortable position” in the event of any emergencies.

Mangal pointed out that as of Monday, 86 units were tested and distributed to the various health facilities that requested blood.

She stated too that yesterday the walk in donors to NBTS numbered 25, indicative of persons responding to the call for support.

Donors are mostly using their weekends to donate blood.

She explained that voluntary givers are welcome at all six sites nationwide, including:

* NBTS headquarters in Georgetown;

* New Amsterdam Hospital;

* Suddie Hospital;

* Linden Hospital; and

* West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Mangal also called for other Guyanese to follow suit and contribute to a life saving imitative.
Emphasis on the agri-business linkages between Guyana and Brazil, Persaud said, will be a sub-theme of the festival.

Persaud had recently visited that country to strengthen relations in this regard, and said now that the Takutu Bridge has been completed, Government is eying the Brazilian market.

The minister is hoping that many agri-business objectives will be met through the festival which will feature a rich cultural component for patrons and stakeholders, particularly farmers in recognition of their hard work and dedicated service to the nation.

He announced too that as part of the Agriculture Month activities, the Ministry has decided to launch a farmers’ competition and the winners’ will be awarded at the cultural and business extravaganza.

“We are looking at prizes that will go up to about $300,000M. These prizes will be related to the agriculture sector, so people will not win a motor car, but probably some agriculture machinery, or inputs,” Persaud stressed.

He urged all to participate and said for persons not involved in agriculture, the event will be a gateway to learn more about the sector.

The festival also aims at changing the negative perception that agriculture is laborious and is not for the educated by showcasing the vast and wide array of career and business opportunities available in the sector.

Tickets for the event cost $500 for adults, $300 for children and school children in uniform accompanied by their teachers will be admitted free at the official opening.

Representatives from GMC and the private sector were also present at yesterday’s launch which was hosted in collaboration with the private sector.

Wife, brother-in-law of shot Greek businessman released
Mrs. Rose Zacharias and her brother have been released from police custody following the shooting to death of her husband, Greek businessman Mahaikis Zackarias.

Zacharias, called “Harris”, of 123 Ramsingh Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was found at his home Tuesday morning with a gunshot wound to the temple.

The 52-year-old businessman was the owner of Nicholas Fast Food and Water Depot.

He was discovered slumped in a sofa in the lower flat of his two storey house.

His licensed gun, a .32 pistol was found in his lap.

The authorities are working on a suicide theory.

At the time of the incident, he was at home with his wife’s brother, Ravi, while she was out with their 10-year-old son, Nicholas.

Neighbours said that about 5:40h they heard the sound of glass breaking and some noises then saw the wife, Rose come out the yard with her son and left in a vehicle.

The woman was visibly upset and grumbling to herself at the time.

Her brother was inside the house with the businessman when they heard what sounded like a gunshot and soon after the wife returned with the police.

Residents added that when the wife arrived and was told that her husband is dead, she collapsed at the gate while the police secured the house and took her brother into custody.

Mahaicony Rice Mills promises to make outstanding payments to farmers immediately
By Tajeram Mohabir
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud has said Mahaicony Rice Mills (MRM) has assured him that all outstanding payments to rice farmers for 2008 will be honoured immediately.

Speaking with reporters at a recently convened meeting at his ministry’s Vlissengen Road office, Persaud said the company has also given a commitment that urgent steps will be taken to clear all outstanding monies to farmers for this year’s first crop.

Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Mr. Jagnarine Singh, Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, MRM General Manager Mrs. Taramatie Ghanie and Demerara Bank Assistant Manager for Corporate Credit and Risk Management Mr. Andre Lam were also at the meeting.

The Minister pointed out that the meeting with these officials was to obtain a first hand understanding of the financial status of MRL and how it intends to resolve the outstanding payments to farmers.

The sum owing to farmers in the first crop this year is around $ 200 M, some $17M for Essequibo farmers and a much larger sum for those in Berbice; but Persaud said the company has been making a concerted effort to settle payments with the latter.

He said farmers and the RPA have indicated that there is a delay in payments to farmers, particularly in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), as well as a small number in Region Two (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands).

The GRDB and RPA have been tasked to monitor this situation.

If the company does not honour its obligation, Persaud said the GRDB has the power to make certain interventions but these will only be used as a last resort.

According to Persaud, these measures include private actions by farmers and reviewing the company’s milling and exporting activities.

In a move to better protect farmers, legislation is currently being drafted that will allow for greater representation of farmers as it relates to payment by millers.

The minister stressed he is concerned about the current situation because farmers have to undertake significant investment and resources for this year’s second crop.

He pointed out that the company has indicated to him that it had to “tidy up” internal issues and will now have a better reputation in terms of paying farmers.

MRM has also said that the global economic slowdown is affecting the ability of some of its buyers to make timely payments.

“At the end of the day, we want farmers to be treated fairly and millers and exporters to be in a position to carry out their activities,” Minister Persaud said.

He said the issue of MRM giving farmers’ fertiliser in lieu of cash payments and claims from some farmers that the price fixed by the company is higher than the market price for the commodity will be looked at with the view to putting some form of regulation in place to address the situation.

On that score, Persaud said the role of the GRDB is not to be punitive but rather to facilitate growth and development within the industry and to ensure there is fair play in all business operations.

Seeraj was pleased to get MRM to meet with the GRDB and the RPA, but noted this happened after Persaud intervened in the issue of outstanding payments to farmers.

He contended that the company is the largest operator in the sector, the industry cannot do without the operation, and it has been taking advantage of this situation.

But the RPA General Secretary said, regardless of its size, MRM has to operate within the regulations of the industry and his organisation demands nothing less.

He also underlined that encouragingly, the steps made by the company over the past two months to meet its financial obligations to farmers are testimonies to its preparedness to work in the interest of the industry.

The company has already paid Region Four farmers and the RPA General Secretary said it has promised to soon settle payments to those in Regions Five and Six.

Speaker receives no request for committee looking at Local Elections Bills to meet during recess
By Tajeram Mohabir
Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Ralph Ramkarran said yesterday he is aware that the committee dealing with the Local Elections Bills might well be working during the parliamentary recess, but has so far received no request in this regard.

People Progressive Partly Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian Mrs. Gail Teixeira had said her colleagues are prepared to meet with the Opposition during the parliamentary recess to complete work on the Local Government Elections Bills before the House.

Teixeira, who was at the time speaking with the media at the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, said her colleagues work for the people and if the Opposition agrees, they will work during the recess to have these bills ready for when Parliament resumes.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Ramkarran said the People’s National Congress Reform, in a public statement, has said it was prepared if necessary to meet during the recess to complete work on these bills.

He said to date he has received no word on this matter or any request for the use of any facilities, or for the convening of the parliament or any committee.

The Fiscal Transfer Bill, the Amendment to the Municipal and District Councils Bill, and Amendment to the Local Government Bills are the other bills before the House, all referred to a Special Select Committee.

The Amendment to Municipal and District Councils and Amendment to Local Government Bills are ancillary pieces of legislation to ensure there is synergy between the bills.

The recess period runs from August 10 to October 10, and is provided for by the parliamentary standing orders.

Ramkarran pointed out that parliament can be recalled during this time but only to deal with matter(s) considered to be of serious nature.

During this period, he said, there is no parliamentary activity, either at the parliamentary or committee stage, but there is nothing in principle to prevent committees from working during this time.

The Speaker also noted that parliamentary staff is sent on leave in the recess as they cannot go on leave during the parliamentary session.

He said currently the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) are conducting staff development programmes.

Ramkarran also pointed out that work on the three parliamentary reforms, namely the special select committee on amending the standing orders, the special select committee on implementing autonomy for the parliament office and special select committee for examining the committee rules, is proceeding.

The report for the latter is finished but has not yet been approved.

Cheekies Baby Contest launched

Ansa McAl Brands Manager Mr. Marko Kreuter presents prize to Shavane Daniels with her baby.

And the first winner of the contest, baby Karsten of Linden, won a year’s supply of Cheekies cloth diapers.

The gift was received by his mother, Shavane Daniels, during a ceremony yesterday.

Brands Manager Marko Kreuter told reporters that Cheekies diaper caters for babies from infancy to the stage of toddlers; they are fitted and come in sizes small, medium and large.

He stated that parents are asked to send a photo of their babies and they are eligible to win a year’s supply of Cheekies with the purchase of any pack of Cheekies 20’s cloth soft diapers.

The promotion started August 1and will come to an end on September 14, with one weekly winner.

He added that parents desirous of entering their baby in the contest can follow these three steps: 1. Purchase any pack of Cheekies 20’s cloth soft diapers. 2. Write their name and contact information at the back of the bill and attach photo of their baby. 3. Deposit bill/Cheekies points (cut out from package) and photo into specially marked boxes located at all leading supermarkets in the city and around the country.

Winners will be selected weekly by random draw and will be contacted by telephone.

Health situation in Region One under control
By Vanessa Narine
The health situation in Region One (Barima/Waini) is under control and health teams are handling the region’s problems which include diarrhoea, vomiting and malaria.

This is according to Regional Chairman Mr. Fermin Singh who added that the reports citing a ‘mysterious illness’ causing deaths in the area are irresponsible.

The chairman said that the cases that have ended up as fatalities were as a result of diarrhoeal diseases that persons did not take in hand in time.

The last fatality he explained was last Thursday and it was only one case not three, as a Stabroek News report said on August 18.

“The one death was in the Moruka sub region,” Singh pointed out.

He further noted the situation is being irresponsibly labelled as a ‘mysterious illness’ and explained that something mysterious is something that cannot be sourced, which is not the case in the region.

I am sure that the media persons can find another word than mysterious because it is causing people to get scared over something that can be taken care of simply,” Singh said.

He reiterated that health teams were out in the three sub regions; Moruka, Mabaruma and Matthew Ridge/ Kaituma.

According to health advisories, diarrhoeal diseases are spread by contaminated hands or ingestion of food or drinks with contaminants and, occasionally, by aerosol.

The recommended preventatives include:

* Observing good personal hygiene, like washing hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food and after defecation; and

* Observing good food hygiene, through avoiding consumption of raw food, specially for high risk persons like the elderly, children and pregnant women.

As for the incidents of malaria, the Regional Chairman stated that there were 20 cases of malaria in the Mabaruma sub region which have been handled by health workers.

Rawle Aaron no longer employed at GWI
THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) yesterday announced that Rawle Dexter Aaron, who was the Public Relations Officer, is no longer employed by the company.

A press release said that he is not allowed to conduct any business on GWI’s behalf.

The document added that for any information relating to Public relations they are urged to contact the company’s Chief Executive’s Secretariat.

Unidentified accident victim in critical condition at GPH
A woman involved in a motor vehicle accident at Regent and King Streets in Georgetown last Friday remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The woman, who suffered severe head injuries, had still not been identified up to late yesterday.

She was the pillion rider on a motor cycle driven by 34-year-old Adrian Henry of 141 South Sophia when the accident occurred.

The woman, of East Indian descent, brown in complexion, heavy set and about 5’2 tall, appears to be about 32-years-old. Her hair is ‘jet black’ and cut fairly short.

Around 21:20 h last Friday, Henry’s motor cycle on which the woman was riding, collided with motor car PKK 2000, driven by a motorist whose name was given as Michael Marcus. Both Henry and the woman, badly injured, were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital.

Henry, whose left leg was badly crushed, remains warded at the institution. The motorcyclist, who claims not to know the woman’s name, said he had picked her up a short distance away and was merely offering her a lift on his bike.

And still at the Georgetown Hospital, Johnny Rajkumar, 41, of 128 Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara, remains warded in the institution’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) suffering multiple injuries.

Around 4:05 h last Saturday, Rajkumar was driving along the Crane Public Road, West Bank Demerara, when his motor vehicle reportedly collided with a truck. He was picked up and rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital.

CARICOM'S CHOICES FOR OAS, ICC
By Rickey Singh (Bridgetown, Barbados)
CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY Foreign Ministers have endorsed candidatures for a seat on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and re-election of an Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Guyana-born jurist Dr Duke Pollard, currently one of the seven justices of the Port-of-Spain-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has been endorsed as a candidate to seek election as a judge of the ICC.

The current Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Suriname-born diplomat, Albert Ramdin, was given the 'green light' to seek re-election in that post of the Washington-based hemispheric organisation.

The unanimous endorsements, which came during last week's meeting in Kingston, Jamaica of CARICOM's Foreign Ministers, will be forwarded for expected ratification by Heads of Government when they meet for their regular annual summit in Guyana in July. 

Justice Pollard, a former consultant on international law projects for the United Nations and Director of the CARICOM Legislative Drafting Facility prior to his CCJ appointment, may have to compete with other candidates of the Latin America region.

Trinidad and Tobago's former Attorney General, Karl Hudson-Phillips, was the first candidate of the Caribbean/Latin America region to be elected as a judge of the ICC which he served for four years before opting to resign for personal reasons.

The ICC was inaugurated in The Hague in March 2003 with the United States of America, under then President George Bush administration refusing to sign the treaty for membership access. This development is now likely to occur under President Barrack Obama's administration. 

Ambassador Ramdin, a former Assistant Secretary General of  CARICOM with responsibilities for Foreign and Community Relations, had served for three years as Special Adviser to ex-OAS Secretary General, Cesar Gaviria, before seeking the office he has now been holding since 2005. 

The offices of both OAS incumbents--Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, Chile's former Foreign Minister, and Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, are due for election at the organisation's General Assembly in June 2010.

Their respective campaigns will initially begin following next month's OAS General Assembly in Honduras.

Trafficking in narcotics a decent crime
- convicted trafficker tells magistrate
OLUKI Ian Lewis, who was sentenced to four years imprisonment on a drug charge, yesterday told Magistrate Priya Beharry that trafficking in narcotics is a “decent crime” instead of making people unhappy by robbing them.

Lewis, of 80 Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, accepted that, on August 17, at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, he trafficked in 1.82 kilogrammes of cocaine by attempting to export same.

According to Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) Officer Mr. Oswald Massiah, prosecuting, Lewis, a private computer technician, checked in with Caribbean Airlines to travel to St. Martin.

Massiah said while the defendant was going through the internal scanner, a CANU officer observed that he was uneasy and perspiring, although the air conditioning unit was on.

The Prosecutor explained that the CANU officer then pulled Lewis aside to inform him that he had reason to suspect that he had ingested an illegal substance.

Lewis was then escorted to the Woodlands Hospital where an x-ray revealed that he had objects in his stomach, Massiah said.

He added Lewis later excreted 66 cocaine pellets which amounted to the sum in the charge.

According to Massiah, Lewis admitted that he bought the illegal substance in Venezuela.

After Massiah read the facts, Lewis told the court that he accepted it all and that he prefers to smuggle drugs instead of making people’s lives uncomfortable by robbing them.

In addition to the jail sentence, the defendant was also fined $30,000.

Driver in Pearson fatal accident on two charges

Christopher Evans

The 33-three-year-old father of one, farmer by occupation, pleaded not guilty to two charges and was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Nigel Hughes.

Particulars of the charges said that on August 16, he drove motor van GJJ 7066 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Albert Pearson and Marlyn Alecia Pearson.

It is also alleged that, on the same day, he drove the said vehicle when his breath alcohol level was 116 ‘microgram’, above the 35 ‘microgram’ limit.

According to Police Corporal Munilall Seetaram, prosecuting, Evans was proceeding north along the western side of the public road and he ended up on the eastern side.

Seetaram said the defendant’s vehicle collided with motorcycle CF 1626 which was being driven by Albert Pearson who was towing his wife at the time.

He said the impact flung the couple in a trench at the side of the road.

Seetaram, who objected to a bail grant, said public spirited citizens assisted in getting the individuals out of the trench.

Hughes however told the court that he would be contesting the facts at a later stage of the case.

He said his client was returning home from his farm at Soesdyke/Linden Highway when the accident occurred.

In his bail application, the lawyer said he did not mind if the court wanted to suspend Evans’ licence.

The Magistrate however went in favour of the Prosecution and refused bail for Evans.

He will return to the Providence court on September 14.

Driver used another lane to avoid killing more people
- says defence attorney in case of two cousins killed last Sunday
By Telesha Persaud
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Mr. Vic Puran yesterday claimed that Mahendranauth Singh, charged with causing the death of the two children on Tuschen Highway, East Bank Essequibo, had to use another lane to avoid killing more people.

Singh, 21, of 202 Industry Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to four charges, one of which said, on August 16, at Tuschen Public Road, he drove motor car PLL 6744 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Amisha Alli and Ricky Kumar.

Particulars of another charge said, after the accident occurred, he failed to render assistance by taking the children to a medical practitioner for medical treatment.

The final charge said Singh failed to stop his vehicle after the accident occurred.

Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said Singh was speeding when he slammed into the children and even caused Alli’s head to be severed.

Based on information the Police received, Singh was arrested at Den Amstel after he drove away from the scene, she said.

According to her, Singh gave Police conflicting reports about how the accident occurred. She said on one occasion he told the officers that he tried to avoid hitting a bus; and on another, that he tried to avoid hitting other people.

Griffith said skid marks were evident on the road and that Singh never stopped his vehicle, but proceeded at such a rate of speed as to miss the Leonora Police Station.

She said the defendant was only caught after Police officers saw the vehicle with blood on it.

Griffith mentioned, too, that more caution needs to be exercised by drivers these days. She added that Singh had to be speeding for Alli’s head to come off completely.

His lawyer however told the court that the road his client was driving on is a straight one with no turning points.

He said the marking on the road of the point of impact is in the centre of the southern lane and if his client had maintained his lane, he would have killed eight people.

According to Puran, the children ran across the road from behind a parked vehicle, holding hands. When they noticed his client’s car approaching, they decided to run back to the side they were on. The lawyer explained that Singh slowed down after the accident but later decided to drive away because an angry crowd went up to his vehicle and threatened to take his life.

He also pointed out that there was no sign on the building to indicate that it is Leonora Police Station, and because his client was driving on the West Coast for the second time only, he missed the building.

Prosecutor Griffith rejoined that since he rarely travelled on that road, he should have exercised more care.

Singh was remanded to prison until August 25 at Leonora.

Twelve-year-old Alli known as Elana, of 25 Railway View Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, and seven-year-old Kumar, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, lost their lives in the accident.

Rape trial aborted - accused stepfather fled from justice
Bail bond escheated, warrant issued for accused Patrick Narine
By George Barclay
JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes, the presiding judge in the carnal knowledge

Case where accused Patrick Narine was on trial for raping his then 7-year-old stepdaughter in 2003, yesterday aborted the trial and issued a bench warrant for the accused who had fled from justice.

When caught, the runaway accused will be kept in custody until the rehearing of his trial.

The accused who had pleaded not guilty and was conducting his own defence at the beginning of the trial retained a lawyer midway in the proceedings.

But in the final stages, when he was about to begin his defence, he did not turn up in Court and reported that he had been admitted in hospital with malaria.

Enquiries revealed that the accused who was on bail, disappeared from the hospital and refused to attend court to continue his trial.

As a consequence the trial which has occupied the better part of the June Sessions, had to be aborted by the judge who, as a result, had to discharge the jury without calling on them for a verdict.

It was learnt that police stations on the West Coast of Demerara were alerted, but up to late yesterday the accused had not been caught although Prosecutor Mr. Ganesh, had seen him crossing the road to his (accused) home with a bag of coconuts.

Mr. Hira said that on seeing the accused he had alerted the police of a nearby station who pointed out that their patrol vehicle was otherwise engaged.

The accused is said to have had carnal knowledge of the then 7-year old girl one night in April, 2003, while her mother was away from home after being hospitalised because of an injury from a fall.

The case for the prosecution, as led by Miss Prithima Kissoon from the DPP chambers, is to the effect that the girl was asleep on the same bed with her smaller brothers that night when the stepfather lifted her to another bed where he stripped her and committed the offence.

On Tuesday, the accused was expected to begin his defence and to decide whether he would make use of two prosecution witnesses which the prosecution did not wish to call, when the judge learnt that the accused was admitted in hospital with malaria. Investigations revealed that the accused was indeed in hospital but later took his own discharge.

This morning the Judge is expected to start another trial.

Drivers involved in Linden Highway accident on dangerous driving charge, $60,000 bail
THE drivers involved in an accident which took place at Adventure on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, have been charged for dangerous driving and subsequently placed on $60,000 bail.

The men Junior St Jules aged 25, of 3338 South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown and 31 -year old Lawrence Simon of 90 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara, Linden both appeared in front of Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon on Tuesday where the charges were read against them for the dangerous driving. 

St Jules at the time was driving his motor car PLL 1453 along with Simon who was in his vehicle PKK 8968 both charged for driving in a manner dangerous to the public safety and which had caused extreme damage to the cars in the process.

After pleading not guilty they were ordered to return to court on September 29, 2009 after being placed on $60,000 bail each. (Joe Chapman)

Linden driver fined $75,000 for using cell phone while driving
A 57-year old man last Saturday who allegedly used his cell phone while driving his car PJJ 821 found himself before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon

The police at Linden had charged Wesley Winfield of 922 Victory Valley, Wismar Linden saying he committed the offence on Greenheart Street, Mackenzie Linden. Winfield now knows how much it can cost for using his cell phone while driving and this must be considered prohibitive, compared to the low rates he obviously now enjoys from the cell phone service providers. He was fined $75,000 with an alternative of 14 days imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennon yesterday at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court. (Joe Chapman)