How does the AFC find $500K to place a second Trinidad Ad after being kicked out of the building on Hadfield and Lime Street due to their inability to pay $70K per month rent?
Answer: They're simply selling more pepper sauce.
The AFC head office is now located in Raphael Trotman's cramped-up Hadfield Street office!
The APNU+AFC is a corrupt cabal of racists. They did nothing that benefitted ordinary Guyanese, presided over the must corrupt and incompetent government Guyana has ever had and sought to rig their way back into office. Now in opposition lies and racism is their go-to mantra. Here we expose them ....
Monday, November 30, 2009
Less than 1% of prisoners in Guyana die in police custody.
Guyana Human Rights Association went on record in 2003 stating that the rate of extra-judicial killings was higher between 1980 to 1992 than under the current regime. The majority of people arrested in the country are not shot; the majority of them taken before the courts were not abused and that persons who die in custody are a fraction.
To be precise: less than one per cent of all prisoners in this country.
To be precise: less than one per cent of all prisoners in this country.
Opposition Dossier ignores Government Minister's murder but focuses more on the rights of his killers.
During the debate in the National Assembly on Thursday on a motion by GAP/ROAR member Everall Franklin calling for police training to be intensified in the use of non-lethal weapons PPP/C M.P Gail Teixeira passionately declared that she is never going to forgive the crafters of the Opposition dossier on persons killed by extra-judicial means for as long as she lives because, in the dossier Minister Sash Sawh and his family are not included in those who were killed… but the concern in the dossier is more-so about the two men who killed him!”
Teixeira is absolutely right, given that the minister was assassinated and the focus of the Opposition through this document and other actions is on defending the rights of the criminals.
She went on by saying, “I am saying it publicly here, I will never, ever, as long as I live, forgive whoever wrote that document to have left out Minister Sash Sawh and his family who were executed!”.Benschop leaves the jurisdiction following Joel Fraser's death!
We have learnt that former treason accused, Mark Benschop has fled the country following the recent discovery of the body of Joel Fraser (who was reportedly having an affair with Benschop's ex-wife Maria) with his throat slashed on the sea walls behind Ocean View hotel.
Benschop is currently in the U.S.
Local promoter and the host of a local television show, Neil 'Cody' Codogan, has also not been seen since. However, his close friends have told persons that Cody, as he's popularly known, has also been the recipient of numerous threats to his life and Fraser's death has caused him to become fearful as he too was seeing Benschop's ex-wife.
Persons are speculating as to if Benschop is behind Fraser's death and the recent threats.
Benschop, despite being imprisoned for over 5 years has managed to acquire a large volume of wealth since his release from prison.
What about your Kaieteur News income?
Freddie Kissoon is griping and whining about his civic duty to pay property tax on things he bought from his University of Guyana income. But he says nothing about his earnings from Kaieteur News. He writes an article for that newspaper every day of the week. Here's a piece of what he wrote recently in the Kaieteur News:
"I am calling on all PAYE workers to demand that the opposition parties take a stand on the nature of Property Tax. The bestial nature of Property Tax doesn’t end with the unconscionable yearly deduction of money from your savings. You have to pay on your car and furniture. My car was not given to me freely. I took the money I had in the bank which came from my UG salary to buy my car. The modest furniture I have in my home came from my UG salary. Why do I have to pay a tax on the things I buy with my UG pay when my UG remunerations have been taxed every year the past twenty-three years?"
We all are subject to double taxation, from the paycheck and then sales taxes. Freddie is a dunce, how exactly is he qualified to teach at UG?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
THE OPPOSITION’S FAILING VIA THE ‘DOSSIER’ ROUTE
Prem Misir: The PNCR has a history of trying to gain political power through the back door and creating camouflages to conceal their weakened political status. The latest example of this chicanery is their usage of a dossier with the aid of some acolytes to support their degenerative line of thinking; and at the same time offending the intelligence of the Guyanese people.
With regard to the dossier, there are several unanswered questions, including: given the disjointed pieces of allegations, what is the Joint opposition attempting to say? Again, given these incoherent allegations, how can we be sure of the accuracy of the meanings the Dossier presented? The data seems defective, and if this is the case, then the analysis is weak and unconvincing. More importantly, however, is why did the Joint opposition produce this dossier? Are they unable to mobilize the masses, given their constant allegations of economic decline in Guyana?
Some studies show that economic crises would generate political unrest; as popular dissatisfaction emanating from falling living standards surely would facilitate the opposition to mobilise popular discontent and push for political demands; and also, new coalitions of the opposition groups could emerge, to mobilise popular economic discontent and initiate political change. Scholars as Bates, Eckstein, Stokes, Buendia, and others, share these viewpoints and suggest that economic crises augment the probability of political instability and institutional reform. But the Guyana opposition groups seem unable to mobilise the masses in the face of their allegations of economic decline.
Lust-Okar, in an article in Comparative Politics, presented the instructive cases of Morocco and Jordan which challenged this hypothesis that the more there is economic decline, the more the chance of political instability; as since the 1980s, both countries experienced economic deterioration and augmented discontent; but Morocco’s opposition failed to mobilise the masses. A possible explanation: when elites in society do not engage in dividing the opposition, then there is a strong probability of the opposition mobilizing political unrest during an economic decline; however, if the opposition has divided camps, indicating that the elites earned a measure of success, then mobilization will not happen. Could this be the case in Guyana that the PNCR as well as its acolytes are divided via elite manoeuvrings? We already know that the PNCR continues to experience deep divisions and that that party already owns a rapidly-weakened status.
Further, Morocco opposition’s support structure, such as, unions, for mass mobilization waned, causing the mainstream opposition to refrain from any mass mobilization engagement; not because of unwillingness to do so, but because of declining capability. But there also is evidence that Morocco’s opposition had capability, but chose to stay ‘cool’; perhaps, according to Lust-Okar, the opposition elites had no problems with their political gains, rather than risk the chance of losing them in any attempt at mass mobilization.
We already are aware of the PNCR’s divided camps and its weakened status; and so, the PNCR would seem unable to effect any mass mobilization, given this substandard disposition. But could the failure of the PNCR and its acolytes to rouse the masses happening also because there is no economic decline and no popular discontent? Look at some recent economic matters.
The Guyana economy continues to demonstrate resilience against several recent external shocks. Think about two such shocks: the rising global food and fuel prices and the international financial meltdown; these shocks failed to compromise the integrity of the Guyana economy.
And in terms of the rising food and fuel prices just over a year ago, the Jagdeo Administration moved in a timely way to cushion the economy with a number of ameliorative measures; and the Bank of Guyana did indicate in the heat of the international financial meltdown not long ago that the Guyana economy had negligible investments in the U.S. investment market; not much of an impact here.
And now Jagdeo is lighting up the global stage with his Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), taking it shortly to the Copenhagen Summit, bringing immense prestige to Guyana’s international economic image, especially as Guyana’s economy is out of the woods, even factoring in the external shocks and the precarious nature of the global economy.
And so, let the people decide, why the dossier? The dossier may be a remarkable camouflage for the opposition’s failings to mobilize the people vis-à-vis the hypothesis: economic decline produces political instability and institutional reform. The people are not buying the line that there is economic decline; the opposition, therefore, chooses the ‘dossier’ route. Jordan is still on my radar.
With regard to the dossier, there are several unanswered questions, including: given the disjointed pieces of allegations, what is the Joint opposition attempting to say? Again, given these incoherent allegations, how can we be sure of the accuracy of the meanings the Dossier presented? The data seems defective, and if this is the case, then the analysis is weak and unconvincing. More importantly, however, is why did the Joint opposition produce this dossier? Are they unable to mobilize the masses, given their constant allegations of economic decline in Guyana?
Some studies show that economic crises would generate political unrest; as popular dissatisfaction emanating from falling living standards surely would facilitate the opposition to mobilise popular discontent and push for political demands; and also, new coalitions of the opposition groups could emerge, to mobilise popular economic discontent and initiate political change. Scholars as Bates, Eckstein, Stokes, Buendia, and others, share these viewpoints and suggest that economic crises augment the probability of political instability and institutional reform. But the Guyana opposition groups seem unable to mobilise the masses in the face of their allegations of economic decline.
Lust-Okar, in an article in Comparative Politics, presented the instructive cases of Morocco and Jordan which challenged this hypothesis that the more there is economic decline, the more the chance of political instability; as since the 1980s, both countries experienced economic deterioration and augmented discontent; but Morocco’s opposition failed to mobilise the masses. A possible explanation: when elites in society do not engage in dividing the opposition, then there is a strong probability of the opposition mobilizing political unrest during an economic decline; however, if the opposition has divided camps, indicating that the elites earned a measure of success, then mobilization will not happen. Could this be the case in Guyana that the PNCR as well as its acolytes are divided via elite manoeuvrings? We already know that the PNCR continues to experience deep divisions and that that party already owns a rapidly-weakened status.
Further, Morocco opposition’s support structure, such as, unions, for mass mobilization waned, causing the mainstream opposition to refrain from any mass mobilization engagement; not because of unwillingness to do so, but because of declining capability. But there also is evidence that Morocco’s opposition had capability, but chose to stay ‘cool’; perhaps, according to Lust-Okar, the opposition elites had no problems with their political gains, rather than risk the chance of losing them in any attempt at mass mobilization.
We already are aware of the PNCR’s divided camps and its weakened status; and so, the PNCR would seem unable to effect any mass mobilization, given this substandard disposition. But could the failure of the PNCR and its acolytes to rouse the masses happening also because there is no economic decline and no popular discontent? Look at some recent economic matters.
The Guyana economy continues to demonstrate resilience against several recent external shocks. Think about two such shocks: the rising global food and fuel prices and the international financial meltdown; these shocks failed to compromise the integrity of the Guyana economy.
And in terms of the rising food and fuel prices just over a year ago, the Jagdeo Administration moved in a timely way to cushion the economy with a number of ameliorative measures; and the Bank of Guyana did indicate in the heat of the international financial meltdown not long ago that the Guyana economy had negligible investments in the U.S. investment market; not much of an impact here.
And now Jagdeo is lighting up the global stage with his Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), taking it shortly to the Copenhagen Summit, bringing immense prestige to Guyana’s international economic image, especially as Guyana’s economy is out of the woods, even factoring in the external shocks and the precarious nature of the global economy.
And so, let the people decide, why the dossier? The dossier may be a remarkable camouflage for the opposition’s failings to mobilize the people vis-à-vis the hypothesis: economic decline produces political instability and institutional reform. The people are not buying the line that there is economic decline; the opposition, therefore, chooses the ‘dossier’ route. Jordan is still on my radar.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Kartel loses his vybz; sinks to a new low
Yard Flex: I think Kartel has lost it. I understand borrowing Mavado's melody and chanting style and trying to make it big for himself this year but what he is doing now is just too disgusting. He has got to a point where he is killing dancehall and destroying the lives of its listeners in da process.I understand it was hard fi him last year and he had to fight hard to buss again. He tried every trick in da book and most of it worked. Clashing wid di biggest artist of 2008 and copying each one of his moves. Mavado was di first artiste to make a big tune fi an athlete and it was not because Asafa Powell said "gully" but di man just said he liked Mavado's singing style and voice. Now Kartel decided to make a ting called Gaza when Mavado was singing about di Gully side from di start. And even Kartel did sing bout Gully side when he was hanging with Mavado and Bounty Killer. Because him realise how Mavado make it big, he created a rival side to copy every one of Mavado's moves. Kartel used this Gully vs Gaza to the extreme by influencing the biggest artistes in the world to not say he likes Kartel's music but to say he is for Gaza, "the side". These desperate measures are not only destroying Dancehall but destroying Jamaica. Kartel, who used to be da biggest artist in Dancehall has shown dat he cant buss again from just doing music but his career depends on autotune, causing controversy, imitating other artistes, engineering falsehoods and manipulating young and naive aspiring artists.Recently Kartel sunk to da lowest with the release of the picture of his purported partner and protege performing an oral sexual act to a man who is believed to be Kartel himself. For someone who has made a following and a lot of money through singing songs against such an act (oral sex) and many other evil acts this is disappointing. Who knows how many other things he sings against but still goes on and do? The act which was depicted in that image is one such when one person does it on the other, the one receiving it also has do reciprocate so did the man in the picture bow, after the female played her part of the game?Prominent members from Kartel's camp have been heard openly condoning dangerous acts such as bleaching and the lady mentioned before has sung a song endorsing it. In a community dat is suffering this is uncalled for and Kartel and his camp need to be held responsible for their actions. Oh, and by the way, this is camp which our distinguished athlete chooses to endorse. I don’t encourage him to endorse any of the two but rather to say musics. People see him as an ambassador. Mi bredda, you are like a diplomat and what you are doing right now no make you name look good.
Posted by YardFlex at November 26, 2009 08:20 PM
Student suspended for skin bleaching.
KINGSTON, Jamaica - Although the guardian of the 16-year-old male student of a Portmore high school is upset that he was recently suspended for bleaching his skin, the principal says the school rules clearly state it is not allowed.
The youngster, who is also a member of the school's football team, was suspended from school on November 18 and told not to return until his rightful complexion was restored. His grandfather, however, has taken issue with that.
The grandfather, Willard Costley, said that while he was not questioning the rules of the school, he believed proper steps were not taken before his grandson was sent home. He said when he went to discuss the matter at the school recently, he was told he was not listed as a guardian and therefore the child's conduct could not be discussed with him.
"He must have been doing it for a while and nobody said anything to him, and secondly, they did not contact any of his relatives before he was sent home," he said.
Costley said the stipulation that he could only return after his colour came back was essentially equal to indefinitely suspending the youngster, as no one knew how long it would take. "What if it takes ten years to come back, he must not go to school for ten years?"
He suggested that the school waited until elimination from the Manning Cup football competition before suspending the teen, as "they didn't have any use for him again". Being at home, Costley said, was not good for a young boy, who could end up using this new-found spare time in a negative way.
The principal, however, said the student was not the first to be suspended for bleaching. She said the school's rules strictly prohibited bleaching, and added that this rule was sanctioned by parents. (The STAR)
The youngster, who is also a member of the school's football team, was suspended from school on November 18 and told not to return until his rightful complexion was restored. His grandfather, however, has taken issue with that.
The grandfather, Willard Costley, said that while he was not questioning the rules of the school, he believed proper steps were not taken before his grandson was sent home. He said when he went to discuss the matter at the school recently, he was told he was not listed as a guardian and therefore the child's conduct could not be discussed with him.
"He must have been doing it for a while and nobody said anything to him, and secondly, they did not contact any of his relatives before he was sent home," he said.
Costley said the stipulation that he could only return after his colour came back was essentially equal to indefinitely suspending the youngster, as no one knew how long it would take. "What if it takes ten years to come back, he must not go to school for ten years?"
He suggested that the school waited until elimination from the Manning Cup football competition before suspending the teen, as "they didn't have any use for him again". Being at home, Costley said, was not good for a young boy, who could end up using this new-found spare time in a negative way.
The principal, however, said the student was not the first to be suspended for bleaching. She said the school's rules strictly prohibited bleaching, and added that this rule was sanctioned by parents. (The STAR)
Leaders say momentum building on climate change
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon, left, and
Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, right.
Leaders of the Commonwealth countries called Saturday for a legally binding international agreement on climate change and a global fund with billions of dollars to help poorer countries meet its mandates.
The 53-nation meeting was the largest gathering of world leaders before next month's global climate summit in Copenhagen.
The leaders said a deal should be adopted no later than next year and the support money should be available simultaneously, providing up to $10 billion a year starting in 2012.
At least 10 percent of the fund, the group said, should be dedicated to small island and low-lying coastal nations, which are at risk of catastrophic changes from global warming.
"Climate change is the predominant global challenge," the Commonwealth leaders, meeting in the twin-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, said in a declaration. "For some of us, it is an existential threat."
The document called for a "legally binding" agreement.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, making rare appearances at a Commonwealth meeting to help drive the climate discussion, portrayed the joint declaration as further evidence of building momentum for next month's summit.
"I will leave Trinidad fully convinced that it will be possible to reach an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen," Loekke Rasmussen told reporters after the Commonwealth leaders issued their statement following a private meeting.
Some 90 countries have now agreed to attend the summit in Denmark, he said.
The Commonwealth's endorsement of a global fund comes a day after British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, both attending the meeting in Trinidad, also backed the idea, a sign of growing consensus on what has been a major issue to be resolved before any global climate deal.
Brown said Britain would contribute $1.3 billion over three years, but other countries have not yet specified their commitments.
The biennial meeting of the Commonwealth, made up mostly of former British colonies, attracted an unusual level of attention this year because of climate change. It brought together some of the key countries in the global debate, including India, Canada and Australia, amid debate over cutting carbon emissions and the economic effects of those cuts.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Friday that his country is willing to sign an ambitious global target. But he set no specific figures and insisted it be accompanied by "equitable burden sharing."
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told reporters that "progress is being made. You see as each day passes a large number of states come forward with their own national commitments."
Commonwealth leaders back climate change fund
Gordon Brown and Ban Ki-moon are
attending the summit in Trinidad
Commonwealth leaders have backed a multi-billion-dollar plan to help developing nations to deal with climate change and cut greenhouse gases.
The fund, proposed by UK and French leaders at the Commonwealth summit on Friday, would start next year and build to $10bn annually by 2012.
Many Commonwealth members are island states threatened by rising sea levels.
Leaders also called for the strongest possible outcome at next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen.
But they accepted that a 'legally binding agreement' might have to wait to 2010.
Commonwealth leaders "welcomed the initiative to establish, as part of a comprehensive agreement, a Copenhagen Launch Fund starting in 2010 and building to a level of resources of $10 billion annually by 2012," a statement in Trinidad on Saturday said.
It added that "fast start funding" for adaptation should be focused on the most vulnerable countries.
"We also recognise the need for further, specified and comparable funding streams, to assist the poorest and most vulnerable countries, to cope with, and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. We recognise that funding will be scaled up beyond 2012."
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said half the $10bn fund should go towards helping developing nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and the other half towards helping them adapt to climate change.
The first cash would be made available next year, he said, before any emissions deal could take effect.
'Clock ticking'
Commonwealth leaders met days after pledges by the US and China to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, amid concerns that December's Copenhagen meeting on climate change could fail to agree substantial cuts.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told a news conference in Trinidad on Saturday that the Commonwealth - representing a third of the world's population - believed "the time for action on climate change has come."
"The clock is ticking to Copenhagen. We've achieved one further step, significant step forward with this communique and we believe the political goodwill and resolve exists to secure a comprehensive agreement at Copenhagen."
Speaking earlier at the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he believed an agreement was in sight, with recent moves by some countries a positive step to cutting emissions.
The head of the UN's panel of climate experts, Rajendra Pachauri, said he was now very optimistic a deal could be reached in Copenhagen.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
'Cody' gone into hiding following his 'Man-in Law's' death!
Further to this we have been reliably informed that local promoter and television host, Neil 'Cody' Codogan has gone into hiding following the death of Joel Fraser, as he too was having a relationship with Maria Benschop, wife of Mark Benschop, and he too had received numerous threats on his life.
Benschop's "Man-in Law" found dead on Seawalls.
A popular local actor was found dead yesterday morning with his throat slit at the Liliendaal seawall — hours before his latest production was set to open at the National Cultural Centre.
Joel Fraser
At the time he was found, Joel Fraser, 39, of Lot 27 Laing Avenue, was wearing only his underpants and a t-shirt. Valuables, which he had had in his possession, including a laptop computer and production material for the premiere of the Mori J’von Comedy Jam, were missing.
Investigators were yesterday trying to ascertain the motive behind the killing, which sent shockwaves through the theatrical community that Fraser had been a member of for many years.
However, according to reports circulating, Fraser was having a relationship with the ex-wife of controversial former treason accused Mark Benschop up until his death. Further, he had confided in his close friends that he had received numerous death threats by an unknown caller on several occasions within the past few days.
Speaking to the media yesterday Maria Benschop told reporters that she saw him alive for the last time early Tuesday night.
Mrs. Benschop said that Fraser was her Production Manager and they were in the height of preparing for a performance in Berbice some time next month.
According to Benschop, Fraser left rehearsals for the ‘Nothing to laugh about’ show to attend rehearsals for another comedy show in which he was scheduled to perform at the National Cultural Centre last night (Wednesday).
“He called me at about 12:15 (after midnight) and said that he was at the market, making arrangements to have the banner for the show taken up for display in Berbice. I called him back about an hour later but while talking to him my phone ran out of credit,” Benschop said.
She explained that at around 7:30 hours yesterday she received a telephone call from a female informing her that Fraser was dead.
However she was briefly detained as police investigations commenced yesterday her at the Sparendaam Police Station.
Mrs. Benschop had also objected to some of the contents in a statement that the police had written upon her dictation.
“When I saw the one that they wrote and asked me to sign, I objected. I wanted to write my own statement. They wanted me to sign the one they wrote and I was uncomfortable with that,” said Benschop
She was subsequently placed on the ‘bench’ where she remained for several hours until her attorney arrived.
Benschop later prepared her own statement, which she gave to investigators and was duly sent away.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Obama Will Go to Copenhagen
New York Times: US President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen next month for the United Nations meeting on climate change, a White House official confirmed Wednesday.
Mr. Obama, who had previously not committed to making an appearance at the summit, will deliver a speech on Dec. 9 en route to Oslo, Norway, where he will accept the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 10.
Mr. Obama had been under considerable pressure from other world leaders and environmental advocates to make the trip as a statement of American commitment to the climate change negotiations. The talks, involving more than 190 nations, are expected to produce a wide-ranging interim political declaration but stop short of proposing a binding international treaty.
Delegates are expected to commit to completing the treaty next year.
Mr. Obama has said recently that he would attend the session if his presence could help lead to a successful outcome. Mr. Obama will tell the delegates to the climate conference that the United States intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions “in the range of 17 percent below 2005 levels,” according to a White House official.
The administration has resisted until now delivering a firm pledge on emissions reductions because Congress has not yet acted on global warming legislation. But officials said earlier this week that Mr. Obama was now prepared to offer a tentative figure based on the work completed in Congress so far.
In June, the House passed a bill calling for greenhouse gas reductions of 17 percent below 2005 levels. Last month, a Senate committee passed a measure calling for a 20 percent cut, but that is expected to be weakened as the legislation moves through other Senate committees and onto the floor, perhaps next spring.
Globe Trust Directors owe huge sums to the company.
The majority of Globe Trust and Investment Company Limited (GTICL) former directors are in court defending claims filed against them for monies owed to the failed institution, but the company’s liquidators recently slapped a second lawsuit on director and Senior Counsel, Peter Britton after he put two properties up for sale.
The company is claiming $19.5 million, which it said Britton owes and is seeking a declaration that the attorney is justly and lawfully indebted to Globe Trust. It is also asking for a declaration that it is entitled to a lien on certain properties, and has entered an opposition to Britton passing transport of the properties at Campbellville and East Ruimveldt. The Registrar of Deeds is also named as a defendant in the action.
Globe Trust depositor, CS Vaughn protesting
outside the law firm of Senior Counsel Peter Britton
at South Road.
Globe Trust depositor CS Vaughn Major (Rtd), who said he lost $4.5 million when the institution collapsed, a few months back picketed Britton’s law firm at South Road. He held a one man protest for 30 minutes outside the law firm and vowed to keep the pressure on until monies owed are paid back to the company. According to Vaughn, the money he lost in the debacle had been set aside to pay for his daughter’s education and his retirement.
According to our investigations a string of legal matters are currently in the High Court involving Globe Trust and several former directors. The company is claiming close to $20 million in monies to be recovered from each director, and in the case of the former chief executive officer of the company some $35 million. There is at least one other director who the company says owed in excess of $20 million. The public would be amazed to know that many of these directors are prominent members of the Opposition as well as so-called civil society advocates.
The company is claiming $19.5 million, which it said Britton owes and is seeking a declaration that the attorney is justly and lawfully indebted to Globe Trust. It is also asking for a declaration that it is entitled to a lien on certain properties, and has entered an opposition to Britton passing transport of the properties at Campbellville and East Ruimveldt. The Registrar of Deeds is also named as a defendant in the action.
Globe Trust depositor, CS Vaughn protesting
outside the law firm of Senior Counsel Peter Britton
at South Road.
Globe Trust depositor CS Vaughn Major (Rtd), who said he lost $4.5 million when the institution collapsed, a few months back picketed Britton’s law firm at South Road. He held a one man protest for 30 minutes outside the law firm and vowed to keep the pressure on until monies owed are paid back to the company. According to Vaughn, the money he lost in the debacle had been set aside to pay for his daughter’s education and his retirement.
According to our investigations a string of legal matters are currently in the High Court involving Globe Trust and several former directors. The company is claiming close to $20 million in monies to be recovered from each director, and in the case of the former chief executive officer of the company some $35 million. There is at least one other director who the company says owed in excess of $20 million. The public would be amazed to know that many of these directors are prominent members of the Opposition as well as so-called civil society advocates.
In addition to the directors, Globe Trust has moved to the court against other debtors in an attempt to reclaim some of the $750 million handed out in unsecured loans. The matters are all being vigorously defended but the company recently won judgment against a debtor, and subsequently moved to foreclose on his property before holding an auction.
Desmond Hoyte's 'Creature' attacks the Stabroek News Editor for doing his job.
This is an e-mail by Rickforde Burke (a creature of Desmond Hoyte) sent to Stabroek News Editor Anand Persaud after a letter sent to the news Paper by Burke was edited of its libelous content:
Dear Annand:
This is a personal note. I observed that Stabroek News yesterday published a cruelly edited version of my original letter in response to Dr. Manhendra Chand’s letter defending his disgraceful conduct in the jail examination of the 14 year boy who was tortured as well as his apparent cover-up of the torture of said child. In so doing, you could not have resisted exercising your editorial judgment in a manner that fosters ethnic “protectionism;” by editing out all aspects of my call for a criminal investigation of Dr. Chand, as well of all aspects that emphasized potential criminal culpability; thereby neutralizing its effect and substance. You willingly published Dr. Chand’s letter but knowingly curtail intelligent challenges to his contentions and questionable ethics. Your action in this regard is shameful and deserves strong condemnation. What in God’s name is wrong with Stabroek News publishing my call for the Guyana Medical Council and the DPP to investigate whether Dr. Chand’s conduct violated any law or ethics rule that warrants your censoring of my views on this serious matter? To be frank, I believe that you only did so to protect Dr. Chand because his name is “Chand.” As I see it, your perspective and track record suggest that anyone with a name like Persaud, Khan, Chand, etc., can violate the law and do whatever they want in the society and Stabroek News does not seriously hold them to account. Conversely, if a medical doctor by the last name of Burke, Hoyte, Green, Smith, Woolford, Holder etc., had acted in the exact suspect manner as Dr. Chand, I have no doubt that you and Stabroek News would have readily lynched him. I’m sorry if I sound too candid but I live in a sophisticated society in which there is freedom of expression, and where newspaper editors act with honor and not like snakes. They tell and seek the truth no matter what, and act with journalistic integrity to promote social justice and the rule of law. They do not beget ethnic protectionism. They dare not act to enable ethnocracy; ethnic dominance and encourage members of a certain ethnic collective to act above the law with impunity - a position that has seemingly become entrenched with your newspaper. It is time that you guys at Stabroek News begin to act with some decency and pursue justice for this child, regardless of the fact that his name is “Thomas.” He is a human being just like any Persaud, Khan or Singh. Your standard must be equal justice under the law for all regardless of race or class. If I sound frustrated, you better believe that I am of your sinister double standards which have helped to destroy the society. And I have no interest in “diplomatic speak” on matters of torture and other crimes against humanity.
Rickford Burke
Notice the arrogance and lack of respect shown by Burke as well as his subtle inference to race. This is precisely the type of leadership they present as alternatives to the PPP. Yet they growl when Indo-Guyanese refuse to endorse their candidacy.
The letter by Burke contained libelous statements. Burke wants to use Stabroek News to spew venom, libel and slander. He already has several avenues in HBTV 9, Benschop's site and Bajan Wordpress to do as such ..........
Mr Persaud has every right to protect his employers from legal actions that might have been instituted after publication of Burke's letter in its original form.
For that he has been given the racist tag by Burke, a racist himself.
Dear Annand:
This is a personal note. I observed that Stabroek News yesterday published a cruelly edited version of my original letter in response to Dr. Manhendra Chand’s letter defending his disgraceful conduct in the jail examination of the 14 year boy who was tortured as well as his apparent cover-up of the torture of said child. In so doing, you could not have resisted exercising your editorial judgment in a manner that fosters ethnic “protectionism;” by editing out all aspects of my call for a criminal investigation of Dr. Chand, as well of all aspects that emphasized potential criminal culpability; thereby neutralizing its effect and substance. You willingly published Dr. Chand’s letter but knowingly curtail intelligent challenges to his contentions and questionable ethics. Your action in this regard is shameful and deserves strong condemnation. What in God’s name is wrong with Stabroek News publishing my call for the Guyana Medical Council and the DPP to investigate whether Dr. Chand’s conduct violated any law or ethics rule that warrants your censoring of my views on this serious matter? To be frank, I believe that you only did so to protect Dr. Chand because his name is “Chand.” As I see it, your perspective and track record suggest that anyone with a name like Persaud, Khan, Chand, etc., can violate the law and do whatever they want in the society and Stabroek News does not seriously hold them to account. Conversely, if a medical doctor by the last name of Burke, Hoyte, Green, Smith, Woolford, Holder etc., had acted in the exact suspect manner as Dr. Chand, I have no doubt that you and Stabroek News would have readily lynched him. I’m sorry if I sound too candid but I live in a sophisticated society in which there is freedom of expression, and where newspaper editors act with honor and not like snakes. They tell and seek the truth no matter what, and act with journalistic integrity to promote social justice and the rule of law. They do not beget ethnic protectionism. They dare not act to enable ethnocracy; ethnic dominance and encourage members of a certain ethnic collective to act above the law with impunity - a position that has seemingly become entrenched with your newspaper. It is time that you guys at Stabroek News begin to act with some decency and pursue justice for this child, regardless of the fact that his name is “Thomas.” He is a human being just like any Persaud, Khan or Singh. Your standard must be equal justice under the law for all regardless of race or class. If I sound frustrated, you better believe that I am of your sinister double standards which have helped to destroy the society. And I have no interest in “diplomatic speak” on matters of torture and other crimes against humanity.
Rickford Burke
Notice the arrogance and lack of respect shown by Burke as well as his subtle inference to race. This is precisely the type of leadership they present as alternatives to the PPP. Yet they growl when Indo-Guyanese refuse to endorse their candidacy.
The letter by Burke contained libelous statements. Burke wants to use Stabroek News to spew venom, libel and slander. He already has several avenues in HBTV 9, Benschop's site and Bajan Wordpress to do as such ..........
Mr Persaud has every right to protect his employers from legal actions that might have been instituted after publication of Burke's letter in its original form.
For that he has been given the racist tag by Burke, a racist himself.
Deborah Backer and Co dodging Globe Trust Liquidator.
Stabroek News:The liquidators for Globe Trust and Investment Company Limited (GTICL) will likely have to request an extension on required court filings which are approaching owing to the continued poor response from debtors. 
Well! Mr Ali could start here! He could start by taking actions to have PNC/R MP Deborah Backer's $44M Range Rover forfeited as according to our investigations, the money owed by Deborah and her husband, who was a director at Globe Trust, is enough to reimburse 2000 depositors.
The majority of Globe Trust debtors have ignored repeated calls to repay by liquidators Nizam Ali, and only a tiny fraction of the funds have been recovered. Ali told Stabroek News yesterday that the funds collected so far are nowhere near what they should be, but he remains optimistic. The long-running appeal to debtors of the bankrupt company, which includes several directors, still stands according to Ali. Since taking over as liquidator, Ali has consistently appealed to those who owe Globe Trust to repay the organization.
The liquidator is required to make an important filing during the process and when questioned about this, Ali said a request for an extension is likely to be made. He said the slow pace at which debtors are responding to the process has affected it, particularly as it relates to moving forward.
Well! Mr Ali could start here! He could start by taking actions to have PNC/R MP Deborah Backer's $44M Range Rover forfeited as according to our investigations, the money owed by Deborah and her husband, who was a director at Globe Trust, is enough to reimburse 2000 depositors.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dossier released by opposition parties just a publicity blitz
Ronald Harsawack: The recent Dossier released by the Alliance for Change (AFC), Guyana Action Party (GAP), National Front Alliance (NFA), People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) that sought to give support and justify an International Inquiry is nothing more than a publicity blitz. The much hype and acclaim given to it by the authors is a mere sham. The authors (the Joint Opposition Political Parties) of the Dossier failed to provide, especially after all the promises of being in possession of tangible evidence to support allegations of human rights abuses against the list of persons it compiled.
The authors, in their bid to insult the intelligence of Guyanese and in particular, the families of the victims, that were slaughtered at the hands of the criminals, presents a report that paints a picture that all deaths and murders, whether natural or homicide was an act of the security forces or was sanctioned by the government.
This Dossier is nothing more than a collection of names of persons whom have died and some unsolved deaths during the course of 1993-2009.Names of persons that seem to have been extracted from death announcement scripts, news papers articles and notwithstanding their deliberate insertions of persons that died under natural causes. The dossier provided neither credible sources nor references to the causes of death of the listed persons. This campaign follows on the heels of the recent street protests where claims were made of human rights violations and extra-judicial killings of ‘200 persons by Roger Khan’ to the killing of ‘200 Black men and now ‘449 killings between 1993 to 2009’.
The recent “hot air” campaign by the opposition saw Guyanese being promised the much anticipated information, intelligence, evidence and eye witnesses that the PNCR had in their possession. This information was to have been made available to the public and police. It is important to note that to date only a list of names of persons that had died over the last few years was presented to the police. No intelligence, no evidence nor eyewitnesses were ever produced.
In the compilation of the Dossier the anti-government and tabloid style newspapers were used excessively in referencing the names of persons who had died. The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has been quoted as an authority on pronouncing on the listed perceived violations. One needs to realise that the GHRA is heavily polarised and politicised as it was manifested in the many instances where they have publicly defended the rights of killers and chastised those members of the law enforcement agencies when they execute their lawful duties. We have even seen them call for the withdrawal of the sedition charge against Oliver Hinckson. We have also seen the scant and untimely condemnation, when innocent Guyanese are slaughtered by the organised terrorist.
The document made reference to alleged cases of torture, including the recent case of Tyron Thomas, who was detained in connection with murder. The government, from the President to the Minister of Home Affairs, has made it clear, that it does not or will never condone nor support torture. A massive inquiry has been launched into the malpractices of the police ranks. A detailed report is due to be released as I pen this letter.
There were other cases involving ranks from Prison Service, these officers were tried, found guilty and sentenced. All allegations of breaches of operational procedures are taking seriously by the joint services. Officers and Ranks are made accountable for any wrong doings they may commit.
In the Dossier appendix one gives a list of citizens “allegedly” shot to death and otherwise unlawfully killed by the “Black Clothes Squad” and some other rogue elements in the Police Force. Details were not mentioned surrounding the circumstances of the deaths.
What was not mentioned or noted in the Dossier was that the list of names dated during the period 1993 and 1997 comprises persons whose deaths were subjected to corners inquests. Among those are Kwame George, Shawn Reynolds, Raymond Tute, Jermaine Wilkinson Shawn Hodge, Winston Hescott, Adam Hescott, Tommy Rodrigues, Eustace James, Allan Clarke, Kwesi Odinga Haynes, Eric Layne, Junior Holder, Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Victor Bourne Jr.
Additionally mention was made of an affidavit sworn to by self confessed death squad informant, George Bacchus who was deemed a non-credible witness by the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating allegations about the alleged involvement of former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj with a death squad.
The document further lacks credibility with its referral to one aspect of the testimony of a witness, (a well a known criminal, turned state witness and now citizen of the United States of America) in the trial of the lawyer of U.S drug convict Roger Khan while completely ignoring others. Some of which included that of former PNCR 2001 Election candidate Ronald Waddell who was fingered in the operations of the Buxton/Agricola so-called ‘Freedom Fighters’ , who were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent Guyanese men women and children of a particular ethnic grouping, many of whose names were contained in the said dossier.
If one takes 30 minutes to research the four hundred odd names, it is easy to see that the majority of persons listed were killed by criminals, while the others were the criminals that were killed, while they engaged the security forces during their apprehension, criminals that the PNC have openly chosen to glorify. A close examination of the names revealed the following:
1. Included in the Dossier are names of those wanted notorious criminals who had refused to be apprehended by the security forces, and had engaged the forces in a gun battle, resulting in them being shot and killed. Those exchanges saw civilians as well as police being seriously injured and killed. These criminals were responsible for scores of robberies, rapes, abductions, kidnappings, decapitations, arsons and the slaughter of innocent Guyanese. Some of the names mentioned in document include the following wanted and notorious criminals; however it failed to mention who were these men and how they met their demise. I took the liberty to list the details of a few:
a. Linden London aka “Blackie”, Wanted for a series of murders, robbery underarms, Was shot during a 11-hour confrontation with security forces
b. Kwame Pendleton and Compton Cambridge- Wanted for several murders and robberies under arms, including the murder of detective Harry Kooseram- Was killed in an exchange of gun fire with the police
c. Dale More, wanted for a series murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody- Was killed during a shoot out with police.
d. Premkumar Sukraj aka “Inspector Gadget”, Romel Reman and Shawn Gittens all wanted for murders, including that of policemen, rape and robberies. Was killed in a shoot out with police.
e. Shawn Browne and Andrew Douglas -wanted for a series murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody- Browne was killed during a shoot out with the joint services, Douglas was found dead in a car.
f. Gopaul Chowtie-wanted for a series of armed robberies- was killed in a shoot out with police during one of his attacks.
g. Troy Dick- wanted for a series of murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody, was killed during a police shoot out
h. Rondell Rawlins aka “Fine Man”- wanted for s series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks.- Killed in a shoot out with the joint services.
i. Jermaine Charles aka “Skinny”- wanted for a series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks-He was killed in a shoot out with Joint Services.
j. James Gibson and Cliff Chichester- Part of an extensive pirate gang, wanted for murders and high seas piracy. Used weapons that were part of the GDF`s missing arsenal- were killed in a confrontation with Police in Corentyne.
k. Cecil Simeon Chung aka “Uncle Willie” , Otis Fifee aka “Mud Up” and Robin Julius Chung aka “Chung Boy”, -all wanted for a series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks-was killed in a shoot out with Joint Services.
l. David Leander aka “Biscuit”, -wanted for a series of murders, including that of a Minister of Government. Wanted for a series of robberies, Died in Hospital
2. Other names include the victims of the criminals mentioned above, these names included the thirteen that were slaughtered at Lusignan, Bartica, and the eight at Lindo Creek all killed by the notorious “Fine Man” Gang. Those killed at Agricola were also listed; victims of those who were murdered throughout the country by other gang members operating out of Buxton and other areas were mentioned. Victims of massacres at Nathoo’s bar, Minister Shaw and family, victims of Annandale, Non Pariel, and others were noted.
3. Numerous Police officers killed by the criminals operating from within Buxton and other areas were also mentioned, some such as Harry Koosarran, Feroze Bashier, Vibert Inniss, Troy Williams, Leon Fraser, Sherwin Alleyen, Andy Atwel, Adrian London, Leyland October, Ryan Thompson, Quincy James, Shemton Dodson, Rawle Thomas among others
4. Mention was also made of the members Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) as well as those members of the Security forces who were all executed, by the terrorists, during their failed bid to locate the school in the Corentyne at which the PPP held it congress. Persons such as Balram Khandi, Ramphal Paradat and Outar Kissoon.
5. It is important to note that thirty (30) “unknown persons” were listed. How can one present a case of a death allegedly caused by the Police or a “Phantom” body when neither an identification nor motive cannot be established much less a perpetrator. Then there were the ten (10) persons with only one name or only listed nicknames.
6. The list of names also included that of a woman, which is reportedly missing; who the Police believe has left the jurisdiction.
7. Then there is the case where Lt. Col D. Narine and Lt. Col. Tony Ross of the Guyana Defence Force were listed as extra judicial killings, when it is public knowledge that the two died of natural causes.
How much more sensational can the Joint opposition Parliamentary Parties get? Are they trying to tell us and the international community that the criminals have more rights than us law abiding citizens? Are they trying to use the demise of harden criminals to say that we have grave human rights issues. These are just a few questions one wonders after reading the JOPP Dossier.
If not enough it is incredible and unbelievable that the same authors and activists were mum during the reign of terror of the 2001 “freedom fighters”, the “Fine man” rampage and the continued politically motivated terrorist attacks.
I would hope that if a pre-1992 dossier is compiled, it mentions of the X-13 plan, the missing and unaccounted weapons loaned to the Ministry of National Mobilisation, the bombing of Freedom House and killing of Michael Forde, the murder of Vincent Teekah, Shirley Field Ridley, Father Darke, Dr. Walter Rodney, the race riots at Wismar and the hundreds of others that will killed during that period because of their political alignment.
The authors, in their bid to insult the intelligence of Guyanese and in particular, the families of the victims, that were slaughtered at the hands of the criminals, presents a report that paints a picture that all deaths and murders, whether natural or homicide was an act of the security forces or was sanctioned by the government.
This Dossier is nothing more than a collection of names of persons whom have died and some unsolved deaths during the course of 1993-2009.Names of persons that seem to have been extracted from death announcement scripts, news papers articles and notwithstanding their deliberate insertions of persons that died under natural causes. The dossier provided neither credible sources nor references to the causes of death of the listed persons. This campaign follows on the heels of the recent street protests where claims were made of human rights violations and extra-judicial killings of ‘200 persons by Roger Khan’ to the killing of ‘200 Black men and now ‘449 killings between 1993 to 2009’.
The recent “hot air” campaign by the opposition saw Guyanese being promised the much anticipated information, intelligence, evidence and eye witnesses that the PNCR had in their possession. This information was to have been made available to the public and police. It is important to note that to date only a list of names of persons that had died over the last few years was presented to the police. No intelligence, no evidence nor eyewitnesses were ever produced.
In the compilation of the Dossier the anti-government and tabloid style newspapers were used excessively in referencing the names of persons who had died. The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has been quoted as an authority on pronouncing on the listed perceived violations. One needs to realise that the GHRA is heavily polarised and politicised as it was manifested in the many instances where they have publicly defended the rights of killers and chastised those members of the law enforcement agencies when they execute their lawful duties. We have even seen them call for the withdrawal of the sedition charge against Oliver Hinckson. We have also seen the scant and untimely condemnation, when innocent Guyanese are slaughtered by the organised terrorist.
The document made reference to alleged cases of torture, including the recent case of Tyron Thomas, who was detained in connection with murder. The government, from the President to the Minister of Home Affairs, has made it clear, that it does not or will never condone nor support torture. A massive inquiry has been launched into the malpractices of the police ranks. A detailed report is due to be released as I pen this letter.
There were other cases involving ranks from Prison Service, these officers were tried, found guilty and sentenced. All allegations of breaches of operational procedures are taking seriously by the joint services. Officers and Ranks are made accountable for any wrong doings they may commit.
In the Dossier appendix one gives a list of citizens “allegedly” shot to death and otherwise unlawfully killed by the “Black Clothes Squad” and some other rogue elements in the Police Force. Details were not mentioned surrounding the circumstances of the deaths.
What was not mentioned or noted in the Dossier was that the list of names dated during the period 1993 and 1997 comprises persons whose deaths were subjected to corners inquests. Among those are Kwame George, Shawn Reynolds, Raymond Tute, Jermaine Wilkinson Shawn Hodge, Winston Hescott, Adam Hescott, Tommy Rodrigues, Eustace James, Allan Clarke, Kwesi Odinga Haynes, Eric Layne, Junior Holder, Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Victor Bourne Jr.
Additionally mention was made of an affidavit sworn to by self confessed death squad informant, George Bacchus who was deemed a non-credible witness by the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating allegations about the alleged involvement of former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj with a death squad.
The document further lacks credibility with its referral to one aspect of the testimony of a witness, (a well a known criminal, turned state witness and now citizen of the United States of America) in the trial of the lawyer of U.S drug convict Roger Khan while completely ignoring others. Some of which included that of former PNCR 2001 Election candidate Ronald Waddell who was fingered in the operations of the Buxton/Agricola so-called ‘Freedom Fighters’ , who were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent Guyanese men women and children of a particular ethnic grouping, many of whose names were contained in the said dossier.
If one takes 30 minutes to research the four hundred odd names, it is easy to see that the majority of persons listed were killed by criminals, while the others were the criminals that were killed, while they engaged the security forces during their apprehension, criminals that the PNC have openly chosen to glorify. A close examination of the names revealed the following:
1. Included in the Dossier are names of those wanted notorious criminals who had refused to be apprehended by the security forces, and had engaged the forces in a gun battle, resulting in them being shot and killed. Those exchanges saw civilians as well as police being seriously injured and killed. These criminals were responsible for scores of robberies, rapes, abductions, kidnappings, decapitations, arsons and the slaughter of innocent Guyanese. Some of the names mentioned in document include the following wanted and notorious criminals; however it failed to mention who were these men and how they met their demise. I took the liberty to list the details of a few:
a. Linden London aka “Blackie”, Wanted for a series of murders, robbery underarms, Was shot during a 11-hour confrontation with security forces
b. Kwame Pendleton and Compton Cambridge- Wanted for several murders and robberies under arms, including the murder of detective Harry Kooseram- Was killed in an exchange of gun fire with the police
c. Dale More, wanted for a series murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody- Was killed during a shoot out with police.
d. Premkumar Sukraj aka “Inspector Gadget”, Romel Reman and Shawn Gittens all wanted for murders, including that of policemen, rape and robberies. Was killed in a shoot out with police.
e. Shawn Browne and Andrew Douglas -wanted for a series murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody- Browne was killed during a shoot out with the joint services, Douglas was found dead in a car.
f. Gopaul Chowtie-wanted for a series of armed robberies- was killed in a shoot out with police during one of his attacks.
g. Troy Dick- wanted for a series of murders, robbery underarms, escape from lawful custody, was killed during a police shoot out
h. Rondell Rawlins aka “Fine Man”- wanted for s series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks.- Killed in a shoot out with the joint services.
i. Jermaine Charles aka “Skinny”- wanted for a series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks-He was killed in a shoot out with Joint Services.
j. James Gibson and Cliff Chichester- Part of an extensive pirate gang, wanted for murders and high seas piracy. Used weapons that were part of the GDF`s missing arsenal- were killed in a confrontation with Police in Corentyne.
k. Cecil Simeon Chung aka “Uncle Willie” , Otis Fifee aka “Mud Up” and Robin Julius Chung aka “Chung Boy”, -all wanted for a series of murders and robberies, was part of the notorious “Fine Man Gang” that slaughtered 34 Guyanese in three attacks-was killed in a shoot out with Joint Services.
l. David Leander aka “Biscuit”, -wanted for a series of murders, including that of a Minister of Government. Wanted for a series of robberies, Died in Hospital
2. Other names include the victims of the criminals mentioned above, these names included the thirteen that were slaughtered at Lusignan, Bartica, and the eight at Lindo Creek all killed by the notorious “Fine Man” Gang. Those killed at Agricola were also listed; victims of those who were murdered throughout the country by other gang members operating out of Buxton and other areas were mentioned. Victims of massacres at Nathoo’s bar, Minister Shaw and family, victims of Annandale, Non Pariel, and others were noted.
3. Numerous Police officers killed by the criminals operating from within Buxton and other areas were also mentioned, some such as Harry Koosarran, Feroze Bashier, Vibert Inniss, Troy Williams, Leon Fraser, Sherwin Alleyen, Andy Atwel, Adrian London, Leyland October, Ryan Thompson, Quincy James, Shemton Dodson, Rawle Thomas among others
4. Mention was also made of the members Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) as well as those members of the Security forces who were all executed, by the terrorists, during their failed bid to locate the school in the Corentyne at which the PPP held it congress. Persons such as Balram Khandi, Ramphal Paradat and Outar Kissoon.
5. It is important to note that thirty (30) “unknown persons” were listed. How can one present a case of a death allegedly caused by the Police or a “Phantom” body when neither an identification nor motive cannot be established much less a perpetrator. Then there were the ten (10) persons with only one name or only listed nicknames.
6. The list of names also included that of a woman, which is reportedly missing; who the Police believe has left the jurisdiction.
7. Then there is the case where Lt. Col D. Narine and Lt. Col. Tony Ross of the Guyana Defence Force were listed as extra judicial killings, when it is public knowledge that the two died of natural causes.
How much more sensational can the Joint opposition Parliamentary Parties get? Are they trying to tell us and the international community that the criminals have more rights than us law abiding citizens? Are they trying to use the demise of harden criminals to say that we have grave human rights issues. These are just a few questions one wonders after reading the JOPP Dossier.
If not enough it is incredible and unbelievable that the same authors and activists were mum during the reign of terror of the 2001 “freedom fighters”, the “Fine man” rampage and the continued politically motivated terrorist attacks.
I would hope that if a pre-1992 dossier is compiled, it mentions of the X-13 plan, the missing and unaccounted weapons loaned to the Ministry of National Mobilisation, the bombing of Freedom House and killing of Michael Forde, the murder of Vincent Teekah, Shirley Field Ridley, Father Darke, Dr. Walter Rodney, the race riots at Wismar and the hundreds of others that will killed during that period because of their political alignment.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Government’s defence of public order consistently opposed by PNCR
A statement from the Office of the President last evening said that public records would show that the opposition PNCR has consistently been opposed to the Government of Guyana’s defence of public order and democratic gains in Guyana.
The statement said the opposition PNCR has consistently offered support to criminal gangs that threaten public order and our democratic gains.
“The PNCR, under successive party leaders and their like-minded co- conspirators, has openly supported the aims and objectives of those gangs, joining in the glorification of gang members and leaders in life and in death,” the statement said.
“With the publication of their dossier, the PNCR has succeeded in co-opting the other parliamentary political parties into their grand design.
“The PNCR and other detractors of the Government have focused their attacks on:-
* extra-judicial killings, claiming an accommodation of the Government with the Roger Khans existed, and *
human rights abuses, claiming a systematic resort to torture by the joint services.
“This dossier, representing their masterpiece on anti-government design, is being promoted as crystallising findings and disclosures that support their contentions.
“However, the most preliminary review of their dossier, focusing on the eye-catching, headline grabbing 449 deaths that they attribute to extra judicial killings, human rights abuses, among others, reveals the following
“Among the 449 included among the listed dead in the dossier are:-
1. persons who are alive
2. Persons officially listed as missing;
3. Inexplicably, victims of criminal/terrorists gangs;
4. Recklessly, law enforcement officers, police and soldiers killed in the line of duty;
5. Known wanted criminals who died in armed confrontations with the Joint Services;
6. Victim of vehicular accidents;
7. Cases currently under GPF investigations;
8. Cases subjected to judicial review;
“Furthermore, if their compilation is to be deemed appropriate and comprehensive, the omission of major cases would have to be explained.
“It is obvious that the PNCR and their acolytes in their parliamentary opposition parties have used the publication of the dossier to advance their grand design which is to sensationalise, to confuse, and to score partisan political points using the circumstances of the dead as their primary tool, the statement concluded.
The statement said the opposition PNCR has consistently offered support to criminal gangs that threaten public order and our democratic gains.
“The PNCR, under successive party leaders and their like-minded co- conspirators, has openly supported the aims and objectives of those gangs, joining in the glorification of gang members and leaders in life and in death,” the statement said.
“With the publication of their dossier, the PNCR has succeeded in co-opting the other parliamentary political parties into their grand design.
“The PNCR and other detractors of the Government have focused their attacks on:-
* extra-judicial killings, claiming an accommodation of the Government with the Roger Khans existed, and *
human rights abuses, claiming a systematic resort to torture by the joint services.
“This dossier, representing their masterpiece on anti-government design, is being promoted as crystallising findings and disclosures that support their contentions.
“However, the most preliminary review of their dossier, focusing on the eye-catching, headline grabbing 449 deaths that they attribute to extra judicial killings, human rights abuses, among others, reveals the following
“Among the 449 included among the listed dead in the dossier are:-
1. persons who are alive
2. Persons officially listed as missing;
3. Inexplicably, victims of criminal/terrorists gangs;
4. Recklessly, law enforcement officers, police and soldiers killed in the line of duty;
5. Known wanted criminals who died in armed confrontations with the Joint Services;
6. Victim of vehicular accidents;
7. Cases currently under GPF investigations;
8. Cases subjected to judicial review;
“Furthermore, if their compilation is to be deemed appropriate and comprehensive, the omission of major cases would have to be explained.
“It is obvious that the PNCR and their acolytes in their parliamentary opposition parties have used the publication of the dossier to advance their grand design which is to sensationalise, to confuse, and to score partisan political points using the circumstances of the dead as their primary tool, the statement concluded.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Corbin's Diary is share skunt!
The dossier by the JOPP did not live up to the grand assurances by its authors, especially after all the promises of being in possession of tangible evidence to support allegations of human rights abuses against the list of persons it compiled.
It is therefore obvious that this document is intended to create confusion among Guyanese, spread mischief, peddle lies and misinformation and is being used for sensationalism.
The families who suffered the lost of their loved ones may be forced to endure a repeat of the agony associated with the suffering in light of this latest politicization of their loss.
The mockery becomes even more evident with the inclusion of the victims of horror at Agricloa, Lusignan and Bartica who were slaughtered by the opposition endorsed ‘Freedom Fighters’.
The dishonesty and inconsistent shifting of the goal post by Corbin and his allies is glaring as the terms of reference wobbled from a claim of human rights violations of extra judicial killings of ‘200 persons by Roger Khan’ to the killing of ‘200 Black men and now ‘449 killings between 1993 to 2009’.
The JOPP has only succeedded in meetings its first objective, that is, to present another opportunity for sensationalism in Guyana.
· The dossier is a mere compilation of over 400 cases of deaths extracted from CNS 6 death announcement scripts and newspapers reports.
· The dossier contains a few cases of alleged torture, of which investigations were conducted that resulted in charges being laid against two prison officers and two police officers. It also includes policemen killed in confrontation with criminals and a few accident victims. Monica Reece was also included despite a lengthy police investigation into her death that later came to a standstill.
· The list of names dated during the period between 1993 and 1997 comprises persons whose deaths were subjected to inquests. Among those are Kwame George, Shawn Reynolds, Raymond Tute, Jermaine Wilkinson Shawn Hodge, Winston Hescott, Adam Hescott, Tommy Rodrigues, Eustace James, Allan Clarke, Kwesi Odinga Haynes, Eric Layne, Junior Holder, Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Victor Bourne Jr.
· Included also is an affidavit sworn to by self confessed death squad informant, George Bacchus who was deemed a non-credible witness by the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating allegations about the alleged involvement of former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj with a death squad. There is also video footage of Bacchus denying all the allegations he had earlier made against the then Minister.
· The document is even more questionable given its referral to one aspect of the testimony of a witness in the trial of the lawyer of U.S drug convict Roger Khan whilst completely ignoring others, including that of former PNCR 2001 Election candidate Ronald Waddell who was behind the operations of the Buxton/Agricola so-called ‘Freedom Fighters’ responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese of a particular ethnic grouping, many of whose names were contained in the said dossier.
· The dossier contains a few cases of alleged torture, of which investigations were conducted that resulted in charges being laid against two prison officers and two police officers. It also includes policemen killed in confrontation with criminals and a few accident victims. Monica Reece was also included despite a lengthy police investigation into her death that later came to a standstill.
· The list of names dated during the period between 1993 and 1997 comprises persons whose deaths were subjected to inquests. Among those are Kwame George, Shawn Reynolds, Raymond Tute, Jermaine Wilkinson Shawn Hodge, Winston Hescott, Adam Hescott, Tommy Rodrigues, Eustace James, Allan Clarke, Kwesi Odinga Haynes, Eric Layne, Junior Holder, Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Victor Bourne Jr.
· Included also is an affidavit sworn to by self confessed death squad informant, George Bacchus who was deemed a non-credible witness by the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating allegations about the alleged involvement of former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj with a death squad. There is also video footage of Bacchus denying all the allegations he had earlier made against the then Minister.
· The document is even more questionable given its referral to one aspect of the testimony of a witness in the trial of the lawyer of U.S drug convict Roger Khan whilst completely ignoring others, including that of former PNCR 2001 Election candidate Ronald Waddell who was behind the operations of the Buxton/Agricola so-called ‘Freedom Fighters’ responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese of a particular ethnic grouping, many of whose names were contained in the said dossier.
It is therefore obvious that this document is intended to create confusion among Guyanese, spread mischief, peddle lies and misinformation and is being used for sensationalism.
The families who suffered the lost of their loved ones may be forced to endure a repeat of the agony associated with the suffering in light of this latest politicization of their loss.
The mockery becomes even more evident with the inclusion of the victims of horror at Agricloa, Lusignan and Bartica who were slaughtered by the opposition endorsed ‘Freedom Fighters’.
The dishonesty and inconsistent shifting of the goal post by Corbin and his allies is glaring as the terms of reference wobbled from a claim of human rights violations of extra judicial killings of ‘200 persons by Roger Khan’ to the killing of ‘200 Black men and now ‘449 killings between 1993 to 2009’.
The JOPP has only succeedded in meetings its first objective, that is, to present another opportunity for sensationalism in Guyana.
Hammie's indecent proposal!
Hammie is proposing that street lights be disconnected in an effort to remedy the current financial crisis the city finds itself in.
It is however, surprising that such a stupid and child-like suggestion would come from a former Prime Minister, Government Minister and current Mayor.
How would the disconnection of street lights make amends for 14 years of gross mismanagement of the city and its resources?
Hammie is also calling for the city's revenue base to be increased. If you are incapable of managing the little that you have why should you be given more?
Hammie needs also to ensure that the PNC pays it dues to the city.
It is however, surprising that such a stupid and child-like suggestion would come from a former Prime Minister, Government Minister and current Mayor.
How would the disconnection of street lights make amends for 14 years of gross mismanagement of the city and its resources?
Hammie is also calling for the city's revenue base to be increased. If you are incapable of managing the little that you have why should you be given more?
Hammie needs also to ensure that the PNC pays it dues to the city.
The PNC should be ashamed of itself!
Peeping Tom: As a political party which once commanded some 43 per cent of those who voted in an election, a percentage which has now been reduced to 35 per cent, the PNCR can offer little excuses for having found itself in a situation where it owes large sums of money to the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown.
And the Mayor and City Council has so far not convinced the public that enough has been done over the years to collect the outstanding sums.
It is a disgrace that a political party of the stature of the People’s National Congress Reform, a party which under Desmond Hoyte promised this nation that it would launch an economic arm to engage in large scale investments, could fail so glaringly in its civic responsibility to pay it rates and taxes to the Georgetown municipality.
If the excuse of the PNCR for having run up a debt in the payment of these rates is that it is in financial difficulties, then that is even sadder because the PNCR is a party with significant support among the people of Guyana and all it will take is a public appeal to its supporters to help in the payment of these rates and within one month, the requisite sums would be found.
Why then has the PNCR not done this? And why has the city’s municipality not taken greater steps to ensure that it collected these sums?
Obviously, the PNCR is not the only ratepayer that owes Town Hall, but as a party which is vying for political office the PNCR should have set a better example and ensured that it was not in default because whatever the sums owed to the municipality, that amount could have done a great deal to improve the affairs of Georgetown.
The party now finds itself exposed and unable now to condemn the government for starving the municipality of funds because whenever it raises this argument its critics will point to its own debt to the council.
The government will have to make a decision on what action its plans to take against the Council for not moving more aggressively in recovering this debt.
But the government does not need this issue to do what it should have done a long time ago and that is to dissolve the council and appoint an interim management committee as was done in Linden.
The City of Georgetown is too important to be left to this ongoing saga of excuses and intrigue within City Hall. This situation must be brought to an end.
The City Council has one set of excuses to offer all the time— that it is denied funds because the government has refused to approve of new sources revenues. Well if the record of the council over the past fifteen years is anything to judge by, then the government is absolutely correct in denying additional revenues.
The city had for years been able to maintain certain critical services such as garbage collection even with its so- called limited financial base.
Now suddenly over the past few years, the Council is finding it problematic to pay the garbage collectors and in some instances had problems paying its staff.
But even though pouring money into the Council is not likely to make much of a difference, the PNCR has an obligation to set a better example as a major party and to ensure that its rates and taxes are paid up.
What message is the PNCR sending to the electorate of this country when it finds itself in debt to the municipality?
If it cannot meet its obligations towards its own buildings, how can the party be trusted again with the future of this country? And how can it stand in the way of the government now dissolving the Council and appointing an interim management committee to administer the affairs of the city.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Rumors of Copenhagen’s demise have been greatly exaggerated
David Turnbull: Waking up on a dreary Sunday morning this weekend in Copenhagen (where I’ve recently moved to prepare for the upcoming climate talks in December), I was met with a barrage of headlines, mostly from U.S. media, telling me that Copenhagen is doomed to total failure and I might as well head off to Mexico City where next year’s summit will be held. The New York Times cried out: World Leaders Agree to Delay a Deal on Climate Change. The Washington Post bellowed: Copenhagen talks unlikely to yield climate accord, leaders told. Not the best way to start a Sunday morning.
Is Copenhagen really over before it begins? Had I moved to this dark, rainy (but beautiful!) city for no reason? Should we all just pack it up and hope that political declarations will solve it all?
The answer, thankfully, quickly became a resounding “no.” As Grist’s own David Roberts is often the first to point out, the mainstream media clearly got it wrong. There’s still hope—a lot of it, at that.
Let’s start with those headlines. Who are these “world leaders” who agreed to delay? Well, the plural may be accurate, but just barely.
In the 48 hours since initial reports, as Ministers and other government representatives have trickled into Copenhagen for the “pre-COP” preparatory meeting, it’s become clear that while the media reported that all 19 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders were in agreement on the so-called “one agreement, two steps” approach, that’s not at all the case.
The real story occurred at a hastily arranged APEC breakfast. Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen made a last-minute visit and surprised the room with a speech that was only vetted by a few of the so-called “leaders.” One can only imagine a room full of bleary-eyed Heads of State sitting around a big table sipping their coffee and politely nodding at Rasmussen’s climate change speech without really understanding how their nods would be translated by the media.
Rasmussen began his speech by saying:
...I would like to share with you how I believe a Copenhagen Agreement could be constructed to serve the dual purpose of providing for continued negotiations on a legal agreement and for immediate action…
And later towards the end of the speech he says:
Some of you might have wished for a different format or for a different legal structure. Still, I believe you will agree with me on one fundamental point: What matters at the end of the day is the ability of the Copenhagen Agreement to capture and reinforce global commitment to real actions.
Doesn’t sound like consensus to me; it sounds like a man trying to convince an audience to go along with him. It’s not entirely clear who actually did agree with the Prime Minister, but what is clear is that there is nowhere near consensus on such a delay approach; in fact, dozens of countries oppose it and are still wishing—and fighting—for more.
Now, what about the actual plan itself—the “one agreement, two steps” plan? Two steps to an agreement doesn’t sounds so bad, right?
As NRDC’s Jake Schmidt wrote, the strategy might not be so bad if you actually thought that the second step would ever be taken. Unfortunately, what Rasmussen has put forward is a cynical approach. It’s becoming clear that all he cares about is getting a “positive” result in Copenhagen, and that the second step could just be for show.
If you look closely at Rasmussen’s APEC breakfast speech, there’s very little incentive to actually finish the job in 2010 (as in, to take the “second step”). Rasmussen explains his vision thusly:
The Copenhagen Agreement should capture progress already achieved in the negotiations and at the same time provide for immediate action already from next year.
The Copenhagen Agreement should be political by nature, yet precise on specific commitments and binding on countries committing to reach certain targets and to undertake certain actions or provide agreed finance.
The Copenhagen Agreement should be global, comprehensive and substantial, yet flexible enough to accommodate countries with very different national circumstances.
The Copenhagen Agreement should finally mandate continued legal negotiations and set a deadline for their conclusion.
Why would any developed country with high emissions want to go back to the table and flesh out a legally binding deal after the pressure of Copenhagen has passed and there is no real obligation to do so? Despite his lip service to “continued legal negotiations”, there’s no clarity nor firm deadline. Rasmussen’s invention of “politically binding”—a term no one seems willing or able to define—is also repeated here.
Furthermore, there is only a passing mention of the Kyoto Protocol later in the speech. Despite what some would have you think, however, the Kyoto Protocol does not expire in 2012. In fact, in 2005, the parties to the Kyoto Protocol agreed to negotiate a second commitment period (2013-2017) and further committed in Bali in 2007 to reaching a conclusion on what that second commitment period would look like. In Rasmussen’s vision, this goal seems to disappear in favor of a “politically binding” outcome.
Indeed, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper—one of the leading climate negotiation blockers now that George W. Bush is out of the picture—has been positively beaming in the press about this announcement. Not a sign of a positive development.
Luckily, there’s still time to push for more. The Alliance of Small Island States, the African Group of nations, and other vulnerable and least developed countries will surely be pushing back on this plan during the prep meetings in Copenhagen this week. In fact, 11 Pacific Island States already have. Some European nations are also likely to stand up to this plan.
The planet and its people need a fair, ambitious, and binding outcome from this process. Countries should be working on such a document in Copenhagen and they can and should finish it there. After all, it’s what they committed to in Bali just two years ago.
The Biles Of A Wicked Revisionist and Political Prostitute
The blind man and the black cat: A short history of fascism in Guyana
FREDDIE KISSOON: Consistent readers of this page would know that I have insisted that we can only know the true history of our country if we use the revisionist methodology when we analyse contemporary Guyanese history.Too many, way too many fictions have been passed on to my generation as facts. My generation has internalised these naked myths and has come to accept them as truths. This explains the virulent anti-PNC feelings of thousands of Guyanese East Indians who are in their fifties and sixties and whose profession does not lead them to re-examine history.
Of late, many East Indian intellectuals are pursuing the revisionist avenue. The list include Baytoram Ramharack, Clem Seecharran, and Malcolm Harripaul among others.
The main culprit in this perpetual drama of myths, mythology and fiction is Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s autobiography, “The West on Trial.” This book offers a picture of the sixties in Guyana and his party, the PPP from within the tilting windmills of Jagan’s mind and not from the objective horizons of a man in search of history’s purpose.
Jagan’s book is a phantasmagoria of mental mirages that denies the average citizen a glimpse into what Guyana was really like 48 years ago. The story of the ‘tortured little boy’ near crucifixion by the police brings into sharp focus the role of violence in the history of the PPP.
It was the respected political activist, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who wrote in a letter to the press that when he and other WPA activists were charged in 1978 with arson of a Ministry building, they were not tortured.
The PPP has a long association with torture. In the sixties, a brave photographer, Eric Mosley (still alive in Guyana), sneaked into the Georgetown Hospital and got a photograph of a PNC political activist who was brutally tortured by the police during the reign of Premier Cheddi Jagan.
Emmanuel Fairbairn called Emmanuel Batson, was so badly tortured that he lost the use of his testicles. His family and the PNC only knew of his condition because of Moseley’s photograph.
The PPP also has an enduring intimacy with violence. It is a logical embrace that comes from its adherence to communism/fascism.
Any scholar who studied the history European social thought would tell you that fascism and communism sprang from the same philosophical conceptualisation and draw their inspiration from the same dream. Ironically fascist, activists and communist adherents were always devastating each other because they were competing for the same space and the same minds.
Both fascism and communism deride the value of emotions and humanism in the role of revolutionary processes in history. Both ideologies regard violence as a pragmatist tool that inheres in human nature.
It was no accident that under fascism and communism, civilisation’s worst two tragedies occurred - the Holocaust in Nazi Germany and the deaths of over ten million people in the 1920s under Stalin in the USSR
The way history was presented to us by Dr. Jagan was that Guyana’s messiah, the PPP, was set upon by evil forces – the colonial government, the United Force of Peter D’Aguiar and the PNC of Forbes Burnham – to undo the historic mission of saving Guyana.
This was far from the correct situation. The PPP was part of a broader picture of the desperate quest for power and the willingness to resort to horrific levels of violence to achieve that goal. The PPP’s long association with violence includes some serious allegations that take in the bombing of the Sun Chapman, the arson-murder of eight members of the Abraham family, the attempted murder of the Argosy’s editor, Peter Taylor of which this writer has intimate details of who the intellectual authors and physical perpetrators were.
Out of power after 1964, the PPP’s appetite for violence did not diminish policeman, James Henry, son of PNC activist, Gershom Henry, was shot dead at the Corentyne toll gate while guarding it.
Those who defected from the PPP and threatened to expose its dark secrets were mysteriously killed. The most notorious example of this was when Freedom House’s manager, Balchand Persaud was charged with murdering a defector. The chief witness for the prosecution in front of Justice Akbar Khan was a semi blind Berbician teacher, named Sydney Sukhu.
In discharging Persaud, Justice Khan told Sukhu; “You are like a blind man searching for a black cat in the dark of the night.” One must mention Donna Herod whose dead body was found just outside of Freedom House during the post-election violence of 1997.
It was logical for the PPP to seek comfort in a cruel man like Roger Khan. Khan loves violence. So do fascists and communists.
RESPONSE: In his quest to gain acceptance from certain quarters, this jackass who has been passing himself off as a shaper of Public Opinion has delved head-on into the bottom of the sewer and sucked up so much shit which he is now regurgitating as facts. Anyone with a modicum of honesty and integrity and rudimentary knowledge of events of that era would know and accept the fact that:
1. Emmanuel Fairbairn called Emmanuel Batson was a chief operative of the PNC's X 13 Plan and although the PPP was in power at the time, the Govt. had absolutely no control / infulence over the Police Force although predominantly black still maintained some degree of professionalism and independence from political interference in that era. The Report of Paul Britton and Carl Austin Re X 13 plan would bear this out.
2. Arnold Rampersaud went through three harrowing trials for the 1973 Toll Gate Murder of Const. Henry and was finally acquitted. Const. Henry ( no relation to Gershom Henry, the PNC's hack) was habbing Gershom's daughter and therein lies the reason for his murder. Const. Henry had a cordial and friendly relations with Arnold Rampersaud, a hire car driver and PPP activist. Anyone who followed the Arnold Rampersaud Trial would know that he was innocent, and his persecution was politically instigated/ motivated. I know because he is my relative.
3. The "half blind turn coat and PNC soupie, Sydney Sukhu was deemed a pathetic liar by Justice Akbar Khan in the Balchand Persaud/ Pertab Hanoman Singh / Patrick Singh Murder trial. Now this slime bag is trying to put a new slant to the judge's remark. I know because two of the accuseds are my relatives.
I challenge this prostitute to produce one sliver of evidence linking the PPP to the Sun Chapman sinking.
(Taken from http://guyanafriends.com/eve/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Corbin unveiled his life's work today........but to a very small crowd!
A poor turn out was today evident as the Opposition unveiled their much touted dossier on persons allegedly killed by Roger Khan/450 blackmen killed by phantoms.
Monday, November 16, 2009
City Council will not be given any assistance until it takes steps to collect what is owed by the PNC.
The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) has found itself in more hot water.
This time, Government has threatened to withhold possible assistance unless the council collects over $100M owed to it by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
In a strongly worded statement, yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government also pointed out that the fact that Mayor Hamilton Green is sitting on the PNCR Executive Committee and not collecting the rates and taxes is a glaring case of conflict of interest.
“It has become a matter of great concern to the Ministry of Local Government that the Georgetown City Council and Mayor Hamilton Green have shown no inclination to collect the rates and taxes owed to the city by the People’s National Congress Reform, PNCR,” the statement said yesterday.
“This injection of political consideration in the administration of the City Council, especially in the collection of rates and taxes is a significant contributory factor to the decline and decay of the City.”
According to the release, the records show that the city has not collected rates and taxes for the Sophia property, where the PNCR’s headquarters is located, for over a decade.
“The PNCR has several other properties in the City for which no rates and taxes have been collected for more than 15 years. The partial records available to the Ministry show outstanding amounts totaling some $100 million.”
According to the Ministry, the main opposition party has so far shown an unwillingness to meet its obligation in spite of the amnesty being granted on interest on debts owed to the Council.
“Now that Mayor Green has been embraced once again by the PNCR and now sits on the Executive Committee of that party, the non-collection of rates and taxes must be seen as a conflict of interest on his part.”
The Ministry pointed out that situation remains the case even though the M&CC is aware of the precarious situation with the finances of the City. “City treasury often without money to pay employees wages and salaries, contractors are owed huge sums and now the GPL is making demands for payments of hundreds of millions owed to it by City Hall.”
It is becoming quite clear that the Mayor’s strategy is to allow the situation to deteriorate in order to embarrass the government and hope that the government will bail it out as it has done so often, the statement argued.
“The Ministry of Local Government has repeatedly made representation to the Central Government for assistance to the City. Recently, the Ministry has had to lobby for the Ministry of Finance to pay rates and taxes in advance of the time they are due.
The Ministry has been successful in getting the Ministry of Finance to co-operate.”
However, the Ministry said it is unwilling now to assist the council and “wishes to let the public, especially the citizens of Georgetown, know that it is finding it more and more difficult to assist the City, given the glaring exhibition of political bias in the collection of rates and taxes.”
The Ministry said that it will not be involved in making any representation for assistance until the City collects rates and taxes owed by the PNCR.
This time, Government has threatened to withhold possible assistance unless the council collects over $100M owed to it by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
In a strongly worded statement, yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government also pointed out that the fact that Mayor Hamilton Green is sitting on the PNCR Executive Committee and not collecting the rates and taxes is a glaring case of conflict of interest.
“It has become a matter of great concern to the Ministry of Local Government that the Georgetown City Council and Mayor Hamilton Green have shown no inclination to collect the rates and taxes owed to the city by the People’s National Congress Reform, PNCR,” the statement said yesterday.
“This injection of political consideration in the administration of the City Council, especially in the collection of rates and taxes is a significant contributory factor to the decline and decay of the City.”
According to the release, the records show that the city has not collected rates and taxes for the Sophia property, where the PNCR’s headquarters is located, for over a decade.
“The PNCR has several other properties in the City for which no rates and taxes have been collected for more than 15 years. The partial records available to the Ministry show outstanding amounts totaling some $100 million.”
According to the Ministry, the main opposition party has so far shown an unwillingness to meet its obligation in spite of the amnesty being granted on interest on debts owed to the Council.
“Now that Mayor Green has been embraced once again by the PNCR and now sits on the Executive Committee of that party, the non-collection of rates and taxes must be seen as a conflict of interest on his part.”
The Ministry pointed out that situation remains the case even though the M&CC is aware of the precarious situation with the finances of the City. “City treasury often without money to pay employees wages and salaries, contractors are owed huge sums and now the GPL is making demands for payments of hundreds of millions owed to it by City Hall.”
It is becoming quite clear that the Mayor’s strategy is to allow the situation to deteriorate in order to embarrass the government and hope that the government will bail it out as it has done so often, the statement argued.
“The Ministry of Local Government has repeatedly made representation to the Central Government for assistance to the City. Recently, the Ministry has had to lobby for the Ministry of Finance to pay rates and taxes in advance of the time they are due.
The Ministry has been successful in getting the Ministry of Finance to co-operate.”
However, the Ministry said it is unwilling now to assist the council and “wishes to let the public, especially the citizens of Georgetown, know that it is finding it more and more difficult to assist the City, given the glaring exhibition of political bias in the collection of rates and taxes.”
The Ministry said that it will not be involved in making any representation for assistance until the City collects rates and taxes owed by the PNCR.
Blatant disregard for rules of professionalism by Kaieteur News
AS a legal writer, I have contributed several articles to the Commentaries page of the Caribbean Net news and have received many favourable comments. I was particularly upset to find that the Kaieteur news of Guyana my homeland, had brazenly and in blatant disregard for all the rules of professionalism in journalism, the law, and of decency, copied wholesale and published my article under another title and with no attribution to me, see http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/legal/
legal.php?news_id=19516&start=0&category_id=43.
The editor ought to be ashamed to display such disgraceful conduct, non-professionalism and downright thievery. Typical of persons of that ilk that newspaper is not likely to retract or correct its behaviour, just as I am not about to accept the disrespect.
ABI INNISS
legal.php?news_id=19516&start=0&category_id=43.
The editor ought to be ashamed to display such disgraceful conduct, non-professionalism and downright thievery. Typical of persons of that ilk that newspaper is not likely to retract or correct its behaviour, just as I am not about to accept the disrespect.
ABI INNISS
Friday, November 13, 2009
Just imagine this.......M&C.C owe G.P.L $611M.
Just imagine this, an ordinary citizen owes GPL $5000 and has his/her's electricity supply disconnected 3 days after the due date.
City Hall owes GPL $611 Million and is given 14 days, which will expire today, to make payment arrangements.
This is despite the fact that the massive amount is what M&CC owes as at August 31, 2009. The last amount paid was $7M on October 17, 2008.
Further, according to GPL, City Hall's level of indebtedness is unprecedented and the fact that absolutely no payment has been made for over two years indicated that there is no effort to pay GPL and/or reduce the scale of the problem.
In the meantime, Hammie busy poking his mouth in land disputes and monument construction, the City stinks of garbage, City Hall workers are never certain they will be paid on a monthly basis, and Georgetown floods as soon as the rain sets.
Shameful and dishonest Stabroek News......
I am alive, says Lisa Prashad
My name is Lisa Prashad of the Ministry of Health, Lot 1 Brickdam, Georgetown. This is to confirm that I did not commit suicide as irresponsibly published in the November 12, 2009, edition of the Stabroek newspaper. I would like to publicly note that the photograph published on page 12 of the Stabroek News is ‘false’ and the story has nothing to do with me as its evident that I am still alive and am writing this press release.
Lisa Prashad-Ramsarup
My name is Lisa Prashad of the Ministry of Health, Lot 1 Brickdam, Georgetown. This is to confirm that I did not commit suicide as irresponsibly published in the November 12, 2009, edition of the Stabroek newspaper. I would like to publicly note that the photograph published on page 12 of the Stabroek News is ‘false’ and the story has nothing to do with me as its evident that I am still alive and am writing this press release.
Stabroek News did not contact any of my relatives or colleagues to confirm the story before it was published. The published picture was taken from my FaceBook profile and I have a physical copy of same.
This is most irresponsible, misleading and holds heavy repercussions for me, as I am the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Manager of the Ministry of Health.
I have since sought legal advice and am considering taking legal action against Stabroek News.
Lisa Prashad-Ramsarup
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Discovery of Offshore Oil in Ghana in 2007 sets the eyes of the world’s top oil explorers on Guyana.
By Guy Chazan of the Wall Street Journal
Ever since oil was discovered offshore Ghana in 2007, the world’s oil explorers have been eyeing Guyana. Non-geologists might find that a bit of a leap.
But for Big Oil, there’s a big connection. Africa and South America were once joined, but were separated tens of millions of years ago by continental shift. So many believe the oil-bearing structures in Ghana’s huge Jubilee field could be replicated on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in places like Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
Tullow New frontier, same geology
One company that has bet big on the theory is Tullow Oil PLC, a plucky UK-based explorer that is one of the partners in Jubilee.
Tullow says it has identiified “numerous” Jubilee-type leads offshore French Guiana. It began seismic testing over 3,000 square kilometers of its permit area in September and hopes to drill its first exploration well there by the end of next year. It also has interests in Suriname and Guyana.
Now the big guys are taking the trail blazed by Tullow. Royal Dutch Shell plc announced Wednesday it had acquired a 33% interest in Tullow’s Maritime permit in French Guiana and has an option to buy 12% more later. The purchase, Shell said, “adds quality acreage to our deep water portfolio in the Americas.”
Shell is not the first supermajor to dip its toes in the waters of northern South America. Exxon Mobil Corp. has exploration rights in the huge Stabroek block offshore Guyana, though it’s tight-lipped about what it’s found there. Smaller companies like Canadian independent CGX Energy are also present there.
But the area remains one of the most under-explored in the world. There’s some data from the 1970s, when Elf Aquitaine and Exxon drilled two dry wells. But from then on it was virtually ignored by the majors. That’s changed with the discovery of Jubilee.
The idea that areas on either side of oceans could have the same oil-bearing structures is now well-established. After billions of barrels of oil were found in the “pre-salt” areas offshore Brazil, many began to wonder whether the ultra-deep waters off the coast of Angola, directly across the Atlantic, might bring forth similar treasures.
Meanwhile, for Shell, the Tullow deal makes perfect sense. Like all the majors, it’s struggled to add reserves and increase production as it’s shut out from the more traditional oil-producing areas.
French Guiana might be a leap in the dark– but one that could yield rich returns for a company eager to beef up its exploration portfolio.
Jagdeo slated for in-depth Global Witness discussion forum in London.
Global Witness is hosting an in-depth discussion with the President of the Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, in London on Wednesday 18th November 2009, from 3 to 5pm.
The focus of the discussion will be the opportunities and risks presented by a UN deal on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and its potential to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits to Guyana, its forests and its people.
There will be short presentations from the President and the Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (leader of indigenous peoples’ groups) as well as Global Witness and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), followed by an open Question and Answer session in which all guests will have the opportunity to participate.
Global Witness' website describes the orgainsation as an international one that exposes the corrupt exploitation of natural resources and international trade systems, to drive campaigns that end impunity, resource-linked conflict, and human rights and environmental abuses.
It is also being touted as the first organisation that sought to break the links between the exploitation of natural resources, and conflict and corruption; and the results of these investigations and their powerful lobbying skills have been not only a catalyst, but a main driver behind most of the major international mechanisms and initiatives that have been established to address these issues; including the Kimberley Process and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Global Witness is largely responsible for natural resources occupying the prominent role in the international agenda that they currently do.
Capitol News a "tenant" of the PNC.
Did you know that WRHM Capitol News going under the registered name EMW Communications is a tenant of the PNC?
Well it's true. Capitol News is located at lot 125 Carmichael Street in a building owned by the PNC/R via Transport # 7810. According to records seen by us this building owes the city $35M in taxes that dates as far back as 1972.
Observers are also seeing this as the reason behind the obvious bias in news coverage by Capitol News.
Corbin's party could've prevented the dilemma GPSU now finds itself in.
While Leader of the P.N.C/R Robert Corbin, Mayor of Georgetown, former Prime Minister and Minister in the P.N.C government, Hamilton Green, were swift in their condemnation and support for the G.P.S.U in a dispute with the government over transported state land, did it ever occur to any of the two that the P.N.C is responsible for the dilemma the union finds itself in?
If the P.N.C had made sure back in the 1970s that proper procedures were followed, such as transports handed over etc, when presenting the land to the G.P.S.U then the union would've been better positioned to claim what they allege is theirs.
Being in possession of a valuation or paying of rates and taxes does not guarantee ownership!
But judging from previous instances, the P.N.C dictatorship was so confident of remaining in power forever via rigged elections that they thought handing out of the state's resources to supporters without taking the liberty of preparing accompanying documentation was OK.
Instead what Burnham did was to give them the land physically then a few years later take out a transport in the name of the state. This was in case the union switched from being fully supportive of the P.N.C.
What Patrick Yarde should now do is to check see if all lands, properties etc given to the G.P.S.U under the P.N.C government are transported in favour of the state.
Ha ha ha ha ha!
The LCDS critics proven wrong!
Here are some thoughts on the LCDS from well known personalities.
Sasenarine Singh- "After reading the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) document, I am satisfied that this idea will not fly…" (Staborek News July 30, 2009).
Christopher Ram – "Which fund did the money come from to pay McKinsey for its dazzling mathematics to show the worth of our forests?" (Stabroek News, July 26, 2009).
Raphael Trotman - "the President seemed to have greater interest in addressing matters outside Guyana than in his own country" (Stabroek News, October 9, 2009).
Today we know that all the critics have been proven wrong. The MOU between Guyana and Norway should put about US$250 million dollars into Guyana. The Agreement came about despite the harsh and unremitting criticisms of the Jagdeo administration and of the President himself.
It came about because of -
(1) the far-reaching and enlightened leadership of the Government and people of Norway;
(2) the silent majority who support the Jagdeo administration in this country; and
(3) the brilliant leadership of the President, his environmental and forestry teams, and his Cabinet.
Sasenarine Singh- "After reading the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) document, I am satisfied that this idea will not fly…" (Staborek News July 30, 2009).
Christopher Ram – "Which fund did the money come from to pay McKinsey for its dazzling mathematics to show the worth of our forests?" (Stabroek News, July 26, 2009).
Raphael Trotman - "the President seemed to have greater interest in addressing matters outside Guyana than in his own country" (Stabroek News, October 9, 2009).
Today we know that all the critics have been proven wrong. The MOU between Guyana and Norway should put about US$250 million dollars into Guyana. The Agreement came about despite the harsh and unremitting criticisms of the Jagdeo administration and of the President himself.
It came about because of -
(1) the far-reaching and enlightened leadership of the Government and people of Norway;
(2) the silent majority who support the Jagdeo administration in this country; and
(3) the brilliant leadership of the President, his environmental and forestry teams, and his Cabinet.
Guyana vindicated on LCDS thrust!
THE Guyana Government has been vindicated in pursuing the thrust towards a low carbon economy with the firm pledge of financial support from Norway, officials said yesterday.
Norway has pledged to provide Guyana with US$250M until 2015 to support the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the two countries Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering the arrangement.
A Guyana Government official yesterday noted that it was to the administration’s credit that the pledges from Norway have materialised in view of the stand adopted against the LCDS by the main Opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and some of its overseas-based backers.
President Bharrat Jagdeo Tuesday recalled that the PNCR walked out of a debate on the LCDS in the National Assembly in July.
The PNCR has been lukewarm on the LCDS and the push for a low carbon economy but Mr. Jagdeo said he is willing and ready to recommit to a debate if the PNCR is as willing.
At a press conference at the Office of the President, he said, “I wanted a robust debate in Parliament to complement the broad-based process we had across the country”.
Despite what the President said was an unprecedented three-month process of national consultation on the draft LCDS with stakeholders and interest groups around the country, the PNCR recently claimed that the methodology of the government has been to provide the public with “very vague, fuzzy and often convoluted notification of the matter for consultation.”
It charged that this was done for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and the LCDS.
“A poll of the public would reveal that, after several years of so-called consultation on the PRSP, most members of the public still do not know what the acronym means. The same applies to now in vogue Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). What does it mean?”, it argued.
But the Norwegians and agencies like the World Bank have endorsed the consultations and the LCDS with Norway and Guyana cementing their partnership on global climate change with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding this week.
One government official recalled that a United States-based PNCR backer, Clarence Ellis, even wrote Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Director of Norway's Climate and Forest Initiative, expressing deep reservations about the Guyana-Norway cooperation.
Ellis, a former Bank of Guyana Governor, charged that President Jagdeo was avoiding the “development of the social and physical building blocks that will make a lasting contribution to the development of the people of Guyana and is, in dictatorial fashion, attempting to replace those options with esoteric global deals that will benefit a small clique of renegades who will appropriate the bulk of whatever finance flows from rainforest deals such as the President is negotiating with you.”
“There is a great danger in concluding a rainforest deal without involvement of the people of Guyana who have absolutely no idea of the decisions being made by President Jagdeo with respect to the patrimony of the country. These negotiations that are proceeding with you have not been approved by the people's representatives. The likelihood of an open revolt against these deals should not be discounted”, Ellis claimed.
The government official said the fact that Norway has proceeded to the stage of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding with Guyana on providing such huge sums to back the LCDS, shows that the reservations and criticisms of the strategy and consultations process have little merit.
The LCDS is being finalised and will be outlined in a few weeks, President Jagdeo said.
He said he has grown accustomed to the opposition’s “childish antics” which he believes do not augur well for the country’s interest.
“If there is a conflict between something that the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) wants and our national sovereignty is questioned, my loyalty would be to the nation and similarly I say this for all politicians ‘we are Guyanese before we belong to any party.’ Unfortunately this message doesn’t seem to resonate with many from the opposition,” he Jagdeo said.
He noted that the opposition and others tried “to bring down the strategy.”
“They wrote letters abroad criticising it, trying to keep money away from this country. For you to want power you have to demonstrate that you have the ability to manage things… they (PNCR) have not demonstrated that so far,” he charged.
Confident that the concept is strong and can be defended at any given time, the President said he is ready to recommit the issue to parliament for a debate provided that the opposition party is up for the challenge.
“This is a real watershed moment for our country. At no time in the past in our entire history has so much money been pledged to our country in a single initiative. No time!” he stressed.
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