Political wrangle...why bother hunt the crimminals

Part of a press statement from the PNCR...

The Jagdeo Administration should take full responsibility for the loss of life and should resign in disgrace for such serious abdication of its responsibility.

Despite the unbridled vituperation and irresponsible and unfounded statements and accusations against the Leadership of the Party, by the President and his Ministerial cohorts, the PNCR welcomes the convening of a meeting of national stakeholders, hosted by the President.

The PNCR was originally notified, on Monday 18 February 2008 that the meeting would be held at 13:30hrs, yesterday, Tuesday 19 February 2008. However, we were later informed, by Dr. Luncheon, that the meeting had been rescheduled to 17:00hrs.

The PNCR later learnt, from another source, that the national stakeholders’ meeting was rescheduled for 15:30hrs and felt that there must have been a misunderstanding. However, subsequent inquiries, at the Office of the President, revealed that the Office of the President was involved in a major deception by surreptitiously arranging, belatedly, two separate meetings while still giving the impression to invitees that there was one meeting of national stakeholders.

As has now become normal practice, NCN-TV Channel 11 actively supported this deception by displaying a scrolled notice announcing that the national stakeholders’ meeting was rescheduled for 15:30hrs but not stating whether the original 17:00hrs meeting was abandoned.

Stakeholders and the people of Guyana must judge for themselves the seriousness of the Jagdeo Administration in dealing with the crime and security situation.

Belive it or not!

This is not about politics, religion or race; this is about decent people of this country fighting a band of bandits’ – President Bharrat Jagdeo tells Barticians

President Jagdeo has encouraged lawlessness

From today's edition of the KN.

"Another from the Muslim community believes that the crime situation stems from youths who have been idle in society, who have no proper examples to follow, and the breakdown of morals in the society as persons who are supposed to be respected have become less respected.
He pointed out that many who hold high positions and who are supposed to be setting examples have not been doing so, with family values lacking and infidelity and greed increasing."

Guyana360:When you have a Minister of the Government discharging his firearm and engaging in bar fights, yet remains on the job we wonder where is the example. Corruption is indeed rampant and leaders are not being held accountable. Minister's of the Government trampling on the rights of women by being promiscuous and in one particular case attempting to rape teen. Then we have a total break down. There can be no justification for lawlessness, but Guyana is reaping the benefits of successive corrupt governments. This Government has associated its self with Buddy's and Roger Khan and a few other people suspected to be partied to illegal activities and the informal economy.

Parliament office scare

Pandemonium broke out today following a bomb scare at the historic Parliament Buildings. No one was hurt and no bomb was found. A police source said there are numerous reports across the country of panic calls. Some calls have alerted the media to shooting sprees and the discovery of bodies in various parts of the country. None have been true.

Running question

Forget about Mash 2008. In light of the two recent barbaric attacks and the reality that gangs still roam freely, is Guyana in a position to guarantee security during CARIFESTA and should we still proceed to host the regional event later this year?

Prive Sector playing games

THE PSC CALLS UPON THE NATION TO

RAISE ITS COLLECTIVE VOICE TO DEMAND UNCONDITIONAL BIPARTISAN ACTION AGAINST THE VIOLENCE

The Private Sector Commission extends its deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of all of those who have senselessly lost their lives and suffered injury as a result of the horrific events which overtook the people of Bartica on Sunday last.

The Commission joins with the nation in expressing its outrage over and in condemning these bestial and malevolent killings.

It must be clear to all concerned that the nation must raise its collective voice at every level of society, in every corner of the country, in each and every organization and society and in all of the political parties, to demand of our leaders, joint, unconditional, concerted and bipartisan action to bring an end to the violent upheaval which now threatens the very fabric of our society and our country as a whole with self-destruction.

The Commission wishes to commend the President for immediately summoning and the parliamentary opposition for their public commitment to participate in a national consultation to address the matter of national security. The Commission believes that such a consultation and commitment is long overdue.

The Private Sector Commission stands ready to fully participate in an ongoing and unconditional dialogue of all of the nation’s major stakeholders for the purpose of arriving at a national consensus in the formulation of a strategic security plan for the nation which will have the full and unqualified support of everyone concerned in its implementation.

The Private Sector Commission, in the meantime, urges that as a people and a nation, we remain resolute and focused in standing together in the face of this brutal assault on our peace, well-being and security.

N.B It is the private sector that is refusing to assist the government in its crime stoppers programme, but yet they stand ready to assist. Everybody playing games, while the poor innocent coolie people perishing.

CARICOM responds

The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community and Staff of the Secretariat are stunned and appalled at the senseless, brutal killings in Bartica, Essequibo, Guyana, on Sunday, 17 February of 13 people, including three police officers, by an armed gang.

The Secretary-General and the Staff, most strongly condemn this barbaric crime. It is especially painful coming as it does at a time when the nation is still deep in grief caused by a similar traumatic experience of 26 January in Lusignan. These inhumane acts cast a long and disturbing shadow throughout Guyana and the wider Caribbean Community.

The Secretary-General and Staff mourn with the entire Guyanese nation and express heartfelt condolences to the families of those slain. It is also our sincere hope that those responsible for this abominable act will be soon apprehended and brought to justice.

AFC, GAP/ROAR playing it straight

February 19, 2008

Dr. Roger F. Luncheon, MD

Head of the Presidential Secretariat

Office of the President,

New Garden Street,

Georgetown.

Dear Dr. Luncheon,

We refer to your letter of February 18, 2008 inviting us to attend or send a representative at a meeting of national stakeholders to address the deteriorating security situation.

We welcome the opportunity to participate in a genuine attempt at finding solutions. However we wish to state that we believe that this meeting is overdue and recognize that His Excellency is now responding to calls made by us in our letter of February 4, 2008, for such discussions to commence.

We are however of the opinion that this important meeting should be the genesis of serious engagement to address critical issues which in our considered opinion are:

1) The formulation of a national security strategy and revised security plan;

2) The request for assistance from foreign governments; and international agencies such as the United Nations; and

3) 3) A holding of a national stake-holders conference to find consensus on, and to give meaningful effect to, Article 13 of the Constitution which implores us to establish an inclusionary democracy in Guyana.

In this context we also believe that there has to be an enabling environment which should be supported by all political stakeholders and must include the reduction of the divisive rhetoric, as a step towards confidence building.

Sincerely,
MP Raphael Trotman, AFC

MP Everall Franklin, Alliance For Change Guyana Action Party

Blame it on Buxton

Its difficult to trace the pattern of the gunmen, but we can clearly see how the security forces respond.

Gunmen strike in Lusignan, arrest Buxtonians

Gunmen strike in Bartica, arrest Buxtonians

Gunmen strike in Essequibo, arrest Buxtonians

Gunmen strike in Berbice, arrest Buxtonians.

It seems as if they want to stir up Buxton so they can show supporters they are working. Kudos! The time for real action has now.

N.B. Hours before the Bartica attack, troops were rushed to Buxton Sunday afternoon and the President ducked out the country., suggesting that they knew of an attack but again they focused on Buxton and completely missed the real target. It must be embarrassing for the government and security forces. Guyana is a vast country with millions of safe havens. Shouldn't we be tumbling several places at one time? Roger Khan used a few and was eventually caught, but not by local police.

A result of Govt's inaction...

Several diamond dealing establishments in and around the city closed their doors yesterday, while others scurried to implement additional security measures.
The apprehensive mood indicated that residents were bracing themselves for the unpredictable, sporadic violence that has enveloped Guyana.
Private and public schools, gas stations, money transfer services and others entities were among the lot which operated on the side of safety.
With the customary Mashramani celebrations just mere days away, Georgetown did not portray the usual frenzied shopping activities.
There was scarcely anyone on the streets, and compared to the Lusignan tragedy, more businesses apparently took precautionary measures.
The customary corners which swarm with taxis and minibuses on an average day were almost desolate.
At the Berbice, East Bank and South Ruimveldt car parks, which are noted for frenzied activity, there were just handfuls of people.
Public transportation owners also operated with vigilance, venturing on and off the streets at periodic intervals.
Pavement vending was a rare sight, too, as many merchants opted against journeying to their places of business.
The court martial proceedings against the army rank were also postponed, since several high level officials were busy in meetings.
Up until evening there were still little signs of life in the city, with no clear indication of when the atmosphere would return to normalcy.

This is not Nigeria. This is tropical Guyana

Insurgency underway in Guyana

CGID says insurgency underway in Guyana, condemns slaughter of 12 at Bartica

NEW YORK: The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) today condemned the slaughter of twelve people in Bartica, Guyana last night. "The security infrastructure in Guyana has collapsed and there is a total breakdown of law and order. Criminal elements now operate with impunity, killing and maiming innocent civilians. The Guyanese society is in a state of fear and terror, and there has been no effective response from the government thus far. CGID therefore calls on the government of Guyana to "immediately seek assistance from the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Scotland Yard in the United Kingdom (UK), to help solve this security quagmire," a CGID statement issued today, February 18, said.

This has been the second mass killing in Guyana in four weeks, inflicting a staggering collective death toll of twenty-three. Today the Institute ratcheted-up the ante against the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, accusing it of "Being in bed with drug barons, money launderers and death squad operators. Consequently, it has obdurately refused to seek outside assistance for fear of being exposed," CGID contended.

"The Institute wishes to express its shock and horror at the assault on the Bartica Police Station and the Bartica community last night, by unknown gunmen, killing at least twelve people, including an unconfirmed number of Police officers. Like the Lusignan killings, these acts are abhorrent and senseless. We condemn them in the strongest terms. They must be brought to an immediate end, their perpetrators brought to justice and tranquility restored to the streets of Guyana," the statement added.

Police sources report that a gang of gunmen dressed in military uniforms and armed with assault rifles, seized the Bartica Police station around 9:40 PM Sunday night. They confiscated ammunitions and weapons from the armory, killing both civilians and Police officers in the process. Bartica, a riverain, mining town in Guyana's largest county, Essequibo, is the gateway to Guyana mineral-rich hinterlands.

Commanding Officer of the E and F Police Division, Senior Superintendent Gavin Primo, has been quoted as saying that around 9:40 pm last night, gunmen stormed the Bartica Police Station on First Avenue, Bartica, and that by 10:45 pm when he was briefed on the situation, the gunmen had dispersed to Second and Third Avenues, shooting indiscriminately. It is believed that the assailants arrived and made their escape by river.

CGID President Rickford Burke, who was born in Bartica, Guyana, disclosed that he had spoken with several individuals in the Bartica community and that they were in fear and utter shock. "Like Lusignan, the citizens of Bartica are terrorized, fearful and in utter shock. The government and security forces are incapable of protecting the nation. Up to two hours after this rampage, reinforcement had not yet arrived at Bartica. This is an outrage," Burke said.

He noted that both the Police Commissioner and Army Chief of Staff had assured the nation, after the Lusigna killings four weeks ago, that the joint services were prepared for all contingencies. "We now know this to be false. I am therefore calling on Police Commissioner, Henry Green, and Chief of Staff, Gary Best, to explain why joint services personnel, and indeed enough Police officers, were not at the Bartica Police Station, a sub-divisional Police headquarters of the E&F Division, to put down this attack? Why wasn't the joint services "in-line" and dispersed throughout the country at this time period of national security of crises?" These are serious questions that they must answer," Burke added.

The CGID head disclosed that a former member of the opposition People's National Congress (PNC) youth arm was among the fatalities. "I have been advised that among the deceased is Edwin Gilkes, a former member of the GYSM who served with me in the movement. I extend my deepest sympathies to Barbara Gilkes and family, as well as to the relatives and friends of the Police officers and the others victims. We mourn their loss and will keep them in our prayers."

Burke observed that "It appears that the perpetrators of these attacks have their sights on institutions of the state and are intent on terrorizing the society. From a national security standpoint, such attacks carry the fingerprints of a political resistance or an insurgence. I have therefore concluded that a full-fledged insurgency is underway in Guyana."

"In my view, the security forces lack training and are ill-equipped to employ urgent, counter-insurgency measures to safeguard the public. The Army Chief of Staff speaks about waging "urban warfare." But he is a misfit, a bluffer. They cannot secure the country. Burke said. "The President and his Ministers drive around in SUVs with body-guards. They live in heavily guarded, reinforced fortresses, while the ordinary citizens suffer the brutality of criminals. Thus, in my judgment, overseas intervention from the US and UK is warranted to help stabilize the security situation."

Burke again criticized President Jagdeo for using "incendiary language" after the Lusignan killings. "President Jagdeo played the race card to appease Indians, the base of his People's Progressive Party (PPP). He used incendiary language to incite them into believing that African Guyanese criminals were deliberately targeting Indians. This was irresponsible and provocative bigotry of the worst kind, as there is no evidence to corroborate the President's misguided contention," he argued.

President Jagdeo had also suggested that the Lusignan killings were designed to be a distraction from his government's investigation into four firearms that were issued to the Ministry of National Development 30 years ago under the PNC government. But Burke blasted the investigation as a "fishing expedition" to cover-up the PPP's inability to secure and govern the country." He asked "At this time when the nation is under siege what is the government doing investigating the issuance of four firearms to a government Ministry thirty years ago?" They ought to get on with the people's business of governing the nation, he said.

He also posited that President Jagdeo's reckless utterances have drastically exacerbated racial animosities and tensions in the country, further eroded race relations and have unnecessarily and unfortunately aggravated political hostilities and instability."

Emphasizing that the majority of the victims of the Bartica massacre were African Guyanese Burke said that "The Bartica killings demonstrate that Jagdeo's previous comments were made out of ignorance and lacked substantive, investigative facts. "I hope that President Jagdeo goes back to the nation and tells them that he erred, that crime knows no race and that in an insurgency no one race will survive."

Burke further contended that President Jagdeo's irresponsible statements will not placate built-up anger against his government for countenancing criminal activities as well as its unwillingness or inability to protect the Guyanese people from criminals. "The Guyanese people are sick and tired of race baiting, blame politics and meaningless platitudes. President Jagdeo must tell the nation how he intends to achieve, at least, a minimal level of security and peace."

Aiming some cutting remarks at Jagdeo, Burke said "If the President cannot secure or govern the nation, then I call on him to resign. So too must Army Chief of Staff, Gary Best and Police Commissioner, Henry Green. They are guilty of the most reprehensible kind of misfeasance and malfeasance in public office."

Burke called on the government to demonstrate equality by providing financial assistance to cover funeral costs and to further compensate the survivors and relatives of dead victims, especially their children, of the Bartica disaster just like they did for the victims of Lusignan.

Burke also called on Jagdeo to abandon his partisan rhetoric and commence consultations with religious, political and civil society leaders to discuss a path to racial harmony and national unity against elements of the insurgency as well as against drug barons. He also called for political dialogue to end the oppression of African Guyanese communities, and contended that guns alone would not bring about a resolution to the situation in Guyana.

Lucky to be out

A few painted faces at the Stanford 2020. Watching Guyana's victory without having to bother about 20 gunmen...priceless. For everything else there is an alternative to the PPP/C. (Photo from Stanford 2020.com

Presidential PR

President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected in Guyana shortly and of course we expect a huge PR show and of course those knuckleheads at GINA and NCN would not ask any of the searching questions.

The President and other prominent businessmen scuttle out the country last night, opening wide speculations that the security forces had gotten wind of an eminent attack, but not of a place.

This was evident from the visible increase in troops and activity along the lower East Coast of Demerara. Its a total shame and if those poor police and civilians could have tapped tax payers money and fly out of Guyana, they would have been on the same flight with the President. We await G-force 1 to touch down. More to come.

Dejavau

It seems like only yesterday 11 people were killed, yet today its another grim massacre of 13.

It seems like only yesterday we laid 11 to rest, yet today we prepare to bury 13.

It seems like only yesterday the Prime Minister said blacks were killing Indians, today blacks are among the 13 killed in Bartica.

It seems like only yesterday the police and army said they were ready to do battle, today the killers escaped again.

It seems like only yesterday the country's most wanted man promised mayhem, today we are living in anarchy.

It seems like only yesterday government officials were rushing to Lusignan after the deaths of 11, today they boarded boats to Bartica to console the victims of another 13.

It seems like only yesterday, Bishop Juan Edghill was preaching forgiveness in Lusignan, today he has to ferry that message to Bartica.

It seems like only yesterday the Government said they had a plan, today 13 more souls lay cold as gunmen strike bold.

It seems like only yesterday the international community was condemning a massacre, today they bang heads to repeat the unified message of assistance.

It seems like only yesterday Glenn Lall made citizens scrape their pockets to give the victims of the L-11 attack, today we await the announcement from Lall of another fund for the B-13.

It seems like only yesterday the PPP was blaming the PNCR for the attack on Lusignan, today they search for another scape goat to lay blame for the Bartica attack.

It seems like only yesterday the bounty on Fineman was doubled, today we await the announcement that it has been rippled.

It seems like only yesterday we were preparing for budget presentation, today no money can repay the untold damage from Sunday's attack.

It seems like only yesterday, Government officials glamored for TV popularity on NCN in the wake of the Lusignan attack, today they faces looked beaten.

What new can the President of this land, who left under the cover of dark moments before the Bartica attack, say to us that can be of some assurance. Can we negotiate some truce here with the gunmen, or declare a state of emergency. Of course, the pack of jacks in the government would cling to power and watch more innocent people die just to fulfill their political endeavors. This is the worst ever state of insecurity.

Crime and insecurity...Crime Stoppers was only a dream

Lack of proper planning and vision as evident here has been the hallmark of the Government's security plan. We brought experts from Canada to help set up the crime stoppers programme and it stalled because the business community is not supportive. The stupidee Minister of Home Affairs, Cement Roti, could have done an assessment before putting the plan to paper. Backward thinking from a Government that has nothing to offer citizens to the present state of crime and insecurity.

Which is?

The lead paragraph of the lead story in KN Sunday Special is below. Note the last nine words. One day later, this occurs.

"On the morning of January 26, 2008, Guyana awoke to the gruesome and shocking news that heavily armed gunmen had entered the East Coast Demerara village of Lusignan and executed 11 persons, five of whom were children, in probably the most horrendous crime in this country."

Govt. makes mockery of Lusignan massacre

The Government today displayed the lowest possible behaviour that can flow from a political party in the National Assembly when the debate on the Lusignan massacre took centre stage.

Seeking to abuse the Parliamentary process and make a fool of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Ralph Ramkarran, the Government introduced a sinister plot to counter a motion which was submitted by Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin.

Filled with hatred and venom because the PNCR took the initiative to have the ghastly event discussed in the House, the PPP/C formulated a plan to counter the strong motion submitted by the PNCR.

The anger and wrath of the PPP/C spilled over when Rohee, the Minister of Home Affairs asked the Speaker if he wanted to take him up outside a fight. Of more significance, was a statement made by Sam Hinds to the media that "Black people were killing Indians."

The PNCR was right to walk out than to participate in a debate that made a mockery of the Lusignan Massacre...we await the GINA ghost writers and spin doctors to put an evil spin on this afternoon's debate in the House...More to come.

Bishop Dhanwan

It was the year 2000 and Guyana’s minority homosexual community was desperately trying to have legislation passaged to stop a variety of discrimination.

Their concerns, which included employment discrimination, was taken up by the house of parliament and after careful review, a protective bill was approved unanimously across the political aisle.

It was then ascended to the President for his final approval. The Gay community breathed a sigh of relief as they anticipated no objection from Mr. Jagdeo since his MP’s in the house of parliament were in support of the draft.

Suddenly, out of left field the boogie man appeared and things suddenly took a disastrous ninety degree turn for the hopes of Gays to live in a harassment free Guyana. The boogie man manifested himself in the form of Bishop Edghill, whom was accompanied by his gang "the religious right".

The imposing faith base leader organized a formidable lobby against the approval of any rights being afforded to Gays and threatened President Jagdeo that he would instruct Guyana’s christian populous to ativate civil disobedience if the legislation was signed into law.

Characterizing the traits of the bully, “Adolf Hitler", Bishop Edghill immediately embarked on a campaign to demonized the Gay community and referred to them as child molesting deviants. He activated societal panic by informing the public that if Gays were successful in achieving protective rights, they would be emboldened to sexually molest their children with impunity.

He called on members of all religious faith, including Hindus & Muslims, to show solidarity by registering a unified message to the Government that there would be political consequences if Gays were given rights. The Bishop’s reckless actions reinforced and approved homophobia in the society and placed the lives of homosexuals in direct peril. Fearing a political backlash, President Jagdeo buckled under duress from the Bishop’s forceful lobbying and declined to sign the Gay Rights Bill.

It is now December 2007 and again we see Bishop Edghill demonstrating the same bullying tactics. This time however, it is directed at the Guyana Police Force. According to the Stabroek Newspaper, while officiating the funeral of contraversially slain Pastor Ian David, Bishop Edghill scathingly attacked the Police’s investigation of the so called man of God by stating "we the Church strongly criticize the Police as they are not interested in solving this murder and denounce them using Pastor David’s lifestyle to prejudicially formulate assumptions and theories about the motive for his killing".

The Bishop then went on to reveal confidential internal techniques being used by the police to investigate the shooting. The Public viewed the Bishop’s comments as an attempt to influence and interfere with the Police’s probe (particularly since he is the chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission and a loyal PPP supporter) and felt that his intent was to manipulate the investigation to produce his desired outcome.

Since Bishop Edghill held Gays accountable to biblical standards back in 2000, it is puzzling that he now rebukes the Police for taking note of Pastor Ian David’s alleged fornicating lifestyle. Why should the Police not consider Pastor David’s immoral character as a factor when conducting their investigation?

After-all, it was widely reported that his conduct was not in keeping with an orthodox church leader. Among the peculiar activities of which he was accused are the cohabitation with women whom were not his lawful wives and involvement with persons of questionable characters. Are religious leaders not required to lead by example?

This is the hypocrisy that some men of the cloth condone and is why Bishop Edghill should be questioned about his double standards. Or perhaps the hideous Bishop feels that homosexuality is the only sin the bible forbade?

Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife nor commit fornication are a couple that are displeasing to God. Should the Bishop not leave the investigation into the death of his colleague in the hands of a higher power and pray that the almighty, all seeing God guide the police to a successful outcome? And why were the Angels not on Pastor David’s side when he was brutally slain?

Is it perhaps that God was aware of his transgressions and turned his back on him? The bible said, whatever a man soweth, so shall he reap and God is very aware of false prophets who attempt to make a mockery of the bible by preaching and rebuking others while living double lives. While the Bishop may feel that he is able to hide the sordid contents of his closet from mankind, he should be aware that God is not asleep and his wrath is merciless to those who use the pulpit as a guise.

Crime and insecurity

Zoisa's SN report on the ERC meeting in Lusignan is both informative and instructive. We have deducted three interesting paragraphs for comment.

Paragraph 1: Another resident said that the grass field at the back of the village is an eyesore and bemoaned the fact that there is no longer a police presence in the area. She said they were promised lights near the grass fields and so far that has not been done. A few of the lights that were erected in the area, she said, have already stopped working.

Guyana360: According to Zoisa's SN report, it is clear that the Government just set up street lamps as foolery plot to save their faces from another liter of Saliva. When will these poor Indians in Lusignan realise that this government is not keen on helping them. Everything is just an haphazard approach because the Government knows they can manipulate the minds of those innocent Indians. Dem cast dem vote for the Government, so dem have fuh tek whatever come dem way. When will they get up and make demands? How many more Indians have to die before the very Indians that placed the Government in power realise that they are being used as sacrificial lambs ?

Paragraph 2: Yet another resident told the commissioners that she believes that the entire police force needs to be upgraded. The woman said that ranks are using the police vehicles, which are being maintained by the taxpayers' money, for their own benefit. She said that not only do the police need upgrading but they need counselling as well.

Guyana360: The Government knows fully well that the police force needs an upgrade in salary, equipment and personnel. There are numerous reports that made these suggestions, but the Government's lack of comprehension and vision have resulted in more slaying, high-profile murders and numerous robberies. Those GINA ghost writers like Anita and others would say that lots of money was given to the police. However, those reports that are languishing with the Government calls for an holistic approach to crime and security in Guyana, not for hand-outs at the whims and fancy of an uncaring Government.

Paragraph 3: The resident opined that the $50 million reward for the capture of Rondell `Fineman' Rawlins should be used to buy better weapons for the police or should even be given to community security groups. "We are fighting for ourselves now. We need protection at the back there," she said.

Guyana360: When you have people with no vision running a country that is complex like Guyana, you are bound to see pissing poor decisions. Crime and insecurity will flourish. No one is paying heed to that $50 M bounty and it seems that after each crime is committed the money increases. That $50 M should have gone to help bury the L-11 or at least to the establishment of a fund to help those that survived the massacre move on and out of the country through the back-track route. However, the government is shifting blame to the PNCR and Buxton, while they have sat and done nothing in the past to protect its citizens. Blaming the PNCR is in fact an admission that the Government is incapable of maintaining control of Guyana. They can't control a band of 25 bandits, how can they protect us from any invasion on any side of our volatile borders?

Will President Jagdeo declare Buddy Shivraj is a fuel smuggler

Acting on information received a team of police ranks and officials of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) yesterday went to northern Hogg Island , Essequibo , where they found 17 drums of suspected illegal fuel, 2 empty tanks and 19 empty drums that were abandoned.

About 2100h. last night, while the team was returning in their boat along a creek in the area, they came under fire. Several rounds were discharged at them from along the bank of the creek, resulting in the police returning fire.

No member of the Police/GEA team was injured.

Investigations are continuing.

"Fine man" renews driver's license

Desperate to claim the $50 M bounty on the most wanted man in Guyana, police in Linden did the most unthinkable. They arrested this guy because he looked like the great "Fine man". The man just went to get his license renewed and in addition he is well known to the police in Linden. What a shame! The police is clueless about the current appearance of "Fine Man". For all you know "Fine Man" may very well be Odinga Jinga, the only man to have had a sitting President of Guyana preside over a physical bout.

Where Govt. fails, citizens respond

A community policing group in the Savannah

No security for Lall

Food for thought...A Minister of the Government moves around the city without security at a time when Fine man is wreaking havoc. They can't even protect themselves , how are are they going to protect us the citizens?

What a shame, but only in this skuntry!

Caught on Camera..."It wasn't me"

Lall- the lying Minister- says in this article he was never assaulted, yet Capitol News reported with video evidence that Lall was given a sound trashing. Don't take our word for it, the folks over at Livinguyana were brave enough to publish the raw amateur video of the beating. Thumbs up guys!

In search of crimminals or Skeletons?

Buxton find! A glow of hope (GC, February 11, 2008)

The recent find of the skeletal remains of a man’s body by the Joint Services brings back chilling memories of the past - one which we would have wished never happened, but on the positive side provides a glow of hope that we may be closer to unravelling the intrigues and mysteries surrounding the deaths and disappearance of quite a few, (including missing sugar workers - Sampersaud Taranauth and Maikhram Sawh) which are related to the operations of the Buxton gang.

At least the families of these men, presumably dead now, have some degree of hope of the possibility of the disappearance of their husbands and fathers being brought to a clear closure, having lived for four years in both severe anguish and anxiety.

Operation Restore Order’, only in its infancy, has therefore made a significant headway, and while it is premature to decide on how effective it may turn out, this skeletal find is perhaps a little crack in the wall which will lead to other cracks and eventual crumbling of that wall.

Of extreme importance is that the skeletal find should be used to gather as much information and intelligence using all possible resources and help including foreign help in DNA testing and other high-tech probes.

As it is well known the busting of the criminal gang crucially depends on effective garnering of intelligence and information. This opportunity must not be blown as it could be one of those golden chances to dig deep into the operations of these mindless criminals.

What is of relevance too with respect to the skeletal find is the correctness of the operation to bulldoze the dense vegetation aback Buxton, because it is abundantly clear that if such a step was not embarked upon it is most unlikely that the remains of that body would have been found.

Unfortunately, too many, including those who claim to have the interest of this nation at heart, have been critical and in some cases hostile to Operation Restore Order, particularly the bulldozing of dense vegetation, because of narrow and partisan interests.

However, these critics must not be allowed to derail the course of hunting down these criminals and their collaborators because by doing so, they would be leaving the future of our dear nature hanging in thin air.

If and when this current operation proves successful, and all indications are that it would be, we hope that the detractors and those that are attempting to foment opposition against the Joint Services will not declare: “It wasn’t me.”

Perhaps an Arabian proverb may be pertinent here: “Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies.”

There is no other route than to resolutely pursue criminality to its deepest roots. There can be no room for ambivalence and double-talking.

We as a nation cannot fail the families and relatives across the country of the victims of killers. We are duty bound to provide some solace to those grieving families and relatives.

Therefore full support must be given to the Joint Services in their relentless campaign to apprehend these beastly killers and bring them to justice. Anything less than that will be an abysmal failure to the entire nation.

Killaman Lall in another drunken brawl???

The fairy tales of 'Killaman' Lall - the self-styled, gun-slinging Government Minister - is far from over, only this time he is on the receiving end on some good blows dished out by his Montrose sweetheart.

Unconfirmed reports (although we are 100 percent sure), indicate that the Minister was involved in a late night brawl with a woman at a popular nightspot on Camp Street. It just might be the same woman who he befriended during another drunken brawl on the East Coast of Demerara last year. On that occassion, the brawl ended when the Minister gun-butted the woman's nephew and fired a shot in the air because he opined that the man was after his so-called sweetie.

Our sources, though some where in the skuntry, said that luckily for patrons at the night spot, Lall was forced to hand over his gun to police until the earlier brawl was properly investigated.

"Lall would have probably shot another 11 people just like he did at Lusignan," was the drunken comment made by one of the patrons who pointed out the Minister to other patrons.

At a time when citizens are aching for solutions to the miserable state of security, a government Minister finds time to get drunk and engage in bar fights instead of working on a compensation package for farmers in Buxton.

A man is a man and drunkards can only be a drunkards. Lall should be appointed presidential adviser on religion. His experience of "Spirts" will be an asset. President Jagdeo has his Cabinet all mixed up.

Where Govt. fails, CIOG respondents

CIOG donates US$3,000 to Rebecca Baksh.

Five year old Rebecca has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is currently having chemotherapy at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad . Her treatment plan is for two years, which cost TT$133,215. / US$22,203. Ms Baksh has an outstanding balance of US$10,370. Her father is a Cane Harvester of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

CIOG thanks all those persons who contributed towards this noble cause.

Guyana360: While the Government spitefully balks at providing funding for children, other organisations have stepped up to the plate. We know what the GINA ghost writers would say in response to this posting, but how can they justify the sidelining of the Former First Lady's Kid's First Fund organisation because the President decided he didn't want a woman by his side nor down the road.

Saliva: Before and After

Saliva

The watery fluid in the mouth made by the salivary glands. Saliva moistens food to help digestion and it helps protect the mouth against infections. In Guyana saliva is now being used to clean the faces of Government Ministers. Below is a before and after demonstration of how saliva works locally

Minister Nawbatt before he visited Lusignan




Minister Nawbatt after he arrived at Lusignan

Where is the Ministerial brotherhood? It wasn't me..

The Prime Minister is the Chairman of these two select committees

Friday, February 8th 2008

Dear Editor, I write to correct a piece of misinformation which appeared in your Wednesday, February 6 edition headlined "Months later, Parliament Security Committees still to begin work". Please be informed that contrary to the report in the article, I am not the Chairman of the two Parliamentary Select Committees treating with the Disciplined Forces Commission Report nor the UK-Funded Security Sector Reform Action Plan. For the information and guidance of your readers the Honourable Prime Minister is the Chairman of both Select Committees. As regards your reporter's inability to contact me "to solicit a comment on the issue" the records at the Ministry of Home Affairs do not reflect any call received from the Stabroek News nor the cell phone of Mr Williams. Yours faithfully, Clement J Rohee Minister of Home Affairs Editor's note We regret the error on the Chairmanship of the committees. Calls were made to Minister Rohee's cell number by the reporter. It is impossible to contact Minister Rohee on the Ministry of Home Affairs numbers as the secretarial staff do not put the calls through.

Blogs with political agenda

Unbridled distortions on certain Blogs (Guyana Chronicle, February 8, 2008)

AS an internet user, who frequently visits local Guyanese websites like Guyanapalace.com, Guyanafriends.com, Livinguyana.blogspot.com, propagandapress.org, etc., I noticed that they were heavily filled with postings of bloggers who were very critical of the Government. In fact, it is fair to say that the bloggers were anti-government.

Much of the criticisms were highly contentious and entailed distorted views of the Government, specifically in regards to the Lusignan massacre. As someone who is politically conscious I was very disturbed by the content of some of the bloggers.

However, all my attempts to rebut and reply to these distorted postings; the result was that my responses were not posted on the websites.

It is only fitting to conclude that these websites, that is, Guyana Palace,

livingGuyana.blogspot.com, guyanafriends.com, propagandapress.org, etc, are biased and anti-government.

One is left to wonder if these websites are for public use or is there another underlying driven factor.

ANITA SINGH (GINA ghost writer)

Guayana360: Be sure to keep reading here for fair, balance and unbiased coverage of events in and around Guyana. We plan to continue our truthful, no-holds barred analysis of events, presentations and speeches.

GDF in new offensive

Taking care of our granny Mae

Soldiers being sneaky with little children

JOINT SERVICES PRESS RELEASE

The Joint Services are calling on the members of the public, especially motorists, to facilitate the movement of Military and Police vehicles in operational mode at this time by giving way to them as they traverse the roadways.

The Joint Services are continuing to assist the residents of the Buxton/Friendship community in different ways.
The attached photographs depict members of the Joint Services interacting with residents of the community.

2008-02-07

Guyana is a football

Just caught a section of the evening news about the US issuing a new travel advisory on Guyana. Further to that, the British which pledged assistance only a few weeks ago issued the following update to its general travel advisory.

British:

Since January 2008 there has been an upsurge in violent criminal activity. An army patrol was ambushed in Buxton (East Coast Demerara) on 23 January 2008). The police headquarters in Georgetown was attacked on 25 January and 11 people were shot and killed in house raids in the village of Lusignan (East Coast Demerara) on 26 January. While the situation persists, you are advised to exercise extreme caution in Georgetown, and avoid the East Coast (especially the area between the villages of Lusignan and Friendship (this includes Buxton)). Other areas where travellers should continue to be vigilant include the East Bank of the Demerara river (Eccles and Agricola), along the Timehri to Linden highway and along the laterite road to Lethem and the Brazilian border. If you become aware of an incident developing, leave the area immediately. You should avoid travel after dark in all of these regions, particularly on the East Coast.

Apologies: Persaud was in the picture after L-11

Guyana360: We apologise to Minister Persaud and his (untrained) public relations team, who promptly corrected us on the previous post that he was not present immediately after the L-11 slaying. They also sent us a GINA story as evidence from an email (lucy_marks), which seems to be one of those used by the GINA ghost writers. Notice they did not try to justify Persaud's failings in Buxton.

Those who try to justify Lusignan killing are as heartless as criminals

1. Agriculture Minister tells Lusignan mourners

Georgetown, GINA, January 30, 2008.

Attempts by some individuals and groups to justify the killing of 11 Lusignan residents including five children on January 26, have received strong public condemnation by many, including Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud.
During his remarks at an inter-faith ‘Wake’ held last evening at the homes of the slain residents, Minister Persaud made reference to “unambiguous statements by some individuals including the Mayor of Georgetown, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and well known anti-Government commentators who seemingly attempt to rationalise the massacre, rather than unambiguously expressing sympathy and condemnation of the killings.”
“When you try to justify what took place at these homes, you can be considered as heartless as the criminals who committed the massacre. This type of behaviour questions your care for life and humanity,” the Minister added.

PPP poster boy upstaged in Buxton

This must be the joke of all the happenings in the aftermath of L-11. As we pointed out in a previous post, the PPP/C poster boy, Robert Persaud is sweeping through the East Coast as a father giver of some sorts.

Well, he ventured into Buxton (Friendship to be exact) to meet with farmers on a compensation plan. While there at the Friendship (Buxton) Community High School, located next to the burial ground, the honorable Minister of Agriculture attempted to defend the President.

It turned out to be a total joke and goes to show that Persaud must step out of the shadows of the President.

The farmers were sure that the President accused all farmers of being criminals. Persaud denied the claim and they angrily walked out. the result no splash in tomorrow's newspaper. Poor fella. He was very ambitious to travel to the Buxton/Freindship area, where gunmen launch attacks from bushes and even tombs.

While one of our contributors was there, she spoke with some of the farmers, who were adamant that they needed to be consulted first.

"They just come and mash up we land...We should have sit down first and say look so much money per acre. Now what ever money they offering we got to take it...dem high-pass black people. This cannot go down like this," one farmer said.

Another was concerned as to what will happen when the vegetation begins its natural regrowth process and why there are no criminals, guns and the likes being found right now.

"I thought by now dem woulda find war tanks and some mass grave at the back deh. By time next month all dem grass grow back. This is laugh. They could not come to clear the land and put in proper drainage for the farmers at the back here. Since 11 people get kill meh now see Minister Persaud, is where he been all da time" another farmer related.

The government had told the farmers to report to a desk at the Police Headquarters, but the farmers realising that this was a yet another trap to capture them and torture them as in the case in the past, have shunned the police desk.

However, a senior Government official a few moments ago said the plan to clear the land is part of a wider PPP propaganda plan, to appease farmers in Buxton by putting in drainage and upgrading the land.

"We got a plan," the official said with a chuckle.

Monkey see Monkey do: Corbin writes the Presidnet first, the others copy

February 4, 2008

His Excellency the President

Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Office of the President

New Garden Street,

Georgetown.

Dear Mr. President,

Our country is entering into a dangerous state of crisis such that we believe could spiral us out of control and into eventual failure and collapse if there are not some urgent and decisive interventions made immediately. We believe that the responsibility rests on all leaders to avoid such an outcome but rests most on your shoulders. It is obvious that a group of Guyanese or non-state actors have decided to defy the authority of the State and are prepared to unleash unprecedented mayhem in our society as witnessed on Saturday January 26, 2007 in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. This is a serious problem that has serious consequences for the national security, cohesiveness, and viability of the State of Guyana and cannot be left unattended. The recent events cannot be dismissed as mere criminal activity coming from any particular enclave of our society.

We are disturbed that the emphasis appears now to be on blame throwing amongst political leaders while people continue to feel pain and insecurity. In these circumstances, we call on you to present to the nation a new national security plan with clear deliverables and timeframes for implementation by Friday 8^th February, 2008, which addresses, in addition to the other ills in our society, the phenomenon of an emerging insurgency and other security maladies. This plan needs to be unveiled as a matter of urgency. Secondly, as a natural sequence of events, we believe it important that the Government facilitates the convening of a conference on Governance and the Transformation of the State within one month’s time by bringing together national stake-holders who will be aided by trained facilitators, to commence the discussion. This issue cannot be postponed any longer.

We remain ready, willing and able to assist the Government and all people of Guyana and we feel that our assistance can best be effected through the processes outlined above. We will avail ourselves to meet with your Government along with others, to settle the modalities of our request and expect that these requests will not be treated with scant regard.

Sincerely,

Raphael Trotman Paul Hardy

Leader-Alliance For Change Leader-Guyana Action Party

President pleases his friend Buddy Shivraj

Fuelling crime

SN, Tuesday, February 5th 2008

While the two-and-a-half-year trial of Mr Omprakash 'Buddy' Shivraj plodded on ever so ponderously before magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Providence court, it was surprising to learn that the chief witness, Mr Joseph O'Lall, had been removed from his post as chief executive officer of the Guyana Energy Agency with effect from December 31 2007. Mr O'Lall had been instrumental in bringing charges against Mr Shivraj for storing a quantity of petroleum on his property on the East Bank Demerara in September 2005 without a licence issued by the Guyana Energy Agency. Mr Anil Nandlall was appointed special prosecutor and Mr O'Lall's evidence, expertise and experience were seen as essential in a crucial case concerning contraband commerce in this country. Would Mr O'Lall's sudden dismissal affect the outcome? The administration has consistently expressed its intention to eradicate the pernicious practice of smuggling. As far back as September 2003, the cabinet had commissioned an inquiry into fuel smuggling. At that time, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that existing laws were adequate to deal with the crime and no new legislation would be necessary. He did say, however, that "the problems we had recently had nothing to do with law. You had a bunch of corrupt people…and, hopefully, we can find those people involved and take action against them." According to the president, stronger policing of illegal activities was needed to solve the problem of fuel smuggling which cost the state about $6 billion annually in revenue. The Guyana Energy Agency, strangely, has hardly been made stronger by being given the human and material resources to enforce the law. Staffed with fewer than a dozen underpaid inspectors most of whom work for paltry wages, and equipped with only three SUVs and not a single maritime vessel for the entire country, is it any wonder that the GEA has found itself incapable of uprooting fuel smuggling? Mr O'Lall had told this newspaper in an earlier interview that fuel smuggling was taking place across the country especially in the mining areas and that "almost every day" officers attached to the GEA's enforcement section were called to respond to fresh cases. He revealed that fuel smuggling was rampant in the hinterland ? mostly in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region ? where the mining sector was the largest consumer of contraband fuel. "They using it [sic] like there is no tomorrow," Mr O'Lall had said at that time. In the absence of effective enforcement by the Guyana Revenue Authority's Customs and Trade Administration; the Guyana Defence Force's Coast Guard; the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Energy Agency itself ? all of which have been starved of sufficient staff and surveillance, maritime and aviation resources ? the illegal importation of fuel has continued undiminished. Contraband fuel has now seeped into the engineering, construction and fishing industries although it has not yet come into common circulation in commercial vehicles and motorcars. One crime tends to cause another, especially in this booming billion-dollar business. Evidence was once unearthed that the marker used to ensure that legally shipped fuel could be tested accurately had been sold by GEA staffers to smugglers who would mark their fuel so as to avoid detection and prosecution. Indeed, it is too easy for rich crooks to prey on poorly-paid public servants. Bought cheaply from towns such as San Felix on the Orinoco River in Venezuela, fuel is brought to Guyana in modified fishing trawlers and transferred to smaller vessels in the numerous creeks and inlets along the Pomeroon and Essequibo Rivers ? chiefly Aliki, Lanaballi and Morasi. It is then taken to buyers in the mining and fishing industries. The state hardly interferes in this common commerce although the sources, routes, carriers, and customers are no secret. Fuel smuggling will not cease of its own accord. It continues to be highly profitable because of the low cost of the commodity in Venezuela and the low level of official enforcement in Guyana. The greater danger to the state, however, is not merely the loss of revenue; it is the opening of the floodgates for other more serious crimes. If criminals can smuggle such huge volumes of illegal fuel across international borders almost continuously to keep certain industries running, what is there to prevent them from trafficking in narcotics, another contraband commodity, that brings in billions more dollars? While managing to avoid effectively equipping enforcement agencies such as the GEA, GRA, GDF and GPF to enable them to stop smuggling, the administration has contrived to establish the impotent Fuel and Goods Smuggling Task Force within the Ministry of Home Affairs under a police pensioner. In these circumstances, is it not to be expected that fuel smuggling and the crimes they foster will continue to flourish?