Truth hurts blog responders

When a man speaks the truth on TV, the Government blog responders jump up and try to tarnish the individual. Below is a letter in today's Chronicle penned by someone named Jean, but the truth really hurts!!!

Teaching hatred and bitterness

The programme last evening of ‘Walter Rodney groundings’ (as all others) hosted by Deon Abrams has left me wondering about the hatred that has overcome this individual who holds himself to be an educator.

Mr. Deon Abrams is a teacher by profession. That is the reason why I find it hard to follow his totally twisted line of reasoning. I would, as a parent, have a serious difficulty with him teaching or having any sort of influence over my child.

While I would agree that persons should be allowed to express their political opinions without prejudice to their enjoyment of the basic freedoms, what Mr. Abrams and Trotman did on that programme cannot be considered political. They are teaching hatred and bitterness.

They dealt with the murder of Mary King last evening and the impression they gave was that Ms King was murdered by the Security Forces to ‘get at Fine Man’.

Secondly, they were purporting the same theory that the Leader of the PNCR Robert Corbin gave, which is that the Security Forces were taking instructions from the political directorate to arrest and harass PNCR activists.

This sort of programme leads to all sorts of antisocial behaviour in youths. They listen to the programmes and feel cheated and fail to take the positive opportunities available to them. They create the ‘Fine Man and Blackies’ of our society.

The programme went into all sorts of subversive discussions on the wrongs of the arrest of Oliver Hinckson. I am of the view that Deon Abrams is putting himself up to be a martyr. He deliberately says things to create the impression that he can achieve some political objective. What he does not realise is that democratic political battles are not fought and won with guns and bombs; they are fought and won through the ballot.

History has shown that good always overcome evil; light overcomes darkness and love overcomes hatred. Let peace reign! Not war!

JEAN RAMROOP

Developing story

Three Guyanese found in car with large amount of gold in Suriname. It is belived that the gold was part of the cache stolen during the Bartica massacre. Just mark these names: Richard Sarjoo and Roy Arjoon. More info and confirmation soon.

Sedation charge?

CGID slams sedition charge in Guyana, says democracy under threat

President of the New York based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), Rickford Burke, is blasting the Bharrat Jagdeo administration in Guyana over its indictment of Ex-Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Lieutenant, Oliver Hinckson, for the capital crime of sedition. Burke said Hinckson made no seditious statements and forcefully challenged the government to provide the evidence. He acknowledged that "Guyana will continue to undergo political instability and remain ungovernable for the PPP, so long as its Indian government continues to employ Stalinist measures to persecute and silence blacks."

Hinckson, at a press conference hosted by Georgetown Mayor, Hamilton Green, last month said: "The veterans who have an association in Georgetown and throughout Guyana have had intelligence that very many young men with military experience are so devoid of hope and incensed that they are prepared to go to the bushes and wage a war of the flea. That means they will bite you here and by the time you respond they will bite you there and wear you into the ground. As a former officer I don't believe that the tactic strategy employed by Commodore Best are in the best long -term interest of this society. You can throw all you want at the guerrilla fighter and you will not succeed. The mightiest country in this world-the USA did not succeed in Vietnam, the Russians did not succeed in Afghanistan and the GDF will not succeed in Guyana, providing there is a Guerrilla insurgency."

Also under indictment is former GDF Lieutenant, twenty-seven year old Dorian Massay, who also appeared at the press conference. He was charged with illegal possession of "a pair of black boots, a camouflage bag and a camouflage jacket," which the government alleges are the property of the GDF. Burke slammed the charge against Massay as "infinitesimal, de minimis and repugnant to the law." Noting that after holding Massay incommunicado for one week and having denied him access to his Lawyer, Burke asked "Is this all that this government can come up with?

He added that this was a disgrace, as Massay, a Sand Hurst trained Cadet, was recently discharged from the military. How could he be in illegal possession of property that was issued to him by the Army? How can they ascertain that the items are the property of the GDF, in order to overcome the prima facie threshold? Have they done a forensic analysis of these items? Burke questioned. "The fact of the matter is that he is black, he is Sand Hurst trained and they fear him. Next they will round up all black ex-military officers, like Hitler did to the Jews and the Americans did to the Japanese. This is how they have governed Guyana."

The Institute's President said that the charges against Hinckson and Massay emanate from a sinister fishing expedition by the PPP ethnocracy. "What they have been doing over the years, is charging leading Afro-Guyanese individuals who criticize them and by whom they feel threatened, with trumped-up capital offenses like treason and sedition. These individuals are placed before the courts, denied bail and then held in abeyance in jail, in solitary confinement with the sanction of the courts. They do this because they have been getting away it, he posited.

"There is a pattern of Stalinism prevailing here. President Bharrat Jagdeo wants to impose "gangster communism" in Guyana. Afro-Guyanese have no constitutional rights in Guyana. Whenever they assert their democratic rights, they are charged with treason and sedition, and the courts have been complicit. The government always uses a national security crisis to reinforce racial divisions, target black leaders and eviscerate the constitution. First it was Mark Benschop. Now it is Oliver Hinckson. Who would be next?

"All of this is happening in a country where Caricom has its Headquarters. Yet Caricom Heads remain silent. It appears that Caricom buys into the PPP's propaganda and only finds its voice when the government's political constituency is impinged on. This is disconcerting to say the least, the CGID president lamented.

Burke expressed utter disappointment in Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle who upheld the charges against the two. "I know Magistrate Robinson. One would have thought that she had the judicial fortitude to uphold the law," he contended. He argued further that "It is now clear as day, why the government removed Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen from the bench. "They want to manipulate the Judiciary for their insidious agenda," he charged.

The CGID head then zeroed in on a report in the March 12 edition of the Stabroek Newspaper that "Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle left the bench just before Massay and Hinckson appeared, to go to the High Court. When she returned about one hour later, around 11.30 am, Massay was taken into the docks and she read him a charge." Burke said he would like to know who the Magistrate meet with and what were her instructions. "Her integrity as a judicial officer is at take here," he noted.

Declaring that free speech and democracy are under siege in Guyana, the CGID President dispatched letters to Caricom Heads of Government, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), calling for their intervention with a mission to Guyana to investigate what he called "Jim Crow" policies and the "Darfur syndrome" of ethnocratic governance and ethnic triumphalism in Guyana.

Burke observed that he is hard pressed to understand why the Guyanese people continue to accept this course of re-enslavement by the PPP and why Guyana's political opposition leaders allow this treacherous alternative to governance which is disastrous for the country.

He vowed to mount an unprecedented international campaign to tell the world the plight of Africans in Guyana. "They denied their fundamental democratic freedoms, chief of which is freedom of speech."

Political arrests

THE RECENT ARRESTS OF PERSONS IN VIOLATION OF THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE PROVOCATIVE

The PNCR has always given its full and unequivocal support to the security forces to apprehend anyone who has broken the laws of this country. The Party has repeated this position on different occasions and reiterated it after the recent heinous crimes at Lusignan, on 26^th January, and at Bartica, on 17^th February.

The Party is, however, appalled at the recent action of the security forces which have been operating outside of the framework of the law and the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana . This is exemplified by the manner in which Guyanese citizens, including those associated with the PNCR, have been arrested and incarcerated, often on the flimsiest of pretexts. These acts are highly provocative, in the face of the deteriorating security situation in Guyana and do not augur well for its speedy resolution.

The events seem to have assumed a particular pattern after the tragic occurrences in Lusignan. The Party is constrained to note that Ms. Jennifer Westford, Minister of the Public Service, had made the accusation, both inside and outside of Parliament, that persons, under the guise of distributing toys last Christmas, had recced the area, prior to the killings at Lusignan.

It was shortly after this that Ms. Dawn King, a member of the GECOM Staff at Buxton, who had distributed toys in Sophia and other areas, was arrested. Last week, a PNCR Scrutineer, Ms Odessa Moore, was arrested at Ithaca along with her 14 year old sister. As has become usual, they were detained for the statutory period and later released without being charged.

The Leader of the PNCR, in his 2008 Budget speech to Parliament, on 5^th March, pointed out that a Candidate, on the Party List for the 2006 Elections, Ms. Ramrattie Jagdeo, resided in the street at Lusignan in which the massacre occurred. Ms. Jagdeo was arrested, on Friday 7^th March, and taken to Eve Leary, allegedly, on the basis of an altercation with a neighbour over differences of political opinion, in October 2007.After the insistent intervention by her Attorneys, Ms Jagdeo was released on Station Bail on Friday night and told to report to Eve Leary on Saturday morning. While there, her cell phone was taken from her and, on checking the wall-paper on the phone, an image, containing 2 hand guns, was observed. Ms. Jagdeo was asked where she got the wall paper. She explained that her daughters had installed the wall paper. The Police then went to her home and arrested her two daughters, aged 11 and 15 years. The Police then threatened to detain the two children at the East La Penitence Police station on Saturday evening last. However, the intervention of Attorneys resulted in them being released and told to report to Eve Leary yesterday. The daughters stated that they obtained the wallpaper from two boys at Lusignan. The Police arrested the two boys today and are holding them at Eve Leary.

It should be recalled that, on the morning after the Lusignan killings, President Jagdeo, even before he had received the first reports from the security forces, pointed an accusing finger at Mr. Oliver Hinckson. Mr. Hinckson and Mr. Dorian Massay were arrested and placed before the courts, on 11^th March, on the accusation that statement made by them, at the 1 February 2008 Press Conference, held by the Mayor Hamilton Greene, were seditious.

Given all that has happened, the PNCR must express its alarm over the fact that the police seem, or indeed have come, under the central political direction and control of the ruling political establishment and that the activities of the police and other security forces are being manipulated to ensure a desired political outcome.

The PNCR wishes to state clearly that it will not sit idly by and allow elements of the Guyana Police Force to trample on the human and Constitutional rights of its supporters and other citizens of the Republic. The Party would do all in its power to ensure adequate representation for them and take whatever other measures are necessary to prevent the further violations of those rights.

The PNCR has summoned a meeting of its members and supporters to discuss these recent developments and to determine its future action. As matters now stand, the Party, in the wake of these developments, believes that it is harmful, to the cause of winning the confidence and trust of all National Stakeholders, for the determination and agreement of a holistic solution to the perilous national security and crime situation facing the nation..

People’s National Congress Reform

Congress Place, Sophia

Georgetown, Guyana.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Extra, Extra, Extra...Read all about the Wanted

"Black Knight" and "Wild Indian"

Hot off the press of the Police Public Relations Department, a Wanted Bulletin penned by Ivelaw "I know the law" Whittaker. According to unPolice sources, a $50 reward is offered for their successful capture and claim of responsibility for the hundreds of senseless killings.

All de time we thought was "Fineman", but it was these two phuckers.

Breaking news...

Ex-army officers Oliver Hinckson and Dorian Massay appeared in court a few minutes ago. A number of trumped-up charges including conspiracy, were read to Hinckson. He was remanded to prison. Massay was released on bail stemming from his alleged possession of a military kit. More to follow.

Warning, Warning, Warning!!!

CGID warns that retaliatory executions in Guyana could ignite racial flare-up

The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has condemned the execution of Marcyn King, a sister of Rondell Rawlins, a.k.a "Fineman," who Guyana Police say is wanted in connection with a number of serious crimes, including the recent Lusignan and Bartica massacres. CGID is warning that such racially driven retaliatory killings could lead to racial disturbances, if the revolving door of killings is not brought to an immediate halt.

The Institute said that King's murder is an unquestionable retaliation against allegations which the government has made against her brother, without putting forth any prima facie evidence. "It is abhorrent that, again under the PPP government, Guyana has returned to murder for hire and mercenaries are willing to once more target family members of persons they have been commissioned to kill. This is an unfortunate return of Ronald Gajraj's Phantom death squad era," the Institute said.

Forewarning that violence begets more violence, the Institute cautioned that the charged, provocative rhetoric emanating from the government has been spawning calls for the return of former National Security Minister, Ronald Gajraj, who was forced to resign over allegations that he directed a Phantom death squad operation, and of US indicted drug accused Roger Khan.

The Institute noted that the intent is to create a revolving door environment of attacks and counter attacks, in which the innocent will suffer most. It contended that no one race will benefit or overcome this scenario and none of the instigators on either side may survive.

CGID President Rickford Burke took a swipe at the Jagdeo administration, accusing it of "attempting to coerce the Police to portray Afro-Guyanese leaders as linked to crime." He observed that this was part of a crusade to appease its base. "This baseless theory engenders further racial polarization and invokes racial fears. The result is these types of retaliatory attacks, a circumstance that is part of that party's legacy of political violence," Burke said.

He said the nation must assess who stands to benefit most from the execution of King and express extreme condemnation. He added that "the government's statement on King's murder rings hollow as it has not recently condemned the killing of "non-constituents." Their expressions at this time are curious and tend to strain credulity. We must be wary of any kind of posturing and empty rhetoric. The question on which we wish to hear from the government is: where is the comprehensive crime fighting plan?" the CGID President said.

Burke said that Kings execution vindicates his letter to Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago advising that he ensures that the resources his government has provided to Guyana to help fight crime is not siphoned off to Phantom Death Squads with alleged ties to the government, such as the Gajraj Phantom squad.

"In light of these new developments, I again call on Prime Minister Manning to ensure that the resources of Trinidad and Tobago are not used to enhance the criminal enterprise of elements who are ensconced in officialdom; who by day "talk" about fighting crime but direct mercenary missions by night," the CGID head stressed.

- END-

We smelling fish...

Dem gun down "Fineman" sister and would you believe it, within minutes the Government issued a statement to KN and Guyana Chronicle. After the Bartica and Lusignan killings, nothing came until the following day. And who is the senior government source that issued the statement? Was it planned? Who is this Government official named in the KN report? Why wasn't the SN issued the statement? There are too many unanswered questions. Thirty-six-year-old Marcyn King, a mother of three and a supervisor at Rentokil Initial Guyana Limited...her name will go down as another senseless killing since the 2008. Call us superstitious, but this is a leap year and so far the killings that have jolted this nation occurred 22 days apart.

What tourists?

Lusignan massacre/ Bartica slaughter…
No evidence travel advisories affecting tourist
arrivals - Prashad (Today's KN)

By Leonard Gildarie

The Guyana Government has said that it is too early to judge whether the travel warnings issued by the United States, Canada and United Kingdom are having any drastic effects on tourist arrivals.
Speaking with the media during a break at Parliament yesterday, Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad urged the embassies to exercise caution when issuing advisories, since they are highly likely to have detrimental effects on the very countries which are being assisted with developmental aid and grants.
Following the February 17 slaughter in Bartica by heavily armed gunmen, which left 12 dead, including three policemen, the US Department of State, Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and British Foreign and Commonwealth Offices all issued advisories warning their citizens to stay away from a few trouble spots in Guyana.
Yesterday, the Minister acknowledged that travel advisories do some amount of damage, but he contended that there is no immediate evidence to suggest that tourist arrivals have been severely affected. He pointed out that around this time there is normally a lull, but travel is expected to pick up for the upcoming Easter weekend....Blah, Blah, Blah.


Guyana360: Mr. Leonard Gildarie seems to think he is still living in that tourist friendly Caribbean island of St. Martin. Hello! this is Guyana, beautiful Guyana that is still struggling to attract tourists. This story tickles the laugh sensors and is indicative of the poor level of reasoning in the media brotherhood. Those travel advisories do not influence travel by US, Canadian and British citizens. They just don't visit Guyana in the droves as suggested by the President's King pimp, Manniram Prashad. So putting two and two together, something cannot change something that just don't exist. Mr. Gildarie didn't even think of soliciting views from the other players in the tourism industry, but instead the king pimp just feeds him a good dose of garbage.
However, our aim is not to bash any reporter, that is the job of the folks over at livinguyana. The Minister may be right, those advisories will not influence arrivals in anyway. The damage to tourism was done a long time ago and this Government knows fully well hence the low budgetary allocation to the sector. We will always support the squashing of the ministerial post and the appointment of a qualified tourism adviser with regional experience.

Hinckson, Massey interviews

Following the release of former GDF officers, Oliver Hinckson and Dorian Massey, Guyana 360 will carry interviews conducted with the two men sometime during this year and the latter part of 2007.

Coming soon to a computer near you.

Please flush!!!

SASOD fights back

SASOD sent us this response because we chose to scold them for their silence on matters such as abuse of children. Accepting submissions from SASOD is counterproductive . SASOD is part of the problem to the break down of morals in this Guyanese society.

A Jamaican Observation

After about a week break due to travels abroad, we are back to our daily dose of blogging. But, there is just one observation we would like to point out based on our brief stop in Jamaica.

It was refreshing to learn from senior police in Jamaica how the US, UK and Canada are partners with Jamaica in a joint operation under the name of "Operation Kingfish".

The UK sponsors daily advertisements on Hype TV calling on citizens to report cases of extortions, illegal guns and other elements that contribute to crime. Two months into the operation's launch in 2004, there were some 54 arrests, with several detainees facing extradition to the partner states. The Jamaican Government at the time the operation was launched, realised that crime and drugs was a problem, hence international help was sought and won.

Similarly, crime and drugs is rampant in Guyana, but on the contrary, the PPP/C refuses to seek substantive help from international partners. The US, UK and Canada seem bent on providing plaster approaches to the deep wounds inflicted by crime and insecurity. Perhaps, they have realised that this Government is not serious about crime and stamping out the wanton use of port facilities for drug transshipments.

In his recent remarks during the budget debate, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee boasted about the criminals being killed or arrested, yet he refused to mention the names of those involved in the drug underworld. No mention of Roger Khan, Axel Williams and others.

We do not support crime in anyway, but we are bold enough to denounce crime in all forms because unlike the present administration we do not have soft spots.

Soft spots and blind spots have allowed crime to breathe. Rohee in his presentation also said that the crime attacks were politically motivated, a statement that contradicts the President's statements about the two attacks, which was based on the premise that both attacks were banditry. In fact, the President in his statement gave this nation the impression that there was no insurgency as indicated by so many political observers.

Again we fully support a comprehensive approach from the international community, but we recognise that the PPP/C is the major stumbling block.

Petition for UN help to save Guyana

Petition here

Boycut Mash! Time for healing

We have a National Day of mourning on Monday, but before that we will mash down town on Saturday. Something must be wrong with this administration. For those of you who will join the government in disrespecting the families of those who were killed in the two shooting sprees, the folks over at LivinGuyana have something you should consider first.

Dr. Roger Luncheon knows fully well that this year's mash will be nothing more than black-washed event so he has already made the excuse that the government expects celebrations to be toned down. Dr. Luncheon has entered the realm of comedy and not for the first time.

More dead, more reason to wine

The Alliance For Change and Guyana Action Party are concerned that the Government of Guyana is proceeding to host Mashramani celebrations in the midst of the recent killing of 23 persons and the displacement of many communities as the joint services hunt for the perpetrators. The AFC and GAP are of the strong view and opinion that the vibrant celebration of Mashramani will be inconsistent with the poignant fear and frustrations of Guyanese being experienced at this time, and will only add fuel to an already frightened society, confused as to what our national priorities and focus are presently. In a democratic society people are free to do as they please but ought to be aware of the concerns of others.

We therefore urge all Guyanese to spend the day of February 23 - in a solemn manner and to have very limited celebrations at this time when there should be national mourning and to reflect on what has transpired in the last month, and where we are headed.

For those who choose to celebrate Mash we would suggest that they wear a black armband or place a black flag/cloth on their vehicles or homes as a mark of respect. These persons should be aware of the fact that the excessive use of alcohol and the images of merriment could, and are likely to be, considered insensitive and offensive to the families of victims and to the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who remain in shock and mourning at recent events. Celebrations should therefore be softened if they are to be proceeded with.

We therefore call for Saturday, February 23, 2008, to be a day of National Mourning, Prayer, and Reflection. All Guyanese should take time to honour and remember the lives lost, and to reflect on the condition and ill health of the Republic on its 38^th anniversary. Guyana is in a perilous state and only a combination of divine intervention and a display of unity at every level on the part of our leaders will lead to the establishment of a just, peaceful and wholesome Republic. The Inter-Religious Organisations and all religious leaders are urged to mark Republic Day observances by joining the call for a day of mourning, prayer and reflection.

Time to mash, dem find the killer

With tear-filled eyes, 19-year-old minibus conductor, James Hyles stood in the dock of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, yesterday, accused of murdering 11 persons, including five children, at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, last month.

Civilization has returned for now

The big bad gunman Minister of Local Government, Killaman Lall (right) is seen here shaking hands. It is the second time the Minister has been defeated in a fight and was forced to hand over the keys to one of his many jeeps. His first lost came at the hands of sweet woman at the Jerries arena on Camp Street.

P.S. It's good to see the Minister shaking hands.

Pin the tail on the donkey

James Hyles, 19 was charged today with the murder of 11 residents of Lusignan today and the matter has been transfered to Vigilance. This should be very interesting. Catch one pin all the murders on him. Good security work guys. Keep it up! Now you have to find another guy to pin the Bartica attack on. Torture another and flush out information.

T&T guns for gunmen

February 19, 2008

Hon Patrick Manning

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Office of the Prime Minister

Whitehall, Maraval Road

Port-of-Spain, W.I

Dear Prime Minister Manning:

The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) notes your announcement that the government of Trinidad and Tobago will provide a helicopter and special weapons for Guyana 's security forces, to assist in their fight against crime. CGID lauds the generosity of the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago as well as its alacrity and readiness in rendering crucial assistance to the people of Guyana during this period of national security crisis.

The Lisugnan and Bartica massacres demonstrate that Guyana's security forces and national security infrastructure have been negligently disregarded and left to degenerate to the nadir, resulting in their collapse. As a result, there is a total breakdown of law and order in the society. Criminal elements with an apparent political agenda, now pose a serious challenge to the state.

Upon its assumption to office in 1992, the People's Progressive Party government ( PPP ) deliberately deprived the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as well as the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) of funds, resources and modern equipment because of unfounded trepidations that the mainly African Guyanese populated forces would use such resources to undermine the PPP government. It effectively diminished and demoralized the armed forces, as a political strategy.

The GPF and GDF are indispensable to the maintenance of law and order and the country's national security. The Institute is therefore pleased that the government of Trinidad and Tobago fully recognizes the critical needs of the security forces of Guyana, for adequate resources and modern equipment, in order to perform their constitutional mandate, and, has stepped up to the challenge, in the spirit of Caricom, by acting decisively to assist. One wishes that the people of Guyana could have benefited from this advanced level of national security consciousness and interest from their government.

In this context, the Institute expresses grave concerns about the ultimate use of the resources which the good people of Trinidad and Tobago will provide to the government of Guyana, as criminal elements turned out to be among the beneficiaries of such previous assistance by the international community. The same is true of the weaponry which has been procured for the GDF.

Guyana today is a dangerous and dubious place. It has emerged as a State with worrying signs of despotism. It is a virtual narco-dictatorship on a rapid path to becoming a full-fledged ethnocracy. The state verifiably engages in torture. There is a belief that the Jagdeo administration has an insidious, oppressive noose around the collective necks of Afro Guyanese and is attempting to drive them into subjugation and impoverishment.

Since 2003, over four hundred African Guyanese young men have been killed extra-judicially or executed by "Phantom" death squads allegedly connected to the ruling party and the government. Former Minister of Home Affairs and National Security, Ronald Gajraj was forced to resign over these allegations. There have been no arrests or prosecutions for these murders and CGID believes that there have been no serious investigations of them either.

CGID, and indeed me personally, steadfastly believe in and support all efforts to foster racial harmony and racial unity in Guyana. However, just as we are committed to racial unity, we are uncompromisingly obligated to promoting racial equality and equal protection under the constitution. The government of Guyana demonstrates deep proclivities to ethnic prejudices. We therefore exhort you to use your influence and diplomatic and other leverage, as a CARICOM leader, to prod the Jagdeo administration to launch an investigation into these killings, just as the Lusignan and Bartica killings must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. This would be an important step towards achieving social justice.

Furthermore, drug-barons are allowed to operate openly with impunity. One individual was arrested in 2003 by the security forces with a sophisticated computer system, which can only be acquired legitimately in a government to government transaction, with the capacity to scan and record telephone conversations within the country. The individual was unjustifiably released from the criminal justice system. Subsequently, in 2006, when the said individual's business establishments were raided by the joint services, he, with impunity, announced that he had tapped the telephone lines of then Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix. He then released several alleged recordings of Commissioner Felix's telephone conversations. The only response from the government was a request of the FBI to verify whether or not one of the voices on the recordings was indeed that of Commissioner Felix.

The said individual was later arrested in Surinam and deported. In route to Guyana, he was picked up by US Federal Agents, on charges ranging from alleged importation of narcotics substances into the US, to conspiracy. At that time, President Bharrat Jagdeo and other Guyanese government officials criticized the actions of the US government and even accused your government of facilitating "renditioning" by the United States. Additionally, President Jagdeo ostensibly angrily disbanded the military intelligence unit of the GDF because it raided this individual's properties without his prior knowledge and consent.

These misguided actions, apparent death squad and other corrupt machinations, continue to fuel allegations that individuals in the government are in bed with criminals and are the direct beneficiaries of the criminal enterprise they pretend to fight.

The US State Department's 2007 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report on Guyana states that "The GOG's counternarcotics efforts suffer from a lack of adequate law enforcement resources, poor inter-agency coordination, and widespread corruption. News media routinely report on instances of corruption reaching to high levels of government that go uninvestigated and unpunished."

The report also said that "The GOG has yet to implement the substantive initiatives of its National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) for 2005-2009. Guyana is a party to the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (the 1988 UN Drug Convention) but still needs to pass and implement additional legislation to meet its obligations under the convention."

Consequently, CGID urges that you secure an assurance from the Government of Guyana that the resources your government will provide is used for the intended purpose of fighting crime, including drug trafficking and hunting down murderers, and will not be surreptitiously turned over to criminals, drug-barons and death squads to enhance their enterprises. We also recommend that the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago be assured that its resources will not be used to engage in torture, extra-judicial killings and other crimes against humanity.

Finally, it is critical that the perilous situation in Guyana be given a forum at the next Caricom Heads of Government meeting, in an effort to foster an immediate resolution of the degenerating security situation, while securing the overall safety of the Guyanese people as well as engendering sustainable political solutions to Guyana's many multi-dimensional challenges; efforts in which the Government of Guyana has failed miserably to date.

Yours sincerely,

Rickford Burke

President

CC: Dr. Edwin W. Carrington, Secretary General of CARICOM

Petition for UN help to save Guyana

Petition here

Who really mashing?

Bandits mash up Region Eight and Lusignan, yet this Government preparing to hold Mashramani on Saturday. It is unclear if all of the B-12 victims would be buried by then. The disrespect continues and I am sure that this year if it proceeds, Mash will not have a large participation. Maybe Jagdeo and his Cabinet will wine up and party in the streets because in that grouping, there are a few "Spirit-filled" characters.

Empty words, substantial losses

The President had his chance to quack and he did so through the Government’s “gopher”, the so-called information agency.

We read the President’s statements with great retrousse. Admittedly, we were retched by his political stance because he choose to dabble in reverie over the most recent horrendous Bartica slaying.

Clueless as usual, the President has displayed idiosyncrasies that are unbecoming of a head-of-state. His casual and incompetent leadership has plunged this country in a state of anxiety.

Peace-loving citizens have lost hope and there can be no recompense what so ever for this. Nothing is more evident from the fact that Government believes that the security forces cannot foil another rampage. Where are the assurances and the decisive actions? Cabinet members have flung the word terrorism in the face of Guyanese without careful thought of its impact, but maybe its an admission of its failure to arrest the situation. Home-based terrorism can lead to UN interventions and more importantly it can be used as a basis on which citizens can seek asylum. Again thoughtless and empty words.

Guyana has relapsed into a state of hypothermia, as cold-blooded killers continue to strike at will. This Government has left this nation in the lurch as evident from the President’s departure shortly before the Bartica attack, and the total disrespect in the Parliament displayed by his Cabinet members. Jagdeo’s premature pronouncement that the Bartica and Lusignan attacks were pure robbery reflects his deep deception of the multiplicity of the crime situation confronting this South American nation.

It is not our intention to dive into the President’s attempt to dodge the fundamental issues of crime and its causes, but we will spotlight the dark areas and highlight the achievements of the security measures.

The recent slaying has attracted worldwide attention and at least our CARICOM journalists have already touched down here to report on the occurrences.

We wait with abated breath for a response from the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief. We must not allow the President to babble and shift blame to the security forces, since the President commands the joint services. This was evident from his master chess strokes in the Guyana Defence Force last year. We must condemn the beastly efforts of those who seek to sow seeds of division and to rebuke influential persons seek to charter a course for Guyana along a fractured pathway.

We applaud the launch of the Citizen's Security Programme today with some amount of apprehension, since it appears the programme is yet another plaster to heal a gaping wound. Too many failed security plans are stuck in the pipeline, many are still on paper gathering dust. How many more must die before these plans are flushed out?

We will not blast the Drug Strategy Master Plan, neither the Crime Stoppers Programme. No we will not! The evidence of failure is glaring. We will not waste time to whip the Government over the Discipline Forces Commission Report. Laugh time done, time for serious and decisive leadership has come.

It was laugh time for this Government following the Lusignan massacre as the President puffed his frail chest and balked at meeting the Opposition Leader until a declaration was made that Buxton is a haven for bandits. It was surely Mashramani time in the National Assembly when the Government trampled a motion to debate the Lusignan killings, which would have called for firm action. It was a comical charade when none other than the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee sought to grandstand the Speaker of the National Assembly. Quite despicable and sordid.

Dr. Roger Luncheon continues to smile at an ex-army officer, who is willing to negotiate with the criminals for them to law down arms. Why is this man still walking freely and not part of any of the stakeholders meetings. Notwithstanding the Government's fear of this former officer, there is need for this man to quizzed and not tortured. We need to hear from this gentleman.

This Government must not be allowed to parry further, least more innocent lives perish. We would admit here and now that Guyana is a haven for criminals.

Let us unite and let us ensure that those who lead are held accountable!

The real perspective

Confused by the Bartica attack, the security forces have not held a press conference to explain to this nation what transpired in Bartica, neither have they issued a statement on the attack. Based on media reports from the Government Kaieteur News , one gang slaughtered 23 Guyanese, including five children, in the space of 22 days.

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