Amidst deteriorating conditions at the municipality
MAYOR AGAIN CRIES “FOUL” AGAINST STATE AND ASSOCIATED ENTITIES
- But stakeholders blame Mayor, city management for City’s woes
BY PARVATI PERSAUD-EDWARDS
ON Monday last, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) disconnected electricity from a number of municipal services in the city for unpaid bills totalling $600 million.

According to Mr. Bharat Dindyal, GPL’s CEO, the management of the power company has always sought to negotiate with the Council the exchange of cheques, which would have proven a disadvantage to GPL, since GPL tallies up an approximate $22 million in comparison to City Hall’s $180 million in annual charges.

Dindyal refutes City Hall’s claim of an amount in excess of $750 million owing by the power company to the municipality, and he contends that the fact that the latter is unwilling to provide statistical data to resolve the dual-payment issue and reconcile the monies owing to both entities – one by the other, is proof that the M&CC has no valid documentation to support its claims against GPL.

At a press conference he called yesterday Mayor Hamilton Green again blamed the Government for the woes of the City Council, suggesting that this action by GPL was driven by a masked and wider agenda, and is a prelude to a well-planned propaganda.

However, the Mayor said he would not be easily silenced and made allusions to the dossier drawn up by the joint opposition parties. How this issue relates to City Hall affairs is mystifying.

What is also mystifying is the Mayor’s contention that the PNC’s properties need to be regularized and the status – whether residential, institutional, or commercial, need to be determined before the PNC could pay its taxes.

When questioned if the non-determination of the PNC’s status as relates to taxation means that the PNC has never paid taxes the Mayor said that he does not see the nexus between one and the other.

City Hall’s financial woes and other overwhelming problems have propelled the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry into the Georgetown City Municipality affairs at City Hall, headed by Mr. Keith Burrowes, who was sworn in as sole Commissioner on 5th August 2008 by the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Kellawan Lall.

The Commission, which commenced its work on 17th of September 2008, evolved from the Auditor-General’s Report that highlighted serious breaches in regulations and protocol by the administrative bodies of the municipality, particularly within the City Treasury.

However, Commissioner Burrowes, a technocrat who executes whatever mandate for which he assumes responsibility without fear or favour, is on record as saying that the AG’s report “only touched the tip of the iceberg.” He immediately began a series of meetings with stakeholders before beginning the formal investigations.

Speaking before the panelists of the Inquiry on Friday October 3rd, 2008 during the consultative process, President of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Mr. Carvil Duncan, said that the City Council has created the mess in which it now finds itself.

Except for the politicians driving their own agendas, this is the general consensus of the citizens of Georgetown in particular, and of the nation in general.

Over the duration up to the point that the Commissioner presented the final report to the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Burrowes had to extend and expand the Commission’s mandate to include a multiplicity of areas, including theft and fraudulent acts, while still being consistent with the Terms of Reference.

But while the Commissioner worked indefatigably to explore and resolve situations indicative of financial discrepancies, where analyses showed a deliberate misuse of funds, to the extent that at one point the police had to be called in, the Mayor, in collaboration with certain sections of the media, hounded Mr. Burrowes on one pretext or another on an almost daily basis which, according to the Commissioner, was detracting from the core issues and could have compromised the integrity of the Inquiry report.

However, he adamantly professed that he would not be satisfied in a “cosmetic report,” but in producing relevant documentation that would be instrumental in reconfiguring the operational methodologies at City Hall to catalyze fundamental changes to a decayed and dysfunctional system of management, and through this process, provide the citizens, whom he considers the “shareholders” of the city a viable and functional City Council.

Even in the early stages of the investigation Mr. Burrowes had discovered “serious issues relating to the capacity of the current leadership to effectively manage the various departments, including Treasury which, among other things, impacts negatively on the ability of the Council to ensure that the returns on the investment made in relation to the provision of services are maximized.” (Chronicle: 26th November 2008.)

The absence of documented financial systems, coupled with the unavailability of relevant and updated financial data, have led to the Auditor-General issuing a disclaimer to the Council’s annual financial reports.

After wide consultations with relevant stakeholders, an activity Mr. Burrowes described as “very dynamic,” and an investigation that delved into the web-infested nooks and crannies (literally and figuratively) of the various departments of the Georgetown municipality, three volumes comprising what even Mayor Green described as a professional and comprehensive report on the findings and recommendations of the Commission were formally handed over to Minister of Local Government, Kellawan Lall, at the Hotel Tower on 31st July 2009.

The findings contained in the report reveal that only major changes in the management and governance structure would facilitate the success of the recommended strategies for efficiently and effectively operationalising the municipality.

The Commission has deduced from its investigations that the environment in which the current management operates would seriously impede the work of any new personnel employed or appointed to optimize the operational capabilities and capacity of the municipality.

The recommendations of the Report stress on the primary factor of enhanced accountability and for a mechanism to be created for ensuring that the platform is set for the establishment of a framework that would provide greater oversight of the overall operations of the M&CC.

The Burrowes Report has provided detailed recommendations to address, inter alia: (1) adequate zoning (2) improved governance (3) enhanced debt-recovery, which will lead to a reduction of arrears (4) establish a comprehensive database to ensure that Council is able to determine the various services it offers.

Although Mr. Burrowes had initiated an overhaul and restructuring of the Treasury systems, which will ensure that the accounts for the year 2010 are finally acceptable to the Auditor-General, the Report stipulates a dire necessity for a complete overhaul of the entire management structure before any additional fiscal outlay is made to bolster the Council’s operations.

At a press conference held at the ministry’s boardroom on 30th October, Minister of Local Government, Kellawan Lall, announced that he had decided to accept the recommendations of the Burrowes Commission to terminate the services of Town Clerk Beulah Williams and City Treasurer Roderick Edinboro in the public interest.

He also informed the media that a committee to spearhead the recommendations in the Burrowes Report, contained primarily in Volume 1 of the three-volume report, will shortly be established, consequent upon the submission of the names of two technical representatives from the municipality.

The Minister said that the composition of the implementation committee would include technocrats who transcend the divides in the nation and that political affiliations would not be a factor into consideration and assessments done by the Committee.

Not unexpectedly, Mr. Keith Burrowes, because of his extensive knowledge he acquired during his investigations of the operations of City Hall, has bee asked to chair the committee, another responsibility he has willingly accepted, despite his overburdened work and commitment schedules, which leave him little time to take care of his health and his family. However, Mr. Burrowes says that this would merely be an oversight position, because the Report is so extensive and comprehensive that it is only a matter of devising mechanisms for the implementation of the recommendations.

Both Minister Lall and Mr. Burrowes have expressed their willingness to bring to an end the troubles of the citizens of the City and its environs as early as possible, and the Minister has promised that he will do all within his power to facilitate the process.

Commercial sex worker charged for assaulting reputed husband
- woman tells Court “Your worship, I does pick fare”
A WOMAN who claims that she is a commercial sex worker was yesterday charged for assaulting her reputed husband, and he was also charged for wounding and threatening her.

They both appeared before Magistrate Priya Beharry and pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Particulars of the first charge stated that Belinda John, 29, (no address given) on November 17, 2009, assaulted Gowkarran Sarran.

On the said date, Gowkarran Sarran, 50, (no address given) allegedly wounded and threatened Belinda John.

Police Sergeant Krishnandat Ramana, prosecuting, said both defendants live together and on the day in question they had ‘an argument over sex’. He said after the argument,t Sarran slapped John and she threw a bucket of water on him.

The police said Sarran ran John with a knife around the yard and threatened to kill her. He said neighbours were alerted and they took the knife away from the defendant.

When the magistrate asked John about her occupation, the woman responded: “I does hustle”. The magistrate seemed perplexed and requested for the woman to be more specific, to which she responded: “Your worship, I does pick fare”.

John was placed on $10,000 bail, and Sarran $30,000 bail. The matters will be called again on November 30. (Nathalene DeFreitas)

Investigations on torture allegations to be made public
The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to inform that the Police investigations into the allegation of torture meted out against Twyon Thomas at the Leonora Police Station have been completed and the file sent to the Director of Public Prosecution’s Chambers for advice.

The Ministry has been advised by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Bibi Shalimar Hack, that the file is currently under active consideration and that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will in a few days be in receipt of her advice on the matter.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, on November 6, said that “the report on the investigations will be made public and this will have to be completed in the shortest possible time, before two weeks.”

Following receipt of the advice from the DDP, the Commissioner of Police will provide the Ministry with the report and the DDP’s advice which will be made public in keeping with the President’s public commitment.

Recently, ranks from the Leonora Police Station have been accused of setting a 14-year old boy’s genitals alight while questioning him about the murder of former Region Three Vice Chairman, Ramenauth Bisram.

Government’s defence of public order consistently opposed by PNCR
A statement from the Office of the President last evening said that public records would show that the opposition PNCR has consistently been opposed to the Government of Guyana’s defence of public order and democratic gains in Guyana.

The statement said the opposition PNCR has consistently offered support to criminal gangs that threaten public order and our democratic gains.

“The PNCR, under successive party leaders and their like-minded co- conspirators, has openly supported the aims and objectives of those gangs, joining in the glorification of gang members and leaders in life and in death,” the statement said.

“With the publication of their dossier, the PNCR has succeeded in co-opting the other parliamentary political parties into their grand design.

“The PNCR and other detractors of the Government have focused their attacks on:-

* extra-judicial killings, claiming an accommodation of the Government with the Roger Khans existed, and *

human rights abuses, claiming a systematic resort to torture by the joint services.

“This dossier, representing their masterpiece on anti-government design, is being promoted as crystallising findings and disclosures that support their contentions.

“However, the most preliminary review of their dossier, focusing on the eye-catching, headline grabbing 449 deaths that they attribute to extra judicial killings, human rights abuses, among others, reveals the following

“Among the 449 included among the listed dead in the dossier are:-
1. persons who are alive
2. Persons officially listed as missing;
3. Inexplicably, victims of criminal/terrorists gangs;
4. Recklessly, law enforcement officers, police and soldiers killed in the line of duty;
5. Known wanted criminals who died in armed confrontations with the Joint Services;
6. Victim of vehicular accidents;
7. Cases currently under GPF investigations;
8. Cases subjected to judicial review;
“Furthermore, if their compilation is to be deemed appropriate and comprehensive, the omission of major cases would have to be explained.

“It is obvious that the PNCR and their acolytes in their parliamentary opposition parties have used the publication of the dossier to advance their grand design which is to sensationalise, to confuse, and to score partisan political points using the circumstances of the dead as their primary tool, the statement concluded.

GDF deploys troops to Trinidad and Tobago
A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) contingent comprising three Officers and 61 Other Ranks departed Guyana early yesterday morning, to engage in security duties for the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2009 which is scheduled to be held in the twin-island republic from November 27-29. The contingent is under the command of Major Trevor Bowman.

Major Bowman is upbeat about the troops’ readiness and said he expects them to perform their duties with a high degree of professionalism and to be excellent ambassadors of the GDF and Guyana.

In preparation for their deployment, members of the contingent have been involved in rigorous training at Camp Seweyo over the past three weeks.

Commanding Officer 1 Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel George Lewis wished the contingent well and encouraged them to make Guyana proud through their demonstration of exemplary service while in T&T.

The deployment of this contingent follows an earlier troop deployment to T&T this year for the 5th Summit of The Americas.

On that occasion GDF troops, were commended for the excellence they displayed in the conduct of their duties.

No less is expected from the members of this current contingent who will work closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and the T&T police to ensure a secure environment for the hosting of the CHOGM 2009. The Guyana contingent also comprises 30 members of the Guyana Police Force.

M&M Snackette owner restrained from constructing three storey building at Peter’s Hall
By George Barclay
JUSTICE Frank Holder has granted an injunction restraining Mr. Mookram (only name), the operator of the popular M&M Snackette from proceeding or continuing with the construction of the three (3) storied building on a plot of land at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara.

The judge granted the order to the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council via an ex parte application from Neighbourhood Chairman, Saeed Alik Khan complaining that Mookram, the owner of a plot of land at Peter’s Hall, had without approval, sought to construct the building.

Khan’s injunctive Writs had also included the Central Housing and Planning Authority as a number 2 defendant for granting permission for the construction of a commercial kitchen on the said plot of land although the authority was advised against this measure.

The writ pointed out that the construction therefore is without the approval of the Applicant/Plaintiff.

Additionally, on the 17th day of November, 2009, the Public Health Inspector has issued a cease order under the Public Health Ordinance directed to the

First Named respondent/Defendant to cease construction with immediate effect but to date the First Named Respondent/defendant has refused to comply with the said Cease Order.

The plaintiff is asking the Court to declare that the three (3) storied building being constructed by the First Named Defendant is illegal, and in breach of and contrary to the provisions of the Local government Act, Chapter; 28:02.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of one million dollars and a mandatory injunction compelling the first Named Defendant to demolish the three (3) storied building.

According to the summons which was forwarded by Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Mohabir Anil Nandlall & Associates, the matter was adjourned to December 8, 2009 at 9:00 hrs.

Cops on wounding charges make another court appearance
By Telesha Persaud
DETECTIVE Sergeant in the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Narine Lall, and Constable, Mohanram Dolai, who are facing joint indictable charges of unlawful and felonious wounding, yesterday made another court appearance.

The two policemen were charged with wounding two of the suspects who were detained during the investigation into the murder of former Vice-Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Ramenaught Bisram.

They appeared this time at Vreed-en-Hoop court before Magistrate Nyasha Williams-Hatmin and the cases were postponed to January 5.

Police Sergeant Sherwin Matthews, prosecuting, informed the court that he was not in possession of the file as it is still with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

On November 4, Lall and Dolai appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson and were denied bail, despite efforts by their lawyer Mr. Hukumchand to secure the grant.

However, on November 13, Chief Justice Ian Chang released the duo on their pre-trial freedom.

Lall was granted $250,000 bail while Dolai was released on $175,000.

It is alleged that Lall, 38, of Leonora Police Station compound and Dolai, 30, of Lot 101 Met-en-Meerzorg, both West Coast Demerara addresses, between October 28 and 29, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Nouravi Wilfred.

Another allegation against them said, during the same period, they maliciously wounded Deonarine Rafeek, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him grievous bodily harm.

Police Inspector Deneshwar Mahendranauth, prosecuting, said the two cops were stationed at Leonora and they arrested and investigated the two virtual complainants.

The Prosecutor said the duo used unnecessary force on the detainees causing the public to become involved through the media and he objected to bail for the accused, on the grounds that investigations are ongoing and further charges may be instituted and the accused would tamper with witnesses if released.

Hukumchand however said that the Prosecution did not advance any evidence to support the claim that the policemen, who were in custody for some 96 hours, would interfere with witnesses if granted pre-trial freedom.

The lawyer said Lall has served the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for 20 years and Dolai has eight years service but, throughout, they were neither charged departmentally nor in a Court.

The Prosecutor countered that, because the ranks have spent all that time serving the GPF, they should have known the amount of force that was required.

Hukumchand referred to the accused as ordinary public servants who are employed within a disciplinary organisation.

“Sometimes I’m completely taken aback by the denial of pre-trial liberty when it can be granted,” he lamented, pointing out that some persons in high ranking offices seek to persuade decision makers in certain areas.