Workshop begins crafting national agro-tourism action plan
By Tajeram Mohabir
TOP officials of the Tourism and Agriculture ministries met with others on Thursday to craft innovative measures for inclusion in the National Agro-Tourism Strategy and Action Plan.

Mr. Ignatius Jean, Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which facilitated the one-day discourse at Hotel Tower, in Main Street, Georgetown, said the scheme will outline strategies for:
* linkages to agriculture and tourism specific activities that can be developed from mutually beneficial agro-tourism products;

* the institutional framework for development of the agro-tourism sector and

* the promotion of key areas of competitiveness for private investment.

He said the discussion was also to identify two investment projects that are ‘bankable’ and the owners will participate in a two-day regional investment forum scheduled for Barbados next month.

The workshop, on which the Organisation of American States (OAS) also collaborated, is part of an agro-tourism venture that was started here in 2005, under the theme 'Strengthening of the tourism sector through the development of linkages with the agricultural sector in the Caribbean.'

Some topics that were considered for development at yesterday’s meeting included Guyana’s unique tourism products, culinary and wellness and agro-heritage tourism, both local and overseas.

According to Jean, a spectrum of investment opportunities exist, ranging from in direct production, distribution and marketing to joint ventures for local tours and trans-Caribbean plantation routes and Diaspora trails.

“Opportunities also exist in greenhouse, hydroponics and organic systems to supply hotels, restaurants and spas…in the promotion of fruit orchards and the production of cottage preserves for distribution in the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

“The strengthening of linkages between the tourism and agricultural sectors is a 'win, win' opportunity to renew the tourism market while providing a viable alternative to the livelihoods of the people of the region, especially in the rural communities where there has been significant marginalisation, due to the shrinkage of the agriculture sector,” Jean explained.

He said the agro-tourism enterprise mooted in 2005 has entered its second phase and is part fulfillment of IICA’s mandate under the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’, to revive and expand agriculture in the region to ensure food security.

Jean said, on the local front, it has been tailored to meet the national agenda as outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture.

He said IICA has led the development of agro-tourism linkages with the establishment of a Regional Agri-Tourism Linkages Centre in Barbados, which has since forged alliances with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotels Association (CHA), to demonstrate the benefits that could be obtained from the new agriculture sector.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, told the participants that Government is committed to the development of the sector and recognises the benefits of linkages with the other sectors.

He expressed optimism that the development of a strategy and its implementation will help strengthen these linkages for a vibrant and thriving agro-tourism industry locally.

“It is my hope that this will not be another talk shop or just another strategy which remains on our bookshelves…let us use the opportunities presented to benefit both sectors and make our communities prosperous,” Persaud appealed.

He said the forum is timely and relevant, given domestic efforts to strengthen the two key sectors as well as regional and national concerns over food security.

Persaud said the ‘Jagdeo Initiate on Agriculture’ is a major undertaking by CARICOM to address the issue regionally, through stimulating agricultural production and value-adding to ensure the region’s food security.

“…to an extent, our conservancy areas, while providing a reservoir of fresh water for our crops, is also a wetland habitat, with biodiversity that is rare, unique and even endangered. These conservancy areas are not only accessible but are protected and managed and can offer a range of opportunities for tourism activities, such as bird watching and fishing, among others,” he suggested.

Persaud added: “Our organic farming initiatives in the Rupununi, Essequibo and North West can all serve to diversify Guyana’s tourism product and be developed for agro-tourism. So, too, our projects in aquaculture and inland and marine fisheries.”

He underscored the critical role of local communities, including the indigenous, as well as that of the tourism sector, in packaging and promoting the product and said it must be an integral part of the plan.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, another of the featured speakers, agreed that the prospect for community agriculture in agro-tourism development is bright but said, for it to succeed, Amerindians will have to expand production.

She said cassava can serve as a tourist attraction, simply by showcasing its many fascinating uses, ranging from the extraction of poison to its preparation as a dish.

Rodrigues said other Amerindian communities and Mainstay Resort on Essequibo Coast, where pineapple is planted for export to Europe, can play key roles.

She said Mainstay is not only a visitor’s paradise but the residents can be engaged in successful entrepreneurship.

Rodrigues said similar opportunities abound in more indigenous communities with produce but a good strategy and proper training are needed to convert the potential to reality.

Overwhelming response to ‘Rice Price Buster’ operation 
- GMC General Manager
THE ‘Rice Price Buster’ exercise, being implemented by Government to help local consumers deal with the increased price for this staple, has proven successful and has stimulated similar interventions on the West Coast of Demerara, Berbice and Linden

Through Government’s intervention, quantities of rice were sourced from various millers and exporters and are being sold at lower prices. The commodity is being retailed at a cost of $325 per gallon at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) Guyana Shop located at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.

In addition, two private businesses at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, are involved in the exercise while a similar venture is being considered for Kitty.

GMC’s General Manager, Nizam Hassan, said consumers have been responding well to the exercise, which came into operation on January 28 since more than 140 bags of rice were already sold during the first two and a half days.

He explained that there was limited response on the first day which may have been because of the lack of awareness among consumers. However, there have since been more advertisements including frequent notices on the radio which have contributed to more persons utilising the opportunity. 

Although there are adequate stocks, arrangements have been made for more supplies which are expected shortly. This is being facilitated by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) which has been very instrumental and supportive in ensuring adequate supplies.

Hassan explained that GMC’s involvement in the activity is in keeping with its responsibility to address hiccups that may exist in the distribution chain, for any particular commodity.

The exercise will be taken to other locations in the country during the weekend.

The demand for rice on the regional and international markets have increased significantly in recent years, particularly as a result of heightened focus on ethanol using corn and other agricultural crops as the feed-stock.

This has resulted in more market opportunities while at the same time, it has contributed to increased cost for certain agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, spare parts for agricultural machinery and fuel.

In Guyana, Government has made several interventions to help farmers overcome the high cost of input so that they can benefit from the increased market opportunities.

The exemption of Value Added Tax from basic input such as fertilisers, removal of the tax from spare parts for tractors and combines used in the rice industry and reduction of Excise Tax from fuel, are among some of the main initiatives.

Approximately $8B is currently being invested in the industry to improve drainage and irrigation, provide technical assistance and water management in Essequibo, enhance extension services and research development and carry out other necessary infrastructural improvements. Another major intervention by Government includes establishment of the $1.6B financial facility that provides credit at low interest rates to farmers, producers, exporters, millers and other stakeholders. (GINA)

Republic Bank, UG celebrate five-year awards partnership
REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited and the University of Guyana (UG), on Wednesday, celebrated their partnership by recognising and honouring three graduates.

At a simple ceremony, Senior Manager, Corporate and Management Services, Mr. Keith Johnson, said Republic Bank is strongly committed to enhancing the power to learn and succeed, which promotes and rewards academic excellence through its ‘Power to make a difference’ initiative.

Ms. Dionne Frank, who was valedictorian at last year's UG graduation, got the Bank Chairman’s Award, as the best graduating student in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Mr. Ryan Clarke was awarded as the best graduating student in banking and finance and the best graduating student from Tain Campus, in Berbice, Mr. Imran Alli also got an award.

Manager of Legal Services, Ms. Christine McGowan, pointed out that the bank joined UG five years ago to promote and reward excellence at the institution.

Today, the areas of collaboration between the two entities include subscriptions to business journals for the university library, scholarships for students and a soon to be unveiled programme for empowering final year undergraduates to enter the workplace.

“At Republic Bank, we believe that, at the core of our corporate responsibility, lies the need to make a difference in the lives of Guyanese. We also believe that we have the power to make a difference,” he asserted.

“Our major focus, in this regard, is the promotion of education and youth development across our nation and it is a distinct privilege to partner with other entities, in giving our youth the power to learn and succeed,” McGowan said.

JFK terror plot...
Trinidad judge postpones ruling on Guyanese extradition challenge
THE two Guyanese among those charged with conspiracy to blow up fuel tanks at JFK Airport in New York will now have to wait longer to know if they are going to be extradited to the United States (U.S.).

That is because High Court Judge Nolan Bereaux has delayed, until February 12, his decision on their extradition from Trinidad.

The ruling was originally scheduled for Thursday but Justice Bereaux postponed it as he had not completed writing his reasons.

Abdul Kadir, 56, former Member of the Guyana Parliament and Abdel Nur, 57, along with 62-year-old Abdul Kareem Ibrahiim, a Trinidadian, are challenging an order previously made by Trinidad Chief Magistrate, Sherman Nichols, last August 6, to extradite them.

Meantime, the trio remains incarcerated in a Trinidad jail where they have been since June 2007.

Another accused, Guyanese-born Russel DeFreitas, a former cargo handler at JFK, is imprisoned in New York awaiting trial, too.

Rotarians celebrating ‘World Understanding Day’ February 15
THE Rotary Club of Georgetown will join in the international celebration of ‘World Understanding Day’ with a February 15 gala dinner at Le Meridian Pegasus Hotel.

At that function, the feature address will be delivered by Mr. Perry Christie, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

A release said invitees to the occasion include other parliamentarians, Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of civil society and Rotarians in the Guyana family.

The release said, during the month of February every year, 1,200,000 Rotarians in 166 countries celebrate World Understanding Month, as a reflection of the horrors of ignorance, poverty and conflict and the importance of energising the efforts of those who promote understanding through a continuing search for justice, peace and development.

It was once thought that international understanding would be achieved through the expansion of world trade and instantaneous communication. However, although globalisation contributes to bringing the world closer together, the challenges for universal understanding, tolerance and peace are becoming increasingly elusive, the release stated.

Prominent GEPAC member laid to rest
…Consul General Doobay among hundreds paying last respects
By Frederick Halley
TORONTO - There was an outpouring of grief at the All Nations Full Gospel Church in Toronto, Canada on Saturday last, as hundreds turned out to pay their last respects to the late Cleveland Charles Moore, a prominent member of the Guyanese community.

The 70-year-old Moore, credited as being a stalwart member of the Guyana Ex-police Association of Canada (GEPAC), died on January 10 at the Sunnybrook Hospital following a prolonged illness.

At the time of his demise, he was the Business Manager of GEPAC, after serving in various capacities including that of president and secretary.

Among those in the packed church were Guyana’s Consul General Danny Doobay, executives and members of GEPAC, representatives of the Guyana ex-soldiers of Canada and members of the Guyana Ex-police Association of America.

In a moving tribute, the Consul General said the community and indeed the country had lost a great son.

According to Doobay, he first met Moore in 1993 when the now deceased was instrumental in spearheading the Palms Restoration Project. “His honesty, intensity, firmness and commitment to his community and people were steadfast,” Doobay pointed out.

“Let us commit ourselves in his name that we are going to walk in his footsteps and do the things that he would have done,” Doobay advised the large congregation.

Current president of GEPAC William Henry, in his tribute, spoke highly of Moore, pointing out that his wisdom and intuition were remarkable. According to Henry, “as a member of GEPAC, he became so prominent in the way he articulated, the reports he presented, his Motions on the Floor, citations from the GEPAC Constitution, The Human Rights Code, and his advancement of Robert’s Rules of Order, that he became one of the pillars upon which we leaned.

“Cleveland learned quickly the thing he liked. He was always thoughtful and kind. He knew the meaning of brotherhood. Unlike the average person, he would die for his convictions rather than give up on his beliefs.

“Like Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s Wartime Prime Minister, Cleveland, had the capacity, ability and determination to rally troops. A politician, strategist, communicator, debater, tactician and philanthropist – this brother was a combination of all of these rolled into one,” Henry asserted.

“In paying tribute to Moore, it would be remiss, should I neglect to mention three ‘big ones’:

(i) The GEPAC first international re-union of May, 1999 was the brain-child of Moore.

(ii) that in the current re-written GEPAC Constitution, although I was the advocate of adding siblings of policemen to the membership, it was Moore who successfully fought the issue for their equal rights.

(iii) In the Collation, Communication and Information on members and membership – In these matters, I sincerely believe that the late Cleveland would give even the great past president Gordon Collins a good run for his money.

“Cleveland has lived an enjoyable life. He did have good times. Now he moves on to the realm of painlessness and eternity; but the memories and contribution he left will last forever in our hearts,” Henry disclosed.

The New York Chapter of the Guyana Ex-police Association of America was represented by Glydon Coleman, who told the audience that Moore’s passing was also observed in New York where a service was held in his honour.

Coleman and Moore were members of the same batch who joined the then British Guiana Police Force in the early 60s. Moore, whose regulation number was 6272, however, migrated to Canada in 1965 and has been living there until he passed away.

Among others paying tributes were GEPAC’s treasurer Cleveland Chester and Trustee Roy Soobrian while Past President John O’Dell rendered a solo and member Lance Alexander did a poem.

Former members of the Guyana Police Force Band, Jan Morgan and Casburt Jeffrey, blew the Last Post at the Beechwood Cemetery where the remains were buried. Morgan had earlier done a fine rendition of Amazing Grace during the nearly two-hour long funeral service.

Moore leaves to mourn his wife Joyce and two children from the relationship among other relatives.

SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES
By Hydar Ally
THERE are in the life of every nation, pathological situations which create in the collective conscience of the body politic, spasms of pain and revulsion. One such situation was the recent slaughter of eleven persons, including five children of the Lusignan community, whose lives were snuffed out by criminal elements in the most savage and barbaric manner imaginable.

The incident, as to be expected, generated widespread anger and hurt. People from the Lusignan and the adjoining communities were particularly agitated to a point where they took to the streets to demonstrate their collective anger and rage over what they perceived to be the inability of the security forces to protect them from criminal elements.

Members of the security forces and senior government officials were made in no uncertain terms to experience the wrath of citizens for their apparent failure to provide them with the protection as provided for in the Constitution of Guyana.

What is disgusting and sickening about this unfortunate tragedy were the attempts made to politicise the issue and in the process create the impression that the responsibility for the deadly attacks were that of the ruling administration and not the criminal gangs which had openly vowed to create mayhem and disorder in the society.

The fact that the murderous attacks took place in the vicinity of the Afro-centred Buxton community sand-witched by predominantly Indo-Guyanese communities, created fertile ground for ethno-cultural imputations. Buxton, after all, had been at the centre of numerous attacks, some deadly, in which the majority of the victims were of East Indian descent.

It is common knowledge that criminal elements sought sanctuary in the Buxton community and the adjacent backlands from which they unleash their criminal actions.

In the case of Lusignan, the overriding motive was certainly not economic as nearly all of the victims were of extremely modest means. There were no evidence of conspicuous lifestyles which showed clearly that the motive of the killings were anything but economic.

It seems logical to assume therefore, that the underlying motive behind the Lusignan killings was to create fear and a sense of paralysis among the Guyanese people and a perception that the Government of Guyana is unable to live up to its constitutional mandate which is to protect the nation from attacks against person and property.

As to be expected, calls were made in the media by well known anti-government elements for the resignation of key government functionaries, including the Home Affairs Minister and the Police Chief. Some were even calling for the resignation of President Jagdeo.

Even more worrying were attempts to drive a wedge between the two major ethnic groups - Blacks and East Indians, by imputing ethnic considerations into the murders.

One newspaper, the Kaieteur News, in its front page comment even went to the ridiculous length of accusing the PPP for being behind the spontaneous protest actions in an effort to create mischief and drive a wedge between the ruling Party and the Government.

There are still others who accuse the government of being incapable of dealing with the crime situation but are vehemently opposed to the army being called upon to render assistance to police and civilian forces in the fight against crime and terrorism. The fact of the matter is that no society, no matter how strongly endowed in terms of policing and military strength, can guarantee the safety of all its citizens from criminal attacks.

Crime regardless of its source knows no geographical boundaries and affects everyone regardless of race or ethnicity. Our experience in the early 1960’s demonstrated that no ethnic group is spared the deadly and chilling effects of ethnic strife and tension. The scars of the 60’s are still too fresh in the institutional memory of this nation for any right-thinking Guyanese to even contemplate a return to such a sordid past.

It is to the credit of the PPP/C administration and the security forces that genuine expressions of anger were not allowed to degenerate into manifestations of ethnic conflagration as some people were seeking to provoke. The security forces have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that society is not reduced to a state of anomie and lawlessness in which men are reduced to a state of nature in which there is, in the words of the English Philosopher Thomas Hobbes, a state in which there is “war of all against all’ and where the laws of the jungle prevails.

Modern society is based on the rule of law and a governance mechanism in which the rights of both the majority and minority are respected and upheld. Guyana has come a long way in this regard. This does not mean, however, that there is not room for improvement.

The search for a more inclusive and participatory society must continue to be on the front burner.

Now that the eleven Lusignan victims have been laid to rest, we should all recommit ourselves to a crime free society where attack on one must be seen as an attack on all, regardless of race, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is the best way in which we can honour the memories of the Lusignan victims and those who were killed in the line of providing security service to this society of ours.

My deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of all those who perished at the hands of criminal elements. May their souls rest in peace. 

Prashad announces another special offer for local tourists
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, recently announced that a special package to visit the Iwokrama rainforest will be among several great offers for local tourists this year.

Speaking at Ogle Airport, East Coast Demerara, where he welcomed a group from New York, he said the initiative will be similar to the 2007 Kaieteur offer, for which the air fare was reduced by more than 50 per cent and attracted 440 visitors.

Prashad said the promotion is intended to give ordinary Guyanese an opportunity to traverse the Iwokrama canopy walkway, which is one of only three worldwide, to observe the breathtakingly rich flora and fauna in the jungle.

He said he would meet with Iwokrama and airline officials next week to work out the arrangements and a special bus journey will be negotiated for persons interested in travelling overland.

Prashad lauded the Private Sector support for the Kaieteur trip last year and appealed for similar assistance in the Iwokrama venture.

“We believe if more people know about Guyana locally, they will be able to tell their families overseas about the wonders of this country and that would encourage them to visit,” he stated.

Prashad revealed that top Carib News official, Mr. Carl Rodney, recently held talks with President Bharrat Jagdeo to convene a major tourism conference here in November, with about 300 persons attending.

Meanwhile, Prashad accorded a warm welcome to President of the Queens, New York borough, Ms. Helen Marshall, who was here to explore the natural wonders and rediscover her family roots.

Asked her impression about this country, she replied: “Everything is beautiful, the (water) falls are absolutely fantastic...I am really impressed.

Marshall discussed with Minister Prashad several special tourism packages, including tickets that will cover all the expenses of visitors.

ERC suggests forgiveness, apology for tear gas incident
CHAIRMAN of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Bishop Juan Edghill, has called on students and teachers of Urmilla‘s Institute, at Mon Repos, to forgive the policemen who used tear gas, on Monday, to disperse protesters against the Lusignan massacre, also on East Coast Demerara.

As a solution to the stand-off over the incident, he also appealed to the policemen involved to apologise to the teachers and students who were affected by what he called their “careless” action.

Addressing an assembly in the school building Wednesday, Edghill declared “only responsible and macho persons know the importance of saying sorry” and he implored the Police to heed his advice.

He promised that the ERC will raise the matter with the Acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene.

One male parent, in the Wednesday gathering, agreed with Edghill that his suggestions would bring closure to the issue and encouraged the other parents to start focusing on the future.

According to one female teacher at the institution, the Police were told in advance that a school nearby was in session and pleaded with them, but to no avail, to use discretion in containing the protesters.

The teacher said about six persons were attempting to burn tyres on the road at the time but the others in the protest were peaceful.

She lamented that the Police acted irresponsibly, resulting in one student being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) while 48 more were treated and sent away.

One parent also fell and broke her leg in the haste to get her child out of the school and to safety, the teacher reported.

She said, that evening, she related what had happened to the students to the same group of policemen who were stationed at Mon Repos Market Road but they “mindlessly” laughed at her.

The parents said their children are still traumatised by the event but the Chairman assured them that the ERC will provide counselling to restore them to normalcy.

Region Three Administration joins mourning for Lusignan victims
THE Regional Administration of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) has joined with other Guyanese in mourning the loss of life of the 11 persons, including five children, who were brutally assassinated by gunmen at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, last Saturday.

A release said the administration wishes to convey its deepest sympathy and profound condolence to the bereaved families on their irreplaceable loss.

The release also condemned the dastardly act of terrorism and urged the security forces to do all that is necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice within the shortest possible time.

“The administration is of the view that our security forces can do better and further wishes to remind that time is of the essence,” the release said.

Meanwhile, it announced that ‘National Day of Mourning’ was being observed yesterday and, consequently, the Regional Children’s Mash Competition was rescheduled to today.

However, the venue remains Den Amstel Community Centre, West Coast Demerara.

STANDARDS CORNER
IMPORTERS OF COMMODITIES PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE.
Importers are persons who arrange to have goods or items brought into Guyana from the various countries for resale to consumers.

This puts our importers in a very responsible position as they are the ones who must select quality items to supply Guyanese consumers. Importers should therefore, be very careful when they are selecting their products. Additionally, measures must be taken to assess the suppliers’ capacity to meet satisfactory quality requirements for products since money, health, safety and the general well being of citizens must be secured.

It is essential that goods imported conform to relevant Guyana Standards, Code of Practices, Guidelines or the relevant Regional or International Standards.

Methods that importers can use to assess the suppliers’ capacity to meet these requirements include:

* Examining product regulations in the suppliers’ countries.

* Checking for quality certificates. This means that products have met quality standards and are approved by the country’s National Standards Organisation or a related Agency.

* Ensuring products bear certification marks from the country of manufacture.

* Seeking advice from the local standards body or the related regulatory agency.

Although an importer may have taken steps to ensure that the supplier selected is in a position to provide quality goods, inspection in Guyana is still necessary by the Bureau of Standards or the relevant Regulatory Agency. Labels, quality certificates and other documentations must be examined and appliances and other goods are required to be tested when necessary to ensure compliance.

NB. Importers must ensure that commodities imported into Guyana are labelled in the ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

City Hall states...
Arrangement over GWI, M&CC debts appears difficult
GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI) has warned the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that, if the municipality does not pay its outstanding bills, the service will be disconnected.

City Hall Public Relations Officer, Royston King, acknowledged yesterday that the supply to municipal properties, including the markets, is at risk.

He explained that, having regard to the Council’s indebtedness to GWI, the relevant internal agency has started a process of verification to secure the integrity of its accounts at the utility.

Mr. King said the procedure is taking some time but claimed that GWI owes the M&CC in excess of $212M.

“As a result, the Council had hoped that there could have been an arrangement between the corporation and the municipality, after the verification. As it stands, this appears to be difficult to achieve,” he stated.

King said the Council has drawn the situation to the attention of the public because it believes the citizens have a right to know the state of affairs.

“This would allow them to cooperate and support the collective efforts at City Hall to improve conditions,” he said.

At a press conference last week, GWI had announced that it would take ‘big businesses’ to Court, this year for money owed.

Chief Executive Officer, Karan Singh, called on them to pay up or face the consequences.

Following Lusignan massacre...
Several more organisations, institutions condemn terror murders
SEVERAL more organisations and institutions have issued condemnatory statements about the massacre of 11 people, including five children, at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, last Saturday.

In its statement, Green Path Foundation, of Melanie Damishana, condemned the “senseless killings”, the shooting at Police Headquarters and the murder of Guyana Defence Force soldier Ivor Williams at Buxton, also on East Coast Demerara.

“The pains and grief of the families are shared among all citizens of the country,” Green Path said, before adding its condolences and calling on the Joint Services to bring the perpetrators to justice and for a commission of inquiry into all the recent terror events.

The Global Organisation of Peoples of Indian Origin (GOPIO) expressed strong and unequivocal condemnation of the execution style murders of the eleven, calling the crimes “the most blatant and reprehensible” against innocent people.

GOPIO noted the shock, pain and anguish of the families and friends of the victims and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved while offering prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The grouping urged the people of Guyana to stand together and denounce such acts of crime and violence and hoped the security forces will apprehend the murderers promptly and make them face justice as expeditiously as possible.

The Indian Religious, Cultural and Social Organisation (IRC&SO) of West Demerara, also commented on the “senseless and brutal murder of eleven human beings and the wounding of others by inhumane criminals at Lusignan.”

The said IRC&SO viewed the use of guns to murder innocent and defenceless Guyanese, including five children, as a ghastly and cowardly act and, similarly, the attack on Police Headquarters.

It implored the law enforcement agencies to take all necessary actions to bring the cowards to justice and tendered sincere condolences to the bereaved relatives and friends of the murder victims.

The IRC&SO said it will continue to pray for the full recovery of those who were wounded by the cowards masquerading as gunmen.

It said all Guyanese and every community must guard against persons who may seek to use the tragedy to create ethnic tension and interfere with the love and respect of each Guyanese.

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) mentioned the anguish and grief of the sorrowing relatives over the loss of their loved ones who became victims of violence and terror that recently gripped the nation.

“The Mayor and Councillors pray for the comfort of the bereaved and hope that Guyanese can work together to create an environment of justice, tolerance and peace,” said the statement from City Hall.
At Demerara Assizes...
Sentencing for murder accused convicted of manslaughter postponed

THE accused in the Friendship murder case at the Demerara Assizes, yesterday changed his plea to guilty of the lesser count and Justice Roxanne George postponed sentencing on him, pending a probation report on his background.

Edwin Jones, 26, had been indicted for the capital offence following the unlawful killing of Leon Boyce called ‘Roachie’, at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, between February 14 and 15, 2005.

But he was convicted of manslaughter after State Prosecutor Leron Daly accepted the plea to that offence and the judge instructed the jury to formally return a guilty verdict.

At that stage, Defence Counsel Jolyon Hatmin requested that the Court order a probe into the character of the convict before pronouncing penalty.

Justice George acceded to the request and remanded Jones to prison until February 18.

The case for the Prosecution was that the two men were involved in a confrontation over the victim's girlfriend and Boyce dealt the first blow before the prisoner retaliated by inflicting fatal cutlass wounds.

The post mortem report revealed that Boyce suffered eight incised wounds and died from shock and haemorrhage.

Hatmin had submitted that there was no direct evidence to establish that an act of the accused resulted in the death, but the judge overruled the submission yesterday morning and said it was a fit case for the jury to decide.

However, Jones decided to plead guilty to manslaughter before Justice George could call on him for a defence.

OAS commends political collaboration on registration process
THE Organisation of American States (OAS) has commended the Government and the main Opposition political party on their collaborative effort in the execution of the ongoing house-to-house registration.

OAS Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Albert Ramdin, speaking during a visit here earlier this week, said the collaboration is a welcome sign that both the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) have agreed on the exercise, because that was one of the problems at the time of the 2006 general elections.

He said it is a significant move for the country and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must now be given the opportunity to execute the process in such an effective manner that there are no doubts about the quality of the voters list.

“I understand that things are progressing well and I hope that it will not be disturbed by issues like security situations,” Ramdin said.

He said he hopes that all issues surrounding the registration procedure could be resolved for completion of the new listing ahead of the 2011 balloting.

Ramdin added that the OAS wishes to see GECOM prepare more effectively for the next elections.

He was on a Caribbean tour inclusive of Trinidad and Suriname and took the opportunity to meet the relevant authorities here and talk about some of the ongoing hemispheric issues.

In Guyana, Ramdin had discussions with GECOM officials, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Foreign Minister, Mr. Rudy Insanally and members of the international community, among others.

The registration now taking place marks yet another milestone in the Government's commitment to multi-party parliamentary democracy based on free and fair elections that is consistent with the rule of law.

The initiative for its conduct was born out of the need for the creation of an indubitable National Register of Registrants database that could be used as the basis for the preparation of electoral lists which would be commonly acceptable by all stakeholders.

After industrial action...
Woodlands Hospital staff to resume normal work today
By Tajeram Mohabir
THE staff of Woodlands Hospital, in Carmichael Street, Georgetown, who took industrial action yesterday, will resume normal work today, Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Mohamed Akeel announced.

He told the Guyana Chronicle agreement for the resumption was reached at a meeting between Guyana Labour Union (GLU) General Secretary, Mr. Carvil Duncan and the Hospital Administration, convened at the Labour Ministry.

Akeel said the two parties will meet again on Monday to discuss the recognition of GLU as representative of the employees.

Nurses, nurse-aids, porters and security guards at Woodlands, carrying slogans outside the workplace indicating their concerns, protested the alleged refusal to acknowledge the GLU as their bargaining agent.

Duncan told this newspaper, amidst the picketing demonstration, that the union is committed to peacefully resolving the dispute.

He said the results of a survey conducted by the Labour Ministry, in late 2006, established that the workers favoured the GLU and, subsequently, the ministry, on February 27, 2007, certified it.

Duncan explained that, in keeping with the certification, he wrote Woodlands and submitted proposals for perusal but is yet to receive a response.

He said several letters were written to the Labour Ministry on the issue but the union was informed that nothing could be done although it has satisfied the terms and conditions set out by law.

Meanwhile, one of the Woodlands directors, Mr. Abraham Fung-a-Fat, in invited comments, said the hospital has no problem with the workers being unionised.

He acknowledged that the institution was surveyed in 2006 but said the results were not disclosed until after eight months and, since then, there has been a high staff turnover and they would like another analysis to be undertaken among the new staffers.

Fung-A-Fat said there was no reason for the work stoppage as the matter was being discussed at the Labour Ministry.

He maintained that the strike did not affect the hospital operations because most of the strikers are trainees.

Yet Fung-A-Fat expressed disappointment, noting that the interruption has extended the duration of their study and huge sums of money have been invested in the training programme.

He assured that the administration will not penalise the workers and is optimistic that good sense will prevail and normalcy would quickly return.

NFMU ceases two-way radio operations in campaign
By Alex Holder
THE National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) has stopped transmission by three two-way radio users, following the January 7 deadline they were given to comply with the law.

NFMU Managing Director, Mr. Valmicky Singh said they were either unlicensed, did not renew their licences or operated on unauthorised frequencies.

He said they intend to continue the campaign against defaulters, including in the hinterland.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Singh said a few persons were arrested for attempting to obstruct the drive but the NFMU has not yet prosecuted anyone although it has not ruled out the possibility and is seeking legal advice in all the cases.

He said the NFMU is urging all unauthorised frequency users to make all the necessary arrangements to operate legitimately and avoid confiscation and prosecution.

“It is not difficult for them to comply with the law. If you do not have a licence, you need to apply and wait for it before you start operating,” Singh advised.

He said persons with radio antennas that are non-functional and would like to avoid a search of their premises should remove them, as their presence suggests that equipment is operational from that location and the NFMU is authorised by law to carry out searches, inspections and seize, usually after the sight or report of an unregistered antenna.

Application forms to establish and operate two-way radios can be obtained from the NFMU, Lot 68 Hadfield Street, D’Urban Park, Georgetown.

Singh said the NFMU has detected that a number of persons have been operating illegally for a variety of reasons.

He said significant breaches were recorded through the high frequency (HF) communication network, used mainly by miners and others operating in the interior.

Singh said the problem with the unauthorised frequency usage is that the frequencies chosen are often assigned to other individuals or entities and can cause unusual interferences for those authorised.

“You also find people operating on aeronautical and maritime frequencies,” he said, pointing out that it is particularly dangerous, as most of those are utilised for air traffic control, navigation and even emergency purposes.

“If you find persons on land using those frequencies that were specifically allocated and designated for these categories of users -- aeronautical and maritime -- then they might be unnecessarily occupying a particular frequency that someone needs to call for help,” Singh explained.

He said there have been cases where persons were discovered using unauthorised frequencies although notices were published in the local media.

Singh said, though there have been a few responses, he does not believe a major decline has occurred in the clearly illegal operations.

According to the information available, many people are still operating unlawfully, especially within the Georgetown area, he stated.

Singh said the establishment of the NFMU was to clamp down on the illegal users, including seizure of offending two-way radio (wireless apparatus), among them HF, very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) radios used by miners, loggers and taxi services.

The institution of criminal proceedings against illicit users and operators under the Post and Telegraph Act is also within the mandate of the NFMU, he said.

PPP calls on PNC to make its position clear on criminals in Buxton
THE ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called on the main opposition party to make its position clear with regards to the criminals the authorities believed are holed up in the violence-proned and volatile East Coast village of Buxton.

The PPP slammed the Opposition Leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, who was reported in yesterday’s Stabroek News as saying that his party would not stand idly by and see innocent young men being sacrificed for political expediency, “so that President Jagdeo and the security forces can create delusion to appease the suffering relatives that they have begun to do something to solve the crime and security situation in Guyana.”

President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his visit to Lusignan Thursday said he would not engage Corbin’s party, the People’s National Congress Reform – One Guyana (PNCR-1G), until its leaders publicly acknowledge that Buxton is a safe haven for criminals.

“Their ambivalence on this point puts to doubt the sincerity of their expressed condolences and of their support for the security forces,” the President stated.

The PPP labelled Corbin’s response as an “attack on the integrity of the security forces.”

“It (Corbin’s statement) can only be described as a defence of those criminals who have held the people of Buxton hostage by imposing themselves on them while carrying out diabolical crimes,” the PPP stated.

The President early Saturday morning said that the marauding gunmen who killed 11 Lusignan residents, including five children, came from Buxton, long believed to be a safe haven for criminal gangs.

The PPP said Corbin’s reaction was shocking since he had only a few hours before attended the funeral of ten of the eleven massacre victims.

The Joint Services have said that wanted man Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins has admitted responsibility in the slaying of the Lusignan residents while agitating for the return of his Buxtonian girlfriend the law enforcement officers are trying to find after her mysterious disappearance.

The PPP also expressed its’ disbelief at the consistent position taken by the PNCR leadership of non-condemnation of the actions of the Buxton gang and the rejection of Buxton as a safe haven for criminals.

“Corbin in his proselytizing has tried to sow confusion in the minds of Guyanese about the Buxton gang, trying to prevent a single uniform Guyanese response to criminality, banditry and terrorism,” the official added.

The party official also blasted Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, who, despite his public utterances on fostering morality and spirituality in Guyana, “in an earlier letter to the public, from offering justification for the criminal acts of the Buxton gang.”

At a press conference Green held yesterday, he handed the microphone to ex-Army officer Oliver Hinckson.

The official dismissed Hinckson’s accusation that the president threatened his life and that of his family in an earlier statement.

“These disgusting attempts by apologists for criminals and those with ulterior motives must be rejected,” the PPP official said.

The PPP is contending that there is only one possible voice in the face of these atrocities, “and that is a clear, categorical, unambiguous condemnation of the gang and public recognition of the reality of Buxton as their safe haven.”

“The PPP calls on the PNC to make its position pellucid and categorical on the criminals that are in Buxton.”

GWI owes City Hall more than $212M - Mayor Green
MAYOR of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green, responding to the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) threat to disconnect services to the municipality, said the utility owes City Hall in excess of $212M.

But he reiterated that the relevant department is looking at GWI claims to protect the integrity of the municipal accounts.

Green told a press conference, though, that the sludge and chemicals from GWI operations are dumped into the Council’s canals and results in the build-up of sedimentation which hinders residents of Queenstown and Alberttown wards and compromises their daily activities.

He declared that the occurrence is unacceptable but the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) is willing to resolve the issue in a harmonious manner.

Green also highlighted the congestion of businesses in the capital, which is a major concern and he appealed to the relevant people to address the issue.

The Mayor said there are current proposals for the re-arrangement of parking for minibuses and hire cars in the business centre but his review of them is unsatisfactory and Deputy Mayor, Mr. Robert Williams is of the same opinion.

Green said, after discussions with several business enterprises, they were all in disagreement with the plan to have minibuses in Commerce and Duncan Streets.

Meantime, they will reassess the situation because there is the likelihood of a short term plan prevailing.

Last week, GWI announced that it would take big businesses to Court, this year, for money owed.

GWI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Karan Singh, said they must pay up or face the consequences. (Sarada Singh)