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‘This land now and forever will belong to you and your people’
– President Jagdeo tells Toshaos as seven Amerindian communities were presented with legal land grants
SEVEN Amerindian communities in Guyana yesterday received their land titles and titles of extension for the land they occupy from President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Presidential Secretariat in Georgetown.

During the simple but very significant handing over ceremony, President Jagdeo explained that this has been a commitment his administration made to Guyana’s ‘First Peoples’ years ago and he is pleased that all the efforts and hard work have bore fruits.

The Amerindian communities that were given legal land grants yesterday are - Three Brothers Community in the Waini region, while extensions were granted to Warapoka in Region One, Isseneru and Karrau in Region Seven and Apoteri, Rewa and Crashwater in Region Nine.

Addressing Toshaos and Councillors of the various villages, President Jagdeo explained that, “this is the culmination of a long process; it is a process of struggle, disappointments and finally, I think we have achieved something that would be of benefit of all the people of your communities.”

The Guyanese Head of State noted that, “we are very pleased in Guyana that we have a highly integrated society and that our indigenous people, our Amerindian brothers and sisters are all part of an integrated fashion in that society.”

The Head of State recalled that in the early 1990s, the Government embarked on a policy aimed at ensuring people receive their titles and reconnected to the land.

“We have an interest in cooperation and working with the community and we made that clear in the beginning because the political will existed in the PPP Government, so we have had a lot of engagements over the years, over a decade of engagement at various levels…it was not just the political will that existed, we have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the demarcation exercise, so we put resources into it (and) this is why I am so pleased that we are seeing fruits of that effort.”

President Jagdeo also advised the Toshaos on making wise decisions on the use of the resources in their respective communities.

“I hope that as society changes, you are careful about what kind of arrangements you enter into for the use of the resources on the land because you have all kinds of people who will come around and promise everything under the sun,” he posited.

“Just be careful that these contracts you enter into are not at a disadvantage of the community and ensure that resources that are collected are spent in a transparent and broad based way so as to develop or change the lives of the people who live in those areas,” he asserted.

President Jagdeo also noted that the process does not end here, now that the communities have been granted the title for their lands.

“We will come in to work with you now and in the future to ensure that the lives of our Amerindian brothers and sisters are constantly improved.”

In her remarks at the handing over ceremony, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, said that Government issued the first set of land titles in February 2004, adding that it was a time when consultations were ongoing on the new Amerindian Act.

“The issuance of titles for Konashen and Barameter in 2004 has demonstrated our state of commitment in addressing Amerindian land claims and the priority placed on examining and resolving these issues. Just three years later, not only do we have an Amerindian Act that includes the procedure for addressing land claims but we have also seen that 17 communities have received titles for their land and seven have received extension bringing the total communities with titled lands to 91.”

Repeating Government’s policy regarding Amerindian land issues, the Minister stressed that the administration remains concerned about the difficulties facing communities including land encroachment by miners and loggers.

In many countries in South America, the Caribbean and Latin America, Amerindians are not granted ownership of the land they occupy, but are given leases in most instances.

However, the ‘Jagdeo administration’ wants to ensure that the indigenous people enjoy rights just like other Guyanese and has been granting them titles to the land they occupy for the past 14 years.

“We have increased the land owned by the Amerindians in just 14 years from 6.5 percent to somewhere in the vicinity of 14 percent,” Minister Rodrigues said. Today, Amerindians account for just over nine percent of the population, owning about 14 percent of the national territory.

Before receiving the titles on behalf of their communities, the Toshaos expressed gratitude to President Jagdeo, Minister Rodrigues and the Government for making their dreams a reality.

Approximately 90 land titles have been issued over recent years and at present titles are being processed for several others.

Land titles give Guyana’s First Peoples the rights to fish, farm and hunt on the land as well as utilise timber on reserved lands and occupancy rights. In addition, the forestry reserve under the sole control of Amerindian communities is considerable, and if harvested sustainably could support the indigenous people for generations.

They are also entitled to revenue from mining activities if these are undertaken on Amerindian land.

Rohee refutes claim that Marcus-Herod was intentionally shot by police
Reports by some sections of the media that no bandits were in the area are mischievous
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has refuted claims from certain sections of the media that the Police intentionally shot and killed Friendship resident Donna Marcus-Herod during the confrontation with bandits at Buxton last Tuesday.

At a press briefing yesterday held at his office to address the issue, Rohee said that reports in certain sections of the media that no bandits were in the area are grossly mischievous and by far are mere speculation.

The minister explained that the police had entered Friendship after they received information that 11 wanted men were in the village.

He pointed out that the Police under no circumstance would go to the area to shoot at a blind target.

Rohee added that contrary to reports the police did not go in the area to shoot Marcus-Herod but solely to capture the wanted men and suggested that the woman was fatally shot by the bandits during an exchange of fire with the police.

The minister lamented that the Buxton/Friendship area is a safe haven for criminal elements either through fair or favour and their frequency in there has caused the death of Marcus-Herod.

The minister is reminding the public that a law has recently been passed in the National Assembly making persons harbouring criminals a criminal offence and subject to prosecution.

He re-affirmed the public that the police will relentlessly pursue the criminal elements in society where ever they might be because it is their duty and responsibility.

The minister has also suggested that the police might embank on a new approach to capture criminal elements but decline to go into details.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has also regretted the death of the woman but announced that a thorough investigation will be launched into the matter soon after yesterday’s post mortem.

CLICO donates $5M, car prize for GUYEXPO
COLONIAL Life Insurance Company (CLICO) yesterday donated $5M towards the staging of GUYEXPO 2007 later this month.

CLICO Sales and Marketing Manager, Ms. Venita Bovell affixed her signature to a contract for the donation and Mr. Deryck Cummings, Co-Chairman of the GUYEXPO Planning Committee, signed for the receipt in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, South Road, Georgetown.

At the brief ceremony, Bovell disclosed that CLICO is also donating an ‘NZ Corolla’ motor car worth $3.1M as the gate prize for the lucky winner whose coupon, filled at the donor’s booth, is selected at a drawing.

She said CLICO will be participating in the exhibition within the context of the 60th anniversary of its establishment in Guyana.

“At our booth, we will also be giving away items such as pens and jerseys. “Bovell revealed.

Cummings said the CLICO gestures are commendable because they indicate, in no uncertain terms, the firm’s willingness to be a major corporate sponsor at GUYEXPO.

He remarked that the CLICO car will be an additional benefit for patrons and expressed gratitude for the “extremely heartening show of support”, on behalf of the Planning Committee.

Others present on the occasion were Mr. Timothy Austin, CLICO Sales and Marketing Manager; Ms. Esther Sukhraj, Public Relations Consultant to the GUYEXPO 2007 Planning Committee and several more Committee members.

GUYEXPO will be staged at the Exhibition Site, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, from September 27 to October 2, under the theme ‘Partnering for Progress.’

MOTHER OF FOUR AND BOYFRIEND REPORTEDLY DEAD IN MURDER/SUICIDE IN MAZARUNI.
By Joe Chapman.
Two persons are feared dead as news of a possible a murder/suicide gripped the families of a young man and his girl friend who went into the interior to pursue a better living.

But yesterday Janett Isaacs, the mother of the 24-year old Yohanda Forde who is believed to be murdered by her 19-year old boyfriend Manu Layne, who in turn probably killed himself, was in tears not knowing if her eldest child was still alive.

The mother said the boyfriend had used the name'Dwayne' to her daughter and the rest of the family when he met them; but it was only recently that she realised that he was lying. She said when contact was made with the young man’s mother, she related that his name is Manu and not Dwayne.

The grieving Isaacs said she could not bear the news of her daughter, who has four children, was dead and vowed to go into the ‘bush’ to find her body.

The bodies are reportedly buried in Mazaruni and Isaacs said her daughter was “fetched” by Layne to Mazaruni where she was possibly killed.

The young woman’s boyfriend according to Isaacs had telephoned her some time ago saying “Look out for your daughter on 6 O’ Clock news.” She said she then re-dialled the number which showed up on her cell phone but no one answered the phone.

The mother fears for her eldest child among ten children, who in May, was attacked at her home by a man who is now before the court for intruding her home and wounding her.

Yohanda was expected to attend court shortly in relation to the charge made against the intruder at her home earlier this year.

Yohanda’s mother said she was not too mindful of the 19-year old man and had questioned her daughter when she met him in Linden. She said she told her daughter that the man had a familiar look and she questioned her daughter about a relationship with such a young person.

At the time Isaacs was living at ‘Black water’ where she operated a business of her own but she remarked she was also willing to assist her children without much assistance from their father. It was on one such occasion when she visited Yohanda that she met with Layne.

Post-mortem report on Donna Marcus-Herod being awaited-Rohee
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee yesterday told reporters that the Friendship, East Coast Demerara fatal shooting of a mother of nine will be thoroughly investigated but so far there are no reports of the findings as a post-mortem report is being awaited.

He was speaking after a presentation at Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday.

Rohee also reported that he is not in receipt of any report of unrest in Buxton last Tuesday night and is not aware that the police/army has moved camp from Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The Minister told reporters that the police are working within the confines of the law and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a press release from the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security said yesterday that they have dispatched social workers to the home of Donna Marcus-Herod who was fatally shot in Friendship on Tuesday last during a police operation.

The Ministry said that they are investigating the circumstances of the children and will be intervening in their well-being.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in a statement strongly condemned the shooting to death of Ms. Donna Marcus-Herod and extended condolences to her family.

The party said that they are forced to conclude that her death was uncalled for as the attack on the Buxton community was unprovoked.

Investigations by the PNCR revealed that there was no activity in Buxton or attack on the police which would have warranted the kind of aggressive fire from members of the police force.

The shooting to death of Donna-Marcus Herod could destabilise the Buxton community and lead to the kind of violence and mayhem that has gripped that community in the immediate past.

The residents of Buxton also have called for a prompt and thorough investigation into this matter.

The Party called on the PPP/C administration to ensure that such an investigation takes place without any delay, those guilty identified, and those responsible for the assault upon this community be condignly punished.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) also in a press release called on Rohee to launch an investigation into events surrounding the fatal shooting of Donna Marcus-Herod.

The statement added that the need for an urgent, impartial inquiry into the killing is underscored by the conflicting reports from the police and eyewitnesses.

The WPA said that the police allege that the deceased was caught in a cross-fire while eyewitnesses state that there was no confrontation but that the police were trigger happy and shot indiscriminately.

Donna Marcus-Herod, 47, of Lot 125 Bladen Hall Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was shot and killed while on her way home from work after collecting two of her nine children from the Friendship Primary School, a short distance away.

She was cut down by a single bullet in the right eye while clutching her children.

Police in a press release said about 11:55 hours Tuesday acting on information received that a number of wanted men were hiding in a house, police launched and operation at Friendship, East Coast Demerara.

The statement added that the police had crossed over the embankment going south when they came under gunfire and the ranks returned fire.

The release stated that as the police continued moving towards the identified targets the ranks were shot at again and they returned fire while giving chase behind a total of about eleven men who ran into the bushes in the backlands area.

The statement said that police subsequently, received information that a woman had been shot north of the embankment.

She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Marcus-Herod received a single gunshot wound above her right eye.

Police said another team of Joint Services ranks have since been dispatched to assist with further action in relation to the bandits who escaped into the backlands.

Gunmen kill Chinese store owner in robbery
HINCK Street store owner Xia Sui En, 38, was shot and killed in the apartment where he lived, at Lot 248 North Road, Bourda, also in Georgetown, early yesterday morning.

The murder of the Chinese businessman took place during a robbery at his home, above Fish Hook Halaal Meat Centre and Supermarket.

Reports said three gunmen broke into the premises about 08:30 h and, after shooting En, escaped with US$3,800 and G$10,000.

The wounded man was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) but died while receiving treatment about an hour and a half later.

Police are investigating the killing of En who suffered wounds to the shoulder, head, neck and back.

Golden Bridge Inc donates bicycles for crime fight
GOLDEN Bridge Inc, which imports bicycles from China for sale in Middle Street, Georgetown, yesterday donated 15 of them to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

General Manager/Owner of the company, Mr. Ye Tie Sheng handed the gifts over to Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, who said they are for distribution to Community Policing Groups (CPGs) involved in crime fighting.

At the simple ceremony, in the Ministry Brickdam compound, also in the city, Rohee expressed heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the Government, to Sheng for his donation to the CPGs.

“I like to say that, because of the nature of the situation in Guyana, whether by vehicle, water and foot patrols or with bicycles, we can never stop crime,” he acknowledged.

Rohee, however, pointed out that his Ministry is doing its utmost to provide resources to groups supporting the efforts of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“I think this is a good manifestation of what we call good corporate initiative to enhance CPGs across Guyana,” Rohee told Sheng.

He assured Golden Bridge Inc. that the bicycles will be put to very good use by CPG members carrying out duties in various divisions.

NAACIE calls on Gov’t. to reduce 16% VAT
THE National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) is calling on the Government to reduce the sixteen percent (16%) Value Added Tax (VAT) to assist those Guyanese businesses and social organizations who have given support to its implementation.

“We call because we are unable to cope with this unexpected increase in the cost of living during the same period of the VAT implementation,” the union said in a statement yesterday.

NAACIE said there will be no precedent set when remembering that the nation reduced Taxes while there was the rapid international increase for cost for oil.

The Union said it is not rejecting the sharing of contributions to societal development, but “we should continue the movement in the right direction to capture more tax contributions or expand the base of contributors for national development”.

It alluded to the fact that Government has shown its willingness to keep looking at the effects of the VAT and has made attempts to cause less suffering for workers by “0" rating basic goods.

Nevertheless, after policing of the VAT system, penalties should be encouraged and remedies of correction should be swift, NAACIE posited.

The union also said it is not unusual that persons placed on bail for offences, benefit from long absence from trial, and in which time continue to breach laws to pay the anticipated fines removing the deterrent.

The unfortunate conditions of the implementation period, coupled with the international pressure on consumer services and price for basic items, necessary for humans, has caused serious disruption in multiple year agreements between Companies and Trade Unions and as usual the poor workers would bear the brunt, it argued.

The Union said its intention is not to reject the VAT, because we agreed that its implementation should effectively reduce the tax burden placed on families of the workers in the regular or formal economy, many of whom organized labour represents”.

“Workers should recognize small benefits as the process of VAT slowly achieves its intended benefits,” NAACIE asserted.

The union, however, contended that “after proper examination eight months hence, there is no area of service or consumption that workers can point to as a benefit of the VAT.”

Acting Traffic Chief claims Police doing enough sensitisation
By Michelle Outridge
ACTING Police Traffic Chief, Deputy Superintendent Leslie Daniels said yesterday that 16 cases of traffic lights violations are now before the Court.

He made the disclosure in an interview while warning that drivers who are unwilling to observe basic road safety rules will be prosecuted and the fate of repeat offenders would be left to the discretion of magistrates.

Daniels appealed to users to exercise care when on the roads and look out for children now that schools countrywide have reopened.

“The traffic lights issue is that some drivers know the rules but simply do not want to obey them. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get somewhere and they are breaching the rules,” he pointed out.

Daniels emphasized that the Police have embarked on ‘spotting exercises’ that are geared to enforce adherence to the traffic lights and offenders will be charged.

He said, while mini-bus drivers are considered lawless, hire and private car operators, too, are not without faults.

Daniels revealed that, since an operation commenced last Saturday, 16 drivers were taken to Court for violating traffic lights.

He said, at all traffic lights, drivers are asked to be in the yellow box area to activate the sensors.

Daniels said, at those locations, there are buttons for people to push down and release to facilitate their crossing the roads quickly after the green man figure appears.

He said the Police are doing enough to ensure traffic rules are obeyed and have launched a number of sensitisation campaigns on the lights alone, among other issues regarding road safety.

Daniels said the Traffic Department usually hosts the ‘Road Safety Talk’ programme on radio and television on a weekly basis, with the aim of sensitising the general public.

He said they have been working with the National Road Safety Council to sensitise commuters about road safety practices but speeding remains the leading cause of fatalities.

For this year, 126 persons were killed in 107 accidents as a result of speeding, Daniels revealed.

The statistics for the corresponding period last year show that 77 road accidents caused 91 deaths, 18 among were children.

This year, as well, 22 pedal cyclists lost their lives on the roads, Daniels said, admonishing riders to put lights, bells and brakes on their bicycles.

Nadir signs Book of Condolence for veteran trade unionist
LABOUR Minister Mr. Manzoor Nadir yesterday joined in the signing of a Book of Condolence for veteran trade unionist, Mr. Seelo Baichan, who died of a heart condition early Monday at Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital in Georgetown.

Baichan, 76, of Lot 43 Sukhai Street, Better Hope Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was General Secretary of the Union of Agriculture and Allied Workers (UAAW) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of United Associates Security & Domestic Services (UASDS).

He had also been on the executive of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and championed workers rights.

GTU outlines activities for education month.
The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has planned several activities to mark education month which is observed in September.

GTU President Colwyn King during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle said the dates of the events for the month have not been finalised but among the highlights is a regional cultural festival where teachers will compete in segments of songs, dances and drama.

According to King, each education district will select two teachers to represent it at the various stages of the competition.

King has indicated that the finals of the competition are slated to be held in Linden.

Teachers from all the administrative regions will also participate at a grand concert billed for the National Cultural Centre.

That event will be opened to the general public free of cost.

Other activities include a regional impromptu speaking competition and boat cruises for teachers in the Berbice and Demerara areas.

In addition, apart from various activities organised at the union’s branch level, it will also be involved in several collaborative programmes with the Ministry of Education on which Mr. King will deliver a feature address to nation’s teachers on October 5.

Education month 2007 is being observed under the theme “the school health, institution and HIV/AIDS education.”

The Ministry in observance of the month has teamed- up with several agencies including the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organisation(PHO),the World Health Organisation(WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to promote health lifestyles in schools. (Tajeram Mohabir)

New executive of resuscitated Bartica Chamber installed
BARTICA Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has been resuscitated and the new President is Mr. George Moore.

He told the Guyana Chronicle, after he and others were elected at a recent general members meeting, that he would make the organisation as inclusive as possible.

The officials were installed at the Office of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) by Chairman of the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC), Mr. Daniel Gajie.

Others on the BCC executive are Mr. Edward Persaud, Vice-President; Ms. Joylyn Blair, Secretary; Mr. Budish Chatterpaul, Treasurer and Ms. Kim Da Costa, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Moore said they are to meet again next week to formulate plans which would include the ensuring of inclusivity of businessmen in the Region in all aspects of BCC activities.

PYO celebrates 55th anniversary today
THE Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), youth arm of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will today celebrate fifty five years of its formation.

In March 1952 at the PPP’s second Congress, a decision was taken to establish a youth arm and a few months later, on September 6, 1952, it was established, under the name Pioneer Youth League (PYL).

Following the 1953 Constitution suspension, the Pioneer Youth League was banned from conducting activities in the country.

However, it refused to be silenced and kept planning and conducting activities using different names. It finally adopted the name Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) which has lasted to this day.

A statement from the PYO said “the times shaped the organisation and influenced its objectives”.

It noted that while freedom from colonialism was the PYO’s main objective, it was also engaged in many activities peculiar to its youth character and in various political tasks identified and elaborated by the PPP.

In this context, the PYO played an important part in assisting the Party in its electoral campaigns and its work in mobilizing the Guyanese working masses in struggling to improve their living conditions and end oppression.

The PYO noted that over the years, it took part in activities to improve the conditions in which youths engage - sports, educational jobs, culture and in the long, difficult years of the absence of democracy, was side by side with the PPP and other fraternal and friendly organisations in the fight for the return of democracy to Guyana.

“We are proud of the successful outcome of this struggle. And, nowadays, we are involved in the new possibilities that democracy has opened up for the youths in the country whilst, at the same time, striving for its consolidation and its expansion,” the PYO contended.

The PYO acknowledged that in its long but colourful history, it has experienced setbacks.

“Now, new tasks are before us, fresh challenges are there to confront. However, we see favourable circumstances to go forward and increasingly better our youth’s lot.”

“With a sympathetic Government and the able guidance of the People’s Progressive Party, we are optimistic in the future of our youths (and) conditions have appeared for us to make greater strides but we see that our many sided activities must persist, especially in mobilization of our young people, strengthening of its organisation, raising on youths’ political consciousness involving them in solidarity activities and the demanding but exciting tasks of our country’s development.”

Today the PYO, as the youth and students section of the PPP, continues to mould its members “into reliable and faithful allies of the Party even as we engage in distinctive work to strengthen the rights of Guyanese youth and the promotion of their welfare”.

To mark the anniversary, the organisation will be holding symposia across the country, the first being at Red House in Georgetown this afternoon.

Combine operator dies after knife attack
A 23-year-old combine operator of Walton Hall Village, Essequibo Coast, died yesterday afternoon allegedly murdered around 15:00 h by another brother.

According to reports, the deceased Jaiantia Lall, who returned home from work for lunch was attacked by his elder brother called Bajanoo during a heated argument over some fried fish.

Reports said the elder brother who is a fisherman and is wanted by police for questioning into another murder in Georgetown, started the argument with the smaller sibling on the Walton Hall seawall and continued the argument after they both returned home.

Reports said the elder brother allegedly grabbed a long knife from the kitchen and allegedly plunged it into his brother’s abdomen causing the intestines to protrude.

The elder brother who was under the influence of alcohol also stabbed his brother on the back of the neck and several times in the back.

Reports said the smaller brother held his intestines in his hand and rushed out of the house but collapsed in the yard.

The elder brother also rushed behind him but after seeing his brother fall to ground threw the knife over a fence and escaped into the backlands.

Their mother who was not at home, upon returning from an errand began to scream when she saw her son lying in a pool of blood in the yard.

A large crowd quickly gathered at the scene and police arrived promptly.

Several policemen are on a manhunt in the backlands for the alleged killer but up to press time he was not captured and investigations are continuing. ( Rajendra Prabhulall)

Truck overturns at Mahdia leaving one dead and six injured
By Shirley Thomas
A truck which was transporting miners yesterday overturned along the Mahdia trail resulting in the death of one man and six others being injured, four of which are in a critical condition.

The truck which was transporting miners from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo to Two Brothers Mining Camp at Siparuni in Region 7(Cuyuni/Mazaruni), developed mechanical difficulties while at Frenchman on the Mahdia trail and subsequently overturned.

The name of the deceased who according to reports hails from Parika, up to late yesterday afternoon was not confirmed in Georgetown.

However, four men whose condition is critical were air-dashed to Georgetown while the other two who were said to be in stable condition, were transported to Linden by a motor vehicle.

The injured admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday were: Oslen Spellen also called Desmond, 35, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo who was most seriously hurt. He suffered injuries to the head, chest, a broken left leg, and internal injuries. The others were: Chatarran Singh, 42, of Itaballie, Region 7; Kevin Mohabir, 25; and Wayne Cornelius 37, also of Vergenoegen, who suffered injuries to the head, face, chest, and broken limbs.

Those transferred to the GPHC were apparently all unconscious when rescued, hence could not say who from among the three not at the GPHC had died. Chatarran Singh who regained consciousness about 16:30 hours at the hospital, recalled that the truck he was driving had developed a mechanical problem around 08:00 hours yesterday morning and they stopped along the way, and tried fixing it. The men continued on their journey, but another problem developed, which he assumed to be related to the gear box.

Singh said that around 08:30 hours, as they were in the vicinity of Frenchman, along the trail, he lost control of the vehicle, and the men, suspecting it was about to overturn, impulsively jumped out. One man from the tray of the truck, died on the spot.

Manager of Two Brothers Mining amp, Mr. Bharrat Persaud, of Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, said that the truck departed Vergenoegen at around 22:00 hours on Monday night, bound for Siparuni, and around midday yesterday, they received word that the truck had overturned, leaving one man dead, and others seriously injured.

Persaud said the information he received, was that the men were rescued by a passing truck which took them to the Mabura Police Station, pending their transfer to Georgetown for medical care.

The Manager said he immediately arranged for a charter to take him into Mahadia where he picked up the injured men and accompanied them back to Georgetown.

Meanwhile, management contacted the relatives of the injured persons who headed down to the GPHC to meet their loved ones.

Emanuel receives two years imprisonment on firearm and ammunition charge
THREE men appeared yesterday before Magistrate Hazel Octave-Hamilton on a joint firearm and ammunition charge with one pleading guilty and he was sentenced to imprisonment while the others were remanded to prison.

Rudolph Emmanuel, 22, of Lot 138 Princes Street, Lodge, admitted having a .380 Semi Automatic Pistol in his possession last September 2 at Avenue of the Republic.

He also admitted having one .32 round of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The others, Godfrey Stafford, 31, of Lot 1515 Norton Street, Wortmanville, and Marvin English, 19, of Lot 139 George Street, Charlestown, pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison until September 17.

The three men were represented by Attorney-at-Law Mr. James Bond, who applied for bail for the two that pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said Emmanuel was seen walking in company with two other individuals in the vicinity of the Georgetown Magistrate Court by Police who were on mobile patrol.

She said a search was made on Emmanuel and the gun and bullet were found in his pants waist. He then told the Officers that he found the articles on Broad Street, Charlestown, and was taking it to the Police on Brickdam.

But Bond responded that his client was taking the gun and bullet he found to an Officer by the name of Williams at Brickdam.

He said his client did not seek to waste the court’s time and, as such, was requesting that he be given a suspended sentence.

He said this situation has been a cause for concern lately as many people are finding guns and are at a loss as to what to do with them due to fear of prosecution. He said such persons eventually when found, are being charged.

But Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said the defendant and others were heading north along Brickdam when they were stopped. She added that Emmanuel had no intention of taking the weapon to Police since if he had really found it at Broad Street, he should have headed to Ruimveldt Station which was mush closer.

Griffith also noted that there is no one by the name of Williams at Brickdam which the Counsel said his client was attempting to reach. As such, she asked that the court impose a sentence that is stipulated by the law.

Emmanuel was sentenced to one year imprisonment together with a fine of $10,000 on each of the charges. The sentences are to run consecutively.

Griffith then asked that bail be refused for the other two defendants because they both have other matters pending before the courts.

But Bond said that these two were merely passers-by. He reasoned that if the prosecutor said that the gun and ammunition were found in Emmanuel’s waist, then the other two could not be said to have been in possession of such.

Bond argued that even if they knew this man had 200 guns on him, they still could not be charged for being in possession of them.

Griffith asked for a date so that she could seek proper advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Stafford and English were remanded to prison until September 17.

Schools in Region 3 are declared ‘Smoke-Free Zones’
The Ministry of Education has extended its “Smoke- Free Zones” campaign to all nursery, primary and secondary schools in Region 3, (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

A release from the region said the campaign was recently launched by District Education Officer, Annesta Douglas at the West Demerara Secondary School, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.

Douglas in her address on the occasion said the initiative is a significant step in protecting the health of both children and teachers in the region.

She has also called on the Parent Teachers Association bodies and other stakeholders to play an active role in the promotion of a healthy environment.

Headmistress of West Demerara Secondary, Ms. Rosemarie Fraser welcomed the programme but said she felt it was long overdue.

Ms. Fraser is urging everyone to desist from smoking and promised that her school will pay strict adherence to the objectives of the campaign.