He alleges about $700,000 is missing from a transaction last year between the council and AH&L Kissoon Limited.

"Even if the alleged transaction took place, there is still to be accounted for items to the value of approximately $700,000.00 which represent the difference between items purportedly received and the documents showing items reportedly delivered", Green said in a letter to Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Clinton Collymore.

He explained that the council had finalised arrangements for credit facilities from the firm, which was part of a financial package agreed after intensive negotiations involving the Town Clerk and the Finance Committee Chairman.

"This arrangement included the payment of $1.5M monthly to us, towards the liquidation of all arrears by the said firm in addition to the credit facilities", he told the minister.

The mayor stated that since the council needed to increase its fleet of tractors and ancillary equipment, it was agreed that the priority should be the acquisition of a tractor or tractors, then those items which are sold by the firm and required by the municipality in accordance with its approved budget. These items included ply board, paint, office furniture and equipment.

Green said the amount was discovered missing at a joint meeting of the council's Legal Affairs and Security and Social Development committees in November last year, when information was requested in relation to this transaction.

He said the council's administration failed to submit the required information within the specified period and subsequently did so on December 5 when the matter was reviewed.

"The administration submitted a report showing the utilisation of $4,560,862.00 in items while the information obtained by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, directly from the firm of AH&L Kissoon, showed a total of $5,255,493.00 collected by the Mayor and City Council."

The mayor said it was further discovered that in some instances, the standard operational procedure was not adhered to.

Cases he cited included:

* All items were not uplifted by the Procurement Office, but some departments or sections uplifted items directly from the firm.

* Some items or documents did not go through the office of the Stores Superintendent in keeping with known and prescribed procedures.

* No inventory has been written up at the relevant offices to which the items were allegedly sent.

"The entire transaction reflects a complete disregard for the Standard Operational Procedures of the Council", he charged.

"While the arrangements were approved, no individual vouchers were submitted for the signatures of the authorised members of the Finance Committee in accordance with Section 149 of the Municipal and District Council's Act", Green said.

The Mayor also called on Collymore for immediate action to have an inquiry by the appropriate authorities into the council's affairs.

At a news conference last week, Green suggested that Town Clerk, Ms. Beulah Williams; Public Relations Officer, Mr. Royston King, City Engineer, Mr. Cephas James and the Personnel Officer, Ms. Paulette Braithwaithe should be disciplined because they were not cooperating with him.

The officers said that the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, does not provide for the mayor to make any decision on his own.

This is generally done by a majority of councillors via statutory meetings, a press release signed by the officers stated.

The statement added that there has always been a strong and demonstrative collective desire on the part of officers to provide a more qualitative and quantitative service to the citizens of Georgetown.

Collymore told the Chronicle he had indicated to the mayor that he cannot deal with the two matters at the same time.

He said he could proceed to conduct an inquiry only after the Auditor General completes his report on the alleged irregularities.

"The mayor has a problem, he wants things done (like) yesterday, and it is an (act of) indiscipline to do that (the other inquiry) while (one is in progress). And I am not going to fall for that."

"I cannot tell the Auditor General to speed up the inquiry", the minister declared.

He said he had indicated to the mayor that the council will have to agree to have the officers disciplined and then he will address the matter but Green had not replied.

Collymore feels the mayor will not get the resolution of such a magnitude passed by the council.

He added that the council must be able to deal with its problems and only when a situation arises with which it cannot deal, would the ministry intervene.

GT&T says its viability under threat
By Abigail Kippins
THE phone company yesterday said its viability is threatened and jobs could be lost if it is not allowed to increase rates to customers.

Deputy General Manager, Public Communications and Employee Relations of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Mr. Terry Holder yesterday told the Chronicle that GT&T is being threatened by several local and external factors. He said if there is no positive response to the company's application for a tariff establishing new rates to prevent substantial revenue shortfalls, its viability will be threatened.

"Unless the company is viable, it cannot meet the demands of its customers and its commitment to employees. A reduction in staff, could be one consequence...", he stated.

GT&T is concerned about the impact on its revenues by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that kicked in January 1, bringing the rates that the U.S. carriers pay to Guyana down from US85 cents to US23 cents.

The company had earlier made a rate-filing with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) with the expectation that some proper rate structure or variations would have come into effect with the FCC order. It projected earnings at a 1.05% rate of return on its invested capital for wire-line services and said that to achieve the minimum 15% rate of return, it requires additional revenues of $5,556M by way of increased rates and charges.

Consumers groups and several senior private sector officials have come out against the steep increases in rates the company is seeking from the PUC.

The PUC held a hearing Wednesday with GT&T but the application for increased rates the company made in its quest to recoup revenue it says it expects to lose through the reduction of the international settlement rates, was suspended for six months.

The first hearing to fix temporary rates was set for January 15 at Hotel Tower in Georgetown at 16:00 hrs.

A large crowd of mainly GT&T employees turned up at the Supreme Court Library in Georgetown late Wednesday afternoon for the PUC hearing with GT&T.

Commissioner, Mr. John Willems said the large GT&T turnout might have been intended to intimidate the commission by causing an atmosphere of fear.

An employee of GT&T urged the commission to urgently consider temporary rates since there are hundreds of employees at GT&T who are depending on their jobs.

Among the gathering were Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Sonita Jagan, and other GT&T top officials. The room was packed with persons spilling on to the corridor. Even media personnel had to stand.

PUC Chairman, Justice Prem Persaud said the crowd was not expected as he referred to the poor turnout at PUC hearings, most of which are held at the Ocean View International Hotel at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

GT&T officials did not appreciate Willems' remarks and Holder yesterday referred to an article in the Chronicle in which Ms. Eileen Cox of the Consumer Advisory Bureau and the Guyana Consumers Association had called on members of the public to turn out to the hearing.

Holder argued that a large turnout of members of the public could have been intended to bully the commission in terms of its judgement as he referred to the comments by Willems.

He said the GT&T employees who turned out to the hearing had a vested interest in the proceedings.

He said they have become aware of the implications the hearing could have on their livelihood and though they could have opted to engage in other activities at that time, they chose to attend the hearing hoping that the commission would have come to a positive decision.

The consumer groups are, however, unhappy that the commission will grant GT&T a hearing for a temporary order. Cox said this was "just as bad" as a permanent order.

Cox has told the Chronicle that the $5.5B increase stipulated by GT&T in its proposal to the PUC is in excess of what the phone company stands to lose in the settlement rate change.

GT&T is proposing to increase domestic telephone rental from $250 to $1,500 and the business/commercial from $1,000 to $3,000 monthly.

It proposes to increase calls within exchanges from 20 cents to $4 per minute during the day, and from 10 cents per minute to $2 per minute at nights and is looking to an approximate 75 per cent increase for out-of-exchange-calls.

In terms of international calls, it proposes that for all countries except the U.S. and the United Kingdom rates remain the same but that there be one off peak rate. The rates to these two countries would be reduced with one rate being applied to both locations, $136 during peak hours and $123 during off-peak.

The company also wants Internet users to pay for its line service, which is currently not paid to GT&T and all international rates be rounded to the nearest dollar.

Cox claimed GT&T is taking advantage of the opportunity to squeeze consumers in Guyana more.

Mother claims abandoned children
THE mother of the three children who were found wandering on the West Coast Berbice road Wednesday and taken by residents to the Fort Wellington Police Station, turned up for them later in the night.

The kids are between six and three years old and the mother, a vendor of Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice, reportedly told police she had left the three in the care of a female relative living at Hopetown while she went about her business.

She reportedly denied abandoning them and said she was shocked when she received a message early Wednesday night that they had been found wandering on the Hopetown public road.

It is understood that the female relative who had agreed to keep the children, had put them with their belongings out of her home shortly after the mother left.

Residents observed the three in a dirty and unkempt condition standing by themselves at a street corner in Hopetown with a large travelling bag at around 17:00 hrs (5:00 p.m.) Wednesday.

Villagers said the three were crying and appeared to be hungry. Some public-spirited citizens in the crowd of curious onlookers gave them food and drinks and then handed them over to the police at Fort Wellington where they were accommodated pending investigations.

A reliable source said the mother showed up at the police station at around 20:00 hrs (8:00 p.m.) and took the children with her. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Light at the end of the tunnel for filaria victims
`It is a very exciting time for the (control of) the disease because the salt will get into the bloodstreams and kill all the parasites' - Dr. Calum MacPherson, St. George's University, Grenada
By Shirley Thomas
THERE'S a light at the end of the tunnel for the treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis in Guyana, thanks to overseas experts and friendly countries.

It is anticipated that by August, the first batch of DEC fortified salts - used for the control of the disease - will be available for distribution locally, officials reported this week.

The medical experts said that Lymphatic Filariasis is contracted as a result of being bitten by the "Culex" mosquito species.

And as a forerunner, a mission by a joint team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S., St. George's University, Grenada and PAHO/WHO, is in Guyana helping the Health Ministry develop two sentinel sites in Georgetown and New Amsterdam.

Blood testing for the parasite is to begin following consultations with community leaders next week and will be extended over a period.

On the mission are Dr. Patrick Lammy, CDC; Dr. Calum MacPherson, two Faculty members and four students of St. George's University; Dr. Shamdeo Persaud and Ms. Esmay Semple of the Health Ministry; and Dr. Robin Houston and Dr. H. Win of PAHO/WHO (Pan American/World Health Organisations).

Said MacPherson: "It is a very exciting time for the (control of) the disease because the salt will get into the bloodstreams and kill all the parasites."

The setting up of the sites, Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said at a news conference Wednesday, "is part of the monitoring of this mass treatment strategy."

Lammy assured that the DEC salt is a superior product that would not change the colour, look or flavour of the food and does not break down when cooked.

"We have salts and tablets that are evidently superior and more effective," he said.

The DEC is quite unlike the 'bitter' medicated salt used in the fight against malaria in Guyana several years ago.

Ramsammy said that the Georgetown and New Amsterdam sites will serve as a window through which the entire elimination process will be observed. The areas were chosen based on the results of mapping surveys done earlier.

It was found that the rates of infection were as high as 40 per cent in the coastal areas, while the overall rate in Guyana was 9.9 per cent of those tested.

Georgetown had a 34 per cent reading; New Amsterdam between 28 to 34 per cent; and Linden 27 per cent.

The incidence of Lymphatic Filariasis was less pronounced in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni); and in regions One (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), the results showed zero. The remaining regions reflected a moderate distribution of the disease.

Ramsammy said that his ministry, after carefully assessing "all the options available for the elimination process", decided to employ a mass treatment process to eliminate the microfilarial worm from the affected population.

The team feels that community participation in this drive will be critical and will determine how successful the sites turn out to be in the whole monitoring effort.

"It is important for the community to feel that they have ownership of the problem," Lammy noted.

The specific objective of the mission will be to conduct a baseline study and create a database, which will be used to analyse the present status of the selected communities. The results will be used to guide the process involved in the sentinel site development.

BLOOD COLLECTION AT NIGHTS
The team has advised that sampling will be done only at nights. According to MacPherson, "it is important to do blood collection at nights because of the circulating stages of the parasite," which comes up in the blood only at that time.

Noting that Lymphatic Filariasis is a global disease, he said that 120 million people, mainly in tropical areas, are affected by the parasite. He added that it is one of the leading causes of disability in the Americas, but with new developments, the possibility of eliminating what is seen as a very debilitating disease, is now very real.

Persaud observed that many persons affected by the disease may be moving around unnoticed since it manifests itself in other ways, such as swellings of the scrotum, than the commonly known swellings of the legs or arms.

The revised September 2000 World Health Organisation report noted: "The worst symptoms of the chronic disease generally appears in adults - more often in men than in women, and in endemic communities, some 10 to 50 per cent of men suffer from genital damage, especially hydrocele (fluid filled balloon-like enlargement of the sacs around the testes) and elephantiasis of the penis and scrotum."

Elephantiasis of the entire leg, the entire arm, the vulva or the breast - swelling up to several times the normal size - can affect up to 10 per cent of men and women in these communities, the report said.

Alluding to implications of the hidden cases of the disease, the report states: "Lymphatic Filariasis exerts a heavy social burden that is especially severe because of the specific attributes of the disease. This is particularly because chronic complications are often hidden and are considered shameful."

"For men," it said, "genital damage is a severe handicap, leading to physical limitations and social stigmatisation."

For women, shame and taboo are also associated with the disease. When affected by elephantiasis, they are considered undesirable, and when their lower limbs and genital parts are enlarged they are severely stigmatised. Marriage, in many situations an essential source of security, is often impossible.

The WHO report noted that indeed many people never acquire outward clinical manifestations of their infections. "Even though there may be no clinical symptoms, studies have now disclosed that such victims, outwardly healthy, actually have hidden lymphatic pathology and kidney damage as well."

It says a symptomatic form of infection is most often characterised by the presence in the blood of thousands of millions of larval parasites (microlariae) and adult worms located in the lymphatic system.

ELIMINATING DISEASE BY 2020
PAHO/WHO officials say that the disease is more prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, adding that the primary cause of the increase is "the rapid and unplanned growth of cities which create numerous breeding sites for mosquitoes that transmit the disease."

Member countries of the WHO, recognising the importance of Lymphatic Filariasis as a public health problem, have committed to eliminating the disease by the year 2020.

In August 2001, the WHO held its second regional meeting of Lymphatic Filariasis programme managers over three days at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Ramsammy is optimistic that Guyana can eliminate the disease before the targeted 2020 - possibly by 2015.

As part of its plan of action aimed at eliminating the disease, the Ministry of Health is working towards:

** The establishment of a task force and programme management unit;

** Rapid mapping of infection in all regions using the WHO approved ICT card method;

** Assessment of the morbidity of the disease nationwide;

** Development of a morbidity management programme in the most affected areas;

** Development of a strategy for the mass treatment of infection in Guyana;

** Development of strategy for social communication and health education.

The infection has been recognised as the second leading cause of permanent long-term disability and puts at risk more than one billion people in more than 80 countries of the world.

While it is spread by the "Culex" mosquito, it is caused by thread-like parasitic filarial worms, Wuchereria bancrofti and brugia malayal that live almost exclusively in humans.

The worms lodge in the lymphatic systems - the network of nodes and vessels that maintain the delicate fluid balance between the tissues and blood and which is an essential component of the body's immune defence system.

Plane crash kills marines, jets pound guerrilla complex
`Let us join together and make a national army' - Hamid Karzai, interim Afghan leader
By David Fox and Christopher Wilson
KABUL/WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - Seven U.S. Marines were killed when a military refuelling plane crashed in flames in a remote corner of Pakistan. In neighbouring Afghanistan, American jets repeatedly pounded an al Qaeda guerrilla complex.

U.S. officials described Wednesday's crash as an accident and said it was under investigation.

As Washington pressed on with its campaign to crush Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, Afghanistan's interim leader, Hamid Karzai, urged Afghan factions to work together to restore security to a nation riven by two decades of conflict.

``Let us join together and make a national army,'' he said on Wednesday, speaking in Dari, the Afghan Persian used in the north.

Karzai, looking ahead to meetings this month in Kabul and Tokyo on funding reconstruction, outlined plans to restore order by controlling inflation, promoting industry and creating jobs.

He pledged to foster a market economy and stop the printing of bank bills that were not backed by the government.

In a bid to improve safety in the capital Kabul, the government ordered all armed men, except police and official security forces, to leave the city and return to their bases.

Karzai told the U.S. television network CNN yesterday that apart from some ``lawlessness'' on local highways, there had only been isolated incidents in the last two to three weeks.

The arrival of a British-led international force, mandated by the United Nations, will boost security in Kabul. These troops are now moving into the city and will total up to 5,000.

Washington launched its war in Afghanistan on October 7 to hunt down bin Laden, whom it accuses of masterminding September 11 attacks that killed around 3,000 people in New York and Washington, and punish his Taliban protectors.

U.S. bombing and local Afghan forces toppled the hardline militia in weeks, but Washington's main targets, bin Laden and Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, remain elusive.

CHILLING REMINDER
In a chilling reminder to Americans of the risks of a military campaign that has so far seen few U.S. casualties, the refuelling plane with seven Marines on board hit a mountain near a remote airport in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday.

The aircraft crashed as it was coming into land at a base used by American forces near Shamsi, about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 km) northeast of Panjur, Pakistan, closer to the frontier with Iran than the border with Afghanistan.

Flames raged at the scene of the crash for several hours.

``Rescue crews are working their way to the aircraft at this time,'' Marine Corps spokesman Major Chris Hughes told a news conference in Kandahar. ``The incident is under investigation.''

In eastern Afghanistan, Washington kept up its relentless bombing of the Zhawar Kili caves, a vast underground complex where fighters from the Taliban and bin Laden's al Qaeda network had tried to regroup.

The Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) said attacks were focused on Zhawar, 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Khost.

``American jets began bombing the area overnight and continued into yesterday morning. There was no information about casualties,'' said AIP, quoting unnamed sources.

Several helicopters ferried in about 50 U.S. ground troops to eastern Khost, taking the total number of U.S. personnel in the area to about 150, it added.

U.S. forces captured on Monday two senior al Qaeda fighters near the Zhawar Kili caves, along with computers, cell phones and other valuable intelligence material.

The prisoners are being interrogated to see if they can provide any clues on the whereabouts of bin Laden or Mullah Omar.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department made clear that it wanted all senior Taliban officials who surrendered to be detained for questioning and not released under amnesty.

They were responding to reports from the spokesman of the governor of Kandahar that three former Taliban ministers had been freed after surrendering to the southern city's authorities.

The trio were the former minister of defence, Mullah Obaidullah, the former minister of mines, Mullah Saadudin, and the former minister of justice, Mullah Nooruddin Turabi.

``We have said before that we believe that senior Taliban officials should be taken into custody,'' said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

``We would expect that to be the case with these three individuals. I'm sure we'll be looking into this matter further.''

U.S. forces are preparing to transport some 368 al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners to the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where secure facilities are being built to hold as many as 2,000 detainees from the war in Afghanistan.

Shot man loses arm
A MAN reportedly shot by police in Berbice yesterday, had his right arm amputated after he was admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Reports said Clifford Deonarine Sookdeo, 37, of Hampshire, Corentyne, was shot in the right arm and buttocks by police at his aunt's home in the same village.

A relative said the man who lived with his aunt, was involved in an argument with her yesterday morning. As the situation got out of hand the police were called in.

Reports said that when the police attempted to arrest Sookdeo, a confrontation began and he was shot.

He was taken to the hospital where his right arm was amputated above his elbow.

His condition was last night reported stable and he was under police guard.

Turks and Caicos company wants to buy Guyana rice
A TURKS and Caicos Islands food processing company has expressed interest in purchasing rice from Guyana.

Managing Director of Columbus Foods of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr. Paul Day told the Chronicle that his company, which is involved in processing and exporting rice to European countries including Belgium, the U.K., France and Portugal, is deeply interested in purchasing Guyana's rice.

Columbus Foods also exports to Caribbean countries, including the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico.

Day said his company's access to Europe's preferential markets was blocked for three years, but recently it was allocated a quota of 10,000 tonnes per year for the next 10 years.

He also assured that his firm would offer lucrative and competitive prices for Guyana's rice.

Day said Guyana's rice is in demand because of the size of the grain and its overall quality and his company is getting in contact with local millers and exporters.

Marketing Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall welcomed the expression of interest by Columbus Foods because Guyana is looking forward to exporting as much rice as possible.

"It is certainly good for Guyana," he said.

He said the company did business with Guyana about three years ago and the board did not find any difficulty dealing with them.

"They may have had difficulties with individual millers but we would not be able to comment on that," Dharamlall remarked.

The largest local exporter of Guyana's rice is paying US$220 per tonne cash and if Columbus can surpass or match that then it will be competitive, he explained.

He also agreed that the size and quality of Guyana's grains are responsible for its great demand.

Guyana's rice industry has been experiencing difficulties in recent times due to a decline in world market prices for the commodity. This has resulted in severe hardships on local rice farmers, compounded by difficulties farmers have in repaying bank loans.

Rice farmers took to the streets in Georgetown two months ago protesting the harsh repayment conditions imposed by bankers and the non-payment by some millers to them. (CHAMANLALL NAIPAUL)

Playing loud music can be a criminal offence
`...it's an offence by law, a criminal offence, to play music continuously and loudly into the wee hours of the morning, especially to the annoyance of others' - Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. David Ramnarine
By Mark Ramotar
NOISE nuisance is a criminal offence and persons can be prosecuted under the law for making loud and continuous noise, especially if it is to the annoyance of the public, a Police spokesman has said.

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. David Ramnarine said Wednesday that persons who have discos, restaurants and bars have to be holders of licences.

But apart from having the licences to run these outlets, they're also required to be licensed under the `Music and Dancing Licensing Act' before they can play loud music over a specified period of time, he explained.

A Bel Air Park, Georgetown resident, in a letter to the Chronicle Wednesday, complained about the extreme nuisance that noise has become in residential areas.

The resident said that for the last few months he has been awakened between 02:30-04:30 hrs almost every day by so-called frolic music emitting from the entertainment centres on Sheriff Street, several blocks northeast of where he lives.

"The sound waves come and go like big ocean waves for hours. At times the noise is faint and a few minutes later it is so loud that you could think a party is in the next door neighbourhood," the resident complained.

He said that once awake, it is difficult for him to fall to sleep again. "I suppose a certain anger that builds up is also responsible for not finding sleep again," the letter-writer said.

The resident also questioned whether those people having a "wonderful time" are working people. "I wonder what the people in the immediate neighbourhoods have to say of the entertainment centres at that time in the morning?"

"Their children must grow up either as top dancers, singers or musicians and receiving brain damage affecting their lives," he asserted.

"This artificial happiness must stop (and) it must stop at least by 01:00 hrs latest," the resident added.

For those who have to work in the morning it is only fair to get some hours of uninterrupted sleep, the angry `Bel Airian' added.

Ramnarine told the Chronicle that the conditions of the licences of these entertainment centres require that loud music can be played only up to midnight from Mondays to Fridays, while on Saturdays it can be played up to 02:00 hrs.

He said too that as far as he is concerned, "these big places (nightclubs)" should not play loud music at all on a Sunday.

"So it's an offence by law, a criminal offence, to play music continuously and loudly into the wee hours of the morning, especially to the annoyance of others..."

According to Ramnarine, Chapter 23:03 of the Laws of Guyana, under the Music and Dancing Licensing Act, requires all entertainment houses to have a Music and Dancing Licence in order to have parties and dancing sessions.

Once the music is played in such a way that it disturbs the public, the law provides for the owner to be charged with the offence of making loud and continuous noise, he said.

He said too that matters of noise nuisances should be reported to the Police and a statement will be taken before there can be any real foundation for charges to be laid.

Ramnarine said the offence carries a monetary fine in the first instance and a jail term in instances after.

He noted too that the law empowers the Police to enter premises and seize noise-making instruments wherever music is played loudly and continuously and disturbs the public.

There have been many other bitter complaints from people in the city and along the coast about the growing noise nuisance from music boxes and discos and liquor restaurants.

Workshop prepares youth groups for CYP 2002 awards
MINISTRY of Culture, Youth and Sport staged a one-day workshop at the former Guyana National Service (GNS) Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, last Saturday, to prepare youths from the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana for competition in the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) 2002 awards.

The exercise, dubbed ‘Training for Trainers’, was sponsored in collaboration with the CYP Youth Service Award Programme, which aims to assist youth groupings in the formulation of policies and decision making, on issues affecting them at regional, national and international levels, when executing projects that could enhance community development.

Participants were exposed to ideas for ventures, criteria for selection and how to develop successful proposals and acquire the relevant information for the execution.

Those participating in the rivalry for the three Regional and Pan-Commonwealth Youth Service awards could win up to 3,000 pounds (Sterling) each, a trophy and medals.

Sapodilla Learning Centre at West Coast Berbice won one of the awards last year.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms Gail Teixiera told the Saturday gathering that the scheme deals with a number of basic things but, because of the lack of information, many young people are being kept away from the various activities.

She said five local proposals must be submitted to the Ministry for presentation to CYP Caribbean Centre for the Regional Award Competition involving 17 other Commonwealth countries.

Minister Teixeira encouraged countrywide participation so that a comprehensive database could be compiled at the Ministry.

She explained that the process would facilitate easy access to groups so they can be informed of plans by the Ministry for the provision of technical and other assistance to every region.

Director of Youth, Ms Jacqueline Mounter said she hopes groups will be motivated to develop themselves as well as individuals for a success in 2002.

She is optimistic that proposals presented at the training session would be worth submitting for CYP award nominations.

“They are saying that our young people are unemployed and are unemployable but, in a youth group, a lot can happen in terms of employment, if groups strive towards making employment part of the activities they are involved in,” Mounter posited.

UNICEF funds another Corriverton project
ABOUT 300 residents of Number 79 Section ‘C’ Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice will get a reliable supply of potable water within the next two weeks.

It will be made possible through a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) $3.5M project to rehabilitate and extend the system.

The work entails laying 1,305 metres of new distribution mains to replace the collapsed network and is being coordinated by Corriverton Town Council, in conjunction with the beneficiaries.

Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA) is providing technical assistance and the job is slated for completion by mid-month.

Corriverton municipal officials said the current irregular flow to the densely populated part of the township has raised much concern among those affected.

UNICEF previously financed the construction of concrete drums and other sanitary facilities at Section ‘E’, another Corriverton ward.

Those remedial works, done at a cost of $2M, were also aimed at improving the quality of life, the officials said.

Brightening those road signs
THE Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force is engaged in a road-painting exercise throughout the streets of Georgetown.

The main purpose of the exercise is to brighten all road signs so that drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians could be better informed about the commands and instructions that regulate the smooth flow of traffic.

Here, Inspector Jackson supervises the road-painting exercise in Gordon Street, Kitty, yesterday.

ampellville resident gets Steve’s Jewellery first prize
THE ‘Chance to Win’ competition sponsored by Steve’s Jewellery establishment was drawn on Saturday, January 5, 2002.

The first prize of one pair of diamond earrings valued at $300,000 was won by Troy Phillips of Lot 119 John Smith Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

The second prize of two Citizen watches worth over $100,000 was won by Natasha Sankar of Lot 16 Austin Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

Pension Books distribution delayed
THE Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has apologised to all recipients for the unavoidable delay in the distribution of Old Age Pension Books.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the schedule for this year will be published in the January 13 Sunday Chronicle.

In Region One…
Dry weather stalls key bridge construction
THE dry weather pattern prevailing throughout the country has stalled the construction of the San Jose bridge which would be a key link for several villages in Region One (Barima/Waini).

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Tuesday that, to resume work, the contractor needs to transport heavy equipment and machinery into the Region but the water level drop is preventing the move.

GINA said residents in the beneficiary communities have expressed their disappointment at the delay and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr Harripersaud Nokta said he, too, is not sure when the job will recommence.

In late November, along with regional officials, he visited the site where only pedestrian movement is currently facilitated.

Region One has been experiencing the same conditions over the past few months and the anticipated rainfall at Christmas did not materialise.

The overpass being constructed would allow vehicular traffic to cross Moruca River for the first time and Central Government has allocated $10M towards the project.

Rodrigues says…
Acoushi ants programme major 2001 Ministry accomplishment
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues, said Monday she is pleased with the achievements of her Ministry in 2001 and a major accomplishment was the $10M Acoushi Ants Programme.

That project started in Moruca sub-district of Region One (Barima/Waini) last October and, subsequently, continued in parts of Regions Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Upper Mazaruni and the North Pakaraimas.

It was coordinated by her Ministry, with technical assistance from the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, after complaints of rampant infestation of hinterland Amerindian farming communities, she said in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Minister Rodrigues said the programme “is going well” and her Ministry will continue to pay attention to it.

She added that personnel in the affected places have been trained to carry out the necessary fogging exercise.

“I am hoping that we would not have so many reports of crop destruction because of Acoushi ants. But this would depend largely on the communities themselves,” Rodrigues pointed out.

She said her Ministry has supplied a number of farms in Rupununi and other areas with tools in support of the agricultural drive.

According to her, the establishment of village offices in some locations was another 2001 objective but the Ministry was unable to accomplish it.

However, she assured that they will be built this year at the previously identified sites where Village Captains and Councils would function.

Rodrigues said, other successes include major rehabilitation on the Amerindian Hostel in Georgetown where Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) is now complementing what the Ministry did last year.

She reported that the Amerindian Affairs Ministry assisted monetarily with the resuscitation of North Rupununi Credit Scheme, currently being supervised by Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED).

Rodrigues said persons from North Rupununi are in training to operate the scheme there, offering small loans for agricultural and other business purposes.

She said the venture had a good record of repayment since it started in 1999 but, recently, borrowers have been experiencing difficulties to meet their obligations to the system which falls under North Rupununi District Development Board.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is awaiting the passage of the 2002 National Budget to secure funds for renovating its new offices, in the compound at Avenue of the Republic and Company Path, Georgetown, where Guyana Cooperative Mortgage Finance Bank and Colonial Life Insurance Company were formerly housed.

Arjun points to strides in Guyana, Suriname relations
GUYANA’S Ambassador to Suriname, Mr. Karshanjee Arjun has pointed to strides made in advancing relations between the two countries.

A statement from the Guyana Embassy in Parimaribo said he specially referred to reciprocal visits by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Rudy Insanally and his Surinamese counterpart, Ms Marie Levens, respectively.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Arjun placed emphasis on the pending State Visit to Suriname by President Bharrat Jagdeo and expressed thanks to those who have become involved in the ‘Circle of Friends’ for promoting the New Global Human Order, first advocated by late President Cheddi Jagan.

GINA said Arjun traced the birth of the concept and its acceptance by regional, hemispheric and international organisations.

Speaking at the traditional Old Year’s drinks on the lawns of the Chancery in the capital of the neighbouring republic last December 28, the diplomat called on more people to propagate the ideas of poverty alleviation and economic, social and cultural development, as adumbrated by Dr Jagan during his Presidency.

GINA said the December occasion is when the envoy normally expresses gratitude to those who lent support to the Embassy’s efforts during the year.

Teachers exchange conference billed for Georgetown in August
BROOKLYN, New York -- Plans are under way for the first ever three-day technology and teachers exchange conference in Georgetown on August 22-24.

Termed Harbinger2002, the conference is specifically designed to attract companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Canon, Toshiba, AT&T, Sprint and many others in the hardware, software and services sectors to Guyana where they will get an opportunity to display their products and talk about their services.

Harbinger2002 promises to be an exciting event, which will expose and bring the Guyanese/Caribbean community up to speed with many of the technologies that exist today.

One day is to be set aside for the teachers exchange conference where teachers from New York and Columbia universities will be on board to effectively share information with teachers and other professionals in Guyana on topics such as communications, race relations and AIDS.

Some of the companies already backing this conference are Microsoft, JRG Entertainment, a Brooklyn-based entertainment firm which promotes runway and fashion shows etc., and Orion Resources International, an IBM business partner.

Several local businessmen and women are also involved.

For more information on this conference please contact Donnette Dennis, conference organiser at 917-753-5507; e-mail donnette2003@yahoo.com.

Health Minister worried about suicide trend
- draft national plan for discussion
HEALTH Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is worried about recent cases of reported suicide and says details of a "very structured approach" to addressing the problem will be announced soon.

Counselling for persons who may be undergoing problems would be a critical aspect of the plan, he said, noting that some non-governmental organisations already offer such a service on an ad hoc basis.

There have been four reported suicides and several attempts at suicide since the year began and Ramsammy said Wednesday, "I am very concerned".

He noted that suicide is a serious public health problem.

The minister heads the Committee for the Prevention of Suicidal Behaviour and Suicide and said member, Dr. Bhiro Harry has submitted a draft national plan which the body will soon discuss.

That plan is also to be taken to the community for discussion and Ramsammy said the intention is to formalise a structure for counselling which will also cover alcoholism, family planning and other issues.

The committee includes representatives from the ministries of Health, Education, Youth, Culture and Sport and Human Services and the private sector.

"The committee is evolving and more representatives from the churches will be asked to join", the Health Minister reported.

East Coast phone service disrupted
GUYANA Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) technicians are working to restore service to more than 100 residents on the East Coast Demerara, the firm announced yesterday.

It said service was disrupted to customers in several villages on Wednesday when a contractor working on a water main in Success cut two 3,000-pair telephone cables under the Railway Embankment road.

GT&T is urging contractors to contact the company before excavating.


Union, ministry asked for pay hike arbitration proposals
By Abigail Kippins
THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Public Service Ministry (PSM) have been invited to submit proposals for the terms of reference for arbitration on pay hikes for public servants.

Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Mohamed Akeel asked for the proposals following a two-hour meeting between the parties yesterday.

Head of the GPSU, Mr. Patrick Yarde told the Chronicle that his union, which represents at least 6,000 workers, plans to submit its proposal to Akeel by Monday.

He said they want the situation to be resolved quickly, adding that he hopes the Government would be more cooperative in dealing with the matter.

He accused the Government of frustrating the process and said it needs to display more maturity and professionalism.

The Chronicle, however, understands that the PSM would not be presenting any proposal, since it is against arbitration in this case.

The GPSU last month informed the Ministry of Labour that it wanted to go to arbitration in its quest for a pay hike higher than the 5.5 per cent the Government paid out to public servants last year.

The increase was handed down last month when conciliation failed and a deadlock declared following months of negotiations.

The hike saw the minimum public service wage increased from $19,000 (US$98.95) to $20,140 (US$104.89) per month and $798 (US$4.15) to $846 (US$4.40) daily.

The GPSU argued that the current real wage was 22 per cent below its 1970 value, and 34 per cent below the 1980 value.

Yarde had said his union would make a case for a 35 per cent wage increase for 2001 and 26 per cent for this year.

Representing the PSM at the yesterday's meeting were Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nanda K. Gopaul, and Chief Personnel Officer, Mr Jairam Gheer. Yarde and General Secretary, Mr. Randolph Kirton, represented the GPSU.

The Chronicle was told that at the meeting, the union outlined its case and impressed upon the PSM to go ahead and set up the machinery for the arbitration.

The PSM, however, stoutly resisted going to arbitration and indicated that the union was late in making its claim.

As a consequence, the PSM said that it was not prepared to go that route, but appealed to the union to continue discussions for this year in order to have a multi-year package.

According to a PSM official, the union is requesting arbitration 51 days after a deadlock was declared and a decision taken for the payout.

This is not in keeping with industrial relations norms, the source said.

An expert in the field of industrial relations pointed out that for arbitration to take place at the request of either party to the dispute, the terms would have to be mutually agreed upon.

According to him, the only avenue left to conclude this matter is for the Minister of Labour to impose arbitration under the Labour Act, Chapter 98:01.

He stressed that voluntary arbitration cannot take place without the mutual consent of the parties involved.

Yarde said the union is not surprised that the Government would not cooperate, since it has experienced this kind of attitude many times before.

He said such behaviour serves the country no good, can be very costly and keeps strife in union and Government relations.

Yarde said if the PSM fails to submit its proposal, the Ministry of Labour could demand it be submitted or the PSM could be forced to do so by a Court order.

He argued that there is no time limit to request arbitration, adding that the Government is not in a position to talk about time limits since it took nine months to meet the union following its submissions in 2000 for a wage increase.

Yarde added that the two sides had also continued talks so there were always attempts to have a solution.

He said he felt it was in good faith for the two parties to try for a resolution without the matter reaching arbitration.

Hundreds at funeral of shot mini-bus driver
MINI-BUS driver, Brian King, also known as "Tool Box", who was allegedly shot in his mouth by a policeman on December 2, was buried yesterday.

King, 33, of Princess and Smyth streets, Georgetown, died on New Year's Night and hundreds joined the funeral procession to Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

People in the procession carried placards alleging police brutality. Among those in the crowd was Mark Benschop, former controversial TV `talk show host'.

The body was taken for viewing at the Smyth Street home and the procession then left for the 1763 Monument Square where the mourners assembled before moving off to the cemetery.

Police was present throughout and no incident was reported.

In photo, the funeral procession moving through Georgetown.

Mash parade, Eid clash concerns to be addressed
By Neil Marks
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Gail Teixeira has promised to look into concerns by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) that the annual grand February 23 parade in the city for the Republic's anniversary may affect Eid-ul-Azha observances at about two worship points.

CIOG President, Mr. Fazeel Ferouz yesterday said Teixeira, who was in Region One, is to meet the Mashramani Committee on Monday to discuss the issue and may also bring up the matter for discussion at Tuesday's statutory meeting of Cabinet.

Mashramani and Eid-ul-Azha are both national holidays and the Muslim festival commemorating the sacrifice of the Prophet Abraham is likely to also be on February 23.

And President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud said the fact that Good Friday and Phagwah, both observed as national holidays, fall on the same day this year, should not be a problem for either faiths.

There have been concerns by Christians that the water dousing revellery popular in the city and other place on Phagwah day, may affect Good Friday worshippers.

Ferouz said the Mashramani float parades, usually a mix of scantily clad women parading in outlandish costumes and dancing to the tunes of high volume soca and other music, detract from the "most auspicious and solemn" occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

While he has no problem with Guyanese celebrating Mashramani in whatever way they choose, the usual routes for the costume and float parade may cause distraction and inconvenience for the Muslims who will use the Queenstown Masjid on Church Street, and the Muslim Youth Organisation on Woolford Avenue, Ferouz said.

He said it would not be possible for those who normally go to both locations to go elsewhere, since about 1,000 people normally observe Eid at the Queenstown Masjid.

The routes for the parades are normally planned months in advance.

Ferouz proposes that either the routes be changed or that Mashramani be celebrated on Sunday February 24.

"This sort of thing only happens about every thirty years," he said.

The day for the observance of Eid would, however, not be known until the new moon is seen earlier in February.

Good Friday and Phagwah are both to be observed on March 29 this year, but Persaud does not foresee the observances affecting each other.

"Guyana is a multi-religious society and as such we must respect each other's belief and faith.

"In a society like ours, the occurrence of two different religious observances (at the same time) can be expected," he said.

"And so, the Christians in keeping with their faith will observe Good Friday, while the Hindus will be attending Mandirs in the morning and assemble for utsav in the afternoon," he said.

Persaud said Phagwah should only be played with those who are inclined to and it is not a day for Hindus to indulge in drinking alcohol.

But recent cases of reported suicide and attempts at suicide have turned attention again to a worrying problem.

Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, to his credit, has not attempted to skirt the issue and last year announced plans to address the situation on a national level.

He has acknowledged that suicide is a serious health problem and has promised that details of a national strategy would be unveiled soon.

Many people here feel that proper counselling could be a major boost in dealing with the issue and Dr. Ramsammy has said that the intention is to formalise a structure for counselling which will also cover alcoholism, family planning and other issues.

Alcoholism is another major social problem which has to be addressed, given the havoc it wreaks in countless homes across the country and it is commendable that it has been brought on the health agenda.

Despite the good intentions of the Health Ministry, it cannot effectively tackle all the maladies vying for special attention. The Government simply does not have the resources to devote to solving all the social and other critical problems countries like Guyana face.

Institutions like the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation are making invaluable inputs, as they are in the case of Lymphatic Filariasis, referred to earlier.

Given the prevailing circumstances, organisations like the churches and civic groups can play critical back-up roles to the Health Ministry in coming to grips with suicide and alcoholism.

What is needed is an effective community-based approach where unusual tendencies, particularly among teenagers, can be spotted early and proper counselling services offered.

People with suicidal tendencies require trained counselling and churches can help set these up through regional and international links.

A structured education programme is also essential where the issues can be explored in schools, at the community level and through the media in an informed and enlightened manner.

We understand some church representatives are already involved with the Committee for the Prevention of Suicidal Behaviour and Suicide which Dr. Ramsammy heads.

It is imperative for more religious organisations to go easy on preaching hell and damnation for troubled persons with suicidal tendencies and get on board the campaign to reduce the incidence of suicide in the country.

This is not a problem that is unique to Guyana and an approach has to be devised that would ensure counselling is there when persons in need want it.

The more organisations involved, including churches, the greater would be the chances of the authorities coming to grips with the problem.

We look forward to wider national support for the "very structured approach" Dr. Ramsammy has promised.

The couple has been accused of selling a property, in contravention of a Court order and Persaud is asking that they be jailed as contemnors at the scheduled Monday, January 28 trial.

According to Persaud, the Ceetrams breached an August 17, 2001 edict, which restrained them from also mortgaging, leasing, encumbering or in any way alienating or disposing of the plot of land situated on the northern embankment of what used to be the railway line at Le Resouvenir, also on East Coast Demerara.

In a supporting affidavit, Persaud said the $1,700,000 sale, to Andrew and Fareeda Rollins, took place by agreement of October 24, 2001.

‘Guts’ manslaughter case starts at Demerara Assizes
THE trial of Robert Scotland called ‘Aska’, for the manslaughter of Colin Lawrence alias ‘Guts’, began before Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and a mixed Demerara Assizes jury yesterday.

According to the indictment, the victim was killed on May 19, 1999 and leading State Prosecutor Jolyon Hatmin said, in his opening address, that the unlawful killing followed a longstanding grievance between the two men.

The lawyer said Lawrence was a pedestrian in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, when the accused attacked him with a cutlass.

The case continues on Monday.

Brothers charged with hurting two in gunfire brawl
TWO civilians were injured when a drinking spree in North West District turned violent last week.

However, Angela Canterbury and Khivandeo Basdeo only suffered minor injuries during the January 4 brawl, Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen heard yesterday when two brothers appeared before her in Georgetown.

The siblings, Romeo King, 21 and Elmo King, 32, of Monkey Mountain, faced several charges but were each put on $25,000 bail while the cases have been transferred to North West Magisterial District for January 23.

Elmo King is charged with assaulting Police Constables Tyrone David and Renson Garway, possession of a ‘Special Taurus’ revolver without a licence and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Canterbury.

Romeo King is accused of having assaulted the same policemen, damaging Police property and unlawfully wounding Basdeo.

The Court was told the Kings were imbibing alcohol and at a shop in their neighbourhood when the cops attempted to arrest them because of their conduct.

An altercation arose, during which David’s firearm fell from his waist and Elmo King grabbed it and fired five rounds into the air.

The weapon was retrieved but, while Elmo King was being taken to the Police outpost, Romeo King attacked and struck the peace officers with a piece of wood and Canterbury and Basdeo were hurt when they intervened.

Police also said Romeo King damaged the wooden section of an American-made carbine by hurling it against a wall.

Sex partner accused of money theft
AN EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD was remanded to prison by Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday after being accused of stealing money from her sex partner.

Eulid Morlock, of Lot 399 Zeelugt Squatting Area, East Bank Essequibo, is charged with larceny of $65,000 from Alphis Campbell last Tuesday night.

“It was just that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Your Worship,” the defendant declared as she denied taking the cash.

But Inspector Gordon Peters, prosecuting, said Morlock is a known character who went to a Sheriff Street, Georgetown hotel to have sexual intercourse with the 37-year-old Campbell.

The Prosecutor said the virtual complainant fell asleep and, when he awoke, the sum was missing from his pants pocket.

Fined for 1am find
MONTY Adams, 37, of Lot 171 Cutty Lane, Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday fined $10,000, with the alternative of three months imprisonment, for possession of windowpanes suspected to have been stolen.

Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen imposed the monetary penalty on him after he begged not to be imprisoned.

“If you can just give me a second chance, I will try to do good, My Worship,” Adams pleaded.

Police said Mekdeci Mining Company security personnel were on patrol duty when they apprehended Adams at Church and Peter Rose Streets, Georgetown, with a bag in his hand about 01:00 hours (1am).

A search of the bag yielded 13 louvres for which Adams could not give a reasonable explanation.

Violent one-armed man jailed for four years
RUDRA Rajpaul, a convicted felon who had fallen into the habit of terrorising his West Berbice relatives and neighbours while under the influence of alcohol, was on Monday sentenced to a total of four years imprisonment for two charges of wounding and one of malicious damage to property.

Magistrate Kumar Doraisami imposed the sentences at Blairmont Magistrate Court, West Bank Berbice.

Prosecutor Woman Corporal, Hetty Anthony told the Court that Rajpaul, 39, who has only one arm, committed the offences between September and December 2001 soon after being released from prison, where he served a four-year jail sentence for felonious wounding.

The victims included his mother and a prisoner in the Blairmont Police Lockups.

Rajpaul was described as a very violent person especially while under the influence of alcohol.

The Prosecutor said that the one-armed man used a hammer to smash mirrors, ware plates and windowpanes at the home of his mother Rookmin Rajpaul while in a drunken rage on September 30, 2001.

While on trial for his offence, he slashed fellow villager Manmohan Kuleshwar across his chest with a knife during an argument on December 1, 2001.

And while in custody pending charges on this latter offence, Rajpaul slammed Nizam Azeez, a fellow prisoner, against a concrete wall in the Blairmont Police Lockups causing him a cut on his head.

Rajpaul had pleaded guilty to the three charges.

A Probation Officer’s report submitted prior to him being sentenced, said that he was a violent person who had fallen into the habit of terrorising his relatives and neighbours with knives and cutlasses particularly when drunk.

On being asked whether he had anything to say before being sentenced, Rajpaul said that in the wounding cases he had been acting in self-defence.

The Magistrate, who sentenced him to two years for the wounding of Manmohan Kuleshwar and one year each for the damage to his mother’s property and wounding of his fellow prisoner, ruled that the sentences run concurrently. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Court hears of failed fraud after perjury
A MAN has been charged with committing perjury in a failed attempt to defraud a commercial bank.

Rudolph Williams, of Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday but he denied falsely swearing that he was the holder of an account at National Bank of Industry and Commerce Limited (NBIC).

The defendant was granted $10,000 bail pending trial on March 7.

Police said he went to the bank on January 7 and sought to withdraw $12,000 from savings credited to another Rudolph Williams.

When the address and date of birth on his National Identification Card did not correspond with those on the bank’s records, Williams was advised to make an affidavit.

However, when the testament was presented, bank employees detected that the signatures were different, the Court was told.

Ex-policeman now security guard charged with theft
ACTING Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday ordered ex-policeman Keith Marks to post $75,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to larceny from Case Timbers Limited.

The defendant, 39, of Lot 22 North Road, Bourda, is alleged to have stolen four truck tyres valued $316,000 from his employer’s premises on Church Street, also in Georgetown, where he was a security guard.

Police said Marks delivered the booty to four accomplices on January 7 but the guard at another location saw the suspicious transaction and reported it.

The case will be called again February 15.

Couple refused bail in jewellery, money larceny cases
A MAN and the mother of his child were refused bail yesterday on joint charges of jewellery and money larceny.

Mark Jordan, of Lot 51 Evans Phillips Park, Agricola, East Bank Demerara and Ashantie Thomas, of Lot 64 Middle Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, were remanded to prison until January 15.

They both pleaded not guilty to stealing a quantity of foreign currencies, one gold ring, a pair of gold bangles and a pair of diamond earrings, all worth $633,700, belonging to Frantz Farrier.

Jordan and Thomas also denied they stole two pairs of gold earrings and eight gold rings valued $126,000, property of Shovi Ann Bentham.

Farrier and Bentham are living together but discovered their loss when they returned home after being away between January 1 and 2.

Police said Jordan took them to where Thomas lives and some of the stolen valuables were recovered there.

Calls for new forms of governance, such as, power- sharing for Guyana, generally use ethnic and tribal conflict as the basis for such verbalism. Commentaries in alluding to racism in Guyana, must provide evidence as to how the comparable socioeconomic status (SES) of both major ethnic groups, is affected by racial discrimination. If African Guyanese were profoundly discriminated against, then their comparable SES with East Indian Guyanese would hardly have been a reality, and vice versa.

Let’s address the source of the ethnic conflict, after all it is the ethnic conflict and violence that drive the preponderance of power-sharing proposals. PNC/Reform’s protests during and after the March 19 national elections are not an indicator of race problems in Guyana, but a response to their perceived long-term electoral vulnerability. The source of the perceived ethnic conflict is political, and relentlessly manipulated and pursued by opposition forces. After the elections, this ethnic conflict retires into protracted hibernation. Given a comparable SES for both major groups, political manipulation of the ethnic card, and politically induced ethnic insecurities, why power- sharing? These givens make power- sharing impractical in the context of Guyana because many of the power-sharing messiahs need to review the social and economic conditions of all ethnic groups at each level of the class structure in Guyana. In any case, let’s examine the problematics of power sharing amid claims of an ethnically divided Guyana.

Some parts of the political spectrum already have made a pronouncement that Guyana is ethnically divided, and in a logically sequential way, has engaging proposals to address this ethnic conflict. Seemingly, ethnic separatism or separate ethnic development through a federalist structure is advanced as a mechanism to sustain each ethnic group’s interests. Notwithstanding the subsistence benefits emanating from a federal system, the fact that a particular ethnic group will secure political and economic control over each proposed federal division, violates the principles of multiethnicity and pluralism. This proposal advocates separate ethnic development!! Shades of ethnic separateness and federalism are not new phenomena for Guyana, and quite rightly, were removed from political discourses over the years. Again, the federal structure in the U.S., of which the current proposal on federalism for Guyana is a prototype, has not considerably reduced race and ethnic conflict and violence in that country. It needs to be pointed out, too, that American federalism has not been ethnically determined, inasmuch as the Guyana proposed federal structure is anchored in ethnicity.

One proposal bandied around to apparently smooth out the ethnic conflict is a national front government; this proposal, essentially, is about power sharing. According to Sisk (1996), power sharing refers to practices and institutions that produce broad-based governing coalitions inclusive of all major ethnic groups.

Any power- sharing scheme must be rooted in the assent of the people. A useful starting point, then, may be to seek a referendum from the electorate to ascertain their feelings on this issue. Both major political parties, the PPP/Civic and the PNC/Reform, have rejected power- sharing. They both claim that their party membership is gradually becoming plural which is a healthy development for Guyana’s politics.

The application of Proportional Representation (PR) already affords the smaller parties representation in the National Assembly; without PR, the TUF and AFG, in 1997, and now in 2001, the WPA/GAP, TUF, and ROAR would not have found a seat in the National Assembly. Under PR, seats in the National Assembly are apportioned on the basis of the proportion of votes received. If a party fails to acquire significant votes in the current power-sharing PR electoral system, how then can it request a greater voice in the executive branch of the Government? Keep in mind that parliamentary democracy is based on the assent of the governed.

The type of power- sharing driven solely by the need to include all ethnic groups in the political pie, promotes ethnic separatism (separate development). This will happen because each power-sharing representative, in theory, represents his/her own ethnic group. This perspective will dilute multiculturalism. Also, a center/periphery analysis of power will demonstrate that a power play among the ethnic group representatives will occur.

It’s quite easy for bureaucratic power- sharing to discreetly replace the people’s voice institutionalized through elections. In the final analysis, we have to know, too, whether the politicians relentlessly striving for power- sharing are really the representatives the people want for sharing particular slices of power. In addition, we need to know whether they are genuine representatives of the constituents they claim to represent. If this is the case, then let the people through a referendum determine their support/non-support for power- sharing.

Scientifically administered research on the social and economic conditions of all-Guyanese may uncover the folly of the assumptions of power- sharing. All Guyanese, depending on their location within the class structure, have a mutual experience with social and economic disadvantage. Any Government operating in a multiethnic context can only be considered worthy if its policies are formulated, implemented, and consumed in the national interest. The PPP/C Administration since 1992 has broken the back of the PNC’s nefarious legacy, and catapulted Guyana to a significantly-improved human development index and a sound macroeconomic framework.

The PPP/C’s track record must be measured, using a baseline, and that baseline is the state of affairs of Guyana in 1992. Further, given the current international economic recession and the World Trade Organization’s negative trade conditions inimical to poor developing countries, Guyana has emerged relatively well at the end of 2001. Power-sharing messiahs need to assimilate the point that power- sharing is not a panacea for Guyana’s social ills, especially when those ills are politically induced to gain political advantage. This instrumental approach, albeit superficial, to get political points, indeed, is not in the country’s interest. The bottom line is that some people want to achieve political stardom through the backdoor, thereby ignoring the Constitution’s principles. In power-sharing, the proponents’ vested interests for particular ethnic groups, may very well not turn out to be the country’s vested interests.
Prem Misir

Is it political ambition?
Many people cannot help wondering just what is Tony Vieira’s newly adopted role as he alone perceives it to be.

Is it self-appointed public watchdog, “commentator” or analyst?

Does he regard himself as a successor to Kit Nascimento or does he have a political ambition to satisfy, as so many now seem to have?

Evening News of January 8, states that it has received certain “reports” concerning Minister Bibi Shadick which are unsupported and which have been aired without apparently even trying to get a response from her although she was extensively interviewed on the same newscast about the new Old Age Pension books.

And because of these alleged “reports”, it was announced by the newscaster that Anthony Vieira in light of these “disclosures” is calling for the resignation of Minister Shadick.

How high-handed such an attitude displays. Is Vieira in fact piqued by the seizure of his radio equipment, which he was operating without the relevant licence?

Knowing how unprofessionally some television stations operate, we cannot be at all surprised that they did not seek a response from the minister. It is quite clear that they were in fact not at all interested in getting such a response. It would not suit their purpose.

We can have absolutely no doubt that an adequate and appropriate response will be coming from the Honourable Minister.
PATRICIA CUMMINGS

Efforts to upgrade Police Force
The PNC/Reform as many expected is once again calling for protest action, this time against what they allege are extra-judicial killings by some members of the Police Force.

These allegations are not receiving much support by most members of the public, several of whom, their families, relatives, acquaintances or friends have suffered grievously at the hands of vicious criminals who in all cases have shown absolutely no mercy to the victims or members of their household.

This is not however, to say that unwarranted use of force is condoned. Such allegations must continue to be investigated and reports made to be public, and wherever necessary appropriate action must be taken as has been the case in the past.

It has not escaped attention however, that the PNC/R and others while quick to attack the Police Force on allegations of Police brutality and extra-judicial killings, h