Fire
Parika market complex gutted by fire: A massive fire on Saturday (February 11th) gutted the entire Parika Marketing Complex located on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE) along with other stalls which were on the road side, leaving dozens of vendors counting their losses. The fire was thought to have been triggered by sparks which emanated from welding which was being done on the roof of the market complex. The sparks came into contact with a stall that was reportedly selling squibs, flares and other explosives. In a release yesterday, the Guyana Fire Service said that they were alerted to the fire at about 3:14pm and immediately dispatched five water tenders, one water bowser, and two support vehicles from the Leonora, La Grange, Eccles, Campbellville, Central, and West Ruimveldt fire stations to the location with the first water tender arriving on the scene at 15:36 pm. They began their firefighting operation by first utilising tank supplies, after which they made use of the Essequibo River as an open water source. The fire service said that their preliminary investigations have so far revealed that construction workers who were in the process of rebuilding the market were conducting welding when sparks came into contact with nearby combustible materials which ignited and caused the market complex to be severely damaged by the time fire-fighters tried to extinguish the huge blaze. Due to the presence of so much combustible material, the fire kept reigniting, and up to press time fire-fighters were still on the scene trying to completely put out the blaze. Meanwhile, at the scene of devastation and chaos, Stabroek News managed to speak with a few vendors who recollected the moment the fire started and their subsequent responses. Many of them acknowledged that they initially heard sounds followed by a huge blaze and thick black smoke.
Economy
Price regulation to be introduced for GTT – PUC: Price regulation is to be introduced for GTT, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced in a notice in last Monday’s Stabroek News. The Commission says it intends to introduce the price cap regime for the following markets and telecommunications services: Residential Telecommunications Services -Residential narrowband (voice) access -Local and national long-distance calls for residential customers -Residential local and long-distance calls to mobile subscribers -Public payphones Business Telecommunications Services -Business narrowband (voice) access -Local and national long-distance calls for business customers -Business local and long-distance calls to mobile subscribers -Domestic leased lines The PUC said that the action was being taken under Section 38 (3) (b) of the Telecommunications Act No.18 of 2016. It pointed out that by virtue of Clause 10 of its licence dated October 5th, 2020, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. Ltd (GTT) is accorded the designation of dominant operator for fixed public telecommunications network and services. GTT, the PUC noted, is also designated jointly dominant for mobile public telecommunications network and services with U-Mobile (Cellular) Inc (Digicel). The PUC noted that Section 38 (3) (b) of the Telecommunications Act provides that the commission could establish price regulation regimes where: a) There is only one operator operating a public telecommunications network or service provider providing a public telecommunication service; b) An operator or a service provider is dominant as to a relevant public telecommunication’s network or public telecommunication service; or c) The Commission detects anti-competitive cross-subsidization or any other anti-competitive pricing or unfair competition.
Accident
Hopetown residents torch car after crash: Angry residents in Hopetown, West Coast Berbice last Sunday evening torched a Mazda RX8 car on the main public road after it was involved in a crash that resulted in two members of the community being seriously injured. Commander of Region Five Kurleigh Simon told Stabroek News that while the car was burning on the roadway, traffic was being diverted through alternate routes so as to ensure a free flow. According to information gathered, the son of a businessman who operates a grocery store and auto sales in Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, was proceeding along the Hopetown Public Road late yesterday afternoon when he allegedly struck two residents who were reportedly on an electric scooter. The injured persons were rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital. As of last evening, a police source confirmed that one was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in a critical condition, while the second remained at the Fort Wellington Hospital. Further, the driver of the vehicle and a male occupant were assaulted following the crash and were both taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where the driver was reportedly admitted. However, just around 7.45 pm, residents in Hopetown took to the main road to protest during which they allegedly torched the vehicle which was still at the location at the time. Law enforcement responded and by 9 pm, the fire was put out. While both residents and lawmen remained on the roadway, traffic was once more flowing freely.
Essequibo youth dies after losing control of motorcycle: An Essequibo youth died last Sunday after he lost control of his motorcycle and ended up in a trench. Dead is 19-year-old Devendra Khan aka Ravin, of Adventure Sand, Essequibo Coast. The accident occurred around 7 on Sunday evening at Taymouth Manor. Stabroek News understands that the teenager was speeding when he suddenly lost control ending up in the nearby trench. A resident, Patricia Dhanie, who lives close to the Taymouth Manor Koker, said that she heard a loud noise and when she came out to investigate, she saw water gushing from a pipe alongside a bridge. She said she saw a helmet floating in the trench and the scent of gasoline was high. “I saw a tire track leading to the trench and a slipper. A brave young man then jumped into the trench and confirmed that a body was in the trench,” said Dhanie. Dhanie further informed Stabroek News that, “With the cooperation of residents, we managed to pull the teenager’s body out but it appeared that he was already dead.” Other residents informed the police who later came and transported the body to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced Khan dead. The body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Investment
East Bank residents maintain strong opposition to radioactive source storage: Despite its efforts to assure that the operation of a radioactive (RA) source storage and calibration would cause no harm, a group of residents of Houston and nearby communities last Tuesday adamantly told oil and gas company, Schlumberger Guyana Inc that they do not want the operation in their community. Since having been injuncted last year by the High Court from proceeding with the facility as there were breaches of the environmental laws, Schlumberger is seeking to renew its efforts for approval for its operations. This new effort will pose a major challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which will have to take account of the court ruling and the strenuous objections by residents. Residents let it be known to the company that they are not pleased nor convinced that the explanations given are sound. They said Schlumberger’s (which has rebranded itself as SLB globally) objective is making money and the explanations given is intended to make the company “look good.” The moderator for the meeting at times found it difficult to manage the strong views of the residents as they spoke over those from the company who attempted to address their concerns. The objections were registered during a public stakeholder engagement held at Parc Rayne, Houston, by IMEX Inc, which has been conducting consultations on behalf of Schlumberger. “I want to tell you, we the residents say X on the operations – we do not want you here,” an agitated resident announced during the question and answer segment. His announcement was greeted by cheers from the dozen residents gathered. On the sidelines of the event, Schlumberger’s in house attorney, Kyle Prescod, explained to Stabroek News that the engagement was not specifically scheduled for consultations on the new application. He explained that it was a part of the enactment of the Environmental Assessment Management Plan (EAMP), which was approved in January by the EPA to educate the public. He noted that with the new application, which specifically deals with the operation and storage of the RA facility, it was an opportunity to engage the public though it was not a requirement. ice
Rice farmers say being ripped off by spare parts dealers, want standard paddy price: Facing myriad problems, rice farmers from across the country yesterday told Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha that spare parts dealers are ripping them off and they called for a standard paddy price. In recent weeks farmers from different parts of the country have told Stabroek News about the major problems they are facing in cultivating including low paddy prices and extreme weather. Last Tuesday, farmers from Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six met with Mustapha to discuss some of the issues they faced in the industry. A press release from the Ministry of Agriculture said that while noting that most of their issues are a result of unfavourable weather and external economic factors, the farmers called on the government to intervene in what they consider price gouging by suppliers of spare parts. The farmers said that while the government has put systems in place, they are still paying high prices and, in some cases, VAT on spare parts. “On the removal of VAT on spare parts, the government really do a good for us but the problem is we not feeling the effect. Everything raising. While these things are in place by the government the prices still high and growing every day. The issue is now between the government and the dealers because we know for a fact that the VAT is supposed to be deducted but it’s like it’s not. I bought a starter yesterday for $46,000. It used to be for $25,000. Look at the markup. Some of them still charging VAT. I have a receipt to prove it,” a farmer charged, according to the release. Furthermore, the farmers told the minister that the price for paddy should be standard in every region since all farmers are faced with the same issues. The release said that Mustapha explained that the government, since taking office has implemented a number of measures to aid farmers, the most recent being the $1 billion fertilizer assistance programme that was completed last year. He said that although farmers are requesting an across-the-board price increase for paddy from millers, the government cannot institute this because transportation cost plays a significant role in the price for paddy in certain areas.
“We will continue to engage the millers on prices but I cannot promise an across-the-board price for paddy. For instance, in Region Two, the price to transport will be more than in Region Five so in order for millers to earn they take those factors into consideration. You know for a fact last year we were able to negotiate with millers from Region Two for better prices for farmers and now you are getting up to $4,000 per bag,” Mustapha said. As it relates to prices for spare parts, Mustapha said that the government has made its policy clear and that VAT is no longer applicable to inputs and equipment for the agriculture sector and assured the farmers that he will engage the Guyana Revenue Authority on this issue.
Health
President plugs stem cell treatment here, touts setting up of scientific body: In preparation for one day making Guyana a leader in the region for medical technology advancements in regenerative medicine and biomedical studies, government will be putting together a think tank of medical professionals to guide its healthcare policy framework and will be establishing a Medical Scientific Council, President Irfaan Ali said on February 4th. On the grounds that one of the fundamentals of science was that it changes and evolves to bring a better quality of life through technologies, especially in medicine and medical care, Ali said the focus should be embracing holistic development of the sciences here. “So if the science is dead the care is dead, if the science is dead the technology is dead,” Ali said as he delivered the keynote address at the Woodlands Hospital’s launch of its stem cell and immunotherapy services, a first in Guyana. “That is why we now must move to this new level, which I intend to speak about more elaborately in the coming days, to the establishment of a national Medical Scientific Council,” he added. The President reasoned that setting up the body with scientists and medical professionals both locally and internationally, would afford policy makers insight into cutting-edge developments globally and they can in turn plan accordingly. “That brings our best talent to investigate, not old technology but the best in class medical science development that can be applied in Guyana to help us here. This is important to us; what is applicable and practical for our development, and that requires those who are responsible for medical care to go back to their foundation…,” he added. Making reference to his recent state visit to India, Ali recalled that he saw technological developments in medicine firsthand and marvelled. He added that he was tested with a handheld device that in minutes could give readings and approximations on his cardiac health. To do ultrasound scans, he explained, that country also uses a small device that is held in hand. “No longer the days of that big machine in one place,” he articulated, while demonstrating how the process was one. According to Ali, those two examples were only a few of the cutting-edge technological advances of New Delhi, as it stands on par with western nations in the area of science and research. He singled out Dr Pramod Tembe of Woodlands Hospital, who was mentioned in India when discussions on research and medicine were being had.
Sugar
GuySuCo reshuffles top management: Former Skeldon Estate Manager, Vishnu Panday, and Manager of Special Projects, Dwarka Bahadur, have returned to the executive management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as part of government’s reshuffling plan for better production. Panday, who was once the point person for government’s resuscitation plan for the Skeldon sugar estate now functions as the new Agriculture Director while Bahadur has replaced Operations Director, Vijay Gobardhan. Though the reshuffling was first mentioned in the National Assembly last week by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during budget estimates, the Sunday Stabroek was told that the changes took effect since October 2022. A source told the Sunday Stabroek that Panday and Dwarka are viewed as having the necessary skills to aid government in achieving its objectives of having a modern sugar industry. When he resigned in 2021, Panday had said he was unable to work with GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh. Panday and a small team were handpicked in September last year as point person/general manager by President Irfaan Ali to create an action plan for the shuttered Skeldon Estate. Reopening the estate was a key election promise of the PPP/C. In addition to the shakeup in the executive management, the estate managers have also been reshuffled. Former Albion Estate Manager, Trebhowan Shivpersaud, has been transferred to Blairmont Estate as Manager, while Hutton Griffith of Blairmont Estate has been sent to Uitvlugt Estate, and Yudhisthira Mana, who previously manned Uitvlugt, has been relocated to Albion Estate, where he functioned some years ago. Meanwhile, former Rose Hall Estate Manager, Aaron Dukhia, who has been subjected to “appropriate disciplinary action” over excess payment for works at the Rose Hall Estate, has been let go from the corporation. Rose Hall is now being managed by Gobardhan while Rama Persaud has the responsibility of Manager for the Skeldon and Enmore Estates.
Security
Gov’t gearing for modern Air Corps, Coast Guard: Government’s continued capital investment in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is geared towards the long- term goal of achieving a modern Air Corps and Coast Guard, President Irfaan Ali last Wednesday said as he challenged the force to be ready to respond to any crisis the nation could face. Addressing officers at the GDF Annual Officers’ Conference yesterday at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, Ali said the country must be able to monitor and protect the fast growing activities in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the forests. “The Guyana Defence Force could look forward to continued capital investment to help better police our territorial waters, and exclusive economic zone, our borders and our territory… Over the long term, we are looking to develop a modern air corps and coast guard… it is a critical aspect of national security,” Ali noted as he assured officers of his government’s commitment to equip the sector. He stated too that his government is now looking at the expansion of interior runways to make a determination on the right equipment needed to enhance the work of the GDF. He stated that for years, the length of the runway has prevented them from selecting the most suitable piece of equipment for the force. However, when the revision and assessment are completed, they will be in a position to purchase the right equipment to boost the sector. However, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces pointed out that in order to achieve the objective of a modern force, there must be strong leadership and administration, with officers being equipped with the necessary tools and skills. He was quick to add, nonetheless, that the right attitude must also be part of the formula to achieve a 21st century defence force. “You can have exposure to all the trainings but if your attitude is not right, then the training will never be right for you.” The President also called on the GDF to develop a manual that can be used for the training of junior officers and communities on the border. He stated that there is a need for more skilled officers to be on the borders and engaged in training and become more knowledgeable on national matters. He also said that they must be aware of the nation’s position on protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty
In the courts
Herstelling man accused of disguising proceeds of crime: An East Bank Demerara businessman who was intercepted by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri last Tuesday was last Wednesday slapped with 41 fraud charges amounting to millions in Guyana dollars allegedly committed during the years 2018 to 2021. The defendant, 50-year-old Kenneth Ramnaraine of Somerset Court, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, and owner of BioSolutions Guyana, made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where he was not required to plead to any of the 41 charges. It is alleged that during the year 2018, and in the months of July, August, September, October, November and December, he transferred large sums of money ranging from US$12,000 to US$115,550 through Citizens Bank at their Camp Street, Georgetown branch and Scotiabank at their Carmichael Street, Georgetown branch while knowingly or having reason to believe that the monies were the proceeds of crime and with the aim of concealing or disguising their illicit origin. Moreover, during the year 2019 and in the months of January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and November, he did the same with large sums of money ranging from US$1,500 to US$118,955.20 through the same two banks. It was further alleged that Ramnaraine on July 20, 2021 at Scotiabank on Carmichael Street, transferred US$114,400 knowingly or having reason to believe that the monies were the proceeds of crime and with the aim of concealing or disguising their illicit origin. During the court proceedings yesterday afternoon, SOCU prosecutor, Ravindra Mohabir, objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds that Ramnaraine was attempting to flee the country when he and his wife were intercepted on Tuesday at the CJIA just as they were about to board a plane to the United States. The prosecutor said that the apprehension was a result of the two persons’ names being blacklisted since Ramnaraine had stopped reporting to SOCU headquarters. When checks at his home and business place were made along with phone calls to his cell phones, they were unable to contact him. Mohabir added that although the defendant’s and his wife’s passports were taken from them and lodged, it is not difficult for them to flee to another country due to the porous borders. The prosecutor also contended that the defendant should not be granted bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offences and due to the large sum of monies that he transported through the banks. Also mentioned was the fact that Ramnaraine and his wife were also charged yesterday with similar offences at the Grove/Diamond Magistrate’s Court where they were placed on remand. They are expected to return today to the East Bank court to answer to additional fraud charges. In response to the prosecution’s argument, the defendant’s attorney, Bernard DaSilva, who had made a bail application, argued that his client has no prior antecedents and was not a flight risk due to the fact that SOCU had apprehended him at the CJIA and taken possession of his passport. He added that during the initial stage of the investigation which was launched by SOCU since 2018, his client was placed on $500,000 station bail and was ordered to report to the unit’s headquarters once every month. However, according to Da Silva, later on his client was then told by a SOCU officer who he identified as “Stanley” that he no longer has to report and that SOCU will contact him when the investigation is complete. And with regard to his client’s name being on a blacklist, the defence argued that at no point in time did SOCU issue a wanted bulletin for Ramnaraine. After listening to both the prosecution’s and defence’s arguments, Chief Magistrate McLennan made the decision to remand Ramnaraine. The matter was then adjourned until March 6 when disclosure of statements is expected to be made. Ramnaraine is one of two men who were to be charged with over 50 fraud charges but according to the SOCU prosecutor, the other defendant whom he identified as Dameion Ramnaraine, is on the run. He informed that the second defendant was also reporting to SOCU during the initial stage of the investigation but suddenly stopped and since then efforts to locate him have proven futile. BioSolutions advertises food containers made from bagasse.
Constable charged with killing fellow cop, fisherman on New Year’s Day: Police constable, Shane James, appeared at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on January 25th, 2023 to answer two charges of manslaughter over the New Year’s Day killings of fellow cop Dwayne McPherson and fisherman Kishan Budburgh. Prior to February 5th there had been no official statement by the police on the charge against James even though there had been wide public interest in this matter. Stabroek News only learnt about the charge against James when it asked the police force for an update on the killings of the duo at Huntley, Mahaicony. James, 26 years old, of lot 6 Perth Village Mahaicony, appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer and was not required to plead to the charges that were read to him under Section 94 of the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01. He was charged by Sergeant Hamilton of the Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The charges stemmed from the shooting of Corporal McPherson and Budburgh which occurred at Mahaicony on Sunday, 1st January. James was placed on $800,000 bail and the matter put down to 8th February, 2023. McPherson and two other ranks, attached to the Mahaicony Police Station had responded to a stabbing incident involving Budburgh, his brothers and another male at Huntley, Mahaicony. At around 00:30 hrs, during the police’s bid to arrest Budburgh, a scuffle broke out and McPherson, followed by Budburgh, were shot. The autopsy report later said that Budburgh was shot three times while McPherson sustained two gunshot wounds.
Dataram remanded to prison in US, indictment unsealed but redacted: The indictment under which self-confessed drug trafficker Barry Dataram was held in the US has been unsealed, but was redacted to remove the names of those he allegedly conspired with to import at least 150 kilogrammes of a substance containing cocaine. The document was ordered unsealed the same day the US citizen was held as he attempted to enter the country. Dataram, who was remanded to prison on January 27 by Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom when he made his first appearance, is facing a five-count indictment. However, according to documents seen by this newspaper, the information contained in counts four and five is hidden, along with some information in the other counts. Dataram’s lawyers did not make a bail application and when he reappeared in court last Friday, this time before Judge Edward R Korman, it was ordered that he continue to remain in custody. “Because the purpose of the delay is to allow discussions to take place that could eliminate the necessity for a trial and for the exchange and review of discovery material, I find that the considerations underlying the Speedy Trial Act are outweighed by the interests of justice and the time is excluded,” the judge said in his ruling. It means that Dataram may very well throw in the proverbial towel and plead guilty as charged. The first allegation against him states that between February 2001 and December 2003, Dataram, who is also known as “Kevin,” “Ledge” and “Fat Man,” together with others, did knowingly and intentionally conspire to import five kilogrammes or more of a substance containing cocaine into the United States. The second count has the same dates and accuses Dataram and others of knowingly and intentionally conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilogrammes or more of a substance containing cocaine. The third count states that between April 2003 and June 2003 Dataram knowingly attempted to import another five or more kilogrammes of cocaine into the US. As stated above, while the drug trafficker faces two further counts these have been redacted from the indictment made public.
