Parliamentary
Gov’t tables bill for huge hike in withdrawal of oil money: The PPP/C government last week tabled a bill in the National Assembly for a huge increase in the annual extraction of oil revenues from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). This move had been announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in his budget presentation on January 15th and the government yesterday tabled the bill that will accomplish that. It is titled the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2024. Under the new proposed extraction formula, the government is proposing to draw down 100% of the first US$1b of deposits paid into the fund in the immediately preceding fiscal year. According to the NRF legislation controversially passed on December 29, 2021, 100% of the first US$500m paid into the fund in the immediately preceding fiscal year can be withdrawn. For every additional tranche, the government will increase the take. For the second US$1b paid into the fund in the immediately preceding fiscal year, the government is proposing to extract 95%. The extant legislation, by contrast, allows the extraction of 75% of the second US$500m. The new bill tabled yesterday proposes to take 90% of the third US$1b of deposits into the fund in the immediately preceding year. The current law extracts only 50% of the third US$500m. The new bill envisages taking 85% of the fourth US$1b deposited compared to the current law which allows the taking of 25% of the fourth US$500m. This new formula tabled yesterday is clearly aiming at higher revenues when the fourth and fifth oil platforms become operational. If approved the bill will sharply decrease intergenerational savings. The 2021 bill had sparked an uproar in the House after the government aimed to force it through Parliament on December 29 2021. It led to the infamous removal of the Speaker’s mace and subsequent disciplining of opposition MPs for their misbehaviour. Even with the current level of extraction, several international agencies have expressed misgivings about the use of the NRF. In December last year, while it noted that the economy has tripled in size since the start of oil production, fundamentals remain sound and there are no signs of inflationary pressures, the IMF had advised the government to establish a precautionary stabilization fund in the medium to long term as a hedge against shocks.
Aviation
Lenox Shuman seeking to set up 100% Guyanese-owned airline: Aviation Advisor to the government Lenox Shuman has resigned from his post with the intention of establishing a “100% Guyanese-owned” airline. According to a letter of resignation, dated December 1, 2023, signed by Shuman, a pilot, and addressed to President Irfaan Ali, the airline is set to be launched on August 20 of this year. “This resignation is being affected to facilitate me undertaking establishing a Guyanese Airline – El’Dorado Airlines Inc., and my continued role as Aviation Advisor would put me in a position of conflict of interest,” the letter stated. When contacted for information regarding this proposed airline, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Lt. Col. Egbert Field expressed surprise and stated that he is unaware of such a venture. He further explained that an individual can speak of putting together an airline or be thinking about or planning it, but an application has to first be submitted and approved by the GCAA before any action can be taken in that direction. On this note, Field stated that no such application has been submitted, to his knowledge. The former Operations Inspector of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) further noted that once the required documentation has been submitted to the GCAA, it would usually take approximately 12 months to two years for approval/certification to be given. “It doesn’t matter if one is a pilot… it is no fly-by-night type of certification…, ” he stated, whilst explaining that once an application would have been submitted, the Aviation Authority then has to look into such aspects as whether or not there is adequate personnel, the security, economics, etc. Furthermore, he said if the airline is local then an aircraft has to be acquired (either bought or leased) and the aircraft has to be registered in Guyana. Field added, “Anyone wanting to start an airline I would invite them to submit an application because that is what we are here for… we are here to support the development of aviation in Guyana”. This newspaper also contacted Shuman, and while he declined to provide details on the proposed airline he noted that it will be 100% Guyanese-owned. The former parliamentarian and Deputy Speaker added that the Guyanese public deserves better services that what is currently being provided to them and “our airline is meant to do that”.
Budget
Finance Ministry flays Ram & McRae Budget Focus: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has expressed its disagreement with the views and criticisms of the National Budget 2024 by accounting firm, Ram & McRae, in its publication, Budget Focus 2024. A summary of the Budget Focus was published January 20th edition of Stabroek News. In a release yesterday, the MoF rebutted the accounting firm’s claims, while accusing it of drawing “sweeping conclusions” which lacked rigorous analysis and ignored the “facts on the ground.” It also described the publication as an attempt to obscure the fact that the Budget builds on a strong foundation of responsible fiscal management by the PPP/C Government as it moves forward with its plan to “Stay the Course and Build Prosperity for All.” The MoF began by addressing the introduction on Page 4 which states, “The Government is clearly on a spending extravaganza, building without thinking, executing without planning and acting without analysis.” In response, the Finance Ministry opined that this statement “exposes the deliberate, baseless and disingenuous foundations of the entire report,” as it flies in the face of government’s clear articulation of its Vision, Strategy and Plans for the broad-based and sustainable development of Guyana. It stressed that the priorities of government’s strategy have long been identified through extensive consultative processes going back as far as the National Development Strategy, Poverty Reduction Strategy Plan and the PPP/C’s Manifesto. It contended that “exhaustive” efforts have been made in identifying projects including the New Demerara Harbour Bridge, Linden-to-Mabura Road, and the Corentyne River Bridge, noting that these projects “will transform the lives of the citizens, and with the improved access to resources, are now being implemented.” Concerning Ram & McRae’s assertion that “If only 10% of this Budget is consumed in inefficiencies, that would be more than one hundred billion dollars,” the release referred to it as a “sound bite” without any basis. It also pointed to the APNU+AFC, “whose pre-occupation was the preparation of plans and studies and not actually executing projects. In its pushback against Ram & McRae, the release referenced the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2023 Article IV Consultation report published in December 2023, which commended the Government of Guyana on the progress made on many fronts, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy. It highlighted the section of the report which stated, “Staff assess the 2023 policy mix to be appropriate, with fiscal policy increasing public investment to address the large development needs, and broad money growing in line with non-oil GDP.”
Investment
Private sector-led regional ferry aims for year-end start: The Caribbean private sector consortium – Connect Caribe – was last week launched and it anticipates that it will secure the US$50 million needed to make a modern regional cargo and ferry service a reality by the end of this year. And while they are working with CARICOM and individual governments to ensure smooth passage as it relates to the CARICOM Single Market & Economy and regulatory frameworks, the service is different from the one CARICOM has in mind. Connect Caribe’s planned service would complement CARICOM’s planned regional transport system. “We have done this in a synergist approach with CARICOM,” Chairman and Founder of Pleion Group Inc and Upturn Funds Caribbean, Dr Andre Thomas yesterday said at a press conference in Barbados. “Our intention, with all things being equal, is that the service will begin at the end of this year. We believe that will be realistic. As soon as we are in a place where we have enough control of the variables, we will announce when the projected dates of the service will start.” Dr Thomas was at the time addressing a press conference and launch of Connect Caribe, a consortium comprising Windward Ferries Limited, Ramps Logistics, Upturn Funds, AH Consulting, and J&S Cruises and Tours. Upturn Funds Caribbean in partnership with Pleion Group Inc, last week announced that they would be unveiling the new private sector-led ferry company which will provide the Caribbean with solutions aimed at revolutionising maritime transportation. They stated that the key players in this joint venture are Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Caribbean Israel Leadership Coalition (CLIC), Dr Andre Thomas; Chairman of UPTURN FUNDS New York, Raphael D’ angelis; CEO of Windward Ferries Limited, Tore Torsteinson; President of Ramps Logistics, Rudy Rampersad; and founder of the Anthony Hinkson Consultancy, Anthony Hinkson. Thomas yesterday said that from the numerous studies looked at, it shows that if one connected Caribbean residents to move light goods over a five-year period, the GDP in the region would be up by 5 per cent. This was the motivating factor in the drive to provide the services.
Banks DIH records $8.9B net profit for 2023: With its annual shareholders meeting set for Saturday, local food and beverage giant Banks DIH Limited is set to announce that it registered a net profit of a whopping $8.970 billion last year, up 6% from 2022. “The overall performance of the group improved by recording a profit before tax of $14.5 billion compared to $13.398 billion in 2022, an increase of $1.11 billion or 8.29%. Profit after tax for the group attributed to shareholders of the parent company increased from $8.395 billion to $8.970 billion, an increase of $575 million or 6.8%,” Chairman Clifford Reis stated. The Chairman’s Report, part of the 2023 Annual Report, was sent to shareholders ahead of the AGM this Saturday. “Revenue generated by the company was $44 billion, compared to $39 billion for 2022, an increase of $4.395 billion or 11.1%. The profit before tax for the company was $11.3 billion compared to $10.5 billion achieved in 2022, an increase of $887.0 million or 8.4%, while the profit after tax increased from $7.589 billion to $8.19 billion by $540 million or 7.1%,” the report added. Reis said that the Board of Directors of the company has recommended “a dividend proposal of $2.50 per share unit,” resulting in an overall cost of $1.8 billion, as compared with $1.7 billion in 2022. The increase amounts to $170 million or 10%. “The Board of Directors declared a first dividend of $0.45 per share unit, which was paid on May 18, 2023. A second interim dividend of $0.45 was also paid on October 26, 2023, and now the Board of Directors recommend a final dividend of $1.30 per share unit, making the overall dividend per share unit $2.20 or an overall cost of $1.870 billion, an increase of $170 million or 10% over the previous year,” Reis said. The Chairman’s Report pointed out that the financial year, which ended on September 30, 2023, had many challenges which included supply chain delays and increases for raw and packaging material, spares, energy, distribution and retention of skilled employees. But he noted that the company’s strategy focused around its employees and customers to “drive sustainable solutions and build resilience” in its manufacturing processes, maintaining the production of high-quality products and efficiency in operations. As it relates to capital expenditure, the report said that Banks DIH continues to make “capital investments in plant, machinery and equipment in order to strengthen long-term development, bolster its manufacturing capacity and improve operational efficiency. Capital works were completed with the acquisition of a 120HL Brew House to enhance the company’s brewing capacity of its malt products. There was also the acquisition of a blow moulder, conveyors and puncheons for the rum division, as well as a new on-line blow moulder for the soft drink plant. The food division, according to the report, was enhanced with packaging equipment spiral mixers, bag sealing unit, conical rounder and temperature control equipment. The company’s power generation plant was also upgraded with new switch gears, overhauling of its generators and the installation of alternative power equipment.
Mahdia fire
Mahdia inquiry report slams fire chief, education officer: Though it said that a well-equipped building would not have changed the circumstances regarding the Mahdia dorm fire which claimed 20 lives, the Commission of Inquiry’s report into the inferno on May 21st, 2023 however slammed Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham and former Regional Education Officer Anesta Douglas of Potaro-Siparuni for dereliction of their duties. The report which was handed over on Friday to President Irfaan Ali by Mahdia COI chairperson Major General (Retired) Joseph Singh and released to the press yesterday, chronicled what transpired on the night of the fire and also made recommendations and findings following a visit to communities such as Mahdia, Micobie, Chenapau, and Karisparu, all located in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). The Commission heard that on 7th February, 2023, an inspection was carried out at the Mahdia Dormitory facility by Sub Officer Ryan Scott of the Mahdia Fire Station. Following this inspection, Scott prepared a report which he addressed to Wickham and copied to Regional Education Officer (ReDO) Douglas. From the evidence before it, the CoI said it was satisfied that the report was submitted to and personally received by both the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and ReDO. The CoI said that Scott’s report sets out a list of deficiencies associated with the Mahdia dormitories. It stated that for the dormitory buildings, there was a complete absence of any fire prevention system. “Accordingly, there was no fire alarm system, no fire detection system, no exit signs and no smoke detection system. The report also highlighted that there were only three (3) fire extinguishers provided in the buildings and grills were seen on all the windows. The report went on to provide a list of twelve (12) requirements/recommendations to address fire prevention at the facility. These included: – 1. A suitable fire alarm system which can give sufficient audible warning throughout the premises must be provided. 2. All final exits (doors) must be constructed to open outwards along the line of exit travel. 3. Suitable exit signs red in colour on white background not less than 100mm in height, must be conspicuously displayed over all final exits. 4. Precise instructions with actions to be taken in the event of a fire must be prominently displayed on the walls throughout the building. 5. Suitable storage facilities (racks, shelves, cupboards, etc.) must be provided for all items. They must be constructed or situated in such a way that allows free and adequate passageway to be maintained. 6. All items stored in the building must be neatly arranged leaving a minimum clearance of at least 30cm from ceiling level and 15cm in any other direction. 7. No fuel must be stored on the premises without permission from this department. 8. A high standard of housekeeping must be maintained throughout the building at all times. 9. Grills must be removed from all windows immediately. 10. Six (6) fire extinguishers along with six (6) smoke detectors must be provided and all Fire Extinguishers must be hung on brackets with their handles 1.4m from floor level to facilitate handling by persons of any height. 11. Efforts must be made for all staff to be trained in the use and operation of firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers) and evacuation procedures. 12. Hydrants must be installed”, the CoI report said.
Governance
Opposition says will not back any gov’t move to take more from NRF: The Opposition APNU+AFC will not be supporting proposed changes to the Natural Resource Fund Act if it means amendments to merely increase withdrawal amounts, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton says. The Opposition believes it will be to allow for more monies to be withdrawn and to increase this country’s debt ceiling, with this only adding to “wanton spending,” “wild borrowing,” “recipes for corruption,” and “less funds for intergenerational savings.” Accordingly, in view of this perspective, it will also not support an increase in the external and domestic debt ceilings. And while the government hastens to assure that both the proposed Natural Resource Fund (NRF) changes and the increase in Guyana’s debt ceiling will not negatively impact this country’s economy or contribute to the Dutch Disease affecting the country, the Opposition holds a different view. With regard to NRF changes, Norton told the Sunday Stabroek that the NRF Act remains “fundamentally flawed” as to date “no one can say how much monies have been spent from the fund on specific projects.” “We have a problem with the NRF [law] to begin with because, as I said, it is designed in a way that it is transferred to the Consolidated Fund, yes, but to say $1 million of it went to this road or that bridge… that does not happen,” he added. He echoed the views proffered by fellow parliamentarian and economist, Elson Low, who Norton says shares the view of the APNU+AFC. “There are a couple of considerations which I think many Guyanese should find troubling. Only after a couple of years after this law was passed, they are coming back to change it. This demonstrates that the government has no plan or financial structure in mind when it comes to managing the finances of Guyana,” Low told this newspaper. “As far as the NRF is concerned there has not been a sudden change here in Guyana that warrants an increase for monies and the need to change the law. The fact is, if they have to change the rules so quickly, they didn’t have a realistic plan in mind of how to spend government revenue. What they are saying is, presumably, they see more and want more to spend,” he added. Alliance For Change parliamentarian and Opposition point person on oil and gas related matters, David Patterson, also expressed concern at the intent by government to change the NRF laws. He too believes it will be to increase spending so that from this year there will be more monies disbursed from the funds into the state coffers, giving government an opportunity to spend without scrutiny. “The main reason, you will see, is to get their hands on more money from the NRF…,” Patterson opined.
McDonald sees cover-up in Mahdia fire report: Shadow Minister of Education Coretta McDonald last Monday rapped the Ali Government for failing to appoint an international independent commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 20 children in Mahdia on May 21st,2023. According to the Opposition Parliamentarian, the report submitted on January 19th this year by the Mahdia Commission of Inquiry into the tragic incident is a cover-up aimed at obscuring the responsibilities of Education Minister Priya Manickchand. But Manickchand in response to McDonald cited the inquiry’s report which she said cast blame on former Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine who served under the APNU+AFC government back in 2015. “The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire found that no action was taken by the previous government regarding dorms despite this being flagged following a report in 2017 on the education sector”, Manickchand told the National Assembly on Monday. She said if the former administration cared about the well-being of the nation’s children they would not have allowed the state of dormitories to deteriorate, locally. “The report stated that, so anyone to be blamed is the APNU+AFC, Mr. Speaker”. According to the Mahdia CoI report, there was grave neglect of duty bordering on recklessness by those vested with power for the care and welfare of the country’s children residing in dormitories. The report which the Education Minister briefly referenced on Monday was flagged in the Mahdia COI report into the dorm fire.
Crime
US-based Guyanese held at JFK with 40lbs cocaine in shrimp: A US-based Guyanese man was arrested at the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on January 19th , allegedly with some 40lbs of cocaine worth more than US$500,000 concealed between bags of frozen shrimp. According to CBS 7 News outlet and the New York Post, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York stated that 22-year-old Zacharie Scott arrived at JFK on American Airlines Flight 2694 from Guyana. He was selected for a secondary screening by the US Customs and Border Protection and the drugs were discovered. Stabroek News contacted Head of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh for a comment on the matter, given that Scott’s luggage had been scanned here before he left. Singh indicated that like all busts, it was being investigated by CANU and further, it was a joint investigation between Guyana and US authorities. He said he could not give further information. This newspaper also reached out to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) but no comment was forthcoming. The CJIA Public Relations officer said that she would return a call but up to press time this was not done. In 2021, the CJIA was boosted with over $400 million in state-of-the-art screening equipment. According to the US press, inside Scott’s two suitcases, officers said they found multiple packages of frozen jumbo shrimp wrapped in sealed plastic. When they cut open the packages, they said, they found multiple bricks of cocaine, totalling nearly 18.5 kilogrammes/40 pounds. The cocaine fetches a street value of US$30,000 per kilogramme. The press reports said Scott told investigators that he had smuggled the cocaine in exchange for an expected payment of US$5,000 – US$6,000. Scott is reportedly a US citizen who lives in Guyana. Following his arrest on Friday, the reports said, he appeared before a judge on Saturday morning. He is currently being detained pending a bail hearing tomorrow. If convicted, Scott could face up to 20 years in prison.
Education
UG under attack – McDonald: Opposition Member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald yesterday charged that the University of Guyana (UG) is under attack, pointing out that both the institution and the GOAL online programme are expected to receive similar funding in the 2024 budget. As the budget debate got underway in the National Assembly, she pointed out that $4.1 billion has been budgeted to support the operations of the University of Guyana while $4 billion has been allocated to support the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. Critics have argued that that money could be better spent on Guyana’s primary source of tertiary education. According to McDonald, the 2024 budget has nothing to transform the lives of teachers or change their “sad realities.” She said, “Education is in trouble” adding that it is a critical sector where there has been gloating over quality and not quantity. In her presentation, she said, “Sir the University of Guyana is under attack if there was any question about this, this budget, and the Vice President has removed all doubt from our minds… There is no other assessment to make…” She pointed out that the university, a 60-year-old institution, has been allotted $4.1b, while the three-year-old GOAL programme is to get $4b, “what a travesty and unpatriotic move by the caring government, the PPP.” Assessing that the PPP/C government does not want the university to grow, McDonald opined that the present government is fearful that the university graduates “pose a threat to their control freak-ism.” “Over the years, the university has emerged as an important institution that indirectly checks the government and its excesses. The physical attendances lead to the congregation of students in societies. They discuss the world and invariably, students leave the university conscious and more educated… They sit in classrooms with lecturers who teach them how to think critically, this is the fear of the People’s Progressive Party.” She continued, “They cannot control the university and what they cannot control, they do not fund… The PPP has always viewed the university as an institution of resistance that must be punished.” McDonald then stated that while any chance for Guyanese to be qualified and add to their resumes is welcomed, the opposition remains concerned over this approach and added that the government’s push to online education should be coupled with the development of the university. She opined that the two objectives can be combined. “We could develop UG and at the same time, move to online learning. It is unacceptable that the university’s funding is now equal to an academy of learning that is under direct political direction.” She added that this would have been the perfect opportunity to fund the university and make it into a world-class institution, claiming that the Opposition’s research has uncovered major issues with the GOAL programme.
Non-resident Paramakatoi teacher laments deplorable living quarters: A teacher, who is based in Paramakatoi Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), is on the verge of calling it quits as her plea for better living arrangements is not being met by the relevant authorities. Krystal Fisher lamented her squalid living conditions on social media on January 19, showcasing the almost caving-in ceiling of the living quarters she has been assigned as a non-resident. According to a letter Fisher penned to the Regional Education Officer of Region Eight, she has been residing in the living quarters since January 2022. To date, she has had to put up with such discomforts as faulty bathroom facilities, the absence of a bathroom face sink and laundry facilities, an inadequately furnished apartment, a leaking ceiling, termite infestation, and poor plumbing. “On the 30th of January 2023, my HM at the time, Mr Karl Vanier, wrote the department on my behalf… Vanier explained in detail the conditions of the apartment… and yet nothing was done. Mr Ramotar the Regional Executive Officer for Region 8 was CC’d…,” the letter said. Fisher added that a subsequent letter for reimbursement was penned and sent in, along with receipts. She requested repayment for money spent on maintenance of the quarters which she took upon herself to do as well as certain basic installations. In response to this letter, the teacher said, she was “rudely informed that I had not been instructed to furnish the apartment and would not be reimbursed”. The young woman said that the wood ants in the apartment have so far caused her bathroom ceiling to collapse. She related that when this incident occurred in May last year, she reported it to the relevant authorities but had to wait for approximately five weeks before repairs were done. Fisher recounted that during the 2023 Christmas term, she was forced to take special leave after her daughter became ill. A medical examination proved that the child’s illness was caused by mould infestation in the apartment. Following this,. she was soon reassigned to St Ignatius Secondary School in Region Nine, pending repairs to the apartment. However, on her return to the living quarters to commence work this month, the teacher wrote, she discovered that the living room ceiling had swollen and was on the verge of collapse.
Accident
Two die in Heroes Highway collision: An accident last Tuesday evening at the junction of Heroes Highway and the Diamond Main Access Road, East Bank Demerara, has claimed the lives of two persons. Confirmed dead are three-year-old Chavina Elleanna Persaud, and 50-year-old Bhagat Singh. The accident occurred at approximately 18.10 hours and involved motorcar, PAD 6435, driven by Daniel Gomes, a 21-year-old, with five occupants in the vehicle, namely: Britney Hendricks, 23; Ellie; Tresha Singh (age unknown); Bhagat Singh; and Emily Persaud, one-year-old, all of Providence Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Investigations revealed that the car was proceeding south along Heroes Highway at a fast rate. As the driver approached the junction where the highway meets the Diamond Main Access Road, he failed to make the compulsory right turn and drove headlong into some concrete piles lying at the head of the road. Currently, Heroes Highway southbound becomes a dead end at the Diamond Main Access Road and vehicles must turn right onto the access road The police said that there were reflectors and road markings placed for vehicles to turn west into Diamond Main Access Road only. The impact of the collision caused the driver and occupants to sustain serious injuries.
Ruimveldt smash-up claims fourth life: Fifty-eight-year-old Lennox Clementson, a passenger in the minibus that was involved in the collision that claimed the lives of three in the vicinity of the Ruimveldt police station on January 8, succumbed to his injuries last Sunday night. Clementson is now the fourth person to have died as a result of the collision. Pream Seecharan, who was the driver of the speeding car which slammed into the minibus, also succumbed on Sunday morning. Fifty-four-year-old Rawle Mc Kenzie, who was the driver of the minibus, and his wife 51-year-old Sarah Wilson died on the day of the accident. Gale Serieux, Clementson’s sister, told Stabroek News yesterday that he was hospitalised in a critical condition since the accident occurred. Clementson suffered severe brain damage, a fractured neck, broken legs, a damaged spinal cord and broken arms. Serieux added that Clementson’s condition worsened for the two weeks he was in hospital. At the time of the accident Clementson, a contractor, was heading to work since he was trying to avoid the traffic congestion. The family was hopeful that Clementson would return home even though signs of recovery were not seen. Serieux recounted her visits to the hospital while her brother was in the high dependency unit and was surviving on a liquid diet.
In the courts
`Iswe’ charged with murdering Shonette Dover: Twenty-four-year-old Shaquawn Alleyne also known as `Iswe’ of Lot 500 Block 55 Wismar, Linden, appeared virtually at the Linden Magistrate’s court last Tuesday before Magistrate Wanda Fortune charged with murder. It is alleged that between April 3 and April 30 2021 at Canvas City, Upper Linden, he murdered twenty-year-old Shonette Dover. He was not required to plead to the charge. The prosecution stated that the police are currently pursuing an active investigation since the accused agreed to a video interview where he confessed to having sold the firearm used in act. During the interrogation at CID headquarters, the police reported Alleyne as saying, “Yes, I wish to state what happened, to say it wasn’t an intentional act, it wasn’t premeditated. Shonette made breakfast. I know it was in April but I can’t remember the date that morning and we were in the living room. I sent her sister for the gun, a .38 Special, because I wanted to clean it because I took Shonette the day before to practice to shoot at the back of Wisroc because some bad boys in Linden wanted to rob me. While cleaning the gun I pulled back the hammer and I did spraying [the gun with] WD 40. Shonette was sitting in a chair and I was in front of her on another chair handle when I pointed the gun and waved it. Shonette told me to stop playing and my finger touches the trigger and the gun went off and I see smoke in the living room and Shonette lying motionless with a wound in her forehead and blood coming out. Me and Colletta [Shonette’s sister] didn’t want the family to feel that pain knowing Shonette was dead [so] me and she came up with a plan not to let anyone know what happened. We then dug a hole and bury Shonette in the backyard and said we would tell everyone she leave for work and hasn’t come home back. I later sold the gun to a man in Linden and I beat out to Suriname, after I heard Shonette’s sister was arrested and charged.” Alleyne, who was wanted for the murder of Dover in April 2021 at Wismar, Linden, was arrested in Suriname last Thursday. He arrived in Guyana on Friday morning from Suriname to face charges for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend and was handed over to the Guyana Police Force.
Corentyne pitbull owner charged with manslaughter, on $250,000 bail: The Corentyne man who is the owner of the three pit bulls that attacked and killed Latchminen Permaul at Hampshire Village, Corentyne during the wee hours of January 16th last Monday placed on $250,000 bail after he was charged with manslaughter. Ravindra Jaikissoon also known as ‘Avinash’, 29, of Ankerville, Port Mourant, yesterday appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh where he was charged with manslaughter. Jaikissoon’s three pit bulls attacked and killed Permaul at Hampshire Village, Corentyne during Tuesday last week at R&S Street at Hampshire, Corentyne. Permaul also known as ‘Blackboy’, 64, unemployed, of Lot 249 Hampshire, Corentyne Berbice, fell asleep on the corner of the road where he was eventually attacked by the three dogs. Jaikissoon was placed on $250,000 bail and is expected to return to court on February, 21.
