Security
Benn urges introspection, accountability in police force: In a strongly worded address at the Guyana Police Force’s 158th Anniversary Symposium on Tuesday, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn called for introspection and accountability within the force and said that ranks must not extort people. The minister emphasised that the country is currently experiencing a momentous period of political, economic, and social change, and as a consequence, the police force must rise to the challenge. In his address at the opening ceremony, Benn highlighted the government’s plan for prosperity, which includes rescuing the productive sector, securing benefits from oil and gas, and promoting sustainable development. He stressed that security and peace are essential components of this plan, and that the police force is at the forefront of ensuring these goals. The minister acknowledged that the police force has made significant progress in reducing crime, with a 20% decrease in serious crime over the past few years. However, he expressed concern about ongoing issues such as transnational organised crime, cybercrime, and money laundering. He also criticised the lack of quality policing, citing poor living conditions and inadequate facilities in some police stations. “It is true that we have reduced crime by 20%, serious crime by 20% for a number of years. I think it’s almost a third or fourth year running that we reduced it by about 20% every year. We have been able to get good results… But, again, the question is the quality of our policemen and women. At one point I was saying we should have an Inspector of Police. In some countries they have an Inspector of Police… I’ve been hearing recently that I’m being called the ‘Ghost’ when I arrive at police and fire stations and other places, which perhaps could be at any time. And what worries me sometimes is that there is no real improvement in the way we are keeping those places… Whether it’s new or old, there is no real improvement in how the buildings are kept. There is no real improvement in the quality of the accommodations. There is no real improvement in the ablution areas. I say that the police stations must be the most welcoming place in the community. It must be the place of safety… and support for the vulnerable. If I go to a police station, the washrooms must be clean. There must be toilet paper there. It must be clean. The public should be expected to use it and we should not face criticisms… The standards and the things we want for ourselves at a personal level are those which we must accord to the people who pay our taxes,” he admonished.
Immigration
Bharrat has diplomatic immunity, could not be questioned in US – attorney: Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat could not be questioned in the United States by federal agents or any other authority as he travels with diplomatic immunity and the case of the sanctioned Mohameds was only mentioned by one of the persons escorting him through JFK Airport in New York, his attorney Sanjeev Datadin says. “There was a comment made about it [the Mohameds case] by one of the persons but it had nothing to do with him [Bharrat]… it was not a question. He was not required to answer…,” Datadin told the Sunday Stabroek last week contacted. “He could not be held or questioned by federal agents because that would have been in contravention of the Geneva Convention [on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations]. He travels on a diplomatic passport,” he added. The mentioning of the Mohameds – Nazar and Azruddin – who have been sanctioned by Washington under the Global Magnitsky Act for gold smuggling will be seen as odd if purely protocolary functions were being undertaken by the person in question. Following a video being shared on social media and other internet platforms which shows Bharrat walking through JFK with two persons on either side of him and a uniformed Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer behind them, questions were asked about whether they were federal agents. Datadin said yesterday that the men who accompanied Bharrat “were not Federal Agents” and pointed out that protocol officers can be anyone assigned to carry out protocol duties by the respective agency responsible. “It is not performed by one special person. Whomever is available… a police officer, CPB agent”, he said. On Friday, Bharrat told Stabroek News that the United States assisted on Thursday in expediting his clearance at the JFK airport in New York where he was rushing to be with his father who had a medical emergency. He dismissed suggestions that he was on Thursday evening, met by, escorted off and questioned, by US federal agents. He said that the post on veteran journalist, Enrico Woolford’s page, was “mischievous” as he “came in as an emergency.”
Accountability
Procurement commission not getting updates from NDIA on Tepui project, engages minister: The procurement commission says it has not received any updates from the NDIA on the controversial pump station contract awarded to Tepui Inc and it has therefore raised this matter with Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha. It gave this response in reply to question from the Sunday Stabroek. When it investigated the award of the pump station contract to Tepui, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) had cited privity of contract as preventing it from taking more decisive action in the matter. It had however recommended a pathway through which the contract could be cancelled if the work was not done in a satisfactory manner. Recommendation VII in the PPC’s report of April 16, 2024 stated: “VII. The contract for the subject tender having been entered into, it is recommended that the procuring entity strictly monitor the performance of the contract and if the awarded bidder TEPUI is found in breach, that the necessary steps, including termination if considered to be prudent, be taken to ensure that value for money is achieved. In light of NPTAB’s disclosure as to the other three (3) pump stations, to wit, ‘Jimbo, Meten Meer Zorg and (Pouderoyen)’ which were advertised and evaluated at the same time as the subject tender herein, Belle Vue, also “lacked prior experience specifically in pump station construction” but were deemed to have “had completed a project of a similar nature” and therefore the “same leniency was applied”, the recommendation herein also applies to those pump stations. The commission pursuant to its constitutional mandate, functions and powers shall exercise oversight in this regard”. Nearly three months after its report and the call for strict monitoring and its warning that it will exercise oversight, the PPC says that no information has been supplied by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), hence its recourse to the Minister. The PPC has complained in several investigative reports that procuring entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) have ignored requests for information or supplied it very late or incompletely.
Politics
GECOM sidesteps claim by Forde to be List Representative for Asha Kissoon’s party: The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday stated in a letter that it was unable to pronounce on Dr Gerald Forde’s status as relates to his position as Representative of the list of The New Movement (TNM) party. The letter which was signed by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, states: “Dear Mr. Forde, Re: Your Queries – Asha Kissoon Reference is made to previous correspondence and our subsequent conversation on the above subject. In this regard please be advised that GECOM is not in a position to pronounce on your status in relation to being the Representative of The New Movement Party.” Further, in contradiction to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir’s acknowledgement of receipt, Parliamentary Clerk Sherlock Isaacs yesterday noted that he has not seen the letter that Forde penned to Nadir. “I haven’t seen the letter as yet… and I maintain that. I haven’t seen the letter,” Isaacs told Stabroek News during a telephone interview. In that letter, Forde had appealed to the Speaker of the House to issue a recall to Dr Asha Kissoon, who is refusing to relinquish her seat in Parliament. When first contacted by this newspaper on March 15 for a comment on the letter, Nadir had simply stated, “Received,” and when pressed for further comment he had declined. On April 26, when contacted once more for an update, Nadir again declined to provide any insights into parliamentary proceedings, stating “I don’t discuss parliamentary business in the press.” Responding to GECOM’s most recent correspondence, Forde yesterday expressed disgust at the way in which both the elections commission and the Parliament are handling the matter. “This is not surprising. It once again confirms to me the deep-seated incompetence … in these organisations. Imagine the only constitutional body vested with the authority to resolve such matters after nearly five months cannot even do the [bare] minimum to look at their records to pronounce on the correct head of the list. That’s a basic task. The Parliament is worse than them. The head of a whole arm of government and his deputy cannot even comment on if they saw a letter which mandates them to fulfill certain constitutional provisions. The letter is in the media signed as received by his office. The clerk of the national assembly haven’t even seen it. This shows the country is running like a cake shop. Why should people put any faith in organisations mired by political manipulation [?]. If they made a mistake and were fooled by Asha they should come out and own up and correct it. To do any different would be to support fraudulent, incompetent and corrupt behaviour. The people will definitely lose every iota of respect for GECOM and Parliament. These are rubber stamp organisations which receive millions every year [and] do not serve the people. The [hypocrisy] of the defenders of democracy and fraud is fraud people is in full display for the country,” he stated.
Bilateral
Guyana, US in historic strategic dialogue: As part of efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship, Guyana and the United States last Tuesday held their First Strategic Dialogue and good governance and support for this country’s territorial integrity featured at the talks. A release from the US State Department said: “The United States and Guyana held a virtual Strategic Dialogue on July 16 to discuss issues of mutual interest, including climate resilience, food security, and energy transition. Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs Daniel P. Erikson, State Department Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, and Special Advisor to the Vice President for the Western Hemisphere Scott Winton led the U.S. interagency delegation, which was composed of representatives from the Department of State, USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud led the Guyanese delegation, which included a wide range of Guyanese ministries and the Guyana Defense Force. “During this first-ever Guyana-United States Strategic Dialogue, the two sides discussed ideas for advancing the bilateral economic agenda, underscored the need for good governance and institutional strengthening, and pledged continued defense and security cooperation. Both delegations recognized the prospect of an active 2024 hurricane season in the Caribbean and expressed support for those already affected by Hurricane Beryl. The dialogue was convened to outline strategic issues and policies as well as other opportunities for collaboration, and was agreed upon by the administrations of President Irfaan Ali and President Joe Biden, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) said. The bilateral meeting was convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation at Takuba Lodge in Georgetown, with the US participating virtually, the release said.
Private sector
Private sector says still pursuing complaints over Chinese businesses: The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry say they are still actively addressing the concerns raised by local businesses regarding unfair competition from Chinese-owned businesses and plan to soon meet with local regulatory agencies and Beijing’s Ambassador. “From the Chamber’s standpoint, it is to engage with the Chinese Embassy, the Ambassador and her team and indicate some of our concerns and more so advocating for more compliance among Chinese businesses.,” GCCI President Kester Huston told Stabroek News when contacted recently. “Equally, what is important is the monitoring and enforcing by our regulatory bodies such as the Standards Bureau and GRA… as items (are) being imported and, of course, from an operational standpoint, that they are to see that they are compliant. We want a level playing field. We are engaging them. We have started the process of reaching out and will continue to do so…” he added. He said that the Chamber believes the issue is an important one and is currently working on ensuring, that especially the regulatory side of local businesses here is up to the necessary operational and other requirements. For the PSC’s part, its President Komal Singh said that next week the body has a meeting which will be discussing the issue. He said that the PSC has set up a team and is trying to gather more information so when they meet they will have informed discussions based on facts. However, Singh said that the PSC maintains that all businesses are to operate within the ambit of the law. “We are trying to gather more information but next week we are going to have an internal Council meeting and this matter will be addressed,” he said.
Cost of living
SN Cost of Living series does not reflect gov’t’s efforts to ease expenses – Jagdeo: Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo says that his government has and continues to actively ease the cost of living burden on its citizens and it is “burdensome” to see the Stabroek News (SN) every week publishing the laments of persons on their spending on basic expenses without pointing to its measures to cushion. Jagdeo contended that the Cost of Living series done by the Stabroek News is a political ploy to discredit his government as there are a number of macroeconomic measures in place that provide for increased spending for persons on an everyday basis and cushioning costs through government’s subsidizing in a number of areas. “I see Stabroek News going out with this thing they have… go to some elderly people and say, because they see it as a political issue, they say the cost of living has gone up and so what is your view on it. “They don’t say what we [government] had to contend with and they don’t say that the cost of living is made up of many things,” the Vice President said last Thursday as he defended the PPP/C. He said that persons complain about mostly market commodities and fuel yet they are unaware that government inputs huge sums to subsidize transport, fuel, water and other needs, to ensure that the very things they complain about are not the same high costs as in other regional countries. His views expressed echoed much of what he has said since the Cost of Living series started. “So cost of living is [number] one, your utility bills, transportation et cetera. Let’s talk about utility bills and how other countries have fared. You have had a massive increase in transportation costs in countries in this region and on [the] price of water and electricity supply. All of the countries have [had] this. How we dealt with it and what did it cost the treasury?” The Vice President said that for fuel alone, government has to help the Guyana Power and Light Company with $34 on every barrel as that utility only budgeted for US$70 per barrel when the weighted average is some US$104. “They budgeted US$70 when the weighted average is US$104. So when you calculate the volume of US$34 … if we don’t [subsidize] that, they have to increase their electricity prices. Immediately the government has to intercede. Who benefits from this? That is a subsidy to the business community and ordinary people. That is part of cost of living! We kept that constant at a cost of US$70. When the reporter from Stabroek News put their microphone and say ‘What do you think of this cost of living? They don’t ever say that,” he asserted.
Diplomatic
Plans progressing for French Embassy here next year: France’s non-resident Ambassador to Guyana, Nicolas de Bouillane de Lacoste last week said that plans are progressing for the landmark opening of Paris’ embassy here next year. Speaking with Stabroek News on the sidelines of the French National Day occasion held at the Umana Yana, he likened French diplomacy to a “big transatlantic boat” that remains steadfast despite changes in leadership. He expressed confidence that recent general elections in France would have no impact on the decision to establish the first of its kind French Embassy in Guyana, a decision reached after extensive deliberations. “The Embassy should be established within the course of next year,” stated Ambassador de Lacoste, emphasizing the importance of September for new diplomatic rotations. Addressing the issue of Europe-wide Schengen visas, de Lacoste acknowledged the challenges faced by Guyanese citizens and assured that the opening of the French Embassy would facilitate smoother visa processes. “We understand the concerns raised by the Guyanese government and are working on solutions,” he affirmed. In addition to diplomatic efforts, the Ambassador highlighted collaborative ventures in various sectors crucial to both nations. During French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné’s visit here in March this year. Discussions included joint working groups focusing on defence, climate change, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, and food security. Furthermore, de Lacoste pointed to a significant milestone in defence cooperation: the sale of a naval vessel by French company Ocea to the Guyanese coast guard. This transaction, which occurred in April, marks a pivotal moment in enhancing maritime security capabilities in the region. Looking ahead, de Lacoste expressed optimism about future collaborations and hoped for reciprocal initiatives from Guyana, including the establishment of a Guyanese embassy in France. Such reciprocal steps, he believes, would strengthen cultural exchange and economic partnerships between the two nations.
Crime
Two GDF ranks arrested after found with 154 lbs cannabis in army vehicle: Two ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were arrested by Police last week after their vehicle was intercepted and searched, and they were found to be in possession of 22 bulky bags containing 154 lbs of cannabis. The GDF in a release named the two ranks as Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins and Sergeant Colvis Sam. A release from the police said that the two GDF ranks were nabbed during a joint intelligence-led Police operation conducted by ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4’B’. The two ranks were in a motor vehicle (DFB 1786) belonging to the GDF. The vehicle was being driven at the time by a 31-year-old GDF Sergeant from Turkeyen. The other occupant of the vehicle was a 42-year-old GDF Staff Sergeant from Linden. Both men are stationed at GDF’s Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, the police said. Police stopped the vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Prairie Hotel, and a search was conducted during which 22 bulky bags were found, the police said. The bags contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The two GDF ranks were told of the offence of trafficking in narcotics and cautioned. They were both arrested and escorted to the Regional Police Division 4’B’ Headquarters, where the suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 154 lbs. The two GDF ranks were placed in custody as investigations continue.
Chinese gold smuggling ring broken up – police, Jagdeo: The police and the government have signalled that progress is being made in dismantling a network of Chinese smuggling gold from Guyana to Suriname. Of the three Chinese nationals who were held at a city hotel on July 9 in a gold smuggling probe, Ying Xin Su, the 30-year-old female has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition while the two men are being investigated by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Another woman has been charged with overstaying her time in the country and is also a part of the wider probe. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum told Stabroek News that while Su was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, the two men are being investigated by SOCU for gold smuggling. Zhong Jin Ziang, a 34-year-old female of Chinese descent and a Customer Representative at Muneshwers Travel Service, was charged on Thursday with the offence of overstaying. She was arrested on 2024/07/15 during the course of an investigation into a major money laundering and gold smuggling operation in Guyana. It was alleged that on July 9, Su had in her possession, one 9mm Glock pistol and 14 matching rounds of 9mm ammunition. Su pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, noting that the firearm was found concealed. Head of the Guyana Police Force Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar, confirmed that information was received that Su is allegedly involved in trafficking in persons. It is also alleged that the process is being facilitated through the Lethem, Corentyne, and Suriname, backtrack route.
Silver-plated gold accused charged with money laundering: Four persons who were held by police as part of probe into the disguising of gold jewellery as silver were yesterday charged with money laundering. In a statement, the police said that Saffee Ahmad called ‘Chillo’, 58, Shameena Ahamad, 52, and Ashiana Salamalay, 33, all of 38 Roraima Scheme, Versailles, West Bank Demerara, and Ian Jacobis, 44, of 749 Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara, were all charged separately with the offences of Money Laundering, in contravention of Section 3(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11. The accused appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, where the charges were read to them, and they were not required to plead. Bail was granted in the sum of $500,000 each, with the condition that Saffee Ahmad reports to SOCU on the last Friday of every month. The matter was adjourned to 30th July, 2024.
In the courts
Two charged with murder of transgender woman: Akeem Fraser appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he charged with murder with the murder of a transgender woman. It was alleged that on July 11, at South Road and King Street, he along with Shaggy Mohamed murdered Shaun Anthony Simon. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence. Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison until July 22 for the charge to be reread to both him and Mohamed. On July 13, several persons were held for questioning in relation to the shooting death of Simon, a 28-year-old trans woman at King Street and South Road, Georgetown.
Immigration
Darul Uloom Masjid Imam refused entry to US, visa revoked: Imam Badrudeen Khan who heads the East Street Darul Uloom Masjid was refused entry into the United States last week and his visa revoked following arrival at the John F Kennedy Airport, New York. Contacted for comment yesterday he told Stabroek News “thank you for caring” and promised to return a call but up to press time had not done so. The reason for Khan’s visa revocation is unclear as he had been in the United States in March of this year during Ramadan.