Crime
Six held after large arms find at home of Ricardo Fagundes: A police operation last Wednesday found a large cache of arms at the Kitty home of the murdered Ricardo Fagundes and six persons are in custody. The startling find will raise questions about how long the arsenal was in existence and its use. It will also deepen the mystery around the yet unsolved murder of Fagundes, known as `Paper Shorts’ outside the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar in March 2021. A Police intelligence-led operation was conducted at about 5.30 on Wednesday during which a total of 26 handguns and high-powered rifles, along with a cache of ammunition were found. Six persons were arrested and are in custody, assisting with the investigation, the police said in a statement.
Insurance
Insurance programme for CARICOM farmers launched: A private sector-led CARICOM agriculture insurance programme was last week launched in Georgetown – the culmination of years of discussions on how to help farmers protect their investments. Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of supporting insurance to meet the financial needs of farmers and the necessity of making decisions based on data-driven, technology-based research to ensure optimal utilization of land and water resources. The Regional Economic Agri-lnsurance Programme (REAP) was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and nine other member nations of CARICOM. It was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The Department of Public Information reported that Lynch Caribbean Brokers in partnership with GuyCarpentar and Raincoat worked together to develop the Caribbean insurance product. DPI said that the insurance product caters to crop farmers, livestock farmers and fisherfolk. Followed by applause, Ali reflected on a commitment made three years ago when his administration pledged to work with banks to create support facilities for farmers. At that time, the private sector lacked major projects and business plans ready for financing. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. The grain sector has seen considerable advancement, with heightened competition in grain production, he said. The government has played a crucial role here by providing essential infrastructure, resulting in savings of tens of millions of US dollars on import costs, he said. Moreover, the administration has strategically integrated backward into feed production and forward into regional poultry support. Looking ahead, plans are in place to establish a new feed mill for aquaculture in the Caribbean region, he stated. Joseph Cox, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, celebrated the milestone as a pivotal moment for regional development. The REAP initiative represents a major outcome of the Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security, designed to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector through the provision of targeted insurance for farmers across the CARICOM region.
Elections
PPP/C should consider house-to house registration now – Ramkarran: Commentator Ralph Ramkarran last Sunday suggested that the ruling PPP/C consider the creation of a new national register by house-to-house registration in order to “eliminate what would be a major source of distraction during the election campaign”. In his column in the Sunday Stabroek, Ramkarran, who is a member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), also suggested that non-residents who wish to register can be accommodated on a separate list. He said a window of time now exists to start the process which can be closed in a few months. “The PPP would therefore be distracted during the election campaign by having to explain why the voters’ list is so large in comparison with the resident population. It would therefore be useful to consider the creation of a new national register by house-to-house registration in order to eliminate what would be a major source of distraction during the election campaign,” Ramkarran said in his column yesterday. Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled in 2019 on the issue of residency and found that contrary to the contention of the government at the time, it was unlawful to deregister previously registered persons because they were not resident in Guyana at the date of any subsequent registration. Following a failed attempt to rig the March 2020 general elections, the APNU+AFC has been contending that the voters’ list is bloated with the names of dead and migrated persons and that the only way to move forward is the creation of a fresh list. That would mean embarking on a national house-to-house registration exercise. Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton at one point conceded that the voters’ list used in the 2015 general and regional elections, which saw his party elected to government, was indeed bloated but argued that the present list is far more bloated. “[The] 2015 list had problems, but it was not as bloated as 2020 and 2025, if it continues like this, will be far more bloated than 2020 [and] 2015 [and] all other lists…let us not forget we [APNU+AFC] believe the list was bloated and though we won 2015 we had begun to clean the list in 2019. So, the question to me is an unfair question in the sense that we had shown from the inception that we will clean the list. We need a clean voters’ list because we believe only a credible list will produce credible results,” Norton had said. ANUG Chairman Timothy Jonas SC in submitting recommendations for changes to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) in a letter to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira noted that before the March 2nd, 2020 general elections and during the subsequent recount much was made by one party of the unreliability of the list of electors. ANUG said that this criticism was not unfounded as many Guyanese migrate and die abroad and their deaths are not recorded here and there is no automatic removal of their names.
Cost of living
Opposition pillories gov’t over cost of living: APNU and the AFC have hit back at the government over what they see as the downplaying of a serious rise in the cost of living.
The issue has been brought into the spotlight by a long-running series in the Stabroek News which interviews people all across the country on the cost of living and which has underlined a sharp rise in prices in all sectors and the difficulty with making ends meet. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has derided the testimonies reported by this newspaper and contended that the efforts being made by the government to ease the cost of living are not being reflected in the interviews. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition (OLO) in a release on Friday referred to a recent article in Stabroek News which reported Jagdeo as claiming that his government continues to actively ease the cost-of-living burden on its citizens and according to the release, in doing so, sought to discredit the newspaper’s weekly Cost of Living series as “a political ploy” and to dismiss the grievances expressed by citizens as biased. The OLO release noted that several commentators have “correctly” observed that Jagdeo “must be living in an alternate universe, or he is detached from the reality faced by ordinary Guyanese.” The Opposition expressed the view that the Vice President’s attempts to dismiss the daily hardships of ordinary Guyanese are directly due to his and his party’s “heartlessness” for the plight of the vast majority of citizens across all regions and ethnic groups and the fact that “they live an elitist life and not in touch with the sufferings of the people of Guyana.” Further, as far as it is concerned, Jagdeo’s use of abstract figures on expenditures to defend his government only adds insult to injury, suggesting that he should instead, visit the homes and kitchens of ordinary citizens if he is really interested in knowing how they fare, and opining that he is not that interested. The release posited that struggling Guyanese, including those who voted for the PPP, must reflect on Jagdeo’s continued rejection of high cost of living and poor living standards as their daily reality, and when they do, they will most likely conclude – if they haven’t already – that “under the PPP government, life in Guyana is a burden that will not get better once it remains in office.”
Oil & Gas
Sixteen transformers arrive for gas to energy project: The BBC Echo Vessel last week successfully berthed at the Muneshwers Shipping, John Fernandes and Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) terminals offloading transformers for Guyana’s gas-to-energy and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) enhancement projects. Among the 16 transformers delivered were two units, each weighing an unprecedented 241 metric tons—the heaviest cargo ever managed in Guyana, according to GYSBI. Cranes Guyana Inc (CGI), a subsidiary of Muneshwers Limited and John Fernandes Limited (JFL), was awarded the contract by Boltcargo India to undertake the discharge, side-wharfage, transportation, and storage of nine transformers. Of this number, Muneshwers Limited facilitated the side-wharfage for the offloading of six transformers and miscellaneous cargo, while JFL was responsible for the discharge of three including the two 241-metric ton transformers, which were then transported by Daco Heavy Lift to JFL’s Inland Terminal for storage. The release said that Paragon Transport and Lifting Services alongside Sammy Multilift Services Guyana Inc. and RSD Cargo Transit Inc. handled the transportation of seven transformers and 244 accessories. “The complexity of this historic arrival was underscored by the 12 hours it took to safely transport one 241 metric ton transformer from Water Street to the JFL Inland Terminal on Mandela Avenue. The entire operation spanned five days and required over 3,300 man-hours, not including additional support from GPL, GTT, and the Guyana Police Force”, the release added. The nine mentioned transformers were sourced by Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd and transported to Guyana with the aid of Boltcargo India. These transformers will enable the creation of new substations, directly supporting the Guyana Integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and ensuring a reliable and robust energy distribution network. The release said that Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) discharged the remaining seven transformers aboard BBC Echo at their Houston facility for LINDSAYCA CH4, the company which has been commissioned to construct an integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) extraction plant and a 300MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant. The seven transformers offloaded for LINDSAYCA CH4 were transported by Biddle Inc. and are currently being stored at the GYSBI Industrial Estate at McDoom, where the heavier three of the seven transformers, with a weight of 129 metric ton each, were offloaded in a tandem lift between Sammy Multilift Services Guyana Inc. and GYSBI. They now await transit to the project site at Wales, West Bank Demerara, the release said.
Money laundering
Guyana has made significant strides to improve understanding of laundering risk: Guyana has made significant progress in improving the understanding of laundering and terrorism financing risks, according to the recently published Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) and has been recognised for improvements made since the last evaluation. The Attorney General’s Chambers last week released the Executive Summary of the report but not the full report. It said that the report “is a very comprehensive and somewhat complex document”. The report summarises the anti-money laundering/counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures in place in Guyana as at the date of the on-site visit from September 4 to 15, 2023. It analyses the level of compliance with the FATF’s recommendations, the level of effectiveness of Guyana’s AML/CFT system, and provides recommendations on how the system could be strengthened.
Crime
‘Let the chips fall where they may’: Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo last week alluded to the allegations against a senior member of the Guyana Police Force during his outreach in Region Six where he said that the matter is being investigated and the chips will fall where they may. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had said that the allegations of financial impropriety made against Assistant Commissioner (ag) of Police, Calvin Brutus is being investigated by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). “Mr. Brutus has proceeded on leave to facilitate a full and complete investigation by SOCU. There will be no action in relation to any promotion of Mr. Brutus under these circumstances. Any promotion will be subject to the outcome of the investigation. SOCU has already commenced its investigation and the Government will be guided by the outcome of such investigation”, Benn said. SOCU is part of the Guyana Police Force and the decision for it to investigate the Deputy Commissioner has been seen as inappropriate. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) called on Monday for an independent probe to be done of the allegations. Reports had swirled around Brutus and others in the police force but Eve Leary had shrugged them off. The police force had said that there had been a rotation of personnel and it rejected allegations against Brutus which had surfaced on social media. However, Brutus eventually asked to proceed on leave to enable an investigation of the allegations. Jagdeo during an outreach yesterday in Region Six also pointed out that SOCU is investigating the allegations and that the chips will fall where they may. According to the press statement released by the GCCI on Monday, it is “repugnant” that individuals who have been entrusted with maintaining law and order in the country are engaging in malpractices, raising serious questions about the credibility and objectivity of the GPF. The Chamber says it believes that if the agents of the state responsible for maintaining stability and lawfulness are involved in malfeasance, they can no longer be trusted to uphold the standards they are supposed to enforce.
City chamber calls for independent probe of financial impropriety in police force: The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) last week expressed deep concern over recent revelations of corruption and financial impropriety within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and is calling for an immediate independent investigation into the matter. According to a press statement released by the GCCI, it is “repugnant” that individuals who have been entrusted with maintaining law and order in the country are engaging in malpractices, raising serious questions about the credibility and objectivity of the GPF. The Chamber says it believes that if the agents of the state responsible for maintaining stability and lawfulness are involved in malfeasance, they can no longer be trusted to uphold the standards they are supposed to enforce. “The Guyana Police Force must not operate with impunity – in fact, the members of the Force must be held at a higher degree of accountability. Failure to act can be viewed as assenting to corruption, and this can lead to a descent into lawlessness,” the release continued. The organization also highlighted that an independent probe is necessary in the interest of objectivity and transparency, as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which has been tasked with investigating these issues, is an arm of the GPF. The GCCI believes that these circumstances are “abhorrent and untenable” and calls for swift action to be taken, with those found culpable facing the full force of the law. The Chamber’s statement comes on the heels of recent major revelations of corrupt acts by members of the joint services. In one instance, a Region 10 Constable was nabbed with 21 pounds of marijuana, while in another two GDF ranks were caught transporting 154 pounds of the same substance. Public consternation has also arisen over claims of impropriety involving Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus. On July 12th, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said that the allegations of financial impropriety made against Brutus are being investigated by SOCU. This was despite the fact that SOCU is a part of the police force.
Westminster man, 69, shot dead by bandits: A 69-year-old construction worker of Westminster Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara was shot and killed during a robbery at his home last Sunday morning. Two suspects were arrested by police. Police are investigating the death of Jairam Ramkishun, a 69-year-old construction worker of Lot 2806 Westminster Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, which occurred at about 01:30 hrs. Investigations revealed that Ramkishun resided in a one-flat concrete structure with his wife, Tajwantie Harry Persaud, a 50-year-old housewife, and their two sons, aged 24 and 25. Ramkishun’s wife, Tajwantie Harry Persaud, told police that on Sunday morning, she and her husband were asleep in their bedroom when they were awakened by three men dressed in hoodies, one of whom was armed with a firearm, a police press release stated. They demanded that she hand over cash and jewellery, during which one of the men dealt her several lashes about her head with the gun. According to the police report, Ramkishun then engaged in a scuffle with the men, during which one of his sons, who was home at the time, came out of his bedroom. Together, they managed to force the suspects out of the house. During the scuffle, the son (Jonathan) received a stab wound to the left side of his rib area. The men exited through the western side door, after which Ramkishun armed himself with a cutlass and pursued the men in the yard. The wife told the police that she then heard a loud explosion, and upon checking, she saw her husband lying motionless on his face in a pool of blood at the front of the yard. She then contacted a family friend who made a report to the police. Checks made in their home, revealed that one iPhone 8 valued at $80,000 and one iPhone 11 (value unknown) were missing.
Sarah Johanna man dies after shot in thigh at bar: Police are on the hunt for a suspect following the killing of a 49-year-old self-employed Sarah Johanna man who died at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after he was shot around 3:00 am on July 20th in his upper thigh in front of Boat House Sports Bar at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. Dead is Sherwin Hamilton, of Lot 2 Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara. According to a police report, the security guard at the Boat House Bar told investigators that at about 02:30 hours yesterday morning, while he was on duty at the bar, Hamilton and the suspect had a heated exchange of words in the bar, resulting in the suspect having to be evicted from the bar because he was the aggressor. At about 03.00 hours, the DJ turned off the music and told the patrons it was time to leave. Persons started exiting the bar through the western door facing the public road including Hamilton where he was confronted by the suspect and another man. The suspect then shot Hamilton in the left upper thigh and fled the scene on a motorcycle. Hamilton fell to the ground and a nurse who was at the bar rendered first aid assistance. He was taken by his wife, Amanda Persaud, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigators processed the area, and a 9mm spent shell was found about twenty feet away from the entrance of the bar. Investigations are ongoing.
Parking
Banks DIH unveils six-storey parking facility: Banks DIH Limited last week unveiled a six-storey parking facility that will enable 350 of its employees to lodge their vehicles free of cost. President Irfaan Ali attended the inauguration. Ali commended Banks Automotive for its innovative approach, particularly praising the company’s commitment to importing electric vehicles (EVs) that will be both trouble-free and environmentally friendly. Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis during his address, assured that their new vehicles will deliver a decade of trouble-free operation with no need for spare parts or maintenance, while remaining pollution-free. The newly launched parking facility, which stands six storeys high, was built by Kares Engineering Company Limited and cost approximately US$13m. All 6 storeys are not for parking, the top floor is to be used for fine dining. This landmark project coincides with the current administration’s support for electric vehicles, reflected in the zero-tax policy on EVs. The government is also investing in a comprehensive national network of EV charging stations to further support the adoption of electric transportation. Banks DIH Director Shabbir Hussain provided background on the parking facility. He said when he joined the company in 1981 there were only 12 vehicles. Today there are 350 and before the parking facility they were required to park on the road. He said Reis challenged company executives to find a solution to this parking problem. They travelled to Florida to view car parks and began planning. Hussain lauded the input of Adriano Garcia and RCD Services. Geotechnical investigation for the project was done by local engineer Charles Ceres. The entire structure is 208,000 square feet and weighs 12,000 tonnes. Pile driving analysis was done by Andrew Budhram and thereafter 249 14-inch by 14-inch, 100 feet long pre stressed concrete piles were driven.
Tragedy
Man, 94, dies in Bartica fire: A fire of unknown origin gutted a two-storey home located at 3rd Avenue, Bartica last Wednesday at around 1 pm leaving an elderly man dead and his daughter nursing burn injuries to her face and hand at the Bartica Regional Hospital. The dead man has been identified as Albert James Hopkinson also called ‘Major’, a 94-year-old. His son, Anthony Hopkinson, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, told Stabroek News last evening that he cannot say exactly what happened. His father died after being air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). Meanwhile his sister, Dawn Hopkinson, a 54-year-old seamstress who lived with her father at 3rd Avenue is currently a patient at the Bartica Regional Hospital for injuries sustained while trying to save her father from the blazing fire.
Accident
Corentyne girl dies in crash: Two families are now left to pick up the pieces after a devastating crash along the Corentyne Public Road left an 18-year-old dead and her 24-year-old boyfriend critically injured. Dead is Bibi Zarida Allie, 18, a medical technologist originally of Clifton Village, Corentyne. Her boyfriend, Nirav Sukdeo, 24, also a medical technologist, who was driving motor car PAF 6330 at the time of the accident is presently in the Intensive Care Unit at the Anamayah Memorial Hospital. The duo earlier this year began living together at of Lot 14 Lancaster Village, Corentyne where Sukdeo’s family operate a Bio Tech Lab. Stabroek News was told, that Sukdeo sustained massive internal injuries and both of his legs were broken. According to information gathered, around 2.46 am yesterday Sukdeo was heading home proceeding north along the Kiltairn Public Road on the Corentyne highway allegedly at a fast rate of speed and under the influence of alcohol when he suddenly lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a crane which was parked on the western parapet along the said road. Eyewitnesses told Stabroek News, that due to the impact of the crash, the crane which is being used to build the bridges for the four-lane road extension project, shifted a bit from the spot it was parked.
