2006-01-nieuwsbronnen-engels

Waddell shot dead

SHOT DEAD: Ronald Waddell

Controversial TV talk show host, Ronald Waddell died in a hail of bullets last evening in front of the Subryanville, Georgetown house where he lived.

Reports said he was leaving home and was in the driver’s seat of the car, between 19:30 h and 20:00 h, when two men walked up and opened fire, raking him and the vehicle with bullets.

Persons, who said they heard the rapid shooting, looked around and saw flashing bursts of fire from the guns before the killers fled.

The two men were apparently in a car on the southern side of the road not far from where Waddell lived and closed in on him as he left the yard for his car.

Waddell was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, after being rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit. Persons who saw his body at the GPHC last night said it was riddled with bullets.

POLICE cordon in front of the house where Ronald Waddell lived

Two of his daughters arrived at the hospital about an hour after his body was removed from the Accident and Emergency section. Asked about what had happened, they said they could not comment since they had not yet heard anything definitive.

Also at the hospital was People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, Ms Debra Backer. She said she was in Parliament when she heard the news, and being forced to leave early because of a cold, she decided to visit the hospital on the way home.

She also declined to comment due to lack of adequate information. Waddell was on the PNCR list of candidates for the 2001 general elections. The car was riddled with bullet holes and several bullets gouged holes in the concrete fence of the yard.

Waddell, in his early 50’s, was a lightning rod for controversy, particularly coming out of his statements on at least two television shows he produced and hosted on HBTV Channel 9.

As late as last year, HBTV management pulled Waddell off the air after his latest controversial pronouncements, on his show “Getting it Right”, in support of what he referred to as “The Buxton Resistance” – the gunmen in Buxton with whom he was accused of associating.

His statements on that programme also resulted in him being called into the Ethnic Relations Commission. Police last night detained four men found in a car at a Police roadblock at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, with three handguns and ammunition.

Police sources said one is an ex-policeman and cops stopped the men because they were acting suspiciously. They drove away after police stopped them but cops gave chase in a vehicle and overtook them. They were in custody up to press time. (Guyana Cronicle)

US ambassador Marsha Barnes

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: More cooperation between Suriname and the United States is necessary to execute the shipriders-agreement between the two countries, said Prosecutor-General Subhaas Punwasi in a meeting with US ambassador Marsha Barnes.

Since the shiprider-agreement was concluded in 1999, its effectiveness has not yet been proved. The objective of the agreement is to fight illegal drug trafficking, arms smuggling and transnational crime in Suriname’s airspace and maritime zones.

Ambassador Barnes, in an interview with Caribbean Media Corporation, said that, so far, there are no tangible results from the cooperation since Suriname doesn’t have a Coast Guard. After September 911, the American Coast Guard pulled back much closer to the US coast line and patrolling of Suriname’s maritime zones has not materialized.

The diplomat noted that agreements with other Caribbean nations were exercised differently. Some vessels of Caribbean nations patrolling off-shore Puerto Rico have US law enforcement officers on board, while in other instances Caribbean law enforcement personnel are on board of US Coast Guard vessels.

“We did not have that kind of an exercise with Suriname,” said the diplomat. She further noted that currently there is a second Surinamese national on board as crew member of a US training ship patrolling the Caribbean region. This is a good thing in terms of getting ready for improved cooperation, said the diplomat.

In the meeting at his office, the Prosecutor-General stated that more cooperation is necessary to keep drugs out of Suriname. More emphasis on fighting the supply routes will have more effect and results, he argued. “Suriname does not produce cocaine, and without import there can’t be any export from Suriname,” Punwasi said. He called for more cooperation between producing, transit and consuming countries.

Ambassador Barnes underscored that, saying the US is part of the wider Caribbean and has an interest in what is going on in the region. In concluding the meeting the ambassador handed over ten desktop computers, software, printers and other equipment to the Prosecutor-General for extension of the data network of the prosecutor’s office. (by Ivan Cairo Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent)

Police hold 22 after raids, gunman robs grocer

Twenty-two people, a woman among them, were arrested during raids in different parts of Georgetown, Police reported yesterday. The places raided were in Regent Street, Alberttown and Kitty, where 10 houses were searched. Police said those detained were held on arrest warrants or for pending investigations into criminal offences.

Meanwhile, in the latest gun robbery, Balram Arjune, 27, a grocer, of Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara, was relieved of a bag containing $10,000 which he handed over to a gunman who entered his business premises and demanded cash. Police said it happened about 18:30 h Wednesday as the victim was closing his shop and opened a side door to allow a customer to collect purchased articles.

The robber forced his way in and Arjune, as well as other customers who were drinking beers, fled after he gave up the money bag. The armed thief escaped on a motorcycle ridden by an acomplice who was waiting, investigating Police said. (Guyana Cronicle)

BURGLARS apparently trying to get to computers at St. Joseph High School in Georgetown stabbed the school’s unarmed guard to death shortly before midnight Monday and fled after a security firm was alerted.

The 75-year-old man, Cedric Edwards called `Wire’ and `Eddie’ of William Street, Kitty, also in the city, succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The Education Ministry, in a statement, said the thieves entered the school compound and viciously attacked the guard, beating him in the face and head and attempted to steal computers.

The computer laboratory, however, remained intact after the break-in as it was wired to the Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC) security firm which responded promptly after the alarm was triggered. Members of the MMC mobile patrol found the elderly man lying in the compound of the school on Woolford Avenue and rushed him to the hospital.

Headmistress of the school, Ms Ingrid Fung told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that she received a telephone call about 23:15 h and, accompanied by the Police, went to the scene. She said she realised that the building was broken into, but it appeared as though the robbers did not remove anything.

Fung said the would-be burglars got into the building by bending the steel bars in the reception area on the lower flat to create an opening.

They then broke into her office which leads to the state-of-the-art computer laboratory. When this newspaper visited yesterday, there was blood on the floor outside the security desk and in the school’s lobby.

In the laboratory, the 14 brand new Dell computers were intact, but the thieves’ intentions were clear as the main computer’s CPU had been taken off its stand.

St. Joseph High School Headmistress, Ms Ingrid Fung assessing the situation yesterday. In picture is one of the 14 Dell flat screen computers burglars attempted to take away from the computer laboratory. (Picture by Delano Williams)

Edwards’ wife, Enid Daniels, 67, was overcome with grief when she received the tragic news. She said she last saw Edwards when he left for work shortly after 18:00 h Monday. Daniels, who is confined to a wheelchair, said Edwards was her sole breadwinner and he took care of her for the past 36 years even after she was diagnosed with diabetes and both her legs were amputated.

Edwards was employed with Martin’s Investigation and Protection Service of Lot 5 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

The spot where Edwards was attacked by the burglars.

Classes at St. Joseph High School were suspended yesterday after the headmistress met students who were traumatised by the tragedy.

In the statement issued yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Education said it was “deeply saddened and concerned with the tragic death” of the security guard.

The ministry said it hoped that the “investigative work by the relevant authorities would help to bring closure to the ill-fated and tragic death.” (Michel Outridge/Guyana Cronicle)

Ex-policeman charged with wounding another

Eswart Holder, of Lot 169 Titus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding another ex-policeman, was granted $45,000 bail yesterday by Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds. The indictable charge said the accused feloniously wounded Paul Gittens on January 20, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm.

According to Defence Counsel Lawrence Harris, the other two men are friends and Holder was attacked when he questioned Gittens about something he was supposed to do for him. Police said Gittens is still hospitalised and the case was transferred to another court for January 30. (Guyana Cronicle)

Rape, buggery accused refused bail

David Parker, of Lot 647 Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, has been charged with two counts each of rape and buggery. He appeared before Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds yesterday and she refused him bail and remanded him to prison until January 30.

Particulars of the indictable charges said Parker: he had carnal knowledge of a 23-year-old woman without her consent and sodomised her, on December 26, 2005 in Georgetown and did similarly with another woman, 35, on January 20, at Turkeyen, also on East Coast Demerara. The prisoner is to make his next appearance in another court, to which his cases have been transferred, on January 30. (Guyana Cronicle)

Robbery defendant remanded

Seventeen-year-old Dexter De Harte (no address given) appeared before Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds yesterday on a charge of robbery with violence.

The allegation against the defendant said he robbed Godfrey McPherson of a gold ring and a bicycle valve valued a total of $17,000 and used violence immediately before or after committing the January 22 offence. De Harte pleaded not guilty and was refused bail and remanded to prison. He is to be back in court January 27. (Guyana Cronicle)

Fraud case transferred

Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds yesterday transferred to another court, the fraud case of Quacy August. The defendant (no address given) pleaded not guilty to fraudulent conversion and was granted $25,000 bail.

Particulars of the offence said August was entrusted with $30,000 cash by Andrew Charles, on December 1, 2005, to purchase building materials but he fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit. The case will be called again on January 30. (Guyana Cronicle)

At Berbice Assizes…

Ruling expected today in sibling manslaughter case

Justice Claudette LaBennett is expected to rule today on the submissions by Defence Counsel Compton Richardson yesterday in the sibling manslaughter trial at the Berbice Assizes. Richardson advanced his arguments after State Prosecutor Faith McGusty had closed her case and she replied to them, also in the absence of the jury.

The accused, Shonnette Scott is indicted for unlawfully killing her brother, Orwin Frank, at their Tucber Park, New Amsterdam home, on August 25, 2003. The Prosecution is alleging that Scott fatally stabbed Frank, following a disagreement with him over the use of their telephone. (Guyana Cronicle)

Tenant accused of arson refused bail

Thirty-five-year-old labourer Mahendra Deonarine, of Edinburgh Scheme, East Bank Berbice, was refused bail and remanded to prison yesterday on an arson charge.

Particulars of the offence charged against him, before Magistrate Geeta Chandan in New Amsterdam Court, said he set fire to the home of Savitree Ali, at Glasgow, another East Bank Berbice village, on January 22, with intent to injure or defraud. The building, in which Deonarine had been a tenant, was destroyed by the blaze. The prisoner is to be back in court on January 31. (Guyana Cronicle)

Police arrest five, destroy marijuana fields

Police reported the arrest of five men and destruction of five cannabis (marijuana) fields in separate exercises yesterday and Thursday. The arrests were made early yesterday morning during raids on five houses in Georgetown.

Two of the men were held on warrants issued for them in criminal cases and the other three for investigations into armed robbery.

One of the marijuana cultivations was on a half acre field, with plants and seedlings, near the Kanuku mountains in Rupununi and the other at Ituni, Upper Demerara River, where four fields, spread over two and three-quarters acres and two nurseries were destroyed by fire, Police said. (Guyana Cronicle)

A 30-year-old man accused of killing a woman in 1999 by hitting her on the head with a kerosene oil stove is now on trial before a jury in the High Court. State Counsel Melissa Yearwood-Stewart yesterday called three witnesses, including the accused's parents, to give evidence in the case against him.

Jermain Zara allegedly killed Mavis Carmichael on April 4, 1999 at Goed Intent Village, West Bank Demerara. The court heard that Zara and his father Hugh Burton Williams had an argument, during which, Carmichael, who intervened as a peacemaker, was hit on the head with a kerosene oil stove. According to Williams, he did not see the accused hit Carmichael on the head with a kerosene oil stove.

Williams testified that Carmichael was the accused's uncle's reputed wife and he had known her for about 15 years. On April 4, 1999, Williams recalled, he was at a day of sports at Goed Intent Village drinking and having fun with some friends including one by the name of Hunte. According to him, they left the gymkhana after it began to rain and he and Hunte then decided to visit his son's mother, Cecilia Zara, who also lived at Goed Intent.

He said Carmichael was at Cecilia's home and the two women were consuming alcohol when he and Hunte arrived there around 2 pm. "My son came home. He had an argument with his mother and he threw the rum bottle outside... Then another argument ensued between myself and him," Williams said. "The scuffle then ended up in the kitchen."

Williams said he pushed his son in the kitchen and he fell on the table and the kerosene stove which was on the table fell. Suddenly Carmichael got up and went to make peace, he said, but he did not know what happened that caused Carmichael to fall. Williams added that he gave evidence in the magistrate's court, but while he won't deny that the magistrate read the evidence to him; he did not sign the evidence.

Seconds later, Williams identified his signature on the deposition. However, he told the court that he would hold the position that he never saw his son hit Carmichael. Besides giving evidence at the magistrate's court, he gave a statement to the police and signed his name to it, but he alleged that he was forced to sign the statement. According to Williams, he told the police Zara lashed Carmichael to her head with the stove and she staggered and fell to the ground. He said he did not give false evidence in the High Court yesterday.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel Hukumchand, Williams said he had started drinking around 7 am on April 4, 1999. He said he never stopped drinking until around 3 pm. Williams also stated that it was a general day of sports in the village and he partook of about three bottles of rum. He thinks he drank some beers in between. When he went to Cecilia's house, he consumed about one bottle of rum.

On April 5, 1999, he said, he could not remember all the things that occurred on the day in question. The police arrested Williams on April 5, 1999 after he left work around 3 pm. He had been in police custody for seven days when the police took the statements from him in the evening. Two days later he was released.

From April 5 to 13, the police tried about three or four times to get a statement from him. The police told him what he had to say, he said. Williams also told the court that the police suggested to him that his son threw a stove at Carmichael. "The police say if I do not give a statement, they would have locked me up for seven more days," said Williams.

According to Williams, he was miserable and he couldn't remember clearly what transpired on April 4, 1999. He just wanted to get out of the lock-ups. He said he could not remember telling the police that his son hit Carmichael on her head nor did he see the accused pick up a stove and lash Carmichael on the head.

Zara's mother Cecilia then began her evidence in chief. Cecilia testified that on April 4, 1999, she was at home with her son and then he went out. After he left around 7 pm Carmichael showed up and the two started to drink. They had a large bottle of rum but they only drank half of it. Williams and his friend then arrived and they drank the rest. Cecilia said around 2 pm the accused returned home. "He saw the rum, picked it up, dashed it outside and asked if this is a rum shop" said Cecilia.

"Williams then started to quarrel with Jermain and he pushed Jermain back to the table with the stove and the stove fell down." Yonette Duncan, the daughter of the deceased was also called to give evidence relating to the identification and burial of Carmichael. Justice Rishi Persaud is the presiding judge. Leeron Daly is also appearing on behalf of the state. (Stabroek News/Afeefah Beharry)

Cops arrest six for ammo, burglary

Alert cops arrested six men for two different crimes on Sunday and yesterday, police said. Two of those detained were held about 11:00 h Sunday after a search of the bag they were carrying, at a popular Linden business place where they were seen acting suspiciously, yielded 10 cartridges for a 12-gauge shotgun.

They, too, are to be charged shortly, like the quartet arrested in Georgetown during a burglary. Police said it was about 03:00 h yesterday when the burglars were nabbed while removing household items, including electrical appliances, from the Daisy Street, South Ruimveldt home of a Guyanese who resides overseas. (Guyana Cronicle)

"The pain still lingers," said Lucius Thomas as he reflected on the murders of three cops within a five-hour spell in May 2005.

The slayings, described as a co-ordinated assault on the state, began on the night of May 3 when two gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Corporal Hewitt Chandler of the Protective Services Division at the intersection of West King's House and Waterloo roads in the capital.

About an hour later, gunmen travelling in a motor car shot up the Cross Roads Police Station and killed District Constable Canute Brown. Then about four hours later, Inspector Lascelles Walsh of the Motorised Traffic Division was shot dead when he stopped at a traffic light along Tower Street in downtown Kingston.

Corporal Chandler's killers were themselves cut down by police, who apparently just happened on the scene. One of the killers was identified as Christopher Coke, also called 'Chris Royal' and 'Royal Blend', whom police say is a son of late Tivoli Gardens enforcer, the notorious Lester Lloyd Coke, better known as "Jim Brown".

At the time, the police suggested that it was Coke's killing that triggered the other attacks, which extended to the murder of security guard Richard Adams on Marcus Garvey Drive and the injuring of a fourth policeman who was shot in the leg when armed men pulled alongside his patrol car on North Avenue, Greenwich Town and opened fire.

"It is not something that one can ever forget," said Thomas in an interview with the Observer last week. At the time, Thomas was in the job as police commissioner for just under four months. It was, he said, a tragic start to his first year in office. "But rallying the troops turned it around for me to some extent," said Thomas who spent most of the last two months visiting police stations across the island, including on Christmas Eve when he walked the beat in some rural towns.

On Thursday this week, he will end his first year as police chief with the satisfaction of knowing that he has at least lifted morale among the constabulary's rank and file - the men and women who, to him, run the police force "from the standpoint of work". And his strategy was simple.

He listened to them. "I had promised on taking office that I would see my members - the rank and file mostly," explained Thomas. "I make sure that I am here (in his office at police headquarters), sometimes as early as 6:30 am. It's a free period, free in the sense that you can walk in; and I see people coming from as far as Westmoreland."

That free period, he said, runs up to about 8:30 am, sometimes 9:00 am. "It means that the person doesn't have to take up the telephone and call my secretary and ask for an appointment. It's a one-on-one, confidential discussion." Thomas's affinity for the police rank and file is apparently rooted in his upbringing and his own experience coming up through the ranks over 35 years.

The more than 100 year-old Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), he said, is a "status-driven organisation" which tends to ignore members who have no rank. Those cops, he said, would literally have to beg to get certain basic things attended to. "Having grown up in the organisation, I suffered some of those indignities myself," said Thomas.

The behaviour apparently was disturbing to him because, he said, he "grew up as a humble person from deep rural Jamaica where you learn to respect everybody you come across, whether they have status or not". He said that when he was offered the police commissioner's hat he saw in it "a glorious opportunity" to change the status quo.

Today, he said, he has been "successful to a point, giving a voice to those who had none, providing a shoulder for them to lean on, being there in their time of pain, providing the counselling that is necessary, giving a word of advice and, most important, listening to those who want somebody to hear their cries".

His passion, next to getting rid of corrupt cops, regaining the trust of the Jamaican people for the JCF and equipping the police to better investigate and solve crimes, is to ensure that his staff have proper working facilities and that they are comfortable. Some of what Thomas wants done will require policy changes, but he's convinced that they can be accomplished and that they will make a change for the better.

He raised as an example the issue of women police not being allowed to braid their hair. "We are saying, if it is moderately done we must change that policy," he argued. "Given the environment in which we live, economics, the cost of living. The woman can braid her hair today and for the next two weeks all she needs to do is brush it. It's expensive to do hair weekly, and chemicals affect some of them. So therefore, we can make the adjustment."

He endorsed "150 per cent" the suggestion of service pay now being negotiated by the Police Federation, arguing that it would ease some of the pressure on his office for promotions. Under the proposal, cops' salaries would increase with their years of service rather than on promotion only as is the case now.

"The bottom line is, if the service pay works, the constable with 15 years' service won't be too worried about promotion because it will put him above the young man who is promoted to sergeant," Thomas said. "We want to believe that it should be implemented by April," he added. (Vernon Davidson - Senior associate editor - Jamaica Observer)

Robbers shoot goldsmith in both legs

A Berbice goldsmith was shot in both legs by bandits who invaded his home on Saturday night and carted off a bag with cash and jewellery. Police reports say about 19:00 h Saturday, four gunmen robbed Khemraj, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, of the cash and jewellery just after he returned home and rested a bag with the valuables on a table in the bottom flat of his two storeyed house.

The robbers entered the building through an unlocked door, held the family at gun point and demanded the cash and jewellery. The goldsmith handed over the bag, but the bandits demanded more. They ransacked both flats and went away with additional quantities of cash and jewellery.

During the attack, the intruders shot Khemraj in both legs and assaulted some other members of the family. Khemraj was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. There his condition is reported to be stable. Police recovered two spent shells at the scene, and up to press time the suspects were still at large. (Guyana Cronicle)

Suriname deports seven

Seven Guyanese were deported from Suriname via Port Moleson Creek on Saturday. The Police said the deportees include Anthony Young, 37, of 66 Barr Street, Albouystown; Marvin Johnson, 18, of Main and New Market Streets; and Michelie Barkoi,19, of 161 James Street Albouystown.

These were deported after serving prison terms in Suriname for possession of narcotics, arson, and larceny. The four others will be charged for illegal departure shortly, Police said. (Guyana Cronicle)

Twenty ‘illegals’ detained during Front Street raid

PHILIPSBURG--Police Inspector Norwin Bernabela led a team of Voluntary Corps VKS and police officers on a special raid on Front Street and the Great Bay beach promenade Thursday and detained twenty persons, mainly women, suspected of residing on the island illegally.

Police spokesman Inspector Johan “Janchi” Leonard said Bernabela, who has been put in charge of repatriating illegal residents, had carried out the special raid with 10 officers, all of whom wore civilian clothes to guard against alerting the barkers and braiders who frequent the Front Street and beach promenade areas to their intentions.

He said the operation, which was executed between 9:00am and 10:00am, had been based on complaints the police had received about harassment by braiders, OPCs and pickpockets, and about the illegal sale of drugs.

The Immigration Department, he warned, plans to carry out more such raids. Among the 20 people detained were nationals of Monaco, France, Haiti, Jamaica, and Great Britain, and 16 of them were women. Reports reaching The Daily Herald Thursday night said that at least one person from Great Britain had been released after he was found to be residing here legally. (The Daily Herald)

Presidential guard suspended

A rank attached to the Presidential Guard was interdicted from duty yesterday following his arrest after being found with “suspicious paraphernalia” on the West Demerara, sources said last night. A member of the Guyana Police Force who was with the Presidential Guard rank was also arrested, this newspaper understands.

An official from the Office of the President confirmed that the rank was interdicted immediately following the discovery of the suspicious paraphernalia, and will be barred from duty pending the outcome of investigations. A source said the items found included gloves and a mask. (Guyana Cronicle)

Winston Greene

A 79-year-old man accused of killing his wife, yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court on a charge of manslaughter. Winston Greene was not required to plead to the indictable charge of manslaughter and he was subsequently remanded to prison by Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys.

It is alleged that on January 4 at Durban Street, Greene unlawfully killed Lucille Ellis. As a result of the incident, Greene received a wound to his forehead. He appeared in court with it bandaged up. He will return to Court One on January 16. (Stabroek News)

According to reports, Gaskin and several boys were in a dispute at the said location. Some were reportedly armed with cutlasses. A police patrol that was passing at the time stopped to intervene and as they approached the young men dropped what they had in their hands. Gaskin reportedly threw away a black plastic bag he had in his hand. The bag was retrieved and the substance was found.

Gaskin pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and he has to return to Court One on Monday for report. (Stabroek News)

January 11. 2006

Drugs, disaster preparedness

High on CARICOM agenda

New CARICOM Chairman, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning, left, with President Bharrat Jagdeo and CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington at the CARICOM Secretariat yesterday. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

New Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the next six months, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning has reminded that the drug trade is a worldwide phenomenon and that the Caribbean is not immune.

And according to him, how the region protects itself from the widening scourge is an issue of high priority on the CARICOM agenda and one of several critical issues.

The others cover streamlining the CARICOM Single Market which came into being on January 1 and its progression for the coming into being of the economy aspect in 2008, disaster preparedness and the need to deepen the integration process.

Mr Manning outlined the priorities at a news conference during a one-day visit to Guyana yesterday and following discussions he had with CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington in relation to his new responsibilities as CARICOM Chairman.

The meeting sought too to identify some priorities which need to be addressed during his chairmanship. With Manning at the news conference at the new CARICOM Secretariat in Turkeyen were President Bharrat Jagdeo, Mr Carrington and Deputy CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Lolita Applewhaite.

Manning said security in the region is a matter of high priority as in relation to the drug trade, it is recognised that the Caribbean is situated between the producing countries of the south, centrally Colombia, and the consuming countries of the United States, Canada and West Europe. He said the region is aware too that not all the drugs that come into the countries leave and of the guns which are used to protect them not all come and leave. As a consequence, this provides a security problem throughout the entire Caribbean presently, he said.

There is too, he said, the challenge before the region in terms of successfully streamlining the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) on January 1 last, and the institutional arrangements to follow to ensure that the economy aspects come on stream by 2008, if the operations of the region are to be successful.

In addition, disaster preparedness cannot be ignored, the CARICOM Chairman said, noting that several member states have been adversely affected by disasters, including Grenada, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize and Haiti. He said that having regard to what has been taking place in the world, countries are in no position to predict when the next disaster will come in the region, reminding that the Grenada experience is particularly instructive in this regard. Grenada was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

Manning noted that when disasters take place in other parts of the world, priority tends to be given to them, rather than to what some see as an “insignificant Caribbean”, and stressed governments in the region have to look much closer at their own arrangements to protect themselves against such disasters. In addition, the region needs to “as is appropriate, take steps to attract the attention of the international community, though first and foremost we would have to rely more and more on our own efforts”, he said.

On deepening the integration process, he said such a need arrives out of several considerations - the reality of the banana situation internationally, and that of sugar, as a number of countries in the region depend very heavily for economic activities on bananas or sugar. He said in the face of such realities the question that arises in a single market is what will be the economic drivers in each territory that can guarantee that the single market is sustainable.

“The time is going to come for us to sit around the table and decide who does what to ensure that every player gets a fair share,” Manning advocated. Acknowledging that by no means the issues identified will solve the problems of the region, and that earth shattering developments should be expected over the next six months, he said his government, while assuming the leadership role, would seek “to incrementally ensure the progression of the integration movement so that with every change of chairmanship the situation is a little better…”

Manning also announced that CARICOM will officially mark the coming into being of the CSM at a ceremony to be held on January 30 in Jamaica. That will be followed by the hosting of the community’s Inter-sessional meeting in Port of Spain on February 9-10, arrangements for which were among the issues discussed here yesterday.

President Jagdeo, in welcoming his counterpart to Guyana, implored of the Trinidad Prime Minister to visit here more often so that both countries can hold discussions on a bilateral level in an effort to forge more linkages. (Wendella Davidson/Guyana Cronicle)

Fort Island robbery accused remanded

John Michael Kassim

A man who it was alleged was part of a gang of eight armed bandits who invaded Fort Island, Essequibo River last month and escaped with several million dollars in jewellery, firearms and other articles was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared at a West Demerara Magistrate's court charged with eight counts of robbery under arms.

John Michael Kassim, of Uitvlugt, West Coast Deme-rara made his first appearance at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magis-trate's Court after being caught walking on a street in Albouystown last week Wednesday. Magistrate, Fazil Azeez listened to submissions by his lawyer before denying him pre-trial liberty.

Police last week also charged Sabrina Jainarine of Industry Front, East Coast Demerara with receiving stolen property. She was released on $10,000 bail. Police had searched her home and found some of the stolen articles from the robbery. The woman said however that Kassim and one of his accomplices had rented her house and taken the articles there.

At about 10:15 pm on December 23 businessman, Alfred Mittleholzer, 45 years, was in his yard at Fort Island when eight armed men confronted him. They held him at gunpoint and took him into the house where they also held his wife and three children. They then took away two licensed firearms along with a quantity of ammunition, two outboard motor engines, three chain saws, two water pumps, one generator, cash and jewellery, four cell phones, electronic equipment, and grocery.

In addition, the bandits removed five outboard motor engines from boats that were moored in the river and then went to the home of Ramrattie Matthews, 50. At Matthews' home they forced their way into the house and held her and her two daughters at gunpoint. A quantity of jewellery, cash, four cell phones and a DVD player were taken.

The gang then moved over to the home of another businessman Umrao, 70. They kicked open Umrao's door and then held the man and his family at gunpoint. They took away another two licensed firearms and a quantity of ammunition and jewellery. While in Umrao's house one of the bandits was apparently mistaken for another relative and was shot by an accomplice.

Leaving that home the armed men proceeded to the home of Umrao's daughter-in-law, Parbattie, who had fled upon seeing them approaching. They however entered the house and ransacked it, taking away a quantity of ammunition and jewellery before escaping in two boats along the Essequibo River. Police had carried out several searches on the island but did not find any trace of the bandits. A subsequent raid was carried out at Industry, which led them to Kassim and another man who is on the run. Police have not recovered any of the firearms or ammunition that was stolen. (Stabroek News)

Stabroek Market murder accused remanded

Danfod Dodson

A man accused of stabbing a gold dealer to death at the Stabroek Market last week, yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court.

Danfod Dodson was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder and he was subsequently remanded to prison by Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys. It is alleged that on Thursday last, Dodson murdered Lennox Rodrigues.

According to information, Rodrigues was standing in front of one of the southern gates at the market when Dodson passed and jammed him. Rodrigues reportedly began to stare at him. An argument later developed between the two during which Dodson reportedly pulled a knife from his waist and dealt Rodrigues two stabs.

Rodrigues collapsed on the floor and was rushed to the Georgetown Hospital where he died while being treated for his injuries. Dodson was represented by Attorney-at-laws Basil Williams and Mark Waldron.

Police Prosecutor Lloyd Thomas indicated to the court that the matter was to be taken to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) as soon as possible for advice. The case will be called again on January 16 in Court One. (Stabroek News)

January 10. 2006

Jamaican police get Integrated Ballistic Information System

KINGSTON, Jamaica: The Integrated Ballistic Information System (IBIS) for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has arrived. The equipment will enable the JCF to fingerprint firearms; build a database of bullets and spent shells recovered from crime scenes; link bullets and spent shells to crime scenes; and make connections between illegal firearms and gun crimes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mark Shields, said that the acquisition of the IBIS would boost the crime fighting capacity of the JCF “enormously”. He also explained that the “police will be able to act more quickly in an investigation”. The main component of the machine will be located in Kingston, while smaller units will be positioned in Montego Bay and May Pen.

The rationale for sending the smaller units to Montego Bay and May Pen, “is simply to speed up the process … if we are bringing fire arms to be tested all the way to Kingston, it will be a cumbersome process,” Mr. Shields said. He pointed out that all the centres would be networked. “Therefore, this will save time and money in the long run [as well as] improve the efficiency of the system,” he added.

Questioned whether the three machines would effectively serve the 14 parishes, Mr. Shields said that based on “the experts’ review of the number of firearms, size of the island and the magnitude of the problem, the three machines are adequate”.

The Deputy Commissioner noted that across the world, when the IBIS is used, the clear-up rate increased significantly, and he expected the same result in Jamaica. Neville Graham, Communications Director at the National Security Ministry said that the system would be installed on January 15, while a commission date for the network was set for February 13.

Meanwhile, Jevine Bent, Deputy Commissioner of Police, has informed that training for persons and stakeholders who would be using the system has already started. She further noted that these persons have been drawn from the JCF, as well as all crime fighting arms of the Government.

The contract to procure the machine was approved by Cabinet in September and signed in October 2005. The IBIS, which costs just over US $1.4 million, was secured with the assistance of the Canadian Government. (Caribbean Net News)

January 7. 2006

Magistrate frustrated over Police delay of drug case

MAGISTRATE Chandra Sohan yesterday expressed frustration over the several adjournments of the Rickford La Fleur drug case because of the continuous absence of the main witness, Police Constable Percy Farley.

The magistrate made the comments when the cop, for whom an arrest warrant was issued since February 13, 2004, appeared at New Amsterdam Court in Berbice. Farley, who has been interdicted from duty, said he learnt of the date from Police Prosecutors Satrohan Dynanam and Elton Davidson.

However, Magistrate Sohan remarked that it seems the Police are wasting the court’s time and making a mockery of the system. “When warrants are issued, they should be executed regardless on whom…but instead, ranks are telling defendants when to turn up in court…this should not be,” he declared.

Magistrate Sohan then instructed Police Corporal Rawle Ferreira to take Farley to ‘B’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Clinton Conway, for the latter to address the conduct of the witness. La Fleur (no address given) is charged with trafficking 600 grammes of cannabis (marijuana)His trial is now set to resume on January 13. (Guyana Cronicle)

Heathburn man fleeced sheep - court hears

A man who allegedly stole a sheep belonging to a woman was yesterday placed on $20,000 bail by Magistrate Chandra Sohan at the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court. Orin Rose, 25, a cane cutter pleaded not guilty to the larceny charge.

It is alleged that on January 2 at Heathburn village, East Bank Berbice he stole one sheep valued $30,000, property of Aviola James. The matter was reported to the police and he was arrested and charged with the offence. He will return to court on January 17. (Stabroek News)

Man held for one of two Thursday murders

Police have arrested the man who is alleged to have fatally stabbed gold dealer Lennox Rodrigues in Stabroek Market, Georgetowm, on Thursday. This was one of two murders which took place on Thursday and are being investigated.

Rodrigues, 55, of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, died at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after the 15:00 h stabbing which followed an argument with the suspect who was still in custody up to press time.

The other victim, Herman Rambali was found dead at Well Tank Road, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, between 09:00 h and 10:00 h on Thursday, too. Police said the labourer of no fixed place of abode, had been sent on an errand since 13:00 h before his lifeless body was discovered with marks of violence. He was last seen in the company of three men who are suspected to have beaten him, said Police who are continuing their hunt for the trio. (Guyana Cronicle)

January 5. 2006

St Catherine politicians afraid of gangs

Demand police protection

The scene in Spanish Town last October after supporters of Clansman gang boss Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett protested after the police killed him.

THE police will send a team for security to the next St Catherine Parish Council meeting, says Spanish Town mayor Dr Andrew Wheatley, to guard fearful parish councillors who are worried they might be the next victims of escalating crime in the parish capital.

Last month, several councillors threatened not to turn up for the January 12 monthly general meeting, fearing for their personal safety and the possibility of being attacked. Said Wheatley in assurance: "The police should be on hand for that meeting and we are anticipating the police for the following meetings."

Wheatley. says police have promised to be at next meeting

An officer at the Spanish Town Police Station said the police have always provided security for past council meetings, but said it is normally a street-based unit. "We normally send a vehicle to stay in that area," he told the Observer.

"What may happen is, due to a lack of resources, we don't send people to the location, but we have always been present. That is a must." Last month, council members vowed not to attend this month's meeting unless uniformed security personnel on spot.

Superintendent Kenneth Wade, police commander for Spanish Town, said security for the parish council meetings was really the responsibility of the auxiliary police force, the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF).

"It is the Island Special Constable Force that is responsible for security of parish council buildings islandwide," said Wade. "However, I have spoken to the ISCF about it and the ISCF should have already met with the secretary of the parish council and arranged for some security for them," said the police commander.

The councillors fears are driven not by past attacks on them, but the council building's proximity to the gang-controlled Rivoli area. The volatile community is located close to the spot where a car, transporting Member of Parliament for Central St Catherine Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and her entourage, was fired on by a gunman last September, killing one man and injuring another.

The gun attack occurred as Grange was leaving a 'peace meeting' with representatives of the two gangs - Clansman and One Order - held at the council chambers. The councillors have since been asking, without success, for visible police presence at the council.

Secretary/manager Michael Morris said that he wrote several letters to the Spanish Town police appealing for security, but got no response. But Wade said he has, on previous occasions, assigned police security for meetings and that no one from the council had advised him that they were no-shows.

According to Wade based on a report he heard last week he immediately spoke with the ISCF to ensure that security is in place. Yesterday, Wheatley told the Observer that if the police did not deploy security for his meeting, he would consider other options.

"We would be looking into hiring a private security firm to provide security for the meeting," the mayor said. (The Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad government looking at gun amnesty to help fight crime

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are now considering the introduction of a gun amnesty aimed at getting guns off the streets and so reduce the number of firearms-related crimes in the country. The gun amnesty is one of the government's latest anti-crime fighting initiatives.

National Security Minister, Martin Joseph in 2005 had first rejected the initiative saying it would not work, when the idea was first raised by some anti-crime private sector groups in the country.

FIFA Vice President, Austin Jack Warner who is also Deputy political leader of the Trinidad and Tobago Opposition United National Congress Party, during a press conference on Tuesday in Port of Spain reintroduced the gun amnesty idea. Mr. Warner said he planned on using the national football team, Trinidad’s Soca Warriors in a multi-media campaign, urging gang leaders to put down their guns.

The idea again caught the attention of National Security Minister Martin Joseph. "It has always been the position of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of National Security that all citizens have a pivotal part in the fight against crime," stated a news release that followed from his ministry.

Reference was made to gun amnesties that had been used in Brazil and South Africa and which according to national security officials worked well. Trinidad is hoping to model its gun amnesty programme on that of those countries. In July 2004 it was reported that a Brazilian woman handed in some 1,300 firearms to the authorities and in return collected $65,000 under an amnesty.

A United Nations report also stated that Brazil had the world's fourth-highest murder rate, with 40,000 gun-related murders in one year alone. Similarly, close to 20,000 people were murdered in South Africa during a similar period, according to official figures, again from gun-related crimes.

Figures for Trinidad and Tobago were not readily available but the government, which recently increased penalties for gun crimes, is hoping to add a gun amnesty to its list of anti-crime measures - an amnesty which could be introduced as part of its legislative agenda for 2006. (Stephen Cummings/Caribbean Net News Trinidad Correspondent)

Man jailed for 10 years for raping stepdaughter

Forty-nine-year-old Lennox Cameron of Mahaicony, East Coast, Demerara, will have to serve 10 years in jail for raping his 14-year old stepdaughter in 1996. Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes imposed the penalty yesterday after hearing a plea in mitigation by defence counsel Mr Haymant Ramdhani, who, among other things, had asked that the accused be given a probationary sentence.

Ramdhani said the accused was the father of five, two having died in two days in 1996, after he was arrested for the rape offence, leaving him with three children and an unemployed mother. He was the only breadwinner in the family, the lawyer said. Noting that the prosecution, led by Mr Satyesh Kissoon, had prosecuted Cameron for three counts of rape, Ramdhani asked the judge to take into account the fact that the jury had found the accused guilty on only one count.

Defence counsel urged the judge to show leniency to the accused by sending him on probation since, a custodial sentence will cause severe hardship to the children of the accused, who will have to get by without a breadwinner. Rejecting the defence application for the accused to be sent on probation, the judge sentenced Cameron to 10 years imprisonment.

Before imposing sentence, the judge told the prisoner that she had taken into account his counsel’s plea in mitigation and the fact that he had been incarcerated for a long time.

The judge said she had also considered the relationship between himself and the victim, and the serious offence which had been committed in the home of a girl who was under his control since she was one year old. The judge noted, too, that at the tender age of 14, the girl was made to have her first sexual experience at the hands of her stepfather. “There was no justification for that”, Justice Gregory-Barnes said, as she sentenced the accused. (Guyana Cronicle)

January 4. 2006

Golden Grove murder accused remanded

The man accused of killing his reputed wife and in the process injuring his eight-month-old daughter was remanded to prison last Thursday, when he appeared before Magistrate Brassington Reynolds charged with murder.

Lennox Syfox of Foulis, East Coast Demerara was not required to plead when he appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate's Court. He was not charged in relation to the injuries inflicted on little Anna Lisa Rodney, his daughter, who has now recovered.

Another charge of possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition is also to be brought against the 25-year-old who was arrested on Camp Street last week following a chase by the police.

Police in Georgetown last week Wednesday chased and caught Syfox who was walking in the vicinity of Camp and Regent streets. Two shots were fired by ranks in the bid to apprehend him.

On the night of August 19 last year Syfox allegedly went to Rosaline Rodney's Golden Grove home and during a domestic squabble stabbed her repeatedly with a knife. He also injured his daughter in the process.

He went into hiding and police published a wanted bulletin for his arrest. When he was caught last week he had in his possession an unlicenced .38 revolver with seven matching rounds. He will make another appearance in relation to the murder charge next week. (Stabroek News)

January 3. 2006

Armed bandits terrorise Houston family

The injured Ravi Boodhoo displaying the bullet wound on his head.

A 33-year-old man escaped with his life on Saturday night when five gunmen invaded his home and shot him after placing a pillow over his head.

Injured is Ravi Boodhoo, of 28 Back Street, Houston Housing Scheme, Greater Georgetown. Ravi was shot in the head while in the bedroom of his three-bedroom flat concrete home. The bullet only grazed his head, and he was treated at a hospital and sent home.

His mother, Mohandai Boodhoo, told the Chronicle that around 22:30 h on New Year’s Eve she was sitting on the patio with her sister, her son, and daughter-in-law, granddaughter when five heavily masked and armed men entered their yard after scaling a neighbour’s fence. They took them all into the house and demanded money and jewels.

The 59-year-old woman said the robbers began beating her after she told them that they had no money. “One of them was going to bite off the rings on my fingers, but I took them off and handed them to him,” she recalled.

Boodhoo displaying her finger without her rings.

The woman said they then turned their attention to her 27-year-old daughter-in-law and took away her cell phone and DVD player.

When the 27-year-old woman told them that she had no cash they threatened to kill her husband and began beating. At this point they placed a pillow over his head and shot him.

Boodhoo said she thought her son was dead when she heard the gunshot and made a dash for the door to escape, but was hauled into the house by one of the bandits.

Boodhoo told the Chronicle that the bandits then stormed into another bedroom where her sick 50-year-old husband was lying and put a gun to his head and asked for money. But one of his accomplices said they must go. They said they would take away Boodhoo’s nine-year-old granddaughter. But the family begged them not to and they left her alone.

The robbers fled with about $90,000 in jewellery. “We are still reeling from shock and the incident has left nine-year-old Sabrina tramautised,” Boodhoo said. The family believes that the bandits came from a neighbouring village, as they seemed to be familiar with the area.

The police responded about two hours after the Saturday night attack and recovered a warhead from the scene. (Guyana Cronicle)

Alonzo appeals conviction for Yohance Douglas killing

Policeman Gerald Alonzo who was sentenced to six years imprisonment late last year for killing Yohance Douglas has appealed the High Court ruling on the grounds that the judge misled the jury.

In court papers filed through his lawyer, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, on December 22, Alonzo said the trial judge failed to highlight the deficiencies in the state's case and in particular, the many contradictions in the evidence led on behalf of the prosecution. He said the summing up was unbalanced, unduly stressed the case for the prosecution and miniaturized his case. According to him, the judge also failed to guide the jury sufficiently or at all on how to approach the evidence.

It was on December 16 that a 12-member jury found Alonzo not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter, reaching the decision after deliberating for just over two hours. Alonzo was charged with the April 1, 2003 murder of University of Guyana student Yohance Douglas, who had been travelling in a car with friends on Sheriff Street when police intercepted the vehicle.

During the High Court trial, De Santos had made no-case submissions before Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes who was presiding. But the submissions were overruled on the grounds that the prosecution had presented enough evidence for a jury to decide.

In his appeal, Alonzo said the judge wrongfully overruled the no-case submission made on his behalf. He said too, that the judge wrongfully admitted inadmissible evidence, whereby a miscarriage of justice may have occurred. Additionally, he said the judge credited him with raising a defence of self defence which he did not raise nor, "did such arise on the evidence, thereby confusing the jury."

Alonzo was initially charged along with another policeman, Mahendra Baijnauth, who had been released following a High Court challenge to his committal. (Stabroek News)

January 1. 2006

Suriname welcomes CARICOM skilled nationals

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: As from January 1, 2006, skilled CARICOM nationals are allowed to work freely in Suriname without needing a work permit, signaling the country’s readiness for the CARICOM Single Market (CSM).

The regional single market is due to come into being on January 1, while the formal launch will take place on January 23 in Kingston, Jamaica.

The skilled persons include university graduates, media practitioners, artistes, musicians, sportspersons, managers, technical and supervisory staff attached to a company or a self-employed person.

Upon arriving in Suriname, these CARICOM nationals may stay for a maximum six month while the authorities review their application for a Certificate of Recognition (Skills Certificate), said labour minister Clifford Marica at a press conference Thursday. Certification of CARICOM nationals will be the responsibility of the ministry of labour.

According to the minister, CARICOM nationals who had already obtained a Skills Certificate in their country of origin have to submit that on arrival to the authorities for screening. Those who want their certification from Suriname should submit their diplomas and other documents for approval.

While the screening is being done, individuals may start with their activities, said the minister. He would not elaborate on specifics of these procedures and how long that will take since the draft legislation on this matter is not yet approved by parliament.

At the press meeting, Minister of Trade and Industry, Siegfried Gilds, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk and Justice Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi were also present.

Minister Gilds noted that, although Suriname is entering the CSM, in some fields there are still a few restrictions to be removed. In some cases the president has to issue a resolution, while some aspects of the CSM process need approval of the National Assembly.

Minister Gilds expects that these barriers will be removed during the next six months. As soon as this is done, other CARICOM governments will be notified in order to inform their citizens.

Touching on the subject of regional security, Justice Minister Santokhi said that, with the unification of the CARICOM economies, the region will be confronted by serious security issues, challenges and threats. CARICOM therefore should formulate a common standpoint on these security threats.

“Furthermore, a draft Legal Assistance Treaty has been prepared for the Caribbean states, how they could effectively work closely to fight crime, exchange information and hand over suspected criminals. The plan is for all the CARICOM nations to sign and ratify this treaty,” said Minister Santokhi.

He further noted that the CSM will affect national policies regarding the movement of people. “CARICOM nationals will receive a differential treatment than other foreigners. They are entitled to a six-month stay, while other privileged groups of skilled persons will receive a more special treatment. Besides the temporary six month stay they have the right to a permanent stay in Suriname to conduct their activities,” he added.

Minister Santokhi stressed that, in order to facilitate this, changes regarding policies for the admission of foreigners are unavoidable, but he warned, however, that CARICOM nationals “remain foreigners”. Therefore, they are still under the provisions of the Foreigners Act. (by Ivan Cairo/Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent)

Suriname police detain suspected human trafficker

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Police in Suriname are investigating a case of suspected human trafficking and have so far arrested one suspect. Brothel keeper Henry Kunath was detained last week in Paramaribo for alleged embezzlement and trafficking of women.

Police said that his arrest came after a complaint was filed that he allegedly under false pretext lured a Brazilian woman to travel to Suriname for work. Police inquiries reveal that Kunath had promised the woman work as a waitress in his brothel, Club Diamond.

On arrival in Suriname she was ordered to work as a prostitute, but she refused. The club owner subsequently confiscated her documents, ticket and passport to force her to cooperate and earn money as a prostitute to refund the expenses he paid on her behalf to come to Suriname.

Kunath recently returned to Suriname after serving a jail term in neighboring Brazil for trafficking of women. In October 2000 the Federal Police in Brazil arrested him at the airport in Belém do Para just before he boarded an airplane destined for Suriname. In his possession he had a large sum of cash.

The brothel keeper was then accompanied by four women who he allegedly tried to smuggle to Suriname for prostitution. His detention in Brazil came after a warrant from Interpol. Two years ago the United States of America put Suriname on a so-called ‘black list’ of countries accused of not doing enough to combat human trafficking on and through their territories.

Suriname has since then made some progress in addressing this issue and eventually tried its first human trafficking case. This resulted in the conviction earlier this year of a high ranking public official for his involvement in a prostitution ring. He allegedly lured under-aged women from Guyana to Suriname and exploited them for prostitution.

Currently, with assistance of the USA, several programs are running to prevent, detect or prosecute cases of human trafficking. Also police and others officials have been trained on this area. (by Ivan Cairo/Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent)