November 27, 2009
After sexual abuse allegations…
Greene ordered to take strong action against offending cops
Henry Greene
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee has directed the Police Commissioner Henry Greene to take strong action against all police ranks involved in the two recent cases of misconduct, including the attempted rape of female juvenile while in custody.
In a strongly-worded statement issued yesterday, the Home Ministry registered its “grave concern” over incidents at the Springlands Police Station and at Police Headquarters, where sexual abuse allegations have been made against policemen.
“The Ministry frowns on such reckless conduct of members of the force, who swore to serve and protect,” it said, adding that it is “appalled” at the reports after the recent case on the West Demerara, where policemen are alleged to have tortured three prisoners, including a teen boy. “It is expected that the investigation will also look at the issue of supervision of the ranks, involved in the incidents,” The Ministry added.
The first incident occurred at the Springlands Police Station, where a teen girl was held for wandering on November 21. Later two Police Constables attempted to have sex with the young woman against her will. It was further reported that during the night, a young man, said to be a civilian subordinate employee with access to the station, had sex with the young woman.
Police on Wednesday said a member of a community policing group who allegedly raped a teenage girl as well as the two lawmen who reportedly tried to entice the girl to have sex with them were arrested.
Stabroek News was told the community policing group member has admitted guilt to investigators, while the two policemen are maintaining their innocence. All three remain in custody.
The Guyana Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the case. Police gave the date of the attack as October 21, 2009, and said the allegations against the policemen and the community police group member were only made when the girl was arraigned a month later on wandering charges.
According to police, while on a bench in the Enquiries Office at the Springlands Police Station, the girl was induced by two Police Constables, one after the other, who tried to entice her into having sex. She claimed that the inducements occurred at the Traffic Office and the Domestic Violence Office at the station.
However, she managed to get free and returned to the Enquiries Office, the police said. The girl further alleged that later that night she was approached by a male juvenile, who had allegedly gone to the station while patrolling with the Community Policing Group, and he enticed her into the Witness Room where he had sex with her against her will.
Meanwhile, the second incident occurred in a building at the Police Headquarters compound, on November 22, when a police corporal is alleged to have arrested a man for robbery, and detained him at a Mobile Outpost.
It is reported that this rank subsequently went to the man’s residence, took his reputed wife to the Headquarters under the pretence of taking her to see her husband and then allegedly attempted to rape her. Both matters are being actively investigated. (Stabroek News)
Funeral today for missing soldier found dead
Private Julian Marks, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldier who was found dead after he was reported missing, will be buried today with full military rites.
His funeral follows a post mortem examination, performed Wednesday morning, which revealed that he died from asphyxiation due to drowning. His corpse also had lacerations to the right side jaw and blunt trauma on the left side of the head.
Consequently, the Army has established a Board of Inquiry into all the circumstances surrounding his demise. The GDF said it is working collaboratively with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Private Bailey, another soldier with whom Marks was last seen, who will be handed over to the Police to assist in the probe.
The deceased, from Jaguar Company, 1 Infantry Battalion, was discovered by a search team which included a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Army, in a statement, said the discovery was made in Cuyuni River, approximately one mile from Ekereku River mouth and 11 miles from Eteringbang, where Marks was stationed.
He and Private Clyde Bailey were missed during a roll call on November 17 and, immediately after their absence was reported, a search was launched by ranks stationed at their location. Checks were made at Eteringbang Police Station, the Military Observation Post and the surrounding area and Bailey was found November 18, about two miles from Eteringbang. (Michel Outridge/Guyana Cronicle)
November 24, 2009
Murder accused jailed for 15 years for manslaughter Sentence to serve as deterrent
Prisoner, Mahendra Persaud called ‘Long hair’ being taken to prison to serve his 15 years for manslaughter.
Justice James Bovell-Drakes sentenced 29-year-old murder accused Mahedndra Persau called ‘Long hair’ to 15 years imprisonment for manslaughter. The judge expressed the hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who when they consume alcohol are no longer masters of their minds.
Persaud was charged with having on the 28th day of November, 2005, in the county of Demerara, murdered Rakesh Narine. At his trial he decided not to waste the court’s time and offered a plea of not guilty to murder but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However before imposing sentence, the judge acting on a request from defence counsel Miss Kamini Parag, ordered a probation report on the character of the accused which was presented to the court on Friday 20, 2009.
The Probation officer told the court that the convicted man acted reasonably when sober but exhibits a hostile and violent behaviour whenever he imbibes alcohol. On the day in question the accused and the deceased and others were on a rum spree from early morning. It is said that after the spree had lasted nine hours, the wife of the accused went to him and pointed out that it was time to end the party.
He accompanied the wife home and began beating her causing her to seek refuge at the home of the deceased. The accused followed her and there continued beating her causing Rakesh now deceased to castigate the accused for ill-treating his (accused) wife. It is said that at this stage the accused picked up a piece of wood and struck Rakesh Narine, on the head, causing him to die from a fractured skull.
Defence Counsel Miss Parag had asked the judge to be lenient with the accused on the grounds that he did not waste the court’s time and that apart from the blunder made on that day while he was under the influence of alcohol, he hitherto had a clean record. State Counsel, Miss Shivani Balcharran represented the prosecution yesterday. (Guyana Cronicle/phto: George Barclay)
November 19, 2009
US Elected To Chair .....
..... Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD)
WASHINGTON, DC - For the first time in the history of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Government of the United States today assumed the Presidency of said hemispheric body, highlighting the significance of this fact to the Administration of US President Barack Obama.
The election of the United States to preside the Commission and of Suriname to its Vice Presidency took place on the first day of the Forty-Sixth Regular Session of the CICAD (CICAD 46).
David Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State of the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, assumed the Presidency of the CICAD on behalf of his Government.
“Since the beginning of the Obama Administration one of the President’s key foreign policy principles has been the importance of working with others through international institutions to address global problems,” he said. “For us CICAD has proven an invaluable forum to address the problems of drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse in our hemisphere and so will be a key instrument that we will work with during the administration.”
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Suriname Minister of Justice and Police, assumed the role of Vice President on behalf of his Government. “I consider this election as a great honor for myself and my country,” he said. He added that it is “a confirmation of our full commitment to the CICAD process.”
CICAD 46 is being held November 18-20. It features a continuing discussion of demand reduction efforts in the hemisphere; an OAS presentation on the state of drug consumption in the hemisphere; and an update on new directions in the United States for the treatment of persons with drug addictions. (South Florida Caribbean News)
OAS CICAD 46 TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE IN MIAMI
Drug control experts and top U.S. Government Officials will speak at a press conference this Thursday, November 19, during the Forty-Sixth Regular Session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD 46) of the Organization of American States (OAS), taking place Nov. 18-20 in Miami, Florida.
Drug control experts and top U.S. Government Officials will speak at a press conference this Thursday, November 19, during the Forty-Sixth Regular Session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD 46 ) of the Organization of American States ( OAS ), taking place Nov. 18-20 in Miami, Florida.
Speakers at the press conference will be David Johnson, U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary for Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Surinamese Minister of Justice and Police; and A. Thomas McLellan, White House Office of National Drug Abuse Policy Deputy Director, and CICAD 46 keynote speaker. Johnson, Santokhi and McLellan will deliver short introductory remarks before taking questions from the press.
The press conference will be held at 11:45 a.m. at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard. Journalists should bring their media credentials and sign in before being directed to the press conference venue. They must set up by 11:30 a.m.
“Drug Prevention, Treatment and Re-Integration” is the theme of CICAD 46, which includes a visit to a Miami Drug Court. The United States is nominated to chair the CICAD for the first time in the Commission’s 23-year history.
The CICAD was established by the Organization of American States General Assembly in 1986 as the Western Hemisphere's policy forum on all aspects of the drug problem. Its mission is to strengthen the human and institutional capacities of its member states to reduce the production, trafficking and use of illegal drugs, and to address the health, social and criminal consequences of the drug trade. (Media Newswire)
November 16, 2009
Paulette Morrison
Just over three weeks after the torture of a 15-year-old boy while in custody at the Leonora Police Station, the area commander has been moved from the division and will now take up a position at the force’s Eve Leary Headquarters.
Assistant Commissioner Paulette Morrison, who headed the ‘D’ Division of the force and whose office was at the police station where three prisoners were said to have been tortured during a murder investigation, will now be in charge of the force’s Department of Development at Eve Leary, the police said yesterday. Other changes have also been announced.
The force has come under severe criticism following the allegations of torture; triggered by a photograph of the burnt pelvic area of the teen. His injuries led him to being hospitalised for over two weeks. Since Morrison headed that division and her office was at the police station where the illegal acts took place, many were of the opinion that she should have known what had transpired.
George Vyphuis
The torture reports only became public following the publication of the photograph and after one of the other accused was charged and taken to court. Members of the media were locked out of the Wales Magistrate’s Court when the accused was taken to the court and it was only after speaking to his attorney it was learnt that among other things he was burnt on the tongue with a cigarette.
The changes announced yesterday will be interpreted as a response by the police to the widespread revulsion voiced over the torture of the teen. It could also possibly defuse the clamour for the commander to be disciplined by the Police Service Commission.
Thus far, two policemen have been charged with beating two of the three suspects in the murder of former Region Three official Ramenaught Bisram. However no charges have been brought yet in relation to the teen who was burnt. The two policemen charged over the other suspects are now out on bail.
The force in a press release yesterday announced Morrison’s transfer from that division along with a number of other changes in its chain of command. Another notable change is that of the controversial Assistant Commissioner Steve Merai who has been moved from the Department of Development and will now head the Berbice Division.
Assistant Commissioner of Police George Vyphuis, who was the head of the Berbice Division, will now be in charge of ‘A’ Division, taking over from Assistant Commissioner Leroy Brummell who has been moved to the Office of the Assistant Commissioner ‘Operations’ at Eve Leary. Vyphuis’s move to the ‘A’ Division will be seen as a significant promotion after favourable reports on his performance as the Berbice commander.
Taking over from Morrison at D Division is Assistant Commissioner Colin West, who was in charge of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) based at Eve Leary.
The move by the force to send Merai to ‘B’ Division which could be seen as a promotion in terms of his duties, will be met with criticism by many as had been the case when he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner earlier this year.
Steve Merai
When Merai was promoted this year there were still some questions about his voice on a tape demanding money from an alleged drug dealer to settle an issue. According to the recordings, the businessman had collected a delivery of cocaine from another man who resides on the West Demerara, after the drugs had been shipped by a Guyanese living in Venezuela.
The businessman having collected the narcotics had allegedly refused to pay for it and the Venezuelan man and his West Demerara accomplice had allegedly contacted Merai asking him to ensure that the businessman paid up. Merai was heard on the tape demanding US$60,000 from the businessman to settle the case. Merai had later explained to the media that he was really working undercover and trying to bring down drug lords.
Merai also once headed the now infamous ‘Black Clothes’ police squad which has been fingered in a number of extra-judicial killings.
Merai had left Guyana for an overseas destination where he spent quite a significant period and later returned but by then the Black Clothes Squad was disbanded and he was given an office position at Eve Leary. It was after the retirement of Police Commissioner Winston Felix that the officer was again given frontline duties and this was followed by his promotion earlier this year. (Stabroek News)
Chicken pen intruder fatally shot at No.70
Farmer held
A poultry farmer has been arrested after he reportedly fatally shot a man he discovered near his chicken pens early yesterday morning. Police in a press release last evening said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man identified as Nihal of Number 70 Village, Corriverton Berbice. The incident, they said, occurred at approximately 2 am yesterday.
The farmer, who is a licensed firearm holder, was aroused by noise coming from his chicken pens, police reported, and upon checking saw a man lurking around the area. “It is reported that he [the farmer] discharged a round from his shotgun”, police said. The farmer discovered Nihal, who is believed to be mentally challenged, lying on the ground when he checked the area.
Stabroek News learnt from a police source last night that the farmer contacted police and when they arrived at the scene it was only then the injured man was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. Nihal, police said, died while receiving medical attention. The poultry farmer has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
Meanwhile, the police source told this newspaper Nihal would’ve been trespassing and the farmer indicated that he suspects the man was stealing or intended to steal his chickens. However, the source stressed there are rules and regulations governing the use of firearms by licensed holders and there is a possibility that charges will be laid against the farmer.
The death of Gavin Paul, 20, of Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown earlier this year raised questions about the shooting to death of lawbreakers as licensed firearm holders seek to have vigilante justice meted out. Paul had reportedly snatched a woman’s gold chain on June 6, was chased and fatally shot by a licensed firearm holder who remains unidentified.
An information sheet given to licensed firearm holders by the police lists general principles to be followed and indicates four situations in which the armed person may fire.
The information sheet, under the heading “When you may fire”, states “When anyone is found committing or about to commit a felony, e.g. ‘Murder, Dangerous Violence To A Person, Robbery, Burglary, Shop Breaking, Store Breaking, House Breaking, Arson or Larceny’ and does not desist after warning and cannot be deterred or arrested by any other means”.
Licensed firearm holders may also fire when attacked, if they sustain serious danger to their person and are unable to defend themselves by other means; and when the property they are ordered to defend is attacked and they are unable to defend it by other means. (Stabroek News)
November 14, 2009
Alleged torturers get bail
Narine Lall
Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang yesterday granted pre-trial liberty to the two policemen implicated in the torture of a teen boy while he was in their custody.
The officers, Sergeant Narine Lall and Constable Mohanram Dolai, did not appear but their attorney Hukumchand secured bail for them in the sum of $150,000, and $175,000 respectively, following a bail hearing in the High Court. The men’s release coincided with the discharge of the teen from the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Recently, the officers appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with the unlawful wounding and felonious wounding of two prisoners on Wednesday. No charges were filed in relation to the boy since he had not yet identified the accused. The duo was not required to plea to the indictable charges laid jointly against them and were remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.
Mohanram Dolai
According to the charges brought against the two policemen, between October 20 and 29 at the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Nouravie Wilfred.
It is also alleged that on October 28, at the same police station, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Deonarine Rafick, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.
Wilfred, Rafick and the teen had been arrested following the murder last week of retired Region Three vice-chairman Ramenaught Bisram. A wounded and battered Rafick has since been charged with the murder and remanded to prison, while Wilfred was released after having been in custody for a week. The teen had been severely burnt in his genital area and it was only after the case was reported in the media that he was taken to the hospital. (Stabroek News)
Tortured teen released from hospital
Says cops had written statement and asked him to sign
Two weeks after he was admitted to the Georgetown Hospital, the teen whose genitals were set alight by policemen during an interrogation was yesterday discharged into the custody of his parents.
Limping, the boy emerged into the hospital compound just after noon, accompanied by his mother Shirley Thomas and stepfather, Doodnauth Jaikarran. As they stood speaking to the media, onlookers flocked around when they realised that it was the tortured teen.
They were surprised that he was released from the institution given the severity of his injuries. Notably absent was the police rank who had been guarding the lad since his arrival at the hospital, where he was transferred days after he was burnt and beaten while in custody.
The teen was among several persons from the Canal Number Two area who were arrested for questioning into the murder of retired Region Three vice-chairman Ramenaught Bisram. Two other suspects who were held have also alleged that they were beaten by the police.
Thomas told Stabroek News that on Thursday she went to the Burn Care Unit, where her son was being treated, and a nurse indicated that the boy would be discharged the following day. She said she was happy to hear the news but also concerned about how the teen would be getting the treatment he needs to ensure his wounds heal. According to Thomas, she was told by the nurse that he has to return to the hospital on November 26 for a check-up.
Up to the time he was discharged, a policeman was still posted at the unit where the teen was being treated. Thomas said when she visited the hospital yesterday a female officer approached her and explained that she was handing the boy over to her. She added that no one from the police force had contacted her afterward about the boy.
“He is not fully recovered and now that he is home, I got to find the ointment to put on he burns,” the woman said, adding “Sometime when he lie down, he does feel like he flesh stretching.” She appealed for assistance to get the medical supplies for her son.
‘No respect for people’
Yesterday, the teen told reporters that during his incarceration policemen wrote a statement and asked him to sign. However, he explained that he cannot read or write and was unaware of what the statement said.
According to him, the ranks did not read the statement to him before he was told to sign it. The teen, with a sad expression on his face, stated that he was clueless as to why the ranks targeted him for the murder of Bisram. He explained that he knew the man and would occasionally visit his home to gaff with him. However, he maintained that he was at home the night the incident occurred and when the discovery was made.
“They (the ranks) have no respect for people. They really wanted to hurt me because I keep tellin’ dem that I ain’t know nothing and I ain’t do nothing and they still continue beating me. And then after they beat me they do this,” he said.
The case has sparked countrywide outrage and condemnation and there have been calls for an independent inquiry as well as for immediate action to be taken against the ranks who have been implicated.
Police Commissioner Henry Greene had said days after the incident was exposed that the culprits had not yet been identified by the teen and the investigators are working on that aspect of the case before bringing charges.
Two policemen, Sergeant Narine Lall and Constable Mohanram Dolai have been charged with wounding Deonarine Rafick and Nouravie Wilfred, two men who were held along with the boy. There were no charges in relation to the injuries the teen had sustained. The policemen were released on bail after an application to the High Court.
From all accounts, the teen was tortured by ranks at the Leonora Police Station so that he could confess to the murder. The lad had told his mother that while in custody at that station three ranks beat him while a fourth interrogated him. A black bag was placed over his head before he was burnt.
The trio was arrested following Bisram’s murder. Rafick was later charged with the murder and during his court appearance had alleged torture and displayed signs of a beating. He also had a gaping wound to his head which required stitches. Wilfred was released without charge after a week in custody.
When he was taken to court, Rafick had told relatives that the teen was “scorched” and they informed the boy’s parents. They investigated but police refused to disclose the lad’s whereabouts. However, they persisted and later found that he was being held at the Leonora police station, the Headquarters of ‘D’ Division. Ranks at Leonora had doused his pelvic area with a flammable liquid and set it afire.
It was several days later, following media reports, that the boy was taken to the hospital. The Kaieteur News had published a graphic photo of the burns. It is not clear who had taken the photo and under what circumstances but it was taken in the police station. (Stabroek News)
November 12, 2009
Rough terrain keeps search party from Aliya Bulkan’s body
The majestic Kaieteur Falls joining the Potaro River and the rugged terrain separating the search team from the young woman’s body.Attempts to retrieve the body of 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan still continue as the search team makes their way along the rocky terrain surrounding the basin of the Kaieteur Falls.
The body was spotted Tuesday floating in a pond at the bottom of the falls.
A senior official from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) told the Guyana Chronicle that the search team has abandoned its attempt to get to the basin through the gorge because of the rough terrain.
Instead, the source revealed that a path around the gorge is being cut so that the body of the young woman can be retrieved.
Bulkan and a friend, Ms. Lisa Ahmad, were among eight others on the trip to Kaieteur Falls, including the pilot, when Aliya jumped off and into the gorge.
The 23-year-old’s sister, Ms. Camilla Bulkan, when contacted yesterday, could only say that she was not in a position to speak on the matter. (Stabroek News)
November 11, 2009
Aliya’s body believed found
Aliya Bulkan
A body believed to be that of 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan who plunged off the Kaieteur Falls on Saturday morning was spotted yesterday and efforts are to be made today for search teams to retrieve it.
Sources last evening said the body was seen floating in a pond at the bottom of the falls but because the area gets dark very early efforts to reach the area had to be abandoned.
Stabroek News understands that specialist officers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) journeyed to the area yesterday and were split into two teams, one at the top of the falls and another at the bottom.
It was the team at the bottom that reportedly sighted the body with the aid of binoculars and relayed the information to the team above. Army Chief of Staff, Commodore Gary Best would only confirm that the army was participating in the search, adding that he had received unconfirmed reports that a body was spotted.
The family was still awaiting confirmation of the identity of the body. A Korean woman who was part of the tour party had witnessed Aliya running and screaming and then plunging off the waterfall.
Aliya only recently graduated from a US university and relatives said that they found it difficult to believe that she ended her life since she was not depressed. The only problem she had, according to her relatives, was not securing a job. She recently returned home. (Stabroek News)
November 10, 2009
Zeelugt woman found dead in trench
Apparently strangled
Rajdai Persaud
The body of a 26-year-old woman was fished out of a trench at Silk Cotton Dam, Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) at approximately 06:30 hrs yesterday with marks of violence around the neck and other areas.
Relatives said Rajdai Persaud of 14 Zeelugt WCD, who was mentally challenged, left her Lot14 Zeelugt home on Saturday afternoon to visit her mother who lives in the Zeelugt Squatting area a stone’s throw away, but her mother was not at home. She never returned to the aunt’s home where she lived.
When Stabroek News visited the home last evening, relatives expressed disbelief at “the brutal slaying” of their loved one. “She din have to die in dis cruel and brutal manner,” lamented her aunt Chabadie Azad.
The aunt, who said that she viewed the body, related to this newspaper that her niece had numerous marks of violence about the body including signs of strangulation.
She added also that though Persaud was found fully clothed, her underwear was pulled down to her knees raising suspicions of rape. “How we find she, we really think that somebody ketch she, beat she up real bad, rape she, strangle she, kill she and throw she in de trench,” Azad said.
According to Azad, the police also told the family that the woman’s death “seemed to have involved foul play”. Azad and an older sister of the dead woman explained that she was not in the habit of sleeping out or going away from home without informing relatives. “Is advantage, dey advantage she,” Kowsilla Sukhdeo the woman’s older sister said.
After Persaud did not return home on Saturday and it was established that her mother was not at home when she visited, relatives started to worry. When Sunday came and went, they felt that something serious must have happened to her.
The grieving aunt said that their worst fears were confirmed yesterday when a family friend journeying to work to the cane fields spotted Persaud’s partly decomposed body floating atop the trench opposite a mandir.
Azad said that upon receiving the devastating news, they quickly made their way to the scene and though it was badly disfigured, they were still able to positively identify the body as that of Persaud. The aunt described it as “a sight to see”.
Relatives said Persaud could not swim and would not have gone to the trench or anywhere near the river for such a purpose. As news of the woman’s demise circulated, neighbours began gathering at her residence.
Persaud was described by relatives as an “easy-going and fun-loving person who was very helpful”. The woman has left to mourn two older siblings, her mother, other relatives and friends. Up to press time, no one had been taken into custody, while police said investigations are continuing. The police said in a press release that they are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination. (Femi Harris/Stabroek News)
Boy at No 63 beach killed over watermelon – Police
Vivian Singh
Police indicated yesterday that the 16-year-old student of New Amsterdam Multilateral School was fatally beaten at Number 63 Beach on Sunday after he had picked watermelon from a farm located close to the beach.
Vivian Singh Balrup of Reliance, East Canje was in the company of a female friend, Susan Hernandez, 15, with whom he reportedly shared the fruit. They were both later attacked by an irate farmer. He sustained several hits to the back of his head which left a gaping wound that bled profusely while Susan sustained gashes on her forehead and other areas.
They were rushed to the emergency unit of New Amsterdam Hospital and Hernandez was treated and sent away but Balrup succumbed while arrangements were being made to transfer him to the Georgetown Hospital. The boy’s cousin had told this newspaper that he felt he was attacked after he was apparently mistaken for someone else, while a police source had said that “there was a fight.”
In a press release, the police said investigations revealed that Balrup and Hernandez of New Amsterdam were with friends at the beach and Balrup had reportedly entered a yard and picked the fruit. Later, while Balrup and Hernandez were walking along the beach they were attacked by a man armed with a length of bamboo who dealt lashes to both students, after which he escaped, according to the release. The suspect has not yet been arrested.
Balrup’s mother, Nadira Singh Balrup had told Stabroek News that her son left home around 10 am with three of his friends and a cousin to go to the beach. Around 2.30 pm she received a call that he was hit on his head and was on his way to the hospital. Balrup, who was preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations next year, would have celebrated his 17th birthday on November 17. (Stabroek News)
November 6, 2009
Attack vehicle found torched
…on Soesdyke/Linden Highway
The burnt-out Tacoma on the trail yesterday.
The burnt remains of the Tacoma pickup that was hijacked on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway on Wednesday and believed to have been used to create mayhem in the city, was yesterday discovered at Millie’s Hideout, on the outskirts of Linden, with ammo and explosive material inside.
The vehicle which was originally gold in colour was identified by its owner even though only a blackened shell remained, sources said yesterday.
According to a police press release around 6:30 am ranks recovered the vehicle which was taken away from miner Sean Embleton by a group of heavily armed gunmen after he and two of his employees were held up in the vicinity of Loo Creek along the Soes-dyke/Linden Highway just after midnight on Wednesday.
The vehicle which was used by the armed men during attacks on police stations among other activities including arson was found on a trail leading from Millie’s Hideout which is along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway and had been completely destroyed by fire, the release said.
It added that the police recovered an AK 47 magazine, six rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition, seven spent 7.62 x 39 shells, two bottles with a quantity of channa and two thunder squibs from the burnt vehicle.
Sources told Stabroek News that police in Georgetown received information on the whereabouts of the hijacked vehicle and subsequently contacted their colleagues in Linden. Three ranks from the mining town journeyed to the area and found the torched vehicle on a trail in Millie’s Hide Out. The fire was already extinguished and the remains were hot, this newspaper understands.
While the entire shell was blackened from the inferno, the word Toyota was visibly on its tray. The number plate was also destroyed in the blaze as well as one of the bottles with channa. The owner of the hijacked vehicle, who lives along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, was later taken to the scene where he told the ranks that the vehicle was his, sources said.
After collecting the items that were found, the ranks left the area minus the vehicle. Up to late yesterday afternoon when this newspaper visited, it was still there. The police have positively linked the destroyed vehicle to the attacks on the Brickdam Police Station and the East Ruimveldt Outpost as well as the abduction of the Health Ministry accused and the High Court fire.
Observers are questioning how the police could have positively placed this particular vehicle at the crime scenes and what logical explanation the perpetrators could have for driving it all the way to Georgetown to carry out the attacks and then back to the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
For the perpetrators to have covered such a distance they would have had to pass through a number of road blocks on the East Bank and along the highway which were set up in wake of the pre-dawn attacks and it was unlikely that it would not have been noticed by the ranks since the police were in possession of the vehicle’s number.
Sources said that the area is secluded and even though the fire would have been big it would have been difficult for those travelling along the highway to see it burning.
Plying
In light of the hijacking which began with the abduction of the vehicle’s three occupants and later the murder of one, taxi drivers and bus operators plying the Linden/Georgetown route have reduced their night travel significantly out of fear. There has also been a heightened police presence in the mining town and along the highway as police continue to investigate the series of events which occurred during a four-hour period.
A senior police officer has said that as investigations continue they are looking for three city residents who have been identified as being a part of the attacks on the police stations and the fires. Asked how they could have been identified, the officer only revealed that they were seen by persons committing the acts. It seems that police have so far been able to ascertain the identities of five of the gunmen and even went as far as issuing wanted bulletins for two of them in connection with the mayhem.
Police Commissioner Henry Greene while dubbing the attacks at “terrorist acts” had revealed to the media that Health Ministry arson suspects Kurt Thierens, called ‘Bage’ or ‘Glasses’ and Colin Jones were positively identified as participants by Clayton Westford who was almost killed after being snatched from his home. However yesterday they had not yet been found even though several searches were conducted in Agricola, the East Coast and other areas
Sources told Stabroek News last evening that ballistic results for the test conducted on the shells recovered at the various crime scenes have revealed that the gunmen used three separate firearms and that they were not employed in any recent high profile crimes.
The campaign by the criminals started just after Wednesday midnight and ended just after 0300 hrs. From police reports, the gang comprised at least ten persons, including eight dressed in police attire, which raised alarm yesterday as police moved to intensify their operations.
According to the sequence provided by the police, around 00:15 hours armed men carjacked the three miners, one of whom-Wodette Roberts called ‘Buckman’- died, on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. The men were handcuffed and duct-taped. Two managed to escape, with one reportedly running all the way to the Kuru Kururu Police Station where he recounted the incident to ranks. Some of the carjackers apparently journeyed to the city in the stolen vehicle.
Around 02:30 hours, three men dressed in dark clothing, armed with firearms and wearing toques, went to the West La Penitence home of Clayton Westford, one of the men charged with the Health Ministry fire. He had been released on bail. The man’s mother Pamela opened the door after the men claimed to be police ranks. They then handcuffed him before taking him away, ending up in the La Penitence Cemetery, according to reports.
There the man was assaulted after claims that “he is talking too much and giving evidence against them.” Westford managed to escape and the men discharged rounds at him but he was not injured. He was hospitalized and placed under police guard but this newspaper has been told that the man has since been discharged.
Then at about 02:55 hours, three armed men also wearing dark clothing and toques, approached the female RK Security Guard at the High Court in Georgetown and told her not to be alarmed. Sources say that from all indications, this was another group of gunmen.
One of them remained with the guard, while the others went to the Registry and later a fire was seen coming from that area. All three men then left in a gold coloured Tacoma pick-up vehicle which from all appearances was the one taken from the men on the Highway. The Fire Service was summoned and extinguished the fire, Greene said stating that damage was done to some records and a part of the building. A quantity of channa was found in the building.
At 03:00 hrs a group of armed gunmen in the gold coloured Tacoma vehicle proceeded to the Brickdam Police Station where they threw a grenade at a police vehicle driven by Lance Corporal 17830 Cummings, who was about to enter the compound. However, the grenade failed to explode. It is in the custody of the police.
Subsequently, at about 03:15 hours, while Westford’s father, Clifton, was making a report at the East Ruimveldt Outpost in relation to the incident involving his son, the Tacoma pick up along with a white motor car bearing registration number plate PLL 6081 approached and shots were discharged at the station hitting the concrete wall. No one was injured. Two 7.62 x 39 spent shells were found by the police.
Later, at approximately 03:30 hrs person(s) unknown entered the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and set fire to several areas of the building. However, the fire was put out as a result of the quick action by public-spirited citizens and the fire service.
Following the attacks police recovered a white wagon at Houston with three bullet holes on the hood and windscreen. Residents recalled being awakened to persons identifying themselves as police banging on their doors. One woman said that the persons told them that they were looking for some men. They did not say in connection with what.
No one recalled seeing or hearing any thing suspicious before then and residents were later surprised to hear that a car which was used to create the mayhem in the city was found near their homes. Though promised there was no evidence of a heightened police presence when this newspaper visited several parts of the city and East Bank yesterday. (Stabroek News)
November 5, 2009
Security forces on high alert after shock attacks
Kurt Thierens
The security forces were on heightened alert last night after a heavily-armed gang parading as policemen carried out a series of shock attacks that left one person dead and two policemen nursing gunshot wounds.
The pre-dawn rampage began with a carjacking on the Linden/Soesdyke High-way, before it moved to the city where a barrage of gunfire was unleashed on two police stations and arson attacks targeted the Supreme Court and a public school (See other stories in today’s edition).
Colin Jones
The attacks were later dubbed “terrorist acts” by Police Commissioner Henry Greene, who also revealed that Health Ministry arson suspects Kurt Thierens, called ‘Bage’ or ‘Glasses’ and Colin Jones were positively identified as participants by another man who was almost killed yesterday.
The men were still eluding the police up to press time. “Investigations are proceeding rapidly as the law enforcement agencies seek to obtain the identity of the criminal mastermind of these terrorist attacks,”
Greene declared yesterday in an address that was broadcast on television and radio. He noted that local authorities were still awaiting assistance from the US to trace persons who have been supporting the attacks either through financing or other means.
In the wake of the incident, he also announced that the joint services would resume operations starting last night, including the patrol of government buildings and ensuring a heightened presence.
The police outpost that was shot at.
The campaign by the criminals started around just after midnight yesterday and would have all ended just after 0300 hrs.
From police reports, the gang comprised at least ten persons, including eight dressed in police attire, which raised alarms yesterday as police moved to intensify their operations.
‘Simultaneously’
Greene told reporters at a news conference yesterday afternoon that the group was armed with firearms, including AK 47 rifles, shotguns and small arms and were using at least four different vehicles, which could have allowed them to carry out the attacks simultaneously. He added that the police were unable to engage the men because of the swiftness with which the events unfolded.
Attempting to clearly state the sequence of events, he said that it began around 00:15 hours with the carjacking on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway of three miners, one of whom-Wodette Roberts called ‘Buckman’- died. The miners’ vehicle was later used to carry out attacks in the city.
The Police Barracks located in the Brickdam Police Station compound. The building came under heavy gunfire early yesterday morning.
According to Greene, later, at about 02:30 hours, three men dressed in dark clothing, armed with firearms and wearing toques, went to the West La Penitence home of Clayton Westford, one of the men charged with the Health Ministry fire. He had been released on bail.
The man’s mother Pamela opened the door after the men claimed to be police ranks. They then handcuffed him before taking him away.
Greene stated that it was later revealed that the armed men took Westford to the La Penitence Cemetery, where they assaulted him “claiming that he is talking too much and giving evidence against them.” Westford managed to escape and the men discharged rounds at him but he was not injured. Westford has since been hospitalized and is under police guard.
At about 02:55 hours, three armed men also wearing dark clothing and toques, approached the female RK Security Guard at the High Court in Georgetown and told her not to be alarmed. Sources say that from all indications, this was another group of gunmen.
Shattered windows at the police barracks located in the compound of the Brickdam Police Station. Gunmen targeted this building yesterday and injured two ranks.
One of them remained with the guard, while the others went to the Registry and later a fire was seen coming from that area.
All three men then left in a gold coloured Tacoma pick-up vehicle which from all appearances was the one taken from the men on the Highway.
The Fire Service was summoned and extinguished the fire, Greene said stating that damage was done to some records and a part of the building. A quantity of channa was found in the building.
At 03:00 hrs a group of armed gunmen in a gold coloured Tacoma vehicle proceeded to the Brickdam Police Station where they threw a grenade at police vehicle PLL 6345 driven by Lance Corporal 17830 Cummings, who was about to enter the compound. However, the grenade failed to explode. It is in the custody of the police.
Greene told the media that the gunmen then discharged rounds at the Brickdam Police Station while travelling along Brickdam, Manget Place and Hadfield Street, resulting in bullet damage to the walls of the Impact Base, Barrack Room, Traffic Office, Operations Room and the Divisional Commander’s Office.
Detective Corporal Indarpaul and Constable Singh, who were in the Barrack Room at the time, he said, were shot and injured to their left ankle and right side jaw, respectively. Constable Singh was treated and later discharged, to received further medical attention at a later stage while Corporal Indarpaul was admitted for surgery. Greene said forty-two 7.62 x 39 spent shells, five warheads and a 12 gauge cartridge were later recovered by the police.
Subsequently, at about 03:15 hours, while Westford’s father, Clifton, was making a report at the East Ruimveldt Outpost in relation to the incident involving his son, the Tacoma pick up along with a white motor car bearing registration number plate PLL 6081 approached and shots were discharged at the station hitting the concrete wall. No one was injured. Two 7.62 x 39 spent shells were found by the police.
Later, at approximately 03:30 hrs person(s) unknown entered the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and set fire to several areas of the building. However, the fire was put out as a result of the quick action by public-spirited citizens and the fire service.
Greene gave assurances that the joint services had responded to the incidents and are engaged in a number of operations along the East Bank of Demerara, East Coast, and the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway. In addition, joint patrols have also been intensified.
‘No clear motive’
Commissioner Greene was unable to offer a motive for the attacks but with the positive identification of Thierens and Jones he said that investigators have identified members of the group implicated in the Health Ministry’s fire. “We have seen the link between this matter and the first matter and therefore we maintain the link with those who may be in charge or involved overseas,” he explained.
He said these are the same men who escaped from the Providence Police Station and for whose capture a reward is being offered. He added that based on what transpired, it was clear that the men had linked up with others with the intention of carrying out the attacks. He said too that after their earlier escape, Thierens and Jones were reportedly sighted in Suriname but yesterday’s attack proved otherwise.
Responding to queries about the public’s ability to identify police, he was confident that the public knows the type of ranks who would be at road blocks. It was, however, pointed out that in the case of Westford and the miners persons came dressed as policemen.
“We have got a number of teams out there right now searching and searching and searching, those teams will remain out there. We have to first find the vehicle that has been hijacked and any persons attempting to create any road block, or any such thing and is not a policeman will be severely dealt with,” Greene explained.
He later added that there would not be police road blocks at every street and members of the public who have doubts about the identity of a rank can ask to see identification. Additionally, he noted that the ranks dressed in blue and black and khaki are usually manning road blocks and very rarely those in dark coloured clothing. Those in the dark clothing, he explained, are part of the Anti Crime group and do special work.
Asked about how the police vests may have gotten into the hands of the gunmen, the Commissioner said that he did not know but they could have been slipped into the country, which is just one of the ways, they could get them. He said he could not comment on whether the perpetrators could have possible been members of the force.
‘Fear’
Meanwhile, residents living near the Brickdam Police Station and the East Ruimveldt Outpost were still in shock yesterday and expressed fear for themselves as well as members of the force.
Residents near the station recalled awaking to the sounds of rapid gunfire that lasted for at least fifteen minutes. One man said that he was awakened to the gunfire and at first thought it was a joint services operation but later found out through an international news report that the station had come under attack by gunmen.
The man said that he refused to investigate and stayed concealed until it had stopped. He said too that the gunmen drove down Hadfield Street shooting wildly and at one point he thought that his home was under attack. Another resident said that at day clean she noticed police at the corner of Hadfield and Smyth streets looking around. She assumed that they were looking for spent shells.
Yet another resident recalled being awakened around 2:55 am to the gunfire and hours later saw a police and an army vehicle driving down Hadfield Street. At the Station, the atmosphere was tense and several policemen were seen walking around inside the compound.
The barracks where the injured ranks were sleeping looked deserted and bullet holes were evident on several windows, some of which were also shattered. There was a uniformed officer at the gate ascertaining persons’ business for being in the compound before letting them pass.
The section of Brickdam in front of the station between Smyth Street and Manget Place was closed to traffic.
Concrete fence
Over in the East Ruimveldt area, things appeared to be normal. This newspaper noticed two bullet homes on the outpost’s concrete fence near the gate. One resident said that when she heard the gunshots and heard the time, it was 3:05 am. Another resident said that it was earlier than that.
While speaking the woman appeared to be nervous and trembled at times as she recounted the events of that morning. She said as she was returning to her bed she heard at least four loud sounds which sounded like gunshots.
She later investigated and learnt that a man who turned out to be Westford was at the outpost to make a report of his son being kidnapped by the men dressed as policemen. The lone rank at the outpost was about to open the gates when he noticed a vehicle with high beam lights approaching.
The rank, she said, turned to the man and said the police were coming. But no sooner had he done so the gunshots rang out. The man, she said, fled the area in a taxi that was waiting on him while the policeman ducked for cover inside the station.
Meanwhile sources living near Westford’s home told this newspaper that around 2 am, men dressed like policemen and wearing masks over their faces went to the home and commanded the occupants to open the door.
This newspaper was told that initially it was not opened but after the gunmen insisted that they were the police, the door was opened. The man collected Westford, who was clad only in pants and left with him. As they were walking through an alleyway near the man’s home, they fired a shot after asking the man if anyone was standing nearby.
Sources said that the man was put into a silver grey vehicle which resembles those the police force has and taken to the dumpsite using the Le Repentir entrance. Short after residents hear what sounded like a gunshot and assumed that the man had been killed.
However about 20 minutes later he came staggering down the road covered in mud and blood but was speechless when he was asked questions. (Zoisa Fraser/Stabroek News)
Heavily armed gang unleashes terror in Georgetown
Police stations attacked; murder; abduction; .....
.....attempted arson on schools, Supreme Court
Ministry of Health arson suspects identified as part of gang
Stunned policemen in discussion early yesterday morning at Houston following the discovery of the abandoned car.
Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene yesterday told a press conference that early yesterday morning a group of about eight men armed with firearms, including AK-47 rifles, shotguns and small arms engaged in a series of terrorist activities that included murder, armed robbery, arson, abduction, attacking police stations, and shooting police ranks.
Greene said that the motive for yesterday’s terror is unclear and it was not known that wanted men Kurt Thierens and Colin James, who escaped from police custody at Providence Police Station in connection with the Ministry of Health fire, were in the country and was identified as being part of the gang.
He added that at about 00:15h miner, Sean Embleton, 25, of Kuru Kururu, along with two employees Wodette Roberts called ‘Buckman’, 22 , of Kuru Kururu and Roopchand Gopaul, 47, also of Kuru Kururu, Linden/Soesdyke Highway, were in a gold coloured Tacoma pick-up GLL 7171 travelling on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway in the vicinity of Loo Creek with Roopchand driving, when a white Toyota wagon and a silver grey motor car overtook their vehicle and one of the men in the back seat of the wagon signaled with a red triangular reflector, similar to those used by the police, for them to stop.
Greene said about eight men dressed in black clothing resembling police uniforms, who were armed with firearms and wearing bullet-proof vests, one of which was marked ‘Police’, exited the vehicles and said that they were policemen searching for arms and ammunition.
The Top Cop explained that during that time a grey Carina motor car with two persons dressed in civilian clothing came up and spoke to the men in uniform and left in the direction of Dora, also on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.
He stated that the armed men handcuffed the three men, placed them in the back of the Tacoma pick-up and then drove off in the three vehicles.
Hit: A police points to the bullet hole at the East La Penitence Police Outpost yesterday.
Greene explained that they turned off the Highway at Dora and about one hundred yards off they took out the three men and tied them up with duct tape and placed them in different locations.
While lying on the ground, one of the men discharged a round at Sean Embleton but he was not hit. The armed men then drove away in the vehicles.
The Commissioner pointed out that Embleton later managed to free himself and found that Wodette Roberts called ‘Buckman’ had died.
He said, “Apparently duct tape was placed over his mouth and nostrils, with his hands handcuffed behind his back, and it is suspected that he had suffocated.”
Greene noted that Embleton then went to a home at Long Creek from where he made a report to the police at Timehri Police Station.
However, at about 09:05 h Roopchand Gopaul, who had managed to escape, also reported the incident to the Kuru Kururu Outpost. The Commissioner said two empty twelve gauge casings were found by the police at the scene.
He added that at about 02:30 h three men dressed in dark clothing, armed with firearms and wearing toque went to the home of Clayton Westford at West La Penitence, Georgetown, who has been charged in the matter of arson committed on the Ministry of Health and is on bail.
There they claimed to be police ranks upon which his mother, Pamela Westford opened the door and the men entered. They then handcuffed Clayton Westford and took him away.
Greene said it was later revealed that the armed men took Clayton Westford to the La Penitence Cemetery where they assaulted him claiming that he is talking too much and giving evidence against them. He managed to escape and the men discharged rounds at him but he was not hit.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner added that at about 02:55 h three armed men wearing dark clothing and toques approached the female Roshan Khan (RK) Security Guard at the High Court in Georgetown and told her not to be alarmed.
One remained with her, while the others went to the Registry and later a fire was seen emanating from the area. All three men then left in a gold coloured Tacoma pick-up vehicle. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was summoned and extinguished the fire. Damage was done to some records and a part of the building. A quantity of channa was found in the building, he reported.
Greene added that later at about 03:00 h a group of armed gunmen in a gold coloured Tacoma vehicle proceeded to the Brickdam Police Station where they threw a grenade at police vehicle PLL 6345 driven by Lance Corporal 17830 Devane Cummings, which was about to enter the compound. However, the grenade failed to explode and is in the custody of the police.
The Top Cop said that the gunmen then discharged rounds at the Brickdam Police Station while travelling along Brickdam, Magnet Place and Hadfield Street. This resulted in bullet damage to the walls of the Impact Base, Barrack Room, Traffic Office, Operations Room and the Divisional Commander’s Office.
As a result, Greene explained that Detective Corporal 16450 Dharmendra Indarpaul and Constable 18961 Robin Singh, who were in the Barrack Room at the time, were shot and injured to their left ankle and right side jaw, respectively. Constable Singh was treated and later discharged while Corporal Indarpaul has been admitted for surgery. Singh is to receive further medical treatment.
The Commissioner said the air conditioning unit of the Commander’s Office was also damaged. Forty-two 7.62 x 39 spent shells; five warheads and a 12 gauge cartridge were recovered by the police.
Greene added that subsequently, at about 03:15 h while Clifton Westford, the father of Clayton Westford, was making a report at the East Ruimveldt Outpost in relation to the incident involving his son Clayton Westford, the Tacoma pick up vehicle and a white motor car bearing registration number plate PLL 6081 approached and shots were discharged at the station hitting the concrete wall. No one was injured. Two 7.62 x 39 spent shells were found by the police.
The Top Cop told the press conference that later, at about 03:30 h person(s) unknown entered the Richard Ishmael Secondary School at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, and set fire to several areas of the building – Home Economics section, head teacher’s Office, Staff Room, Administrative Office and four class rooms.
He said law abiding citizens informed the police by telephone and the GFS responded and extinguished the fires averting major damage. Three bottles with a flammable liquid and channa were found in the building by the police.
Greene added that the Joint Services have responded to these incidents and are engaged in a number of operations along the East Bank of Demerara, East Coast, and the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Joint patrols have also been intensified.
The Commissioner explained too that the gang operated simultaneously and it would appear as a well thought out plan to distract the police because it happened so quickly the police did not get a chance to respond.
Greene told reporters that there was no armed confrontation between the police and the gang yesterday but they have teams of ranks from the Joint Services ‘out there’ searching for the hijacked Tacoma vehicle and the group of men. (Michel Outridge/Guyana Cronicle)
Two cops charged with wounding over alleged torture
The allegations against the two officers engaged a lot of media attention.
Two policemen have been charged with wounding two of the suspects who were detained during the investigation into the murder of former Vice-Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) Mr. Ramenaught Bisram.
Narine Lall, a Detective Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Mohanram Dolai, a Constable, faced joint indictable charges of unlawful and felonious wounding before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday.
It is alleged that Lall, 38, of Leonora Police Station compound and Dolai, 30, of Lot 101 Met-en-Meerzorg, both West Coast Demerara addresses, between October 28 and 29, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Nouravi Wilfred. Another allegation against them said, during the same period, they maliciously wounded Deonarine Rafeek, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him grievous bodily harm.
Police Inspector Deneshwar Mahendranauth, prosecuting, said the two cops were stationed at Leonora and they arrested and investigated the two virtual complainants.
The Prosecutor said the duo used unnecessary force on the detainees causing the public to become involved through the media and he objected to bail for the accused, on the grounds that investigations are ongoing and further charges may be instituted and the accused would tamper with witnesses if released.
Defence Counsel Hukumchand said the Prosecution did not advance any evidence to support the claim that the policemen, who were in custody for some 96 hours, would interfere with witnesses if granted pre-trial freedom. The lawyer said Lall has served the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for 20 years and Dolai has eight years service but, throughout, they were neither charged departmentally nor in a Court.The Prosecutor countered that, because the ranks have spent all that time serving the GPF, they should have known the amount of force that was required.
Part of the crowd made their way to Croal Street where the bus was awaiting the officers.
Hukumchand referred to the accused as ordinary public servants who are employed within a disciplinary organisation.
“Sometimes I’m completely taken aback by the denial of pre-trial liberty when it can be granted,” he lamented, pointing out that some persons in high ranking offices seek to persuade decision makers in certain areas.
Lall and Dolai were, however, remanded to prison and the cases were transferred to Leonora Court for November 19.
Meanwhile, relatives of the virtual complainants and other members of the public gathered in and around the courtyard and voiced their annoyance at the alleged torture of the suspects in detention.
Prisoners on remand are usually removed from the courtyard in the Prison Truck but the two accused were taken through a different route to a GPF bus that was waiting on Croal Street. The crowd, on becoming aware of the deviation, pelted objects at the vehicle and some shouted: “Murderers! Murderers!” (Telesha Persaud/Guyana Cronicle)
November 4, 2009
BREAKING NEWS:
Gunmen attack two police stations, .....
.....fire set at High Court, Richard Ishmael school
Armed gunmen went on a rampage in the capital early this morning, attacking two police stations and setting fire to the High Court building and a public school.
A joint services contingent later launched an operation at Agricola, East Bank of Demerara, where the gunmen were reportedly trailed after carrying out a series of seemingly coordinated pre-dawn attacks. A vehicle believed to have been used by some of the gunmen was found abandoned at Houston, East Bank Demerara.
In a drive-by attack, gunmen unleashed a barrage of bullets on the Brickdam Police Station and the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost. At least two policemen were injured in the Brickdam attack, which was concentrated on the barracks where the lawmen were asleep. The gunmen drove off after the attack, firing indiscriminately and leaving residents of the area in terror. No injuries were reported from the assault on the East Ruimveldt Outpost.
Meanwhile, armed men stormed the High Court compound and held up two female guards on duty. The men then hurled channa bombs at the court registry before fleeing. Fire-fighters managed to put out the fire, which is believed to have destroyed a significant amount of records housed in the registry.
Fire-fighters were shortly after called to respond to a fire at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School. Fire-fighters also managed to contain the fire. According to reports, it was clear that an attempt was made to set the entire school ablaze and bottles filled with kerosene were later discovered at the scene.
Police Commissioner Henry Greene has scheduled a news conference for later this afternoon. (Stabroek News)
November 3, 2009
Tortured teen prisoner…
Police crossed the line - Rohee
Henry Greene
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday said policemen implicated in the torture of a teenaged murder suspect crossed the line, while urging that due process be allowed to take its course.
Rohee also signalled a major shake-up in the West Demerara police division following allegations of torture by the police ranks at the Leonora Police Station, even as the police force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), investigating the case, acquired two additional statements from persons who alleged they were also beaten.
Three persons, including the boy, 15, were held for questioning into the murder of ex-Region 3 Vice-Chairman Ramenauth Bisram. One of them was charged on Friday.
“…It appears that the investigating ranks went to the outer limits permissible,” Rohee told reporters yesterday, adding that “From all indications, they crossed the line to physical coercion and instead of applying psychological pressure to the suspect, third-degree methods were used which in today’s context constitutes an inexcusable wrong doing.” He added that the goal now is to find out who did it and to allow due process to take its course, adding that the police must be encouraged and allowed to investigate all crimes.
Meanwhile, Rohee also said he had given general specific directions to the Commissioner of Police Henry Greene about changes in the division, in the wake of the allegations, for which charges are expected to be laid shortly.
Responding to questions from reporters, Rohee said he could not say whether action has been taken against the divisional commander, Paulette Morrison. He explained that he had discussed the matter with Greene and they both concluded that “administrative and managerial changes” in that division have now become “necessary.” However, he made it clear that in the case of a gazetted officer of the force, interdiction is dealt with by the police.
According to the minister, when he first saw the image on Saturday he was in disbelief and had to telephone the police to get the facts. He insisted that he was unaware of the burning of the boy in the Leonora lock ups and as soon as he saw it he contacted the commissioner. According to the accounts received by this newspaper, the burning took place last Wednesday night.
Responding to a question about whether investigators are focusing on how Kaieteur News got possession of the picture of the burnt child, the minister said that he is not focusing on it. He added that it is an internal police matter. Reading from a prepared statement, Rohee said that there was good news for the force last Friday and then bad news the next day, with the shocking revelation about the beating and torture allegedly by police ranks.
He observed that while the murder led to the usual emotive outcry and the demand that the killers be brought to justice, with the allegation of torture the pendulum has swung in the other direction. Pointing out that justice may be blind, the minister stated that it now seems that it has to look in both directions — the side of the murder victim and to the side of the victims claiming torture.
He advised that the public must not lose sight of the fact that there is still the case of Bisram who was brutally murdered. What is critical now, he emphasised, is that in both instances due process must be followed and ultimately the court must decide. Rohee further pointed out that the government has said time and time again that “it abhors torture and that any act so committed is neither centrally directed nor condoned by the administration.”
He said that with regard to claims of an attempted cover up, the ministry’s rejection of that is based on the view that cover-ups betray the law itself. He added that such action only inspire conspiracies against the rule of law and undermines, by deceit, public trust.
Rohee rejected a claim from Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) that “ranks engaged in torture were given official protection” as a total fabrication aimed at misleading the public. He said the ministry supports the commissioner’s view that “there are unsuitable policemen who will raise the ire of society with the way they operate.” According to him, steps are being taken to root out such ranks when they are discovered.
Under attack
Meanwhile, speaking during the opening of the Junior Officers’ Course No. 19, Greene told those gathered that the torture of prisoners/suspects is not part of the force’s standing orders and noted that with the incident it has once again come under attack. He made it clear that the force was unhappy the developments over the last four days, pointing out that because of the actions of two ranks it is being castigated while its good work is being forgotten.
He said that it can come to a point where the public’s perception is that it is a culture for the police to burn people. “I condemn the action of the ranks,” Greene said, adding that he empathised with the young boy, his family and his friends since they have all been caused pain.
Holding up a book which he called “the police’s bible,” Greene said it was the standing orders and nowhere in it does it say anything about torturing. He cited several sections, including the care and custody of prisoners, the powers of the police when it comes to prisoners and the acceptable instances of using violence on a prisoner.
“It (the standing orders) is a guide for your work… Sometimes in the anxiety to solve murder, some of these ranks go overboard they go beyond what they should be doing,” Greene said, adding that the perpetrators of the act would be dealt with publicly. He gave assurances that the matter is being investigated by a large team.
He was quick to point out that there are a lot of things that need to be done and the investigation into these allegations would not be an easy task. “We have to build the evidence. We have a lot of things to do before we put the evidence together to place someone before the court. We have to investigate the matter properly before we can focus on who is to be placed before the court,” he added.
Greene told those gathered that ranks cannot abuse their power by ill-treating and assaulting prisoners. “It is a matter of utmost gravity for any member without good and sufficient reason, to use violence again a prisoner. It does not say that the police cannot use violence, but you must have good and sufficient reason,” he said.
Such reasons, according to the standing orders, include fending off an attack, the escape or likely escape of a prisoner, or physical violence being used on ranks by the prisoner. Commenting on the standing order as it relates to confession statements, he noted that these must be obtained in prisoner’s own handwriting with supervision from an officer. If the prisoner cannot write, a confession must be taken by an inspector.
He said that no prisoner should be moved from station to station without permission and if there are allegations of brutality the prisoner must be seen by the police surgeon or a government medical officer, who, if necessary, could move that to hospital. He urged the ranks in the audience to refer to their “police bible” as it clearly lays out all the procedures.
Responding to calls for an inquiry into the allegations of police brutality, Greene asked, “Which organization does not have rotten eggs?” adding that the force should not be castigated because of one incident. “We must be allowed to deal with them and we will not back off. That is the way of the law,” he declared.
Suspects still to be identified
Greene later told the media that two officers are under close arrest and from all appearances four persons are involved. They are all attached to the Leonora Police Station.
However, he pointed out that the culprits have not yet been identified by the prisoner and the investigators are working on that aspect of the case. “The identification aspect of it, I think that would be able to put us in a much better frame to decide who goes to court. That’s all we are waiting on to decide,” he stated, but added that the case would not fall through because of a lack of identification.
He stated that a prisoner cannot walk into a police station injury free and then is mysteriously found with injuries. Green stated yesterday that he was unaware of a third person alleging torture, but all three cases will be thoroughly investigated.
He said investigators were contemplating whether there was enough evidence to place the third person in custody before the court for murder and had sought the advice from the DPP. At that point he could not say if the advice was sought or if the court had granted an extension to keep the suspect in custody. The suspect was arrested on Tuesday last.
Asked about reports that suspects who are detained at the Leonora station are often brutalized by ranks, Greene said he was unaware of such allegations but once persons come forward investigations will be launched. He expressed surprise that those in custody were not allowed to access to their lawyers, which is clearly set out in the standard orders.
He said he was also surprised at the media being locked out of the court by the police, assuring reporters that the issue was being dealt with, since only the magistrate had such authority in a juvenile case. Asked about this being done under the commander’s instruction, Greene said, “let us wait on the investigation.” (Stabroek News)
Alleged teen torture… Greene admits Police procedures were not followed
“We do not tolerate torture of prisoners and those culpable will be dealt with publicly and placed before the Courts.”
Commissioner Henry Greene yesterday reiterated that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) does not tolerate torture of prisoners. Speaking to participants at the Junior Officers Course, he said, nowhere in the Force Standing Orders teaches it, and he read excerpts from the document which deals with care and custody of detainees.
Mr. Greene said, once in Police custody, persons must receive cordial and humane treatment and it does not include excessive use of force.
Maintaining that the GPF does not tolerate that kind of behaviour, he said the Standing Orders dictate that the Police, by virtue of office, have been given certain powers in the detention and arrest of prisoners but must not abuse prisoners, although, for good and sufficient reasons, they can use violence against a prisoner which must be reported and documented.
Greene said, even if violence is used, there is a procedure to be followed in restraining a prisoner if he tries to escape from lawful custody. As regards confessions, he said a subordinate officer must be present and a handwritten statement should be taken, by an inspector, in the prisoner’s own handwriting at the time of confession.
“We do not tolerate torture of prisoners and those culpable will be dealt with publicly and placed before the Courts,” he assured. Greene said the recent matter, relating to the alleged torture of a teenage murder suspect, is under investigation and appropriate action will be taken. He confirmed that two ranks are in custody and four more might be involved, all of whom are attached to Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara.
The Police Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) last night indicated that statements have been acquired from two additional victims, other than the teenaged victim, who claimed that they were beaten by police ranks during the same investigation into the murder of former Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) Vice Chairman, Raminauth Bisram.
In addition, the OPR said statements have been taken from sixteen police ranks and two civilians. “Medical reports have been uplifted for two of the alleged victims and the investigations are proceeding apace. Charges are expected to be laid shortly,” the OPR statement said.
Greene yesterday said, so far, the injured prisoner who is hospitalised, is yet to identify the ranks he claimed tortured him but there is enough evidence to go to Court. The Commissioner said, once a prisoner suffers injuries while in custody, he must be examined by a Government Medical Officer (GMO).
“You cannot say that no one knows how a man comes in with no injury and suffers injuries,” Greene said. He said in the investigations of the murder of Bisram, one man is in prison on remand and three others are in Police custody, including the 14-year-old who is in hospital nursing severe burns in his genital area.
Greene said Police Standing Orders were not followed and it was even reported that the relatives of the prisoners were not allowed to see them when requested and the movement of the prisoners were not documented and authorised.
He said the Police are also investigating the incident in which reporters were blocked from entering the Wales Magistrate’s Court, West Bank Demerara, on the day the Bisram murder case was called and media personnel were not permitted to visit the hospital to see the 14-year-old prisoner, under a claimed order by the Divisional Commander.
Greene spoke about the issues at the opening ceremony of the Junior Officers Course Number 19 at Police Officer’s Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, Georgetown. He expressed gratitude to the University of Guyana (UG) for the planning and urged participants to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to upgrade their education and acquire degrees and diplomas.
APPLICATIONS
Greene also exhorted ranks of the GPF to make early applications if they desire to pursue studies at UG and not apply at the last moment. He encouraged the ranks to display a disciplined attitude towards work and set an example to those that they manage. The course has a dual purpose, to improve the performance of the participants in their present rank and, where applicable, to prepare them for senior positions in the Force.
The stated objectives are:
* to improve the students’ professional competence;
* to upgrade students knowledge in the art of leadership, techniques of good management theories of human behaviour and skills of communication;
* to upgrade participants’ competence in the use of English as a means of increasing the effectiveness of their job performance;
* to enable participants to appreciate their role in the context of the legal framework pertaining to Guyana;
* to enhance the succession plan of the GPF;
* to stimulate the thoughts and energies of the participants;
* to maintain and strengthen formal links among uniformed services in Guyana, thereby creating a formidable spirit of cordiality and brotherhood.
The sessions will start today and end on December 4 with 26 participants who were drawn from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the City Constabulary. Brief remarks were also made by Force Training Officer, Assistant Commissioner Clinton Conway and Assistant Superintendent Boyce and Welfare Department Superintendent La Fleur. (Michel Outridge/Guyana Cronicle)
November 2, 2009
Bisram murder probe… Relatives worried about 3rd detainee
Held since Tuesday, says was cuffed in mouth
The 15-year-old who was tortured by West Demerara police is likely to spend the next six months in the hospital even as the relatives of another detained man have expressed concern for his well-being. There is also concern about the fact that the torture occurred in the Police ‘D’ Division Headquarters at Leonora, where the Commander, the Deputy Commander and other top officials are based.
Screams were heard emanating from the police station last Wednesday, reports said. The teenager, a 20-year-old man (who remains in custody) and Deonarine Rafick were held for questioning after last week’s murder of retired Region Three vice-chairman Ramenauth Bisram. Rafick was charged with the murder on Friday and also alleged torture during his court appearance. He had displayed signs of a beating and had a gaping wound to his head which required stitches.
The 15-year-old however bore horrific burns to his genitals and surrounding parts of his body and his attorney has also said that he was beaten. But it was not until days later, on Saturday that the police took him to the hospital following media reports.
Later that day, the lawmen announced an investigation into what it described as “a report of alleged excessive use of force on prisoners by members of the force.” Two detectives have been arrested.
Screams
A Leonora resident told Stabroek News yesterday that between 6:30 pm and 7 pm in the latter part of last week, he heard screams emanating from the station. While he could not pinpoint an exact day, he said that it sounded “like if they beating somebody or something…me ain’t know if they giving somebody a lil touch up or wah”.
“Me ain’t really check or nothing”, the resident, who lives close to the police station said, adding that it was not the first time that he had heard screams coming from the station.
One man, remains in custody as the police investigate Bisram’s murder. He is 20-year-old Nouravie ‘Navin’ Wilfred. Relatives have not been allowed to see him since he was held by police last Tuesday night. Yesterday, they were very concerned following a visit to the station, where he told them that he was cuffed in the mouth by the police. He has already been held beyond the permissible 72 hours and there is no evidence that an extension of detention was sought from the court.
His sister, Pharbattie told this newspaper that police forbade access to Wilfred when they once again carried food to him yesterday. But, as she and her husband were leaving, she said, Wilfred shouted through the window of the lock-ups that he wanted his mother to come.
“He sey tell mammy leh she come early. He sey that ‘they cuff me in meh mouth and me cyan eat’…he sey he ah punish foh eat”, the woman related. She said that her brother then began to cry. Pharbattie said that the police asked them to leave and told them that they could not speak with Wilfred.
Relatives said that they could not afford a lawyer though today they plan to see what they can do. “We beg them (police) foh see he but them don’t allow you foh see”, Deomattie Shivpersaud, Wilfred’s aunt told Stabroek News.
Wilfred lived with six siblings and his mother in a shack at Canal Number Two. He worked with a lumber operation in the interior and had returned last week Saturday. He was staying with friends at La Grange because the home was not big enough to accommodate them all, relatives said.
According to them, Wilfred’s mother asked why he was picked up and the police responded that they had gotten some information and his name was called. Up to last night, relatives said, they had not been allowed to see him.
Six months
Meantime, the 15-year-old remains in the hospital with a police guard stationed at the entrance to the burn care unit. When this newspaper visited the hospital yesterday, the policeman said that he was there to prevent the media from entering.
Deeply worried, the teen’s mother, Shirley Thomas said the nurse had told her that her son has to be hospitalized for at least the next six months. When he was in Primary Two, the lad was forced to drop out of school because his parents could not afford to pay his sister’s exam fees and send him to school at the same time. It was “a very hard situation”, Thomas said.
In the next two weeks, the lad, the third of six children, will be 16. He was a porter on a lumber truck and helped the family with expenses to send his younger siblings to school. Last Monday night, the police came for him. Since then, Thomas was given the runaround when she attempted to find out at which police station he was being held.
She said that she only learnt that her son was hurt when a man who was incarcerated with him, told her that the police had “scorched” him. This person could be an important witness to what transpired. It was only on Friday that Thomas managed to find out where her son was. She said that the boy chatted with her yesterday though he did not really want to speak about the incident. She said that he told her that after the police burnt him, the ranks gave him blankets and food.
An upset Thomas said that she wants justice. “Me want something to be done…”, the woman declared adding that she believes that the police should be treated in the same matter as they did her son.
The lad assisted with household expenses particularly as it relates to sending his three youngest siblings to school, his step-father Doodnauth Jaikarran said. “We are very poor. We struggling foh rice foh eat”, the man stated frankly noting that he works as a labourer. Jaikarran is a distant relative to Wilfred but his step-son and Wilfred did not work together. They knew each other by “seeing”, relatives said.
Meanwhile, relatives of Rafick yesterday said that up to Saturday, he was not taken to the hospital. They expressed worry about his condition.
And even as the police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) conduct their investigations, this newspaper was informed that the question of identification of the ranks who committed the act has been raised because the teen was blindfolded when his genitals were doused with a flammable liquid and set alight.
It is not the first time the police have been accused of wounding a child in their custody. Last year in Berbice, two ranks were charged with assaulting 10-year-old Ravanlee Chan. Reports are that between January 1 to 3, 2008 Corporal Godfrey Playter and another officer, Elroy Williams unlawfully and maliciously assaulted the child so as to cause him grievous bodily harm.
They had both denied the charge in a court appearance. It was alleged that the beatings stemmed from a report that the child’s neighbour made that he stole $6 000 from her on January 1. The child and his father [who died of natural causes shortly after], were taken into custody at the Sisters Police Station, East Berbice.
They were kept in separate cells. The father, who had told this newspaper that he heard the boy screaming during the night while he was being beaten, was released the following morning. Ravanlee remained in custody at Sisters until January 3 and was taken to the New Amsterdam Central Police Station in handcuffs.
From there, he was escorted to the NA Hospital where he remained under police guard until January 5. Relatives observed that he had “marks of violence about the body.” He was discharged from hospital on January 11.
The child’s lawyer, Charrandass Persaud had told Stabroek News at the time that a medical report found that the “legs and tights bore marks consistent to those inflicted with a fine object [whip].” The report also stated that there was erythema (redness of the skin) to the thorax and that the posterior showed signs of marks inflicted with a baton.
When contacted yesterday, Persaud said that the matter had been dismissed in his absence by Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Persid Edmond. He said that at the time, he wasn’t present in court, the matter was called and then dismissed and he “still can’t understand why”. According to the attorney, the Ministry of Human Services had promised to visit the child and take “pocket money” but never followed through on this promise. (Stabroek News)
