-private sector to lobby US for help
The suspects fingered in Wednesday’s attacks continued to elude police up to yesterday while there were calls for support from the US and more answers from the police.
Kurt Thierens
At least five persons, including Kurt Thierens and Colin Jones–also suspects in the Ministry of Health’s fire, had been identified as participating in the attacks that saw two police stations being shot at and arson attempts on the High Court and the Richard Ishmael Secondary School. Adding its voice to condemnation of the attacks, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it would press for an urgent meeting with the Head of the US Embassy here to ascertain whether the American government will provide necessary assistance to government to locate those believed to be connected with what it labelled the “terrorist acts” of Wednesday.
In a statement yesterday, the PSC said it is concerned by President Bharrat Jagdeo’s admission that the US has been unresponsive to the administration’s approach for assistance in finding “the person or persons resident in the USA” that are reportedly connected to the attacks. The PSC’s statement follows Jagdeo’s public call to them among other groups to condemn Wednesday’s early morning rampage in the city. “The emergence of a heavily armed criminal gang clearly intent on the destabilisation of the country and damaging its international image is cause for national concern and must be roundly condemned by the entire country, regardless of personal political affiliation,” the PSC said. The private sector body finds it “inconceivable” that the US government would withhold support from any democratic government which seeks assistance in “confronting terrorism”, the statement added.
Colin Jones
Answers
Yesterday too, the mother of Woodette Roberts, the lone casualty of the series of attacks, called on police to conduct a full investigation since she is not satisfied with the story being told. Carmen Roberts made this plea as she finalized arrangements for her son’s funeral which will be held today at Kuru Kururu.
A post mortem examination conducted at the Georgetown Hospital Mor-tuary yesterday revealed that Woodette died from asphyxiation compounded by compression to the neck. According to Carmen, the story being recounted to her sounds complicated and she wants a police investigation because she needs to know how and why her son died. She, however, expressed doubt about a possible link between the circumstances of her son’s death and the mayhem in the city that occurred hours later. “…Why would the criminals want to hijack the vehicle come to town, conduct the rampage and then risk passing police road blocks to go all the way up the highway,” the woman questioned, stressing that it all does not sound “right” to her.
She made it clear that she is not accusing anyone of being responsible for what happened but she needs to know the truth. She stated that she saw Roopchand Gopaul, the driver of the Tacoma vehicle they were in when they were hijacked in a bus yesterday and he was trembling and crying. Carmen said that she called out to the man and he told her he also doesn’t understand what happened but was sad that her son has died.
According to her, Roopchand “ain’t look good at all.” The man had also visited the doctor as he was feeling unwell.
Roberts had left his home at around 9 pm on Tuesday in a gold coloured Toyota Tacoma pick-up, GLL 7171, driven by Gopaul, 38, with Sean Embleton, called ‘Deportee Sean,’ 25, as the other occupant. The three men were intercepted and abducted by eight men, dressed in black clothing resembling police uniforms and bullet proof vests, who claimed to be searching for arms and ammunition. The armed men handcuffed Roberts, Gopaul and Embleton and placed them in the tray of the Tacoma pick-up and transported them to Dora. Both Gopaul, who reportedly ran all the way from Dora to Kuru Kururu, and Embleton managed to escape from their captors, while Roberts was later found dead.
Police have since said that the pick-up was hijacked and used to launch gun attacks on the Brickdam Police Station, East Ruimveldt Outpost and arson on the High Court and the school.
Questions have been raised as to how the gunmen would have made it through the many road blocks that would have been set up in wake of the city attacks and why they would have driven all that distance to where the vehicle was found, instead and abandoning the vehicle somewhere in the city.
Swift justice
Meanwhile, the ruling PPP on Thursday condemned what it dubbed the “vicious terrorist attacks” and urged the security forces to bring the perpetrators to swift justice. In a press statement, the party said, “The terrorist group seems to have been emboldened by the sustained attacks by the opposition parties and a section of the media on the institutions of the state.” It noted that the terrorist gang has focused its assault on the justice system, the court and the chief law enforcement agency and a secondary school.
The attacks were also dubbed “terrorist acts” by Police Commissioner Henry Greene, who has linked the suspects to the previous Health Ministry arson.
The PPP said the group seems to include some remnants of an earlier gang that had been disbanded by the security forces. The same intellectual authors based locally and overseas are clearly bent on upsetting the calm in the society in order to advance their narrow political agenda, it added.
Saying the modus operandi is reminiscent of the attack on the health ministry earlier this year, the PPP urged the security forces to keep focused on their efforts of catching the group responsible for the atrocities so that justice will be served and before it creates further mayhem.
They gonna mek these 2 men the next “Fine – Men” so to speak…Will the police force ever stop with their finger pointing…Hey guys, do you know what the greatest comedy show on Earth…It’s the President’s Press Interviews…The most ridiculous statements are heard…you gotta see it to believe it!!!! Many crimes are solved there and then because Jagdeo knows who did what and when even if it happened at 230 am with no witnesses around…then he knows whose over seas number (PROBABLY ONE OF YOU GUYS HERE) was dialed immediately after the fire at the Health Ministry yet we cannot or will not know which number dialed it…Amazing I tell you….Stabroek News, if you need a reported who can ask questions that will make a lot of sense of out nonsense call me, I will work for free because like the reporters you have can’t add 1 and 1 and get 2…they just accepting whatever the President says…
Stabroek News, tell me something…do you put in these silly grammatical errors in my comments???…because every time i finish typing I would read over then send the comment, yet still I am seeing these silly errors.
Police should also question Gopaul. His story not adding up. How a man with a snake bite in one foot and gunshot on another could run all that distance in a short time. How is only Gopaul and Deportee Sean could have escaped and the other one dead. Something fishy happening here. First lesson in (CSI) Crime Scene Investigation 101.
Like you making a move to secure a b job sandman??? ,,,The President are briefed by the Army and police chief before any press conference dummie,,,so he is equipped with all the information and when quizzed he has the answers…
Mr Gopaul’s story will not add up by people with little or no common sense Raj,,,it is a pity I cannot advise you where you can buy some of this product…I am sorry man…
SFH
I confess, it was my number that was dialed…and it was a collect call to booth. I quickly told the person on the other end that “the number you’ve dialed is no longer in service…please hang up an call your operator…this is a recording.” Plus, SN reporters are too preoccupied “staring at each other in a very loving way” in those press conference that is why they can’t ask the tough questions.
Toy Soldier, don’t get besides yourself…watch ya mouth when you are talking to me…it might sound like a joke but this is a small world…and yes there is an illiterate C.O.P and a jokey army chief telling or advising the president on what to say so hence he will talk garbage.
SH don’t FUGET jaál prezo gat Persaud wha duz SEE-x-lall,Henry wha kan gu to GREEN-PASTURES NO MOOOOOOOOO!CHORE-HEE wha ent fit A FAAT an den Dee BIG LUNCH BAX wha kan MIS-MANAGE!
The SPY MACHINE CAME WITH A SPYING-GLASS ALSO!
SH who has time to discover or controle grammatical or spelling faults.FOCUS on the FAULTS and MIS-HOPS of the GoG concentrate on dem “SMAAT FLIES”HOW DAY GETTIN LACK-OP way day belang an who gon FOLLOW! PRAY! every dog has its day an wen puppy tun daag yu kno wha duz happen!!!!Guyana puppies are going to become dogs; they have already started growing.If torture and crime cannot end it will MINIMIZE TO THE MINIMUM….IT HAS TO.
you sound just like the president “watch your mouth when you talking to me” ha ha how do they allow you to blog in here
i get what you mean sf, i look up kaieteur news and saw the views of the president of guyana, making some silly insinuations and finger pointing without any proof and evidence, really amatuer of the president of guyana, i believe sam hinds could have done a better speach (lol)
Now you people will understand why I am ashamed to be a Guyanese. Is what happening in Guyana for real? How can a Government profess to be transparent and democratic when security forces torture likkle boys. How can a Commissioner of Police continue in office when the great and blessed USA pulls his visa. How could a former Minister who suffered the same fate be appointed an Ambassador. something is fundamentally wrong with this country. Since all of this has been happening, when people ask where I come from I does tell them Suriname.
Extracted: “In a statement yesterday, the PSC said it is concerned by President Bharrat Jagdeo’s admission that the US has been unresponsive to the administration’s approach for assistance in finding “the person or persons resident in the USA” that are reportedly connected to the attacks.”
First, why is the PSC so eager to believe whatever Jagdeo says? Jagdeo has said he knows so many things yet he has never produced evidence to back up his claims! Did the PSC ever enquire about the President’s source of information and why the President has not named the suspect? America names suspects after attacks in order to arouse public interest and participation in case people know the suspect and any possible connections with others.
Second, let us not split hairs here, because the impression being given by Jagdeo and friends is that they know Guyanese living in America are behind terrorist activities in Guyana, but that America is not doing anything to locate and arrest them. Sounds familiar in a certain reverse situation? I am sure if Jagdeo presents the US with credible evidence of Guyanese terrorists in America, the US will act on it, but in the meantime, won’t it help if Jagdeo can name the person of interest?
Is the PSC so idiotic to believe that the US Embassy will view them as impartial?
The PSC is comprised of PPP sympathizers and beneficiaries. It is an arm of PPP cronyism, so they would be better off having a meeting at Freedom House than seeking to engage the objective US.
Smoke screens! The police and the Government need to pack their bags and boxes and go home. Who in their right mind would believe anything they say.? These are smoke screens created to hide the real reasons for this unconscionable act. The same things were done during the early sixties.
This government should resist any call for it to demit power because of attacks by a braintrust financed by the last PNC government . This is a well orchestrated plan to force this democratically elected government from power.
According to Carmen, the story being recounted to her sounds complicated and she wants a police investigation because she needs to know how and why her son died. She, however, expressed doubt about a possible link between the circumstances of her son’s death and the mayhem in the city that occurred hours later. “…Why would the criminals want to hijack the vehicle come to town, conduct the rampage and then risk passing police road blocks to go all the way up the highway,” the woman questioned, stressing that it all does not sound “right” to her.
Comments: And it does not sound right to me neither, this is the same story that was used in the lindo creek event where they claimed fineman and his gang crossed the river kill the men then cross over again, while the police were hot on their trail. The intellectual authors are right there in guyana, and to divert attention they are claiming they are in the u.s what rice and beans story they are telling.
I felt so sorry for President Jagdeo during his recent press conference. He was angry, defensive and his performance mirrored narcissistic demagoguery.
Such High hopes I had for this man when he ascended the office but alas he squandered his opportunities to reverse the Apan Jhat politics of the PPP. As a consequence, the racially divisive reputation the party had gained from the 1960’s was resurrected.
President Jagdeo is becoming increasingly isolated and disconnected from the ABC countries. In a desperate attempt to snub his finger in their noses, he launched a public love affair with the leftist regime of Hugo Chavez.
Will this strategy get him what he wants? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Jagdeo’s inexperience shows itself quite clearly at every press conference he presides over. However Burnham’s press conference at the Cultural Centre in G/t in the late 70’s demonstrated the arrogance of power when he was questioned by Ricky Singh . The problem of race began inside the PPP when Burnham was trying to dethrone Jagan as leader of the Party in the early history of their political relationship. After all it was Burnham’s Quest for power that put our country to the torch.
Bismattie, I’m very much aware that most PPP supporters identify you as a disgruntled ex-PPP member, however for me, your comments here today are the most honest assessment and very astute about where Jagdeo is heading. The Guyanese people are the ultimate victims of his micro managing style of leadership, which is worst than running a ‘cake shop’ at the corner.
In my opinion, Janet Jagan selected one of the poorest character type from within the PPP personnel of youngsters to entrust the delicate and sensitive responsibility of national leader. This speaks to how much she knows about leadership qualities. Jagdeo is not a leader he is ‘pot salt’. He doesn’t have the slightest clue about delegating the simplest of responsibilities, in fact, he is so full of himself, he micro manages every single Gov’t decision.
Leaders are not selected they are born achievers who inspire others to follow. Successful leaders are not necessary the loudmouth(look at me type) waving their arms in front but often times the smooth unseen intellect at the rear. Bismattie, could you imagine the scope of Jagdeo’s ego to survive in the silence of the background. Furthermore, Public service is a sacred covenant with the electorate, who must feel confidence about their leader.
The failure of the PPP as a governing entity is the lack of selecting great leaders. Guyana has been slouching along aimlessly as a leaderless country without direction since Jagdeo was installed as President. The evidence is there for all to see.
Mcleland, you forgot to mention that their was a democrat election that was taking place at the metropole theater. Dr jagan felt that he should not be opposed for the leadership of the party. when notable guyanese like latchmansingh and balwansingh rai were supporting burnham dr Jagan walked out of the meeting and then the split happened. talk the facts man don’t adulterate it.
“The emergence of a heavily armed criminal gang clearly intent on the destabilisation of the country and damaging its international image is cause for national concern and must be roundly condemned by the entire country, regardless of personal political affiliation,” the PSC said. The private sector body finds it “inconceivable” that the US government would withhold support from any democratic government which seeks assistance in “confronting terrorism”, the statement added.
The statement above shows the naivete or stupidity of the issuer. In either case, the statement shows a suspension of reality that rivals Timothy Leary on hallucinogenics. Gerry Gouveia and the organisation he represents has no credibility.
““…Why would the criminals want to hijack the vehicle come to town, conduct the rampage and then risk passing police road blocks to go all the way up the highway,” the woman questioned, stressing that it all does not sound “right” to her.
This statement from a simple unsophisticated woman highlights the holes in the story.
Folks, another examople of why better monitoring of Guyana’s journalism by a competent authority, including the registration of journalists, is necessary. ..
— The word “terrorist” in quotes in headline, meaning tha SN doesn’t believe it is was a terrorist attack. Please SN, give us your definition of terrorism.Maybe , you check with the PSC again The paper is quoting it in an authoritative way and the businesspeople are also describing the events as terrorist.As an aside, the PSC cannot, protocol wise, sidestep the govt and arrange with US for possible assistance. SN is as usual lazy by not getting an alternative view of the very real fact that the US does not provide meaningful assistance to many countries….
—- “Arson attempts” . Wait a minute here. Didn’t I see burn marks and damage to documents. Isn’t that arson ?
–The usual relative’s speculation fills up a third of the so called story and is given more space and prominence than the views of the governing political party. Well, well, well,,….
Wha happen, no “eyewitnesses” or that a Bible wasn’t among the things found in the pickup ?
aint reddy that means that SN’s should have you registered with all the garbage you exponds here on a daily basis. man you are taking the pee pee pee loyalty thing so serious that you are at the brink of insanity. check yourself into an inatitution and get help.
These boys don dead, right Reddy?
The situation in Guyana is baffling to anyone capable of even base level thinking. Everytime there is a situation thats embarrassing to the government, some “act of terrorism” [Mr. Jagdeo etal]surfaces to detract citizens attention. After the auditor general’s report about the Ministry of Health and the revelation from the trial of Roger Khan, the Minitry was destroyed by fire. Now its the torture of ” persons of interest” in a murder investigation and once again claims of “acts of terrorism” [Mr. Jagdeo etal] authored by persons local and overseas. How clever by the Government?
Whats so bothersome is the disconnection between the hijacking of a vehicle on the Linden Highway and the murder of one of the occupants, the shooting of the Brickdam police station,the burning of the court and THE TORCHING OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL?
How incredible? Criminals and very intelligent in their sphere of activity and there is no way that they would hijack a vehicle on the Linden Highway, drive it to Georgetown, commit such crimes and THEN drive that vehicle back to the highway to abandon and torch it. This dumb response by the law enforcement agencies and the Minister of Home Affairs remind me of the Lindo Creek massacre/mystery.
Ridley, you do have a sense of justice. Guyana needs bright minds to reshape its destiny.continue to critique the hog – wash record of the PPP/C
” Intellectual Authors ” Guyana is the only country that uses that word as an excuse every time their is something serious. Those intellectually higher than the government are amateurs, yet making the government look stupid. I personally think this is a diversion for the government for pity. I don’t blame the U.S. for not helping out you crooks. Had a major drug dealer interacting with government officials and you didn’t know it. Keep them coming
You can not believe a thing Jagdeo says. He lied about being married. If the president can lie about something as fundamental as his marriage. He can not be trusted. The words coming from his mouth isn’t relaying what he wants to say. Jagdeo is judge, jury and executioner. This is his style. He knows who did what, when and where.