Industrial
Ali calls on striking teachers to be patient: In his first public comment on the five-day-old teachers strike, President Irfaan Ali last Friday called for patience as he says he has promised incremental benefits but he was silent on why his government has not entered collective bargaining with the GTU over the last three and a half years. As teachers took to the street in Port Mourant, Corentyne yesterday where the President was commissioning the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc, he reminded that he had promised incremental benefits. Ali said that last year he met with nurses, teachers and the public service where he had said that they have a duty to improve in totality the education and health care systems. “That is why we are spending three times more per student than we have ever spent in the history of our country from 2019 to now, three times more on every child. Building an enabling environment, creating infrastructure, ensuring that our students are in the best environment for learning, training and development for our teachers, our nurses, our public servants and I said to them then that we are going to commence the process of fixing your welfare.” According to Ali, presently it is believed by the citizenry that “all the resources is available now”, however, he said that it won’t be until 2027 the real growth in revenue coming in would be seen. “And I said to our teachers, our nurses, our public servants, and I say to them now again that we are committed to giving you the best life possible. There is no need to politicize, it is for sure that the present situation with the teachers has been overtaken by political expediency”, he charged. He said that he had explained that the government is going to work in an “incremental way” to ensure that they “have the best welfare package that you will have anywhere else in the region right here in Guyana but it will take time.” He continued: “But I assured them, even today, that this government will ensure that their total package is the best welfare package they could have in this region as time progress.” Ali said that teachers do not need to “down tools” as the government is committed to their wellbeing.
Legislative
Opposition blasts gov’t for move on NRF $$: The APNU+AFC Parliamentary Opposition recently pilloried the government for paving the way for increased extractions from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), following the passage of the Fiscal Enactments Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2024 on Friday night in the National Assembly. The bill was passed in the absence of the opposition which walked out to register their indignation at what they said was eavesdropping and the broadcasting of private conversations by their members, within the confines of their private room in the precincts of parliament at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton during a press conference held yesterday at Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown, said that the government intentionally proposed a new formula so that it can withdraw 100% of the first US$1 billion of deposits paid into the NRF in the immediately preceding fiscal year. The previous NRF legislation which was controversially passed on December 29, 2021, stated that 100% of the first US$500 million paid into the fund in the immediately preceding fiscal year can be withdrawn. Against this backdrop, the Opposition Leader asked what the government would say to the Guyanese people if there were any eventualities such as an oil spill or any worst-case scenario, and there were no intergenerational savings to take the country out of such a crisis. According to Norton, the government’s control and abuse of the NRF will result in a financial crisis which will reflect poorly on the governance of the incumbent regime. He remarked, “The PPP’s decision to overturn the Natural Resource Fund’s withdrawal rules, rules they put in place only a few years ago, should fill every last man, woman and child in Guyana with dread.”
Security
Tech upgrade to be a key GDF focus: From its $42b allocation from the country’s $1.146 trillion budget, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will not only focus on military hardware but there will also be greater emphasis on technological enhancements and human resource development, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali last Thursday said. “Synergy is not only investing in assets but investing in assets and technology that offers a synergy with our partners and our allies so that we have seamless integration when needed,” Ali yesterday said in his address at the opening of the GDF’s Annual Officers Conference at Base Camp Ayanagana. The President contended that the focus is necessary to ensure there is military efficiency and reliability, even as the technology upgrades and higher learning of army personnel allows this country to work closely with its defence partners whenever necessary. “I want this conference to understand that as we move now to this agenda described in a nutshell, by the Chief of Staff that deals with the issue of national defence strategy, there will be, based on our assessment, some reorientation, reorganizing of the way we do our work and perform our tasks and of course, we’ll have to re-engage at a different level. With the type of assets that we’re investing in, there will be structural changes. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said. “So, this conference must address the shift in our asset base, that would definitely affect a shift in strategy and then, rework structurally, how we adapt to these shifts in ensuring that we remain efficient, and reliable,” he added. Ali pointed out that when he took office and spoke at his first officer’s conference, he had committed to the transformation of the Guyana Defence Force, where “government would lead the transformation through investment, technology, training and development fostering a cultural shift in the way the way Guyana Defence Force is viewed, retooling and upskilling.”
Health
Health Ministry launches telepathology lab on World Cancer Day: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health Sys-tem of New York, USA last Sunday unveiled a state-of-the-art Telepathology Laboratory at the George-town Public Hospital for World Cancer Day. President Irfaan Ali, during his feature address, said that the facility was established at the most convenient period to champion World Cancer Day which was held under the theme “Close the Care Cap”. He noted that there was a gap between those who can afford cancer treatment and those who cannot. Additionally, systems are designed which don’t allow people to benefit from the treatment of this ailment. However, Ali said, Guyana will bridge this gap through partnerships with accredited healthcare institutions, like Northwell and Mount Sinai. He said that the use of technology through telepathology would serve as a bridge in this gap. Telepathology involves image capturing which provides the pathologist with enough information to make a diagnosis. This could include biological tissue, blood smears, culture plates, and other data. Pathologists can use digital pathology via three primary systems: Static image-based systems, virtual-slide systems, and real-time systems. Ali remarked, “Today we are seeing a scenario where we are utilising this tool of technology with Mount Sinai to close this gap which will make monumental changes in the delivery of quality healthcare from 30 days to between 24 hours and seven days.” President Ali said his government has made major strides in improving the healthcare sector for the three years it has been in office, but admitted that there is still room for improvement as many of the services offered at Guyana’s premier medical institution are substandard. He said that there must be no shortcut in developing services at primary healthcare institutions, which was why the government partnered with accredited healthcare institutes such as Mount Sinai and Northwell to aid this development.
Oil & Gas
Simulator to train oil platform workers launched: As part of the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc (GTTCI) at Port Mourant, Corentyne, President Irfaan Ali last week commissioned a Facility Simulator to the tune of US$13m which will train workers for the offshore oil platforms. The simulator better known as FacTor is a state-of-the-art training facility that is the first phase to be completed as part of the wider GTTCI, an alliance between the Government of Guyana and the Stabroek Block co-venturers, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Hess and CNOOC. The FacTor training site consists of classrooms, workshops and the FacTor module. The project is funded by the Stabroek block co-venturers to the tune of approximately US$13M ($2.6B) and was planned and developed by EMGL in close collaboration with SBM Offshore who oversaw the design and construction of the FacTor unit. The facility is designed to provide practical training for multiple program-mes, enabling trainees to execute practice operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities in an environment that mirrors real-life plant conditions. The facility is considered safe for training because it is designed to use mediums such as water and air, and there are no potentially hazardous gases or liquids used. The plant comprises several major pieces of equipment to simulate the process conditions on a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform in a safe and controlled environment. Trainers across four disciplines – Mechanical, Instrumentation, Electrical, and Production. The facility is designed to recognize industrial standards used in the oil, gas, and energy industry worldwide and is expected to have a positive impact on the local oil and gas sector by providing trained technicians who will have the relevant competencies and skills to execute their roles offshore. Ali speaking at the commissioning yesterday in Port Mourant, said that the GTTCI was conceptualized just two years ago and is a part of the government’s programme to provide skills training aimed at preparing students for employment in three sectors.
Guysuco
Sugar refinery to be built at shuttered East Demerara Estate – President: Holding firm to the position that sugar here is still viable, coupled with the expectation that this year’s production will reach the 100,000-tonne mark, President Irfaan Ali last Monday announced that a sugar refinery will be built at the shuttered East Demerara Estate at Enmore. “Just to let you know that we are going to invest in GuySuCo because GuySuCo can be profitable. We are now working on a plan through which we will get the 100,000 tonnes this year. But more importantly, we have an investor who is in the final stage of an investment decision soon, to convert the Enmore sugar estate that is now closed, into a sugar refinery, to refine the brown sugar there,” the President told the Private Sector Commission’s Annual Corporate Dinner, held at the Marriott Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown on Monday. He informed that the factory will have “a capacity of doing 1,800,000 metric tonnes annually. So whatever we can supply we will supply, then we will have to fill the gap so refining would occur.” Ali did not name the investor and also did not expound on what he meant by government filling the gaps and if that meant government itself would be purchasing additional cane. The President is optimistic that “hundreds of upscale jobs will be created there” and that there will be “more opportunities for transport and logistics again” to serve the sugar refinery and that the project would be operational by 2026. “So all of these things, I am telling you, is on the cards to come in two years’ time,” he declared, putting the private sector on notice that they will have “a very important role” to play. Government last year said that it would transform the East Coast into a business and housing development zone, equipped to provide ample jobs and homes for residents of the area.
Industrial death
Stevedore crushed to death on John Fernandes wharf: The bereaved family of Trevor Jones, who was crushed by a reversing super-reach stacker at the John Fernandes wharf last Tuesday is awaiting an official statement from the company about the incident. Meanwhile the Ministry of Labour says an investigation is underway. Anastacia Jones, Trevor’s daughter, told Stabroek News that her father had left home on Monday morning for work. She said that Trevor would often work for prolonged hours and since his departure for work on Monday morning, he had not returned home. Trevor’s wife, Diane Tappin, disclosed that the couple had shared a relationship for 28 years, and described Jones as helpful and loving. She recalled that on Monday, after he left for work, she cooked food but later realised that her husband was working overtime. Yesterday morning, after noticing that he hadn’t returned home for the meal, she was preparing to give him a call when she received the news of his death at about 7:50 am. Upon arrival at the wharf the family was denied entry into the compound. Tappin said, “When I get there, he just smash up that’s all.” Trevor had been employed at John Fernandes Wharf for 18 years and was dedicated to his work, Tappin added. As a dedicated worker, he would work for long hours, the wife recounted. “We don’t know how we feel. Very sad would be an understatement. Sometimes for a whole week he wouldn’t come home and work through, but it is a normal thing.” The Ministry of Labour says it is currently investigating the fatal accident.
Murder
‘Dreddy’ shot dead near ‘wake’ house in South Ruimveldt: A 49-year-old man of Campbellville, Georgetown, was shot and killed in the wee hours of February 4th at South Ruimveldt Park, where he had gone to attend a wake. Dead is Joseph Wilkinson called ‘Dreddy’. A relative told Stabroek News that the incident occurred at about 12:20 hrs yesterday, in South Ruimveldt Park, where Wilkinson had gone to attend a wake. This newspaper was told that he was shot several times about his body and was rushed to the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Stabroek News visited the area and was informed that the shooting incident occurred a short distance away from the ‘wake’ house. Wilkinson was one of three men charged with possession of 210 kilogrammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking in 2021.
Two Alness men chopped to death: Two Corentyne men were chopped to death on the night of February 2nd at Alness Village, Corentyne following a domestic dispute involving a woman. One of the men who died had intervened to save the other. Dead are Floudy Moore also known as “Kinga”, 51, and Quacky LaRose also known as “Bloodie Eye”, 34, a labourer, both of Alness Village, Corentyne. Moore reportedly sustained chop injuries to his neck and head while LaRose was chopped about his body. According to information gathered, the incident happened just after 11 pm at Lot 77 Alness Village, Corentyne. The suspect identified as Devon Stanley, 32, a cane harvester of Lot 64 Ulverston Village, Corentyne, has since turned himself over to the police. According to information gathered, Moore and the woman who resided at the location shared a close relationship. Relatives said that Moore would provide money for her to cook meals daily for him. The Sunday Stabroek was told that on Friday night, Moore arrived at the location where he discovered the woman and the suspect in bed which then led to a fight. Residents yesterday said that the suspect then armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Moore on his neck and about his body. LaRose who also lives at the location in the lower flat attempted to intervene and rescue Moore but the suspect in a fit of rage then turned-on LaRose.
In the court
Opposition MPs seeking to have Jagdeo’s seat in Parliament declared vacant: Having been absent from the National Assembly for more than six consecutive sittings of the First Session of the Twelfth Parliament, the APNU+AFC opposition is seeking to have Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s seat declared vacant. In an action filed, opposition MPs Christopher Jones and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley are asking a Court to declare Jagdeo’s seat vacated, because of his absence from the House. In a joint press statement they issued after filing their application yesterday, Jones and Sarabo-Halley said that “good governance relies heavily on the active participation of all elected officials.” At a press conference last week, Jagdeo said that the issue will be addressed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. Through their attorney Roysdale Forde SC, the Applicants have advanced in their fixed date application (FDA) that given the conjoint effect of Articles 54 and 156 1 (b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 106 (2) of the National Assembly, Jagdeo’s seat stands vacated because of his absence. Jones and Sarabo-Halley argue that in accordance with Article 183 (2) of the Constitution, as a consequence of Jagdeo’s absence, he ceases to be a member of Cabinet and to hold the offices of Vice President and Minister of the Government. They depose in their application that recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings of the 69th to 79th sittings of the National Assembly of the First Session (2020-2024) of the Twelfth Parliament, Jagdeo has been absent for 11 consecutive sittings. Noting that the Minutes are a conclusive record of the Assembly’s proceedings, Jones and Sarabo-Halley say that the relevant constitutional provisions and the Standing Order, provide that Members of the National Assembly shall vacate their seats given such absence. Article 156 (1) (b) they note, provides that if such a person is absent from the sittings of the Assembly for such period, and in such circumstances, as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of the Assembly; then that person must vacate their seat. Article 106 (2) they then went on to emphasize, states that “if without the leave of the Speaker obtained in writing before the end of the last of the Sittings referred to in this paragraph, any elected Member is absent from the Assembly for more than six (6) consecutive Sittings occurring during the same Session and within a period of not longer than two calendar months, he or she shall vacate his or her seat in the Assembly under Article 54 and 156 (1) (b) of the Constitution.”
Two found guilty of killing agriculturalist: Donnel Trapp and Paul Goriah are now awaiting sentencing after a jury last Thursday afternoon found them guilty of the 2016 killing of Soesdyke-Hill Foot farmer/agriculturalist Anthony Breedy. The duo had been indicted for murder, but following hours of deliberations, the jury returned with unanimous verdicts of guilty to manslaughter for both. Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall has deferred sentencing to February 29th to first hear from probation and other social impact reports. Back in June of 2022, Keimo Corbin, the third accomplice in Breedy’s killing, was handed a life sentence after pleading guilty to murder. He admitted murdering Breedy in the company of others, between March 12th and 14th, 2016 during a robbery at the man’s home. The trial which ended yesterday was Trapp’s second as a jury back in May of 2022 was unable to arrive at a verdict. It was, however, the first time that Goriah had been facing trial. Goriah was among thirteen prisoners who escaped from the Lusignan Prison in July 2017. He was captured in June, 2020 by authorities in neighbouring Suriname on an attempted robbery there.
Man to serve 12 years over killing of Cuban butcher: “I want to apologize to the deceased family. I never meant to take their loved one’s life.” That was the statement by Patrick Smith Felix to the Court and the surviving relatives of Cuban butcher—Ofredis Duarte Campos—just before he was handed a 24-year sentence for the part he played in the man’s killing. Campos was shot as he made his way to work on what tomorrow morning will be four years to the day he lost his life. While he admits his involvement in the man’s death as being the get-away rider of the motorcycle used to commit the crime, Felix told investigators that it was his accomplice who was the shooter. Though sentenced to 24 years, the offender will spend just about 12 years owing to deductions granted by the Court. Following the presentation of a probation and other social impact reports at his sentencing-hearing on Tuesday, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall commenced the sentence at a base of 24 years. From that base, the Judge made a one-third deduction for Felix’s guilty bringing the total to 18 years. She then took a further three years off for mitigating circumstances; but then added one year because the offender has a previous conviction for larceny. A sentence of 16 years remained following all the deductions, but Justice Morris-Ramlall has ordered that therefrom, the prison is to deduct the time the accused spent on remand awaiting trial.
Drug bust
Man who served long jail sentence in Barbados for drugs held with `Creepy’: Rohan Rambarran, one of a number of Guyanese jailed in Barbados in 2009 for drugs, was held last Friday with a large amount of foreign marijuana known as `Creepy’, according to CANU. A release from the Cus-toms Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) said that yesterday its officers conducted an operation at Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, where they intercepted a motor vehicle driven by a male. A search of the motor vehicle revealed five large bales wrapped with black plastic, containing 250 brick-like parcels suspected to be cannabis. CANU said that a further search was conducted at the residence which led to the discovery of seven 9mm live rounds of ammunition in a magazine. Rambarran called “Sauce” of Eccles Housing Scheme, was arrested and escorted to CANU’s Head-quarters along with the ammunition and suspected cannabis which was tested and determined to be foreign marijuana known as “Creepy”. In December 2009, Rambarran, along with four others were convicted in Barbados for the importation, possession and trafficking of 91.3 kilos of cannabis and 119.4 kilos of cocaine which were hidden in logs discovered on 29th November 2005. Rambarran was sentenced concurrently to 25 years for trafficking canna-bis and 30 years for trafficking cocaine. On 29th August 2019, the Barbados Court of Appeal ordered the release of Rambarran on time served, and he was subsequently deported to Guyana.
