Kaieteur News news item, Tuesday 27 October 2009 - "Delayed $400M conservancy project now hinges on World Bank" - http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/10/27/delayed-400m-conservancy-project-now-hinges-on-world-bank/
By Gary Eleazar
The $400M funded World Bank Project that involves works to be carried out on the East Demerara Water Conservancy was at one time placed on hold because of the fact that the lone bidder had submitted a bid that was over inflated.
A Hymac undertakes remedial works in the conservancy
A Hymac undertakes remedial works in the conservancy
Today that project hinges on a renewed proposal to that bank.
According to Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, ever since the cancellation of the bid that is in keeping with the Procurement Guidelines established by the World Bank and the Government of Guyana, his Ministry has requested the reformulation of the Pre- Investment Studies in light of the current situation that obtains with respect to climate change and the country’s Drainage and Irrigation Master plan.
Persaud, in an interview with this newspaper, disclosed that his Ministry has provided all the technical information relevant to the project.
“We had undertaken a number of works in the Conservancy under the NDIA (Hope Canal Project) and the World Bank Technical Team has since reviewed and resubmitted Terms of Reference that only includes the work that needs to be done but has not been completed.”
He did emphasise that it should be noted that by completing these works NDIA has effected cost savings on the Project.
“This means that the likelihood of having a successful bidder has increased significantly because of the intervention of the government.”
According to Persaud, NDIA has since received the document and he was informed that the review is complete and will be forwarded to the Bank for Final review and No-Objection yesterday.
He stated that the Tender document and the Expression of Interest have already been prepared simultaneous and once the No Objection is received, “we will be launching the EOI and then the Calls for Proposals before the end of the Year.”
“In my view, the World Bank can move quickly to assist in early implementation,” Persaud said. The World Bank approved grant funding for the project some two years ago. The Conservancy has been a source of grave concern recently, given unusual periods of heavy rainfall.
When the conservancy, which holds water to irrigate farmlands during the dry season, is overwhelmed, it threatens the integrity of the dam, which, if compromised could cause widespread flooding on the heavily populated East Coast Demerara.
In recent years, during the rainy season when the water built up in the Conservancy, the government has had cause to release the water into the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers, flooding out the farming communities along the rivers.
Some residents have had to abandon their homes and farmlands and have taken up housing offered by Food for the Poor. The World Bank, on October 11, 2007, approved what it called ‘The Conservancy Adaptation Project’, for overall, US$3.8 million.
The project aims at strengthening the government’s and donor understanding of the EDWC system and coastal drainage patterns through the integration of advanced mapping and engineering analysis.
The project also aims at implementing infrastructure investments to improve drainage performance, to strengthen the institutional capacity for managing water and floodwater levels, and to guide interventions to reduce Guyana’s vulnerability to floods.
According to Minister Persaud, after the Request for Proposals was closed for Component 1 of the project, which involved the pre-investment studies for the engineering design of works, one tender was received.
He indicated that the evaluation committee recommended that the tender be annulled since the Bidder exceeded the set budgeted price by more than 100 per cent.
Accordingly, the tender has since been reformulated and will be launched internationally shortly.
He noted that World Bank is financing the development of the technical foundation for a master plan of future interventions within Conservancy and lowland drainage systems, as well as specific upgrading works and operational improvements aimed at enhancing the flood control capacity of the EDWC.
“The tools developed under the analytical component will be used by the (government) and donor agencies to guide future investments,” Persaud stated.
The objective of Phase One is to provide the hydrologic baseline necessary for contemplating rational interventions aimed at increasing the current discharge capacity of the flood control system.
The Conservancy system includes a reservoir, fronted by an earthen dam; drainage channels, used to release excess water from the reservoir during the rainy season; and a network of canals used to provide drinking water and irrigation during the dry seasons.
Because of this system, farmers are able to realise two harvests of sugar cane and rice annually.
The drainage relief structures were created to protect the EDWC dam from overtopping and collapsing during rainy seasons.
As the sea levels rise, the hydraulic head between the EDWC water control structures and sea outlets is significantly reduced. The smaller head reduces both the flow rate and discharge window available to discharge excess water from the system.
In addition, sea level rise has shortened the discharge window for the coastal plain. At present, flood control is managed on an emergency basis and control efforts focused on responding to immediate needs rather than the development of long-term control strategies.
This system of flood control is no longer effective and there are limitations on the ability to manage water levels in the coastal plain and prevent flooding.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The police probe and Roger Khan
The police probe and Roger Khan
Stabroek News Editorial. October 26, 2009.
After years of unremitting pressure, the government seems to be attempting to do something about the elephant in the room – the rampage of Roger Khan and his cohorts in these parts. It came in the form of an announcement by the police inviting all and sundry to testify before the police about what they know about alleged murders committed by Mr Khan’s gang and by the notorious `Fineman’.
Whoever thinks that this was the initiative of the police force is deluded. Nothing about Roger Khan will ever see the light of day without the political directorate carefully scripting the act and putting the force’s figurehead in front of a teleprompter. It must be remembered that when pressed by the media on several occasions about the allegations flowing from the Brooklyn court about Roger Khan and what it revealed about his government, President Jagdeo brushed aside the matter by saying that it was up to the police to investigate these alleged murders and other matters. It was to put it lightly an unvarnished attempt to fabricate a parallel reality. Roger Khan is a political hot potato for the police force and is therefore a no fly zone. The discerning public is well aware of this. Second, President Jagdeo would no doubt be fully cognisant that the police force is intrinsically incapable of investigating any of these murders and other aberrations of the Khan and `Fineman’ rampage and so this would have been futile from the start.
This sop to the public is probably the result of the pressure that has been applied here and abroad over the Roger Khan debacle. It is also a pre-emptive strike to blunt any embarrassment at the upcoming meetings over REDD and the climate campaign at Copenhagen particularly in light of the governance issues that will be raised by donor countries and multilateral institutions. It won’t, however, amount to much and in the crucial weeks leading up to Copenhagen President Jagdeo and his spin doctors will have much explaining to do.
The bland announcement by the police force is an insult to the years of death, maiming, bloodshed and grief that rained upon the populace beginning in 2002 at the hands of the escapees who fled Camp Street in 2002 and the phantom groups that were subcontracted to go after them. And the timing, days after the sentencing of Roger Khan adds further insult to injury. Is it the case that the police have only now been convinced that Roger Khan is worthy of investigation simply because of his sentencing in New York? Even though he pleaded guilty months ago to conspiracy to import cocaine into the US and a dangerous witness tampering charge? Even though for years ordinary citizens here have harboured grave concerns about what he was engaged in and had repeatedly pressed the authorities in various ways to act?
And this is why the invitation by the police to members of the public is likely to be viewed with pure cynicism and trepidation. Can the police and the government reasonably expect people to come forward and testify when there are irresistible leads pointing to collaboration between Roger Khan and the police/government? The earliest indicator of this was his apprehension at Good Hope with high-powered weapons and the spy equipment, the clear reluctance to charge him and his subsequent acquittal on all of the charges. More recently, this view has been cemented by the shenanigans surrounding the spy equipment, several pieces of which Khan was able to import and one of which his now convicted lawyer Robert Simels apparently spirited out of the country. Also knotted into this are the allegations swirling around Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and his alleged facilitating of the purchase of one of the spy machines. So organized was this assistance programme for Khan that a trainer was dispatched here to school those who would be using the equipment. Surely if the police were serious about investigating Khan’s organization they would have already ferreted out information on the trainer’s movements here and tracked down who he was in touch with and relating to.
Do the police expect the public to have any confidence in their probe when Roger Khan operated here as the number one drug kingpin without so much as being hauled in for questioning? If in the six or seven years he functioned here as a drug trafficker and as the head of a violent criminal network that allegedly murdered dozens of people without being investigated by law enforcement authorities and prosecuted is it realistic to believe that the police can make any meaningful inroads in this investigation so long after the fact and with many of the potential witnesses not here or in the great beyond? How can these lapses – the length of the Essequibo – be squared with what the police are now attempting to do?
Do the police expect the public to come forward when dozens of serving and former law enforcement officers were known to be in the employ of Mr Khan? Many of the phantom killings were attended by strange movements of police vehicles and personnel as if to ensure that there was no hindrance or apprehension of those involved. Who is to say that these men are still not in the employ of the force or retain the ability to penetrate the upper echelons and gather information about what witnesses are presenting to the police? Remember it was Mr Khan himself who bugged the office of Commissioner Felix probably with the assistance of some ranking police officer.
Do the police expect the public to take this probe seriously when there are myriad recourses to the courts in New York for sworn affidavits, testimony and witnesses? If the force acted only after Roger Khan was sentenced in New York should it not have immediately applied to the courts there for all of the relevant testimony, access to witnesses and Mr Khan himself? There are state-to-state mechanisms in place for this as reported in yesterday’s Sunday Stabroek but does the government really want to find out about Roger Khan’s drug business and the dealings of the phantom gang? Will Minister Rohee, as head of the designated agency under the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters now formally approach the US government for material which may not even have been made available to the courts and publicise this request so that the public can judge the government’s seriousness?
Yet, it is sage advice as provided by the Guyana Human Rights Association that this current investigation – warts and all – must be tested to fullest so that the sincerity and the machinery of the law enforcement agencies and the government could be assessed. Perhaps it could lead to a broader enquiry. However, before this is done the police force and the government need to put confidence-building measures in place or else the hotlines will remain silent and the force bereft of any meaningful leads. Considering that the force is riddled with corruption and that some of its serving members were colluding with Khan and may have taken part in some of his extrajudicial operations, the government has to enable a decent distance between those who might want to testify and the police force. One way of doing this is to have a team of credible civil society members and perhaps a senior law enforcement officer from within the Caribbean, be part of the investigating process. This will comfort potential witnesses who are likely to be skeptical that their accounts will be taken seriously by the police.
Second as was the case during the very limited investigation of former Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj, there is an irrefutable need for witness protection. Remember that George Bacchus paid with his life after deciding to spill the beans. How this can be achieved in the present circumstances is unclear. There is, however, plea bargain legislation which could be employed to convince some who may not have committed the most serious crimes to tell of what they know in return for lighter penalties.
Third, if there are remnants of Roger Khan’s network engaged in illicit activities and continuing businesses in his name, the police, CANU and the Financial Intelligence Unit under the new anti-money laundering act, should immediately set about investigating even if this is shamelessly after the fact. There should also be a careful review by a security expert from outside the disciplined forces on why they failed so shockingly to detect and investigate Mr Khan over the drug business. This should entail detailed interviews with the police commissioners in question. Such moves would encourage members of the public to believe that the police are serious about getting to the bottom of this brutal phase of our history. It will be an uphill task.
8 Comments (Open | Close)
8 Comments To "The police probe and Roger Khan"
#1 Comment By coolieman On October 26, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Time to move on
#2 Comment By tkhemraj On October 26, 2009 @ 11:00 am
Very good editorial. Only Stabroek News could say it like this.
#3 Comment By tkhemraj On October 26, 2009 @ 11:05 am
EDITORIAL: “Do the police expect the public to come forward when dozens of serving and former law enforcement officers were known to be in the employ of Mr Khan? Many of the phantom killings were attended by strange movements of police vehicles and personnel as if to ensure that there was no hindrance or apprehension of those involved.”
Well that more or less sums up the spurious nature of the inquiry!
#4 Comment By Bismattie Ramsawak On October 26, 2009 @ 11:42 am
A courageously honest editorial by the Stabroek News… very courageous indeed.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/editorial/10/26/the-police-probe-and-roger-khan/
Stabroek News Editorial. October 26, 2009.
After years of unremitting pressure, the government seems to be attempting to do something about the elephant in the room – the rampage of Roger Khan and his cohorts in these parts. It came in the form of an announcement by the police inviting all and sundry to testify before the police about what they know about alleged murders committed by Mr Khan’s gang and by the notorious `Fineman’.
Whoever thinks that this was the initiative of the police force is deluded. Nothing about Roger Khan will ever see the light of day without the political directorate carefully scripting the act and putting the force’s figurehead in front of a teleprompter. It must be remembered that when pressed by the media on several occasions about the allegations flowing from the Brooklyn court about Roger Khan and what it revealed about his government, President Jagdeo brushed aside the matter by saying that it was up to the police to investigate these alleged murders and other matters. It was to put it lightly an unvarnished attempt to fabricate a parallel reality. Roger Khan is a political hot potato for the police force and is therefore a no fly zone. The discerning public is well aware of this. Second, President Jagdeo would no doubt be fully cognisant that the police force is intrinsically incapable of investigating any of these murders and other aberrations of the Khan and `Fineman’ rampage and so this would have been futile from the start.
This sop to the public is probably the result of the pressure that has been applied here and abroad over the Roger Khan debacle. It is also a pre-emptive strike to blunt any embarrassment at the upcoming meetings over REDD and the climate campaign at Copenhagen particularly in light of the governance issues that will be raised by donor countries and multilateral institutions. It won’t, however, amount to much and in the crucial weeks leading up to Copenhagen President Jagdeo and his spin doctors will have much explaining to do.
The bland announcement by the police force is an insult to the years of death, maiming, bloodshed and grief that rained upon the populace beginning in 2002 at the hands of the escapees who fled Camp Street in 2002 and the phantom groups that were subcontracted to go after them. And the timing, days after the sentencing of Roger Khan adds further insult to injury. Is it the case that the police have only now been convinced that Roger Khan is worthy of investigation simply because of his sentencing in New York? Even though he pleaded guilty months ago to conspiracy to import cocaine into the US and a dangerous witness tampering charge? Even though for years ordinary citizens here have harboured grave concerns about what he was engaged in and had repeatedly pressed the authorities in various ways to act?
And this is why the invitation by the police to members of the public is likely to be viewed with pure cynicism and trepidation. Can the police and the government reasonably expect people to come forward and testify when there are irresistible leads pointing to collaboration between Roger Khan and the police/government? The earliest indicator of this was his apprehension at Good Hope with high-powered weapons and the spy equipment, the clear reluctance to charge him and his subsequent acquittal on all of the charges. More recently, this view has been cemented by the shenanigans surrounding the spy equipment, several pieces of which Khan was able to import and one of which his now convicted lawyer Robert Simels apparently spirited out of the country. Also knotted into this are the allegations swirling around Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and his alleged facilitating of the purchase of one of the spy machines. So organized was this assistance programme for Khan that a trainer was dispatched here to school those who would be using the equipment. Surely if the police were serious about investigating Khan’s organization they would have already ferreted out information on the trainer’s movements here and tracked down who he was in touch with and relating to.
Do the police expect the public to have any confidence in their probe when Roger Khan operated here as the number one drug kingpin without so much as being hauled in for questioning? If in the six or seven years he functioned here as a drug trafficker and as the head of a violent criminal network that allegedly murdered dozens of people without being investigated by law enforcement authorities and prosecuted is it realistic to believe that the police can make any meaningful inroads in this investigation so long after the fact and with many of the potential witnesses not here or in the great beyond? How can these lapses – the length of the Essequibo – be squared with what the police are now attempting to do?
Do the police expect the public to come forward when dozens of serving and former law enforcement officers were known to be in the employ of Mr Khan? Many of the phantom killings were attended by strange movements of police vehicles and personnel as if to ensure that there was no hindrance or apprehension of those involved. Who is to say that these men are still not in the employ of the force or retain the ability to penetrate the upper echelons and gather information about what witnesses are presenting to the police? Remember it was Mr Khan himself who bugged the office of Commissioner Felix probably with the assistance of some ranking police officer.
Do the police expect the public to take this probe seriously when there are myriad recourses to the courts in New York for sworn affidavits, testimony and witnesses? If the force acted only after Roger Khan was sentenced in New York should it not have immediately applied to the courts there for all of the relevant testimony, access to witnesses and Mr Khan himself? There are state-to-state mechanisms in place for this as reported in yesterday’s Sunday Stabroek but does the government really want to find out about Roger Khan’s drug business and the dealings of the phantom gang? Will Minister Rohee, as head of the designated agency under the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters now formally approach the US government for material which may not even have been made available to the courts and publicise this request so that the public can judge the government’s seriousness?
Yet, it is sage advice as provided by the Guyana Human Rights Association that this current investigation – warts and all – must be tested to fullest so that the sincerity and the machinery of the law enforcement agencies and the government could be assessed. Perhaps it could lead to a broader enquiry. However, before this is done the police force and the government need to put confidence-building measures in place or else the hotlines will remain silent and the force bereft of any meaningful leads. Considering that the force is riddled with corruption and that some of its serving members were colluding with Khan and may have taken part in some of his extrajudicial operations, the government has to enable a decent distance between those who might want to testify and the police force. One way of doing this is to have a team of credible civil society members and perhaps a senior law enforcement officer from within the Caribbean, be part of the investigating process. This will comfort potential witnesses who are likely to be skeptical that their accounts will be taken seriously by the police.
Second as was the case during the very limited investigation of former Home Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj, there is an irrefutable need for witness protection. Remember that George Bacchus paid with his life after deciding to spill the beans. How this can be achieved in the present circumstances is unclear. There is, however, plea bargain legislation which could be employed to convince some who may not have committed the most serious crimes to tell of what they know in return for lighter penalties.
Third, if there are remnants of Roger Khan’s network engaged in illicit activities and continuing businesses in his name, the police, CANU and the Financial Intelligence Unit under the new anti-money laundering act, should immediately set about investigating even if this is shamelessly after the fact. There should also be a careful review by a security expert from outside the disciplined forces on why they failed so shockingly to detect and investigate Mr Khan over the drug business. This should entail detailed interviews with the police commissioners in question. Such moves would encourage members of the public to believe that the police are serious about getting to the bottom of this brutal phase of our history. It will be an uphill task.
8 Comments (Open | Close)
8 Comments To "The police probe and Roger Khan"
#1 Comment By coolieman On October 26, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Time to move on
#2 Comment By tkhemraj On October 26, 2009 @ 11:00 am
Very good editorial. Only Stabroek News could say it like this.
#3 Comment By tkhemraj On October 26, 2009 @ 11:05 am
EDITORIAL: “Do the police expect the public to come forward when dozens of serving and former law enforcement officers were known to be in the employ of Mr Khan? Many of the phantom killings were attended by strange movements of police vehicles and personnel as if to ensure that there was no hindrance or apprehension of those involved.”
Well that more or less sums up the spurious nature of the inquiry!
#4 Comment By Bismattie Ramsawak On October 26, 2009 @ 11:42 am
A courageously honest editorial by the Stabroek News… very courageous indeed.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/editorial/10/26/the-police-probe-and-roger-khan/
Saturday, October 24, 2009
GuySuCo says fees for trademark litigation reasonable
GuySuCo says fees for trademark litigation reasonable
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 24, 2009 @ 5:19 am In Local News | No Comments
The Guyana Sugar Corporation is currently engaged in defending its rights to the trademark ‘Demerara Gold’, both in the United States and in Canada against claims made by Bedessee Imports Inc. and Bedessee Imports Ltd, and according to the corporation the fees being charged by the lawyers are moderate and reasonable.
In any event and more so in a case as complex as this one, the fees are nothing close to the US$1,500 an hour as reported by the Kaieteur News in its edition of October 20, 2009, GuySuCo said in a news release yesterday.
The Guyana Government and the Minister of Agriculture are also parties to the litigation in the US.
GuySuCo is maintaining that it has the exclusive right to the trademark ‘Demerara Gold’ and expects to be vindicated in the pending proceedings in furtherance of its strategic plan to develop ‘Demerara Gold’ as a flagship product.
GuySuCo’s lawyers in the US are Foley Hoag LLP, a firm with offices in Washington, DC and Boston. This is the same law firm that successfully spearheaded the case for the Government of Guyana in the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname, the release added.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/24/guysuco-says-fees-for-trademark-litigation-reasonable/
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 24, 2009 @ 5:19 am In Local News | No Comments
The Guyana Sugar Corporation is currently engaged in defending its rights to the trademark ‘Demerara Gold’, both in the United States and in Canada against claims made by Bedessee Imports Inc. and Bedessee Imports Ltd, and according to the corporation the fees being charged by the lawyers are moderate and reasonable.
In any event and more so in a case as complex as this one, the fees are nothing close to the US$1,500 an hour as reported by the Kaieteur News in its edition of October 20, 2009, GuySuCo said in a news release yesterday.
The Guyana Government and the Minister of Agriculture are also parties to the litigation in the US.
GuySuCo is maintaining that it has the exclusive right to the trademark ‘Demerara Gold’ and expects to be vindicated in the pending proceedings in furtherance of its strategic plan to develop ‘Demerara Gold’ as a flagship product.
GuySuCo’s lawyers in the US are Foley Hoag LLP, a firm with offices in Washington, DC and Boston. This is the same law firm that successfully spearheaded the case for the Government of Guyana in the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname, the release added.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/24/guysuco-says-fees-for-trademark-litigation-reasonable/
Phantom probe should be tested – GHRA
Phantom probe should be tested – GHRA
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 24, 2009 @ 5:37 am In Local News | 24 Comments
– police say no response yet
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) yesterday said it is important to test the bona fides of the announced investigation by the police into the alleged murders by drug convict Roger Khan by collaborating with their call for public cooperation.
Seelall Persaud [1]
Seelall Persaud
The GHRA, in a press release yesterday entitled `Phantom enquiry must not be a charade’, suggested a number of initial steps which it said would establish both the parameters of the task at hand and provide the force with an opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity of the initiative.
The first step, according to the GHRA, should be the compilation of a list of all the unresolved cases of deaths which occurred between February 2002 — the year and month five dangerous prisoners escaped triggering one of the worst crime sprees in recent history — and the arrest of Khan in 2006. The list should be published for public scrutiny and for additions and subtractions by any interested party.
The second step, the human rights body said, should see the police providing updates of the status of as many cases on the list for which they have information.
The third step should then see an agreement involving all parliamentary parties as to how to deal with the rest of the list. If normal criminal procedures are not possible for a variety of reasons then the relevant parties may jointly need to agree to a process, which while not strictly judicial, “will bring a measure of closure, justice and healing to the families most affected by the deaths as well as to the society in general.”
No response
Meanwhile, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, who is heading the investigative team, told Stabroek News yesterday that since the force’s announcement on Tuesday there had been no response from members of the public.
Asked if the force would be contacting some of Khan’s close associates, including a number of former policemen one of whom is in jail on a murder charge, the Assistant Commissioner of police said that the police had an investigative team “out there” and “wherever the investigation leads them they would investigate and question people.”
Three former policemen, Ricardo Rodrigues, Shawn Belfield — for whom the police have issued an arrest warrant in connection with a double murder — and Mark Roberts, now in jail on a double murder charges, were held with Khan in Suriname in 2006 before the drug convict was taken to the US.
Following the police’s announcement the PNCR said that it was not “impressed” by what it described as the “latest manoeuvre” by the government “to deceive the world that it is taking some action against the atrocities committed in Guyana.”
The opposition party at its weekly press conference on Thursday said the force’s belated call for individuals and groups to provide evidence is “another attempt to fool the public that the police are not in possession of any evidence.” It said it was a serious indictment on the force after more than 200 gangland-style executions were committed in this jurisdiction.
The major opposition party said it rejected the announcement as it was clearly another attempt to deceive the people of Guyana and to shift the focus of the demand by the opposition for an international inquiry which would not hone in on Khan alone, but on criminal activities in Guyana where the force and the government were involved.
Three days after Khan was sentenced in a Brooklyn Federal Court to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking, witness tampering and a 16-year-old gun-running charge, the police announced their intention to set up a special unit to investigate the charges that he had been directly or indirectly involved in killing locals.
Khan had operated a drug trafficking enterprise here for more than eight years, US prosecutors said, and he headed the violent ‘Phantom Squad’ that was responsible for many deaths. Khan had publicly said that he worked with the security forces to stem the crime wave following the 2002 prison break.
According to the police press release, the special unit will be based at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary. The force called “on all individuals, organisations or groups who may have information or vital evidence concerning these alleged murders involving the Fineman gang, Roger Khan’s gang or any other gang or individuals who may be involved to come forward and provide whatever information or vital evidence may be available.”
Persons can also dial telephone numbers 225-2227, 226-6978 or 225-8196.
Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan questioned the “genuineness” of the move.
He added that he hoped it was an authentic move to do a “thorough and professional” investigation as the police‘s behaviour prior to the announcement gave the impression that they did not want to conduct an investigation into Khan’s activities.
Two lists
Meanwhile, the GHRA said as a first step it will shortly submit two preliminary lists to Seelall with the first one comprising deaths at the hands of police/disciplined services between March 2002 and June 2003. It was the same list the rights body submitted to the Disciplined Services Commission of Enquiry in 2003. A second list would have some 30 deaths mainly during the months of October and November 2003, including that of Police Inspector Leyland October, and a range of deaths typical of many more during the 2003-2005 period, which may have been drug or politically inspired or simply criminally motivated.
Whether the human right body submits more lists in the future will depend on the manner in which the enquiry is conducted with respect to political independence, transparency and acceptance of constructive cooperation with all interested parties.
According to the GHRA the new initiative by the force faces major credibility challenges. It posited that the dispelling of the skepticism will be key to public acceptance of the new undertaking.
Some of the challenges faced by the initiative include persuasive evidence of strong links between government officials, drug lords and senior elements of the force; the undermining of efforts of former police commissioner Winston Felix to confront drug barons by government officials; and the generalized failure to investigate, prosecute and protect witnesses in a large number of murders, possibly 200 or more which occurred under circumstances that suggest either political or drug-related factors at work.
Many calls have been made – more recently by the opposition parties – for an investigation to be conducted into Khan’s activities in Guyana. The calls had been made even as he was awaiting sentencing in the US, having pleaded guilty to exporting large quantities of cocaine into that country from these shores.
The opposition parties had specifically asked that an International Commission of Enquiry be conducted into the many dimensions of Khan’s activities, particularly his alleged links to the government.
24 Comments (Open | Close)
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/24/phantom-probe-should-be-tested-ghra/
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 24, 2009 @ 5:37 am In Local News | 24 Comments
– police say no response yet
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) yesterday said it is important to test the bona fides of the announced investigation by the police into the alleged murders by drug convict Roger Khan by collaborating with their call for public cooperation.
Seelall Persaud [1]
Seelall Persaud
The GHRA, in a press release yesterday entitled `Phantom enquiry must not be a charade’, suggested a number of initial steps which it said would establish both the parameters of the task at hand and provide the force with an opportunity to demonstrate the authenticity of the initiative.
The first step, according to the GHRA, should be the compilation of a list of all the unresolved cases of deaths which occurred between February 2002 — the year and month five dangerous prisoners escaped triggering one of the worst crime sprees in recent history — and the arrest of Khan in 2006. The list should be published for public scrutiny and for additions and subtractions by any interested party.
The second step, the human rights body said, should see the police providing updates of the status of as many cases on the list for which they have information.
The third step should then see an agreement involving all parliamentary parties as to how to deal with the rest of the list. If normal criminal procedures are not possible for a variety of reasons then the relevant parties may jointly need to agree to a process, which while not strictly judicial, “will bring a measure of closure, justice and healing to the families most affected by the deaths as well as to the society in general.”
No response
Meanwhile, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud, who is heading the investigative team, told Stabroek News yesterday that since the force’s announcement on Tuesday there had been no response from members of the public.
Asked if the force would be contacting some of Khan’s close associates, including a number of former policemen one of whom is in jail on a murder charge, the Assistant Commissioner of police said that the police had an investigative team “out there” and “wherever the investigation leads them they would investigate and question people.”
Three former policemen, Ricardo Rodrigues, Shawn Belfield — for whom the police have issued an arrest warrant in connection with a double murder — and Mark Roberts, now in jail on a double murder charges, were held with Khan in Suriname in 2006 before the drug convict was taken to the US.
Following the police’s announcement the PNCR said that it was not “impressed” by what it described as the “latest manoeuvre” by the government “to deceive the world that it is taking some action against the atrocities committed in Guyana.”
The opposition party at its weekly press conference on Thursday said the force’s belated call for individuals and groups to provide evidence is “another attempt to fool the public that the police are not in possession of any evidence.” It said it was a serious indictment on the force after more than 200 gangland-style executions were committed in this jurisdiction.
The major opposition party said it rejected the announcement as it was clearly another attempt to deceive the people of Guyana and to shift the focus of the demand by the opposition for an international inquiry which would not hone in on Khan alone, but on criminal activities in Guyana where the force and the government were involved.
Three days after Khan was sentenced in a Brooklyn Federal Court to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking, witness tampering and a 16-year-old gun-running charge, the police announced their intention to set up a special unit to investigate the charges that he had been directly or indirectly involved in killing locals.
Khan had operated a drug trafficking enterprise here for more than eight years, US prosecutors said, and he headed the violent ‘Phantom Squad’ that was responsible for many deaths. Khan had publicly said that he worked with the security forces to stem the crime wave following the 2002 prison break.
According to the police press release, the special unit will be based at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary. The force called “on all individuals, organisations or groups who may have information or vital evidence concerning these alleged murders involving the Fineman gang, Roger Khan’s gang or any other gang or individuals who may be involved to come forward and provide whatever information or vital evidence may be available.”
Persons can also dial telephone numbers 225-2227, 226-6978 or 225-8196.
Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan questioned the “genuineness” of the move.
He added that he hoped it was an authentic move to do a “thorough and professional” investigation as the police‘s behaviour prior to the announcement gave the impression that they did not want to conduct an investigation into Khan’s activities.
Two lists
Meanwhile, the GHRA said as a first step it will shortly submit two preliminary lists to Seelall with the first one comprising deaths at the hands of police/disciplined services between March 2002 and June 2003. It was the same list the rights body submitted to the Disciplined Services Commission of Enquiry in 2003. A second list would have some 30 deaths mainly during the months of October and November 2003, including that of Police Inspector Leyland October, and a range of deaths typical of many more during the 2003-2005 period, which may have been drug or politically inspired or simply criminally motivated.
Whether the human right body submits more lists in the future will depend on the manner in which the enquiry is conducted with respect to political independence, transparency and acceptance of constructive cooperation with all interested parties.
According to the GHRA the new initiative by the force faces major credibility challenges. It posited that the dispelling of the skepticism will be key to public acceptance of the new undertaking.
Some of the challenges faced by the initiative include persuasive evidence of strong links between government officials, drug lords and senior elements of the force; the undermining of efforts of former police commissioner Winston Felix to confront drug barons by government officials; and the generalized failure to investigate, prosecute and protect witnesses in a large number of murders, possibly 200 or more which occurred under circumstances that suggest either political or drug-related factors at work.
Many calls have been made – more recently by the opposition parties – for an investigation to be conducted into Khan’s activities in Guyana. The calls had been made even as he was awaiting sentencing in the US, having pleaded guilty to exporting large quantities of cocaine into that country from these shores.
The opposition parties had specifically asked that an International Commission of Enquiry be conducted into the many dimensions of Khan’s activities, particularly his alleged links to the government.
24 Comments (Open | Close)
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/24/phantom-probe-should-be-tested-ghra/
Friday, October 23, 2009
GRA issues arrest warrant for Roopan Ramotar and five others
GRA issues arrest warrant for Roopan Ramotar and five others
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 23, 2009 @ 5:18 am In Local News | 24 Comments
The Guyana Revenue Authority has issued arrest warrants for six persons charged with the breach of tax laws including contractor Roopan Ramotar.
In a press release yesterday it said it had charged several persons with failing to file Income Tax, Property Tax and Value Added Tax returns and 346 matters are pending in the courts, five of which are before the appellate court, while arrest warrants have been issued for six others. The six are Lloyd Rose of 5-6 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara; Jaipaul Rampersaud of Lot 3 Bel Air, Blygezight, Georgetown; Joyclyn Bentick of 85 William Street, Kitty; Tacquin Soochan of 34 King Street, Georgetown; Roopan Ramotar of 10 Spring Gardens, Essequibo Coast and Chetram Jagatnarine of 20 Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice.
The GRA said in a news release that over the past nine and a half months 21 persons have been convicted for various infringements of the tax laws.
Other offences for which persons have been charged include failure to remit taxes deducted from employees earnings, failure to pay income tax, and intent to defraud the state by dealing in uncustomed goods and harbouring and storing uncustomed goods.
Under Section 216 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 persons who knowingly deal in uncustomed goods or harbour same with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon will be liable to a fine of treble the value of the goods and one year imprisonment and the respective goods forfeited, the GRA stated.
Further, persons who file returns or pay taxes after the due date are required by law to pay a penalty of two percent of the tax assessed.
And where the Commissioner-General has issued a demand notice to a taxpayer for the submission of a return, a penalty of five percent of the tax assessed will apply if the return is not submitted within the time specified in the notice.
According to the GRA, interest is charged on all late payments of taxes at the prime lending rate as published by the Bank of Guyana, plus 500 basis points and is applied to the total principal tax due or payable, and which includes penalties which form part of the tax assessed.
Commissioner-General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur said the agency will impose and enforce penalties in accordance with the law, noting that a number of taxpayers continue to break the law despite being served with notices.
He said further that persons should not even attempt to use ignorance as an excuse given the huge sums spent yearly to produce thousands of printed materials that are distributed to taxpayers and the general public at various forums.
Moreover, he pointed out that many radio and television programmes have been produced by the GRA to make taxpayers aware of their obligations under the tax laws.
However, there is blatant disregard for the law as many persons repeatedly commit the same offence, Sattaur observed.
24 Comments (Open | Close)
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/23/gra-issues-arrest-warrant-for-roopan-ramotar-and-five-others/
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 23, 2009 @ 5:18 am In Local News | 24 Comments
The Guyana Revenue Authority has issued arrest warrants for six persons charged with the breach of tax laws including contractor Roopan Ramotar.
In a press release yesterday it said it had charged several persons with failing to file Income Tax, Property Tax and Value Added Tax returns and 346 matters are pending in the courts, five of which are before the appellate court, while arrest warrants have been issued for six others. The six are Lloyd Rose of 5-6 Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara; Jaipaul Rampersaud of Lot 3 Bel Air, Blygezight, Georgetown; Joyclyn Bentick of 85 William Street, Kitty; Tacquin Soochan of 34 King Street, Georgetown; Roopan Ramotar of 10 Spring Gardens, Essequibo Coast and Chetram Jagatnarine of 20 Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice.
The GRA said in a news release that over the past nine and a half months 21 persons have been convicted for various infringements of the tax laws.
Other offences for which persons have been charged include failure to remit taxes deducted from employees earnings, failure to pay income tax, and intent to defraud the state by dealing in uncustomed goods and harbouring and storing uncustomed goods.
Under Section 216 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 persons who knowingly deal in uncustomed goods or harbour same with intent to defraud the revenue of any duties thereon will be liable to a fine of treble the value of the goods and one year imprisonment and the respective goods forfeited, the GRA stated.
Further, persons who file returns or pay taxes after the due date are required by law to pay a penalty of two percent of the tax assessed.
And where the Commissioner-General has issued a demand notice to a taxpayer for the submission of a return, a penalty of five percent of the tax assessed will apply if the return is not submitted within the time specified in the notice.
According to the GRA, interest is charged on all late payments of taxes at the prime lending rate as published by the Bank of Guyana, plus 500 basis points and is applied to the total principal tax due or payable, and which includes penalties which form part of the tax assessed.
Commissioner-General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur said the agency will impose and enforce penalties in accordance with the law, noting that a number of taxpayers continue to break the law despite being served with notices.
He said further that persons should not even attempt to use ignorance as an excuse given the huge sums spent yearly to produce thousands of printed materials that are distributed to taxpayers and the general public at various forums.
Moreover, he pointed out that many radio and television programmes have been produced by the GRA to make taxpayers aware of their obligations under the tax laws.
However, there is blatant disregard for the law as many persons repeatedly commit the same offence, Sattaur observed.
24 Comments (Open | Close)
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/stories/10/23/gra-issues-arrest-warrant-for-roopan-ramotar-and-five-others/
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cabinet Secretary mum on pharmaceutical contractor’s identity
Cabinet Secretary mum on pharmaceutical contractor’s identity
October 22, 2009 | By KNews | Filed Under News
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/10/22/cabinet-secretary-mum-on-pharmaceutical-contractor%e2%80%99s-identity/
The Health Ministry is expected to be boosted, after the Cabinet approved a contract for the procurement of drugs on Monday last.
This disclosure was made by Head of the Presidential Cabinet Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly press briefing at the Office of the President.
According to Dr. Roger Luncheon, a US$ 885,900 contract got Cabinet’s no objection.
When asked about the suppliers for contracts Luncheon said that he would not use his press conference to name the contractor.
He pointed out that it ought not to be a difficulty for members of the media who are interested, to find out the identity of the contractor. He said that the media is always welcomed at the Tender Board, which is opened on Tuesdays.
When told about the fact that some members of the media were locked out of the tender board drawings he said that he would have to investigate the matter. He said that at the opening at the Tender Board, the information such as the contractor and his bid can be known.
Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, when contacted told Kaieteur News that the contract would help the Ministry buy some 4,000 different types of drugs.
He said that the drugs are normally bought on a yearly basis. When asked about the identity of the contractor Ramsammy said that he would not be able to divulge such information. He said that he does not know if it would be one contractor or multiple contractors.
The Cabinet also approved a contract for $79.3M for the procurement of fuel for drainage and irrigation.
Last week Dr Luncheon said that Cabinet had approved eight contracts.These were awarded in the area of sea defence and public works.
The first contract was for $49.4M for the river defence works at Moleson Creek, Berbice.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority/Ogle Airport was awarded 168,800 Euros for the supply of airport runaway lights and for the guidance system in keeping with the second phase of the development of the airport.
The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that two contracts were awarded for the security sector a $200M contract was awarded for arms and ammunition for the Guyana Defence Force, and a further $106 million for body protection equipment.
In Region Four the rehabilitation of Quamina Street in Beterverwagting would attract a further $21.4M.
Linden’s water sector is expected to be boosted with a contract to drill a $9 million potable water well at Amelia’s Ward.
In the Human Services Sector, Dr Luncheon said that a contract was awarded to build a home for the homeless at Region Five. That home is estimated to cost $340.8M.
Finally the Presidential Secretary said that some $207M was allocated for the procurement of a container scanner. The scanner is to gain revenue protection and security for the Guyana Revenue Authority.
October 22, 2009 | By KNews | Filed Under News
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/10/22/cabinet-secretary-mum-on-pharmaceutical-contractor%e2%80%99s-identity/
The Health Ministry is expected to be boosted, after the Cabinet approved a contract for the procurement of drugs on Monday last.
This disclosure was made by Head of the Presidential Cabinet Dr. Roger Luncheon, at his weekly press briefing at the Office of the President.
According to Dr. Roger Luncheon, a US$ 885,900 contract got Cabinet’s no objection.
When asked about the suppliers for contracts Luncheon said that he would not use his press conference to name the contractor.
He pointed out that it ought not to be a difficulty for members of the media who are interested, to find out the identity of the contractor. He said that the media is always welcomed at the Tender Board, which is opened on Tuesdays.
When told about the fact that some members of the media were locked out of the tender board drawings he said that he would have to investigate the matter. He said that at the opening at the Tender Board, the information such as the contractor and his bid can be known.
Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, when contacted told Kaieteur News that the contract would help the Ministry buy some 4,000 different types of drugs.
He said that the drugs are normally bought on a yearly basis. When asked about the identity of the contractor Ramsammy said that he would not be able to divulge such information. He said that he does not know if it would be one contractor or multiple contractors.
The Cabinet also approved a contract for $79.3M for the procurement of fuel for drainage and irrigation.
Last week Dr Luncheon said that Cabinet had approved eight contracts.These were awarded in the area of sea defence and public works.
The first contract was for $49.4M for the river defence works at Moleson Creek, Berbice.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority/Ogle Airport was awarded 168,800 Euros for the supply of airport runaway lights and for the guidance system in keeping with the second phase of the development of the airport.
The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that two contracts were awarded for the security sector a $200M contract was awarded for arms and ammunition for the Guyana Defence Force, and a further $106 million for body protection equipment.
In Region Four the rehabilitation of Quamina Street in Beterverwagting would attract a further $21.4M.
Linden’s water sector is expected to be boosted with a contract to drill a $9 million potable water well at Amelia’s Ward.
In the Human Services Sector, Dr Luncheon said that a contract was awarded to build a home for the homeless at Region Five. That home is estimated to cost $340.8M.
Finally the Presidential Secretary said that some $207M was allocated for the procurement of a container scanner. The scanner is to gain revenue protection and security for the Guyana Revenue Authority.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
These are questions I would like Mr Ramkarran to answer
These are questions I would like Mr Ramkarran to answer
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 22, 2009 @ 5:02 am In Letters | 16 Comments
Dear Editor
I am responding to Mr. Ralph Ramkarran’s letter, `The stealing of books is a serious offence’ (SN, Oct 18.). The average mind in Guyana has to be amused at Mr. Ramkarran. This gentleman belongs to a ruling party of a country that Transparency International classifies as having the worst incidence of corruption in governmental structures for the English-speaking Caribbean and one of the worst in the world. No need to dwell on that but I am sure that given his position in the party he is rubbing shoulders with people who didn’t have time to steal books to educate themselves but stole money from the Treasury
I need to remind Mr. Ramkarran that at his party’s congress in 2008, the returning officer was Neermal Rekha. Now it wasn’t Frederick Kissoon, or Christopher Ram, or the PNC, or the TUC, or the AFC but the Guyana Revenue Authority that investigated Mr. Rekha in April 2004 and found that he signed more (emphasis mine) than fifty bogus duty-free letters in his capacity as Secretary to the Treasurer. I’m sure Mr. Ramkarran knows this because it did not occur 39 years ago but four and a half years and was headline news in the two independent dailies. Can Mr. Ramkarran tell me if he objects to sitting in the PPP with some names that are questionable like the politician Prime News accused of interfering with a female child, the mother of whom this columnist spoke with and who belongs to a PPP group on the lower East Coast?
Let’s move on. In the fifties, a young clerk at Bookers Stores stole a number of bicycle tires and was charged.
That Mr. Ramkarran can easily find in the newspapers for that period because I came across it in my research in the mid–eighties. That clerk is now one of the best legal luminaries the English-speaking Caribbean produced and practices law in Guyana. I don’t see Mr. Ramkarran writing about that. And he shouldn’t. That happened sixty years ago. Who cares? Maybe except Mr. Ramkarran, a contender for the presidential slot for the PPP in 2011.
Mr. Ramkarran has to know that as a public figure and one who casts blame on other public figures he must expect citizens to ask questions. Here are some questions for Mr. Ramkarran, none of which carry a value judgement. Can he say by what procedures his two sons were granted duty-free cars? I am asking for the particular position they were in at the time to entitle them to have duty-free letters.
My understanding is that the duty-free concessions were given to them as “remigrants” for studies abroad in Trinidad at the Hugh Wooding Law School.
If that is so, can Mr. Ramkarran tell me why there were letters in the papers by a number of law graduates who wrote to say that the concession were not granted to them because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not see Guyanese laws students in Trinidad as qualifying for remigrant status.
I may be wrong so I am asking Mr. Ramkarran to clarify this situation. I would ask Mr. Ramkarran to go into details. Secondly, was it under his chairmanship that Guyana Airways Corporation went bankrupt? Was there any investigation? Can Mr. Ramkarran say what percentage of state allocations his law firm, Cameron and Shepherd receives? Can he briefly tell us how many state institutions his firm represents apart from the two that we read about in the newspapers – Guysuco and UG? As Mr. Ramkarran can see no direct accusation was made against him. In closing let me say that Mr. Ramkarran is doing an excellent job of projecting himself as a suitable candidate to run Guyana in 2011. Just in case younger minds did not get it; I’m being stupendously cynical.
Yours faithfully,
Frederick Kissoon
16 Comments (Open | Close)
16 Comments To "These are questions I would like Mr Ramkarran to answer"
#1 Comment By Raj On October 22, 2009 @ 6:17 am
Freddie, I like you in this mode. You are becoming a thorn in their backside. Keep it now. You have my support
#2 Comment By LIND.CREEK On October 22, 2009 @ 6:30 am
Over to you Ramkaran let us hear your rebuttal…..speakup.
#3 Comment By LIND.CREEK On October 22, 2009 @ 6:33 am
Did they bring these cars back with them or did they purchase the vehicles in Guyana duty free.
#4 Comment By yasuman71 On October 22, 2009 @ 7:01 am
First, Freddie tried to tarnish the impeccable image of Cheddi Jagan. Then Freddie tried to demonize the humane image of Janet Jagan. Then Freddie tried to slingshot the Jagan’s son, Joey. Then he barked and he barked viciously at Ralph Ramkarran. Now he wants to smear the good names of Ramkarran’s two sons. I’m sure Ralph Ramkarran is more than capable of answering Freddie. But Ralph must be careful in how he supplies the facts. If the facts don’t please Freddie he may make some outrageous allegation.
#5 Comment By Sam On October 22, 2009 @ 7:09 am
I actually like Mr. Kissoon in this mode. He seems rational, focussed (for the most part) and makes some telling points. This is the sort of commentary that we need to see since it is more effective than what we have seen in the past from him. Good job.
#6 Comment By patriot On October 22, 2009 @ 8:59 am
Freddie is grasping at straws. Leave the discussion alone. Apologize for your youthful indiscretions and show you can bury the hatchet. This will endear you to those whose attention you so desperately seek.
#7 Comment By Diamond Dog On October 22, 2009 @ 9:09 am
yasaman 71. Let’s be fair. What’s good for the goose, is also good for the gander. Freddie has family also. Ramkarran should have thought about that before he started his slander. That is why we must think before we act. Actions have consequences. Guyana needs more people with back bone like Freddie to stand up to these shameless people.
#8 Comment By Errol Arthur On October 22, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Vintage Kissoon. When cornered he changes the subject to evade dealing with the issues. The issue here is that Kissoon is accused of defrauding the Guyana Public Library. Now Kissoon, what your response ?
#9 Comment By Kingshark On October 22, 2009 @ 10:24 am
i am surprise that a man of Ramkarran ability will get caught up in mudslinging the future Presidential candidate
#10 Comment By RDMAN On October 22, 2009 @ 10:46 am
Thanks Freddie,i like your style,you are giving them hell,they are trying all kinds of things to catch you,look how many years story they brought back,you are a thorn in their side,keep pressing them man,you and Peeping Tom are great,without you all corruption would have been more barefaced in Guyana.
#11 Comment By Touchau On October 22, 2009 @ 11:24 am
I hope the presidential hopeful Mr. Ramkarran will address these issues. It is important that the electorates get to know where he stands, so that they can better decide if he represents change or more of the same.
#12 Comment By La Dorada On October 22, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Keep it coming Fredo! may I point out as well that to your great credit in all your years as a columnist you have never “outed” anyone in your columns. You were forced to address this subject in order to expose the motivation behind the desperate, low-minded library book attack.
#13 Comment By Georgie On October 22, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
Yasuman71 ! I said yesterday that SN opened the door and now anyone can walk through it. I also said that maybe someone who knew Mr. Ramkarran when he was a youth might recall some of his escapades. Now lookee here , today ! These individuals are not without fault and this gov’t is under the microscope . Boom !
#14 Comment By Marc On October 22, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Freddie,apologize for your youthful mistakes and people will forgave you instead of cussing out with Mr.Ramkarran and trying to justify your stealing books.This whole episode is turning out to be wan dutty fish market cuss-out,you guys are making Tante Merle look like she is in church all the time.
#15 Comment By Evan Thomas On October 22, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Yasuman71, like me you need to go do an english course….it seems that english language is not our strength…I refer to you antonymic references to cheddi and janet and your fellow PPP impeccables.
#16 Comment By Light hearted On October 22, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
I hope Mr. Ramkarran is not a yes-man.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/letters/10/22/these-are-questions-i-would-like-mr-ramkarran-to-answer/
Posted By Stabroek staff On October 22, 2009 @ 5:02 am In Letters | 16 Comments
Dear Editor
I am responding to Mr. Ralph Ramkarran’s letter, `The stealing of books is a serious offence’ (SN, Oct 18.). The average mind in Guyana has to be amused at Mr. Ramkarran. This gentleman belongs to a ruling party of a country that Transparency International classifies as having the worst incidence of corruption in governmental structures for the English-speaking Caribbean and one of the worst in the world. No need to dwell on that but I am sure that given his position in the party he is rubbing shoulders with people who didn’t have time to steal books to educate themselves but stole money from the Treasury
I need to remind Mr. Ramkarran that at his party’s congress in 2008, the returning officer was Neermal Rekha. Now it wasn’t Frederick Kissoon, or Christopher Ram, or the PNC, or the TUC, or the AFC but the Guyana Revenue Authority that investigated Mr. Rekha in April 2004 and found that he signed more (emphasis mine) than fifty bogus duty-free letters in his capacity as Secretary to the Treasurer. I’m sure Mr. Ramkarran knows this because it did not occur 39 years ago but four and a half years and was headline news in the two independent dailies. Can Mr. Ramkarran tell me if he objects to sitting in the PPP with some names that are questionable like the politician Prime News accused of interfering with a female child, the mother of whom this columnist spoke with and who belongs to a PPP group on the lower East Coast?
Let’s move on. In the fifties, a young clerk at Bookers Stores stole a number of bicycle tires and was charged.
That Mr. Ramkarran can easily find in the newspapers for that period because I came across it in my research in the mid–eighties. That clerk is now one of the best legal luminaries the English-speaking Caribbean produced and practices law in Guyana. I don’t see Mr. Ramkarran writing about that. And he shouldn’t. That happened sixty years ago. Who cares? Maybe except Mr. Ramkarran, a contender for the presidential slot for the PPP in 2011.
Mr. Ramkarran has to know that as a public figure and one who casts blame on other public figures he must expect citizens to ask questions. Here are some questions for Mr. Ramkarran, none of which carry a value judgement. Can he say by what procedures his two sons were granted duty-free cars? I am asking for the particular position they were in at the time to entitle them to have duty-free letters.
My understanding is that the duty-free concessions were given to them as “remigrants” for studies abroad in Trinidad at the Hugh Wooding Law School.
If that is so, can Mr. Ramkarran tell me why there were letters in the papers by a number of law graduates who wrote to say that the concession were not granted to them because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not see Guyanese laws students in Trinidad as qualifying for remigrant status.
I may be wrong so I am asking Mr. Ramkarran to clarify this situation. I would ask Mr. Ramkarran to go into details. Secondly, was it under his chairmanship that Guyana Airways Corporation went bankrupt? Was there any investigation? Can Mr. Ramkarran say what percentage of state allocations his law firm, Cameron and Shepherd receives? Can he briefly tell us how many state institutions his firm represents apart from the two that we read about in the newspapers – Guysuco and UG? As Mr. Ramkarran can see no direct accusation was made against him. In closing let me say that Mr. Ramkarran is doing an excellent job of projecting himself as a suitable candidate to run Guyana in 2011. Just in case younger minds did not get it; I’m being stupendously cynical.
Yours faithfully,
Frederick Kissoon
16 Comments (Open | Close)
16 Comments To "These are questions I would like Mr Ramkarran to answer"
#1 Comment By Raj On October 22, 2009 @ 6:17 am
Freddie, I like you in this mode. You are becoming a thorn in their backside. Keep it now. You have my support
#2 Comment By LIND.CREEK On October 22, 2009 @ 6:30 am
Over to you Ramkaran let us hear your rebuttal…..speakup.
#3 Comment By LIND.CREEK On October 22, 2009 @ 6:33 am
Did they bring these cars back with them or did they purchase the vehicles in Guyana duty free.
#4 Comment By yasuman71 On October 22, 2009 @ 7:01 am
First, Freddie tried to tarnish the impeccable image of Cheddi Jagan. Then Freddie tried to demonize the humane image of Janet Jagan. Then Freddie tried to slingshot the Jagan’s son, Joey. Then he barked and he barked viciously at Ralph Ramkarran. Now he wants to smear the good names of Ramkarran’s two sons. I’m sure Ralph Ramkarran is more than capable of answering Freddie. But Ralph must be careful in how he supplies the facts. If the facts don’t please Freddie he may make some outrageous allegation.
#5 Comment By Sam On October 22, 2009 @ 7:09 am
I actually like Mr. Kissoon in this mode. He seems rational, focussed (for the most part) and makes some telling points. This is the sort of commentary that we need to see since it is more effective than what we have seen in the past from him. Good job.
#6 Comment By patriot On October 22, 2009 @ 8:59 am
Freddie is grasping at straws. Leave the discussion alone. Apologize for your youthful indiscretions and show you can bury the hatchet. This will endear you to those whose attention you so desperately seek.
#7 Comment By Diamond Dog On October 22, 2009 @ 9:09 am
yasaman 71. Let’s be fair. What’s good for the goose, is also good for the gander. Freddie has family also. Ramkarran should have thought about that before he started his slander. That is why we must think before we act. Actions have consequences. Guyana needs more people with back bone like Freddie to stand up to these shameless people.
#8 Comment By Errol Arthur On October 22, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Vintage Kissoon. When cornered he changes the subject to evade dealing with the issues. The issue here is that Kissoon is accused of defrauding the Guyana Public Library. Now Kissoon, what your response ?
#9 Comment By Kingshark On October 22, 2009 @ 10:24 am
i am surprise that a man of Ramkarran ability will get caught up in mudslinging the future Presidential candidate
#10 Comment By RDMAN On October 22, 2009 @ 10:46 am
Thanks Freddie,i like your style,you are giving them hell,they are trying all kinds of things to catch you,look how many years story they brought back,you are a thorn in their side,keep pressing them man,you and Peeping Tom are great,without you all corruption would have been more barefaced in Guyana.
#11 Comment By Touchau On October 22, 2009 @ 11:24 am
I hope the presidential hopeful Mr. Ramkarran will address these issues. It is important that the electorates get to know where he stands, so that they can better decide if he represents change or more of the same.
#12 Comment By La Dorada On October 22, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Keep it coming Fredo! may I point out as well that to your great credit in all your years as a columnist you have never “outed” anyone in your columns. You were forced to address this subject in order to expose the motivation behind the desperate, low-minded library book attack.
#13 Comment By Georgie On October 22, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
Yasuman71 ! I said yesterday that SN opened the door and now anyone can walk through it. I also said that maybe someone who knew Mr. Ramkarran when he was a youth might recall some of his escapades. Now lookee here , today ! These individuals are not without fault and this gov’t is under the microscope . Boom !
#14 Comment By Marc On October 22, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Freddie,apologize for your youthful mistakes and people will forgave you instead of cussing out with Mr.Ramkarran and trying to justify your stealing books.This whole episode is turning out to be wan dutty fish market cuss-out,you guys are making Tante Merle look like she is in church all the time.
#15 Comment By Evan Thomas On October 22, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Yasuman71, like me you need to go do an english course….it seems that english language is not our strength…I refer to you antonymic references to cheddi and janet and your fellow PPP impeccables.
#16 Comment By Light hearted On October 22, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
I hope Mr. Ramkarran is not a yes-man.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/letters/10/22/these-are-questions-i-would-like-mr-ramkarran-to-answer/
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