Month: September 2016

Blankenburg accident: Step-father further hospitalised after hearing news of children’s death

TIMES INT'L

By Ramona Luthi The mother and step-father who were involved in the recent accident which claimed the lives of 10-month-old Marvin Miguel and 7-year-old Tina Miguel, were only yesterday made aware that their children were dead. This resulted in the children’s step-father, Mark Halley’s medical condition taking a turn for the worse as he is said to have developed a serious heart problem due to the shocking news. A source close to the investigation told this newspaper earlier on Thursday that post mortems were conducted on the two children which…

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‘We were tricked into agreeing to the Parking Meter Contract’ – Councillor

TIMES INT'L

By Ramona Luthi As we await the implementation of the “approved” Parking Meters to be installed along the streets of Georgetown, the lone People’s Progressive Party Councillor on the Georgetown City Council is alleging that the Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green has “fooled” the Councillors into agreeing to the amendments made to the contract. The Councillor, Bishram Kuppen told this newspaper earlier today, that at the time that the Councilors’ “approvals” were given, even the Deputy Mayor asked Chase-Green to be more specific with her question. Kuppen stated that even…

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Jagdeo urges NICIL to come clean on missing GT&T shares’ money

TIMES INT'L

Concerns are mounting as to what really happened with the missing US$5 million for Government’s GT&T shares, as responsibility for the disclosure of a report on the findings continues to shift from person to person. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in a brief telephone interview from New York, questioned why the report has not yet been made public, stating that “it is clear as day that either NICIL [National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited] or (Joseph) Harmon can release the findings”. “I don’t understand why they don’t release the information,” he…

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Guyanese bandit killed in Suriname ID’d as taxi driver

TIMES INT'L

The Guyanese who was killed by Surinamese law enforcement on Saturday, was identified as Rodwell Wiggins, 34, a former taxi driver attached to the Oasis Taxi Service. Reports are that Wiggins was among four persons killed by Surinamese lawmen during a shootout moments after they carried out a brazen daylight robbery on a supermarket. Another man has been identified as Furgel Grant, 31, of Suriname. Grant had escaped from prison four years ago. He was convicted of a series of armed robberies and only spent one of the five years…

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Independent judiciary is the bedrock of a nation’s stability, says PM Nagamootoo

TIMES INT'L

Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo on Monday reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the smooth functioning of the judiciary, noting that its independence is the bedrock of the nation’s stability. Nagamootoo, who is acting in the capacity of Head of State, made the comments as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA) Conference at the Marriott International Hotel. According to the PM, Government has been making a conscious and determined effort at giving recognition and meaning to the Declaration adopted by the…

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Govt on track for 2017 Budget presentation in December – Finance Minister

TIMES INT'L

Finance Minister Winston Jordan has assured that the Ministry is on stream in presenting its Annual Budget for 2017 come December 5, but shied away from any specific details regarding any increases in taxes or fees to be paid by stakeholders. “It’s going to be a lovely budget, don’t worry,” he quipped. Minister Jordan was at the time engaging members of the local media corps on Friday last at the Finance Ministry’s boardroom. Asked specifically about any increased payments to be made by taxpayers or those seeking to access Government…

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INTERPOL to assist with TIP in Guyana

TIMES INT'L

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) will assist in training members of the judicial sector to deal with Trafficking in Persons (TIP). Acting Coordinator of the TIP Ministerial Task Force, Oliver Profitt, has revealed that members of the prosecutorial section and the magistracy are expected to be trained in victim support among other aspects, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated. The training will be held in October and November, and will be facilitated by INTERPOL. “The idea now is for them to be able to come back with the…

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Fourth suspect charged for Corentyne triple murder

TIMES INT'L

The fourth suspect in the Corentyne triple murder case, RakeshKaramchand known as ‘Go- To-Front’ of Sheet Anchor, Canje, Berbice on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge of murder. The man was not required to plea to the indictable offence. Karamchand, 27, is accused of murdering three fishermen between July 21, 2016 and July 22, 2016 at Kookcrite Creek, Savannah Black Bush Polder. He was remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on October 4, 2016. On…

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Pregnant Jamaican remanded on narco trafficking charge

TIMES INT'L

A three-month pregnant Jamaican woman was on Monday afternoon remanded to prison when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Marleen Grant pleaded guilty with explanation when she was arraigned before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a narcotics trafficking charge. It is alleged that on September 17, 2016 at Essequibo, she had in her possession 629 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. However, a not-guilty plea was entered after her explanation was made directly to the Magistrate. The prosecution objected to bail, stating that the defendant was a Jamaican,…

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GECOM’s radio sets fiasco: Surujbally prefers to await findings of audit

TIMES INT'L

Dr Steve Surujbally, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which is currently being accused of deep-rooted corruption, is dodging questions regarding issues of financial irregularities plaguing the electoral body involving the procurement of 50 High Frequency (HF) Communication Radios and stationery from a Water Street businessman. State auditors earlier this month launched a major probe after the Audit Office of Guyana reportedly noticed discrepancies with the purchasing of 50 VHF communication radios by GECOM for close to G$100 million, prior to the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections,…

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