September 2017 – Page 5 – Guyana Times International

Granny jailed for 4 years, fined G$6.2M for trafficking cocaine

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

A grandmother looking to raise quick cash was on Thursday sentenced to 4 years in prison and fined G$6.2M after she pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to traffic cocaine. Seeta Rampersaud, 59, was in tears as the court heard that on September 18, 2017, she was intercepted in the scanning area of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by a Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer who noticed strange items in her carrying case. Upon further inspection, it was observed that a quantity of cocaine ( 2.318kg) was…

Man in custody for robbing 6, fingered in attack on ret’d ACP’s daughter

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The Guyana Police Force has detailed, through its Public Relations and Press Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, that a group of six persons, inclusive of three females were robbed on Tuesday morning at Second Bridge, Mocha, East Bank Demerara by a lone, armed perpetrator. According to Ramlakhan, diligent work on the part of the Force has resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old unemployed suspect of 96 Nelson Street, Mocha who was on Wednesday positively identified by the victims. The suspect, Dillion Joel Dublin, has since been charged with six counts…

Migrating to a new world

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

The first peoples were migrants, arriving to face an infinitely different environment from present day According to Guyanese anthropologist Denis Williams, the Americas began to be populated around 12,000 years ago when global decline in sea levels led to exposed land below seas that allowed the crossing of early man through the Bering Strait from East Asia into North America, and gradual southern migration. These migrants, known as paleo-Indians (old Indians), are also described as big game hunters since they are known to have hunted the large game of the…

Guyana close to implementing advanced plane tracking system – aviation boss

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

One of the prevailing criticisms of Guyana’s aviation sector has been its lack of high-tech systems like the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) to keep track of planes. But the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is pushing back against suggestions that it is dragging its feet. According to GCAA Director General Egbert Field, the authority has in fact had this technology in operation since 2015. Field noted, however, that it was limited to tracking planes flying at a certain altitude. “I would like to inform individuals that if they check…

Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions – an appreciation in archaeology, indigenous culture

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

he Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Wednesday hosted its annual Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions of Guyana, a two-day fair that offers dramatic storytelling, poetry, art and craft-making at the Umana Yana. Several students and teachers from nursery and secondary schools attended the event, which comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, observed that highlighting Guyana’s first peoples’ culture and contribution is necessary as it affords persons, in particular students, an opportunity to learn…

Joint commission could be reactivated this year

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Guyana-SurinameGuyana-Surinameborder controversy While Suriname has not showed any form of aggression towards Guyana although the two countries still have a border issue over the New River Triangle territory, the process of mediation aimed at coming to a friendly settlement could commence before the end of this year. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has said that while there has not been any progress with regard to the request made by Guyana to have the Netherlands assist Suriname with documents to support their arguments, a joint commission that was established for many…

Scenic Kopinang

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

With some of the tallest Pakaraima peaks in the distance, mountain streams, waterfalls, vast savannah land and pristine rainforests, Kopinang is a bucket list adventure. Described as “one of the most beautiful villages in Guyana”, Kopinang, located in the North Pakaraimas (Potaro/Siparuni), is home of the indigenous nation, the Patamona. Wokumung/Kopinang Mountain takes up most of the background of Kopinang Mission – some of the highest peaks in Guyana, some reaching up to 6,000ft. They make up part of the North Pakaraimas in the Potaro region. The entire area is…

Parents call for probe into daughter’s death

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

Samantha Kandasammy and Michael Singh; the parents of three-year-old Anisha Singh, are accusing some doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) of serious malpractice, which they claim resulted in the death of their child. Anisha, of Lot 2 Edon Street, Tucville, Georgetown, passed away at a private institution at around 02:00h on Monday after her parents transferred her from the GPHC. Chronicling the incidents that led up to the death of her daughter, Kandasammy related that she took her toddler to the GPHC on July 7, 2017 for medical treatment…

Ramnarine notes GPF’s ‘organisational discipline’ challenges

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…as Detective Training programmes launched The Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), in collaboration with key international partners, launched three detective training programmes at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre on Monday. The courses are geared to build and strengthen the justice system in Guyana. Police have, over time, come in for scrutiny over their handling of evidence in some major cases, but it is hoped that this public distrust could be reduced, since police ranks, during the course of this week, will take the courses to improve their skills…

Mashramani 2018 officially launched

September 22, 2017 TIMES INT'L

…celebration themed “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48 The 2018 Mashramani observances were officially launched in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Saturday, amidst lively cultural presentations and performances. A colourful mini Mashramani-like parade which culminated at Republic Avenue formed a spectacular prelude to the official launching ceremony, which took place on the tarmac of the Linden-Georgetown minibus park. Next year’s official theme, coined by winner Harry Narine, “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48” was also unveiled, in addition to the official Calendar of Events which showcases over 20 days…