SINCE during 2012, the Guyana Police Force has been receiving invaluable support from the US-based Guyanese Zara Reality Group of Companies with capacity-building in the field of Information Technology.This partnership has seen the establishment of three Police/Zara Computer Centres in the Guyana Police Force, which has contributed significantly to the development of police ranks and consequently a better delivery of quality service through assistance with enhancing crime- fighting involving the use of technology.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Police Force and the Zara Reality Group of Companies, the first spanking new state-of-the-art Information Technology Training Centre was established on June 2, 2012, at the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC), at Adventure, Corentyne, Berbice, with a total of thirty one (31) computers and an LCD Projector.

The second such centre was established on June 8, 2013, at the Richard Faikall Police College at Suddie, Essequibo Coast, comprising thirty-six (36) computers.

The other Police/Zara Computer Centre was subsequently established at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown, on November 30, 2013, with a further thirty (30) computers. The IT Training facility was complemented by a library.

The Police/Zara Computer Centres fall under the direct responsibility of Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, who has benefited from Information Technology training in India through the ITEC Programme, and other IT programmes overseas and was recognised as the Police Force’s Best Cop 2015 in view of his excellent work in designing, developing and delivering IT Training.

Training Programmes conducted at the Police/Zara Computer Centres include Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Windows Operating System, Office Suite, Microsoft Foundation and Advance Levels, PC Repairs, Networking and Network Security, CXC Information Technology and Electronic Document Preparation and Management.

The training programmes available at the Police/Zara Computer Centres are not limited to police ranks, but are being extended to members of the public at no cost. Consequently, over the years a total of two thousand six hundred and sixty nine (2,669) persons attached to several government ministries and other departments, the Joint Services, Students, Teachers,Nurses, Police Scouts and Youth Groups, Community Policing Groups and Neighbourhood Policing have benefited from training at the institutions.

The Zara Reality Group of Companies has also boosted the IT capability of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters through the donation of a LENOVER Server, 12 computers and other office equipment in order to assist with its Electronic Database Filing System.

During the Guyana Police Force’s Awards and Incentives Ceremony held in December last year, the Zara Reality Group of Companies was awarded a Plaque in recognition of their unstinting support to the Police Force in the area of Information Technology.

Information Technology is an integral part of the Guyana Police Force’s modernisation and strategic development. Its continuing enhancement has created technological innovations that have served as catalysts for significant change in the delivery of quality service to the public and in the maintenance of its mandate as is evidenced within the Criminal Investigation Department and other branches and divisions of the Police Force.

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has elected Edward Boyer as its new chairman, replacing Norman McLean. Boyer, who is also chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hardware Group of Companies, was elected during the PSC’s Annual General Meeting on May 19, at the Marriott Hotel.
A statement from the PSC noted that Boyer is immediate past Vice-Chairman of the PSC and a former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also Chairman of the Salvation Army in Guyana.
Meanwhile, Desmond Sears was elected Vice-Chairman. He is Executive Director of Delmur Co. Ltd, of Forestry & Technical Consulting Inc., and of Omai Transportation & Equipment Inc.
“Mr. Sears has more than 35 years of experience in shipping and is also the Honorary Consul-General for the Royal Kingdom of Norway,” the PSC noted.
Additionally, Ramesh Dookhoo was unanimously re-elected as Secretary of the Commission. He is a past chairman of the Private Sector Commission, current President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce and a Past President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association.
Dookhoo is also a Trustee of the Caribbean Court of Justice Fund and Chairman of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Additionally, Fitzroy McLeod was returned as Treasurer. He is the Financial Controller of the National Milling Company of Guyana.

STABROEK Market vendors who were relocated recently to a facility south of the Public Buildings are complaining that spots are being made available there for persons who have never vended in front of Stabroek Market. As such, those vendors who have been plying their trade for many years are left without a place to sell.
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green spoke of the issue at the Council’s most recent statutory meeting at City Hall, noting that numerous complaints have been received from the vendors.
“This is unfair and it should not happen,” the Mayor pointed out. She requested that the Markets Committee intervene and resolve the issue by Friday.
Earlier this month, an estimated 130 Stabroek Market vendors officially commenced their relocation to the Old Royal Castle site opposite the Linden bus park, under a temporary contractual arrangement that is expected to last three months.
The Mayor had noted that the relocation exercise formed part of the Council’s agenda to clean and beautify the city. She admitted that over the years, vending went out of control. “We take responsibility for losing control over the vending situation,” she said.
City Hall had called on persons who own stalls within the market to return to those locations and the council noted that in excess of 40 vendors were identified as legal stallholders operating on the streets. They were warned that should they continue to use the stalls for storage purposes, they will be repossessed.
Meanwhile, City Hall had said recently that it is not seeking to put stakeholders out of business, but its goal is to ensure that vending is done in an atmosphere that is conducive and legitimate, which would be of mutual benefit to stakeholders and the Council.
Georgetown Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan had said that the move by City Hall to re-organise the Stabroek Market Bazaar is perhaps the single largest undertaking in that vicinity since the market was constructed in 1881.
According to the Georgetown municipality, if the city is to attain the status of a top international city, change is imperative.
It is unclear what plans the municipality has in store for the vendors at the end of July, when the temporary relocation period will conclude.
Meanwhile, the opposition, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has criticised the relocation exercise. The PPP deemed the matter “the brutal displacement of vendors and the wanton destruction of their stalls in Georgetown.”
According to the PPP, the reasons provided by the administrators of the capital city regarding clean-up activities for this year’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, “as the justification to remove the vendors is unpardonable and must be rejected by all fair-minded Guyanese.” The PPP said that the process was undertaken without consultation with the vendors. (Telesha Persaud)

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Guyana, National Awards were Wednesday evening announced at the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Below is the full list of awardees.

Order of Roraima

For his dedication and commitment to the Caribbean Community and his unflinching support for the rights of Small Island Developing States: The Rt. Hon. Freundel Jerome Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados

Ronald Austin

For long, dedicated and outstanding service as a legal practitioner: Rex Herbert McKay, Attorney-at-law
For his commitment and service to Guyana in the diplomatic, parliamentary and legal fields and in the public service: Dr. Barton Umax Adolphus Scotland, Speaker of the National Assembly

Cacique’s Crown of Honour
For his outstanding service to Guyana in the field of diplomacy: Ronald Mortimer Austin, former Ambassador of Guyana
For long and outstanding service in the field of business: Inderjeet Beharry, Director, Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited
For long and outstanding service in the field of business and in the management of a major charitable institution: Paul Chan-A-Sue, Chairman, Food For The Poor Incorporated and Businessman
For his long and outstanding service in the fields of business and management: Leslie Chin, Chairman, Sterling Products Limited
For his commitment and dedicated service in the field of politics: Robert Herman Orlando Corbin, former Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform
For her outstanding service in the administration of the law: Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice
For her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of medicine: Enid Lucille Denbow, Doctor of Medicine
For his long and dedicated service in the fields of education and the public service and as a major consumer advocate: Patrick Parbhu Dial, retired Public Servant and Consumer Advocate
For long and outstanding service in the field of business and commerce: Christopher Fernandes, Chairman, John Fernandes Group of Companies
For his outstanding service in the Guyana Foreign Service: Keith Linden George, Ambassador
For long and outstanding service in the field of medicine: Carl Alton Hanoman, Doctor of Medicine

Pat Dial

For his dedicated service in the field of diplomacy: Bayney Karran, Ambassador
For his long and outstanding service in tertiary education, in industrial relations and trade unionism and in jurisprudence in Guyana and the Caribbean: Harold Alexander Lutchman, former Vice Chancellor, University of Guyana
For her outstanding service in the field of education and religion: Maureen Mae Massiah, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Guyana and former Headmistress, the Bishops’ High School
For long and dedicated service in the field of religion: Malcolm Rodrigues, Catholic Priest
For long and dedicated service to the judiciary of Guyana: Beasraj Singh Roy, Justice of Appeal
For his long and dedicated service in the field of religion: John Oswald Smith, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God in Guyana
For long and dedicated service in the Guyana Foreign Service: George Wilfred Steir Talbot, Ambassador
For his long and dedicated service in the field of politics: Jeffrey Ronald Thomas, former Minister of Government
For long service with exceptional dedication in the Guyana Foreign Service: Audrey Theresa Waddell, Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Golden Arrow of Achievement
For his unflinching commitment in the safeguarding of the rights of the indigenous peoples of Guyana and his research in the Arecuna language: Lawrence Anselmo, former Toshao of Paruima Village
For his outstanding role in the field of education and in trade unionism: Lancelot Arthur Baptiste, General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union and Retired Headmaster
For his long and dedicated service in the field of dentistry: Samiran Bera, Dental Surgeon
For his dedicated involvement in contributing to the preservation of Guyanese culture in Guyana and in the diaspora: Vibert Compton Cambridge, Social Historian and Cultural Activist, Professor Emeritus, Ohio State University
For his long and dedicated service in the field of agriculture: Bernard Wylde Carter, Former Chief Agricultural Officer and General Manager of the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Scheme
For his outstanding service to the Ministry of the Presidency: William Victor Cecil Cox, Senior Public Servant and Political Assistant to the President
For her long and outstanding service as an educator, especially in the area of science: Florine Emily Desiree Dalgety, Co-Founder and Teacher of Dominion Schools
For her long and outstanding service as a music educator: Marilyn Patricia Dewar, Music Teacher and Accompanist of the Woodside Choir
For her long and outstanding service in the field of education: Blanche Emmeline Duke, Former Acting Principal Cyril Potter College of Education
For his long and outstanding service as a parliamentarian and as a Minister: Philip Duncan, Former Minister of State for Amerindian Affairs

Rex McKay

For his long service with exceptional dedication in the maritime and transport sectors and in the field of education: Ivor Burnett English, Principal, Critchlow Labour College
For her long and dedicated service in the field of politics: Jennifer Ann Ferreira-Dougall, Counsellor and Community Worker
For her long and outstanding involvement in the field of education as a teacher and administrator: Ingrid Jennifer Fung, Education Consultant, former Headmistress, St. Joseph’s High School
For her long and dedicated service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more particularly in the Protocol and Consular Affairs Department: Esther Dawn Griffith, former Chief of Protocol and Consul General

Designate
For her commitment and advocacy in the fields of labour, human rights and education: Dr. Mellissa Abigail Ifill, Lecturer, University of Guyana
For his long and dedicated service to Guyana, more particularly in the bauxite industry: Horace Heyman James, Officer-In-Charge, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited
For his advocacy for the rights of the indigenous peoples at the village and national levels: Tony Rodney James, former Toshao of Aishalton Village and Farmer
For his unflagging commitment to the development of Guyana in the fields of business and infrastructure: Cyril Stanley Ming, former Member of Parliament and Businessman
For his long and outstanding service in the field of technical and vocational education and as a Regional Chairman: Allan Ewart Munroe, former Chairman of Demerara/Mahaica Region Fourand Deputy Chairman, Teaching Service Commission
For her long and outstanding service in the field of health and nursing at the national, regional and international levels: Gloria Elizabeth Noel, Public Health Consultant
For his outstanding research as a scientist in the rice industry resulting in high yielding varieties with consequential increased rice production: Mahendra Persaud, Chief Scientist/Plant Breeder, Guyana Rice Development Board
For her long and outstanding involvement in culture, human rights, gender and the environment: Vanda Radzik, Adviser on Social and Sustainable Development
For long and dedicated service as a political supervisor in Essequibo Islands, West Demerara Region, Member of Parliament and as a teacher: Bissoondai Beniprashad Rayman, former Teacher
For her long, dedicated and outstanding service to Guyana in the field of art: Doris Elrina Rogers, Professor and Senior Lecturer, University of Guyana
For her dedicated service in the fields of education and music: Wendy Orinthia Rudder, Director of Music, St. George’s Cathedral
For his long service with exceptional dedication in the field of medicine, more particularly in the hinterland areas: Edward Francis Sagala, Regional Health Officer, Cuyuni/Mazaruni, Region Seven
For his long and outstanding service to Guyana, in the fields of finance, auditing and education at the tertiary level: John Michael Seeram, former State Auditor and Financial executive
For her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of religion: Glenna Leris Denise Spencer, Bishop, District President of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Guyana district
For service of an exceptionally high quality in the Guyana National Service and in the field of banking: Joycelyn Cleo Patricia Wilson, Businesswoman

Medal of Service
For her dedicated service over the past twenty years in caring for destitute children from all parts of the country: Gladys Accra, Manager, Joshua House Children’s Home
For his outstanding involvement in the establishment of the Iwokrama Rain Forest Project: Robert Frederick Allicock, former Operations Manager and Consultant, Iwokrama International Centre of Rainforest Conservation and Development
For his long service in the fields of cooperatives, local government, community development and farming in Region Nine, Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo: Muacir Baretto Former Regional Chairman and Farmer.
For his long and dedicated service in the forest industry and as a sportsman and youth leader: Winston Alvin theodric Bentham, Retired Officer, Guyana Forestry Commission
For his long and dedicated service as a community worker, a regional councillor and as a businessman: Perry Orlando Birbal, PTO, Businessman
For his long and outstanding contribution in the arts, especially as an illustrator and folklorist: Barrington Christopher Godfrey Braithwaite, Artist
For her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the fields of education and health: Gloria Britton Retired Headmistress and District Education Officer, Counsellor Linden Hospital and Lay Minister in the Anglican Diocese of Guyana
For his long and dedicated service as a public servant: Reginal Agustus Brotherson, Permanent Secretary, Department of the Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency
For his long and outstanding service as a land surveyor and land administrator, Aubrey Charles; General Manager, Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority
For her long and outstanding service as a community health worker: Esther Melvina Charles-Elliot, Health Worker, Moshabo Village, Essequibo, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two)
For her long service with exceptional dedication in the field of politics: Marjorie Eleanor Charles Retired coordinator, People’s National Congress Reform, PTO
For long and dedicated service in the field of communications: Kim Alana Chung, Communications Supervisor, People’s National Congress Reform
For her long and dedicated service as a public servant: Lilawatie Coonjah, Former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly
For her long and dedicated service in dance education: Vivienne Cecilia Daniel, Director, National Dance Company
For her long service with exceptional dedication in the Ministry of the Presidency: Nancy Ferreira, Senior Confidential Secretary to the President
For her long and dedicated service in the Ministry of the Presidency: Ingrid Cecilia Forde, Office Manager, Ministry of the Presidency
For his outstanding service in the field of art, promoting the use of indigenous material in art and as a former public servant: Gerald Leroy Gittens, Artist/Designer
For long service of a consistently high quality in the field of tailoring: Leslie Jacobs, Tailor and Cutter, PTO
For his effective service in hospital management and for long and dedicated service in the Guyana National Service: Allan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
For her long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of education, women’s affairs and politics: Shirley Daphne Klass, Retired Education Officer
For his long and dedicated service as a public servant, rice farmer, businessman and politician: Anthony Pitamber Singh Mipal, Rice Farmer and Politician
For his long and dedicated service as a driver in the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Public Health: Eric Wilfred Mosley, Retired Public Servant
For his consistent and outstanding role in implementing innovative measures in successfully increasing the yield of rice: Mohindra Persaud, General Manager and Director Nand Persaud and Company Limited
For her long and dedicated service in the field of politics: Alshazi Baksh Ramlakhan, Regional Councillor, PTO
For her long service with exceptional dedication in the Public Service, more particularly in the Ministry of the Presidency: Maureen Lynette Stephenson, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet
For his long and outstanding service in the fields of crops and livestock around Guyana, more particularly in the hinterland regions: Allan john Carlwin Woolford, Retired Technical Manager, Ministry of Agriculture

Military Service Medal
For his distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an Officer in the Guyana Defence Force: Paul Anthony Arthur, Colonel, Guyana Defence Force
For his distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an Officer in the Guyana Defence Force: Nazrul Hussain, Colonel, Guyana Defence Force, Disciplined Services Medal
For her sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force: Maxine Lavern Graham, Senior Superintendent, Staff Officer, Administration 1 Guyana Police Force, PTO
For his sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force: Brian Linden Alexander Joseph, Assistant Commissioner of Police/Head of the Presidential guard
For her sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service: Bernadette Monica Adams, Retired Divisional Commander, Guyana Fire Service
For his sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service: Trevor Oliver Small, Retired Senior Superintendent of Prison

After months of anticipation, Guyanese ushered in the country’s 50th Independence with great emotion as the fifty foot Golden Arrowhead was, for the second time this year, hoisted in the air amidst much fanfare.

And while the atmosphere was not quite as energetic as it was on February 23, there was still an immense feeling of pride among the majority of people in the massive crowd.

Over 20,000 Guyanese flocked the newly built D’Urban Park to celebrate this historic event and among them, many expressed great pride to have been able to witness Guyana at 50 and the celebrations that were hosted to usher it in.

Following the usual superstar reception for President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the show dived straight into a cultural presentation which saw the participation of over 1,000 young people. With the aid of a joint steel pan group, the national choir and an array of drums, the children pranced on the tarmac to a medley of National Songs.

Decked in costumes depicting the colours of the Golden Arrowhead and costumes representative of Guyana’s minerals, flora and fauna and other symbolic emblems, the children, among which included those as young as five years old, performed their choreography with great precision.

And though it was at first a puzzle as to the order in which they performed, an aerial view of the performance revealed a strategic formation of the numbers ‘5-0’ on the large tarmac.

The night’s proceedings climaxed, of course, with the flag-raising ritual, during which the crowd waited patiently for the gigantic Golden Arrowhead to reach its destination atop the pole. During its ascension, the crowd watched on, cheering as it rose higher in the air.

The evening ended with a five minute display of fireworks, and a dispersing crowd among which persons could be heard chattering about the fact of how pleased they were that Guyana has achieved this milestone at a time when much positive change has been observed.

– says economy must be reshaped to meet future goals

By Ravin Singh

WITH six distinct identities fused within one geographic space, Guyana’s ardent aspiration and arduous struggle for political Independence in 1966 moulded a national identity which has been preserved 50 years later.
Thousands watched, their eyes fixed on the enormous screen which projected an audio/visual recording of President David Granger’s speech at D’Urban Park, the newly created stadium behind the iconic statue of slave rebel Cuffy at the Square of the Revolution.

A recognised historian, the President reflected on the fact that Independence on May 26, 1966, infused the qualities of audacity and tenacity in Guyanese, fortifying their determination to be masters of their destiny. Further, it created new institutions on which to erect the pillars of the new nation.

The Head of State pointed to the fact that independence allowed Guyana the opportunity to adopt its own symbols of nationhood, such as its own flag, anthem, national awards, national motto, festivals and monuments.

“They exemplify our self-esteem. They are revered and will forever remain objects of national pride,” he added.

The Head of State keenly noted that Guyanese, today, are proud of these national symbols, which define their identities and differentiate them from other nations.

However, political independence demanded more than just symbols and sentimental expressions, but also created the need for new institutions to preserve the country’s achievements, to promote the development of the nation and to protect the rights of the people.

As a result, the Court of Appeal, which is the highest court, locally, was established. Further, the public and police services were refashioned to ensure a better quality of life and human safety for Guyanese. And beyond the safety of civilians, he noted that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was established to stand guard over the country’s territorial boundaries.

He pointed out that in 50 years Guyana has improved access to education, electricity, health care, housing and potable water. Additionally, there has been the establishment of massive agricultural, drainage and irrigation schemes and industrial estates to put Guyanese to work. To support these developmental schemes, institutions to provide social protection such as the National Insurance Scheme were simultaneously developed. Banking institutions to promote savings and provide credit for Guyanese were also established.

“Guyana, in a relatively short period of time after Independence, improved our economy to provide a higher standard of living for our people. Successive administrations, throughout the past five decades, have continued to add to our national assets and extend our public infrastructure,” the Head of State boasted.

Proud are Guyanese of several other achievements over the last 50 years, the President said. These include efforts to deliver our people from dreary logies, shanties and tenement yards and to open the doors to their own family homes.

The establishment of the University of Guyana, multilateral schools and technical institutes expanded access to education for children throughout Guyana’s 10 administrative regions.

The President said that they were done as the country faced threats to its territoriality and to internal national integrity.

“Our people’s unity, our will and strength, enabled us to overcome these threats” the Head of State added.
While this was happening, Guyana also embarked on a progressive foreign policy to protect its vital national interests. According to the President, Guyana bestrode the international stage with a composure and posture which belied economic wealth or military might.

Reflective of this is the fact that the then leaders had the vision to pioneer the formation of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of states and to play leading roles in the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations (UN).

And presently, Guyanese exult in their achievements and accomplishments of the past 50 years. He highlighted that Guyanese pay homage to their heroes and honour their cultural, sporting and academic heritage on this 50th anniversary of Independence. He pointed to the works of local artists, composers, dancers, dramatists and writers; the talents of sportsmen and women; the brilliance of scholars and the labours of working people will never be forgotten.

The “good life” slogan which has been touted by the Government since its assumption of office, the President said, translates to the absence of poverty in Guyana. Further, it means the presence of equality and the creation of an enlightened citizenry through education, effective stewardship of the country’s natural resources and the creation of employment for Guyanese.

Given this framework, the Head of State noted that the mission then, for the next 50 years must be to expand the country’s economy, ensure equality, improve education, protect the environment and provide employment for all Guyanese.

But this is not an unachievable, idealistic dream, given the fact that Guyana is not a resource-poor country.

“Guyanese ought not to be a poor and dispossessed people. Our country is endowed with bountiful resources – both human and natural – to banish poverty forever. We have always been known to possess the values of self-sacrifice and solidarity” the President said.

In order to achieve these goals, he suggested that the country must realign its economy to generate the wealth that would allow for poverty reduction. This, according to him, includes improved and sustained higher economic growth in order to raise the entire population out of the depths of extreme poverty.

Supportive of this, is the enrichment of Guyana’s economy through the discovery of petroleum. With reserves of oil already discovered offshore, President Granger noted that Guyana looks forward to preparing its people and the economy for the exploitation of this rich resource.

He charged that Guyana’s national economy must be reshaped to reduce dependence on the six sisters – bauxite, fish, gold, rice, sugar, and timber. As such, he noted that Guyana’s economic policy over the next four years will be determined by the transition to greater value-added production.

The Head of State also recommitted to the demolition of class and geographic inequalities, particularly between the hinterland and the coastland and between urban and rural communities.

Acknowledging that Guyana’s hinterland possesses its richest natural resources, the President noted that despite this endowment, those areas remain underdeveloped and plagued by poor infrastructure and environmental hazards. In this regard, he explained that the disparities in development and in households between the hinterland and the coastland must be reduced if Guyana is to become a more equal nation.

“We will continue to work towards the development of an inclusive and integrated plan to close the gap between hinterland and coastland. The plan will involve improved internal communication – aerodromes, bridges, causeways, highways, stellings and telecommunications ? and public services such as education, health, human safety and social security,” he committed.

Several persons are now hospitalized after two vehicles collided head on at the junction of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

Persons trapped inside the route 32 minibus. [Adrian Narine photo]

One of the crashed vehicles. [Adrian Narine photo]

Persons trapped were assisted by passersby. The Guyana Chronicle will provide more information as it becomes available.

By Clifford Stanley

RANKS of the Number 51 and Springlands police stations have arrested four men and impounded two vehicles following the discovery of nine kilogrammes of marijuana in their proximity during a joint mobile patrol Wednesday night.The find was made at an apparent drop-off site alongside the Number 65 Village Public Road, Region Six.

Reports indicate that the cops were on duty around 21: 00hrs when they received a report that some men in two vehicles had been seen acting in a suspicious manner near a derelict vehicle alongside the Number 65 Village Public Road.

The report stated that a man in a silver-grey Toyota 212 was seen taking out a bulky garbage bag from the trunk of the vehicle and placing it in the derelict vehicle.

A white Toyota Raum motorcar was also present at the scene and after depositing the garbage bag, the man re-entered the Toyota 212 and both vehicles drove off and parked some distance away.

Acting on the information , the policemen promptly approached the men in the two vehicles.

They found the bonnet of the Toyota 212 opened,suggesting that the car had broken down. They also saw a man who seemed to be trying to repair the vehicle.

When questioned, the four men denied any wrongdoing.

The policemen then tested the apparently under-repair-vehicle to see whether it had indeed broken down and found that it started without any difficulty.

This aroused their suspicion that something was amiss.

They searched the four men and the vehicles, but not having found anything incriminating, took the suspects to the derelict vehicle some distance away.

On searching the derelict vehicle, they found a garbage bag containing parcels of what they later determined to be compressed cannabis sativa (marijuana), weighing nine kilogrammes.

The four, including a father and a son were taken into custody while the Toyota 212 and the Raum were impounded.

AIMING to gain an updated overview of the situation in the region with the Zika virus, the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) has organised a “Management System Technical Meeting”.According to a release from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the objectives of the meeting are to present an updated overview of the situation in the Region, to discuss protocols for clinical care and to analyse the challenges in preparations of the health services in the response to the outbreak of the Zika virus.

The meeting which started yesterday in Bridgetown, Barbados, will culminate today.

GPHC staffers, Dr Ahmad Rafi Rozan, Obstetrics Specialist and Gynecologist and Dr Ulanda Haynes, Resident in Pediatrics are currently representing Guyana as members of the discussion panel.

Dr Rozan is a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, spanning the areas of antenatal and perinatal care, with the interest of decreasing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in order to improve quality of life.

Dr Haynes worked as a General Medical Officer in the Department of Pediatrics at the GPHC since 2013, and is currently a Senior Resident – Pediatrics attached to the department.

The geographical distribution of Zika virus has been steadily increasing since it was first detected in the Americas and in Brazil in May 2015.

Since then a total of 35 countries and territories have reported autochthonous (locally transmitted, mosquito-borne) transmission of the Zika virus in the Americas. Several countries have reported cases of newborns with microcephaly and other conditions associated to Zika virus infection.

Meanwhile, PAHO has coordinated a process for developing harmonised recommendations on clinical care for pregnant women and newborns.

THE ENGINEER attached to the Region 5 Administration, Dhanpaul Sukha of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice was earlier this week charged with causing death by dangerous driving.Sukha is accused of causing the death of motorcyclist, Inshain Jameer, 21, of Tempie Village, also in West Berbice on May 14, last.

Reports at that time stated that Jameer was sitting on a motorcycle on the side of the roadway at Naarstigheid, West Coast Berbice in conversation with a relative when the car driven by Sukha came into contact with the rear of his motorcycle.

Reports alleged that Sukha had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

However, during his court appearance before Magistrate Rhondell Weever, no evidence was reported that suggested that he had been tested for alcohol after the accident or whether these tests, if done, had proven positive or negative.

Magistrate Weever allowed Sukha bail in the sum of $700,000 and ordered him to report to court for further hearing of the charge on June 15.

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has called on residents of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and work together as one in order to protect the gains of past generations of Guyanese, who sacrificed their lives for Guyana’s independence.The minister was at the time delivering remarks at a flag-raising ceremony organised by the Regional Administration of Region Three held at the Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

“Where we are today is a result of the hard work done by all of the Governments that we have had since independence. I make no distinction here, because we believe that every Government, every politician and every individual had a role to play in making us who we are and allowing us to be where we are today,” he said.

The minister said that 50 years ago, when Guyana achieved independence from Britain, it was in a state of crisis with poor and in some cases, non-existent roads, schools and other vital infrastructure.

He said that today some of those challenges still persist, but assured the residents that the coalition government stands committed to providing the kind of leadership that is required to make the country a better place for future generations.

“We can fix these problems if we work together as one people. National unity is [an] imperative… If we work together, our destiny will be a strong one,” Minister Harmon said.

He also spoke of the administration’s policy of ensuring that Guyana becomes an educated nation. He said that education moves a nation from poverty to prosperity and said that, “We are going to create the conditions in this country that would make you want to remain here to work and live and those who would have migrated would want to return home.”

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Julius Faerber also spoke of the struggle for independence and said that it is an extremely great achievement of which all Guyanese must be proud.

Apart from the flag-raising ceremony and military parade done by ranks of the Joint Services stationed in the region, there was also a packed cultural programme with performances by students from a number of schools in the region.

By Rawle Nelson
FIFTY years speaks of maturity and Region Eight Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks is urging all Guyanese to work together for a better Guyana in the years ahead.He expressed these sentiments before a large gathering at the region’s flag-raising ceremony held at the Mahdia playfield on Wednesday.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan addresses the Region Eight flag-raising ceremony

Among those in attendance were Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; APNU Member of Parliament for Region Eight, Ms Rajcoomarie Bancroft; Regional Executive Officer, Shameer Arjune; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Gavin Gounga; and Regional Democratic councillors.
Fredericks said Guyana’s 50th anniversary should be used by Guyanese to reflect on how far Guyana has come as a people since gaining independence.
“We are still a young nation compared to some other nations, with great potential for great things, but we will not run from the fact that there is still [a] lot more work to be done,” he said.
The regional chairman told residents that growing has its struggles financially, physically, mentally, spiritually and psychologically.
But, he advises: “But let us not focus on the past, but rather focus on the future, the future of our youths, those that are young, critical-thinking and see things differently. We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources, it is our Guyana, for we are her tomorrow and she is our future.”
Fredericks also implored residents to inspire the youths and renew their confidence by providing them the tools and support to dream big and to achieve their dreams.
Regardless of race, culture, political affiliation or religion, he urged all Guyanese to embrace each other and live as one.
The chairman also praised the contributions of Guyana’s founding fathers in the independence struggle, and her other presidents who have contributed to her development.
“As we celebrate this important event, I take time out to salute our first Executive President Forbes Burnham, who has been [sic] the foundation for our independence that we are celebrating. I also salute all of our Presidents as they too have played an important role in what we are celebrating today. Let us recognise the contributions of Burnham, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan,

Minister Bulkan with awardees Roger Hinds and Lisa Augustus

Desmond Hoyte, Bharat Jagdeo and our current president David Granger. These individuals have all played a very important part in what we are celebrating tonight,” the chairman told the large gathering.
PUT ASIDE DIFFERENCES
Fredericks also urged politicians to put aside their differences and work together in peace and harmony.
“It serves no one any benefit for us to live in disunity. As such, I am appealing to our politicians to recognise that we must stop seeking to criticise and begin to support, as this will certainly help us build a better and stronger Guyana for all,” he stressed.
Fredericks also called for a national change of character and attitude so that Guyana can be a better nation.
“If we change our character and attitude, we will change our nation and be a better people in the generations to come,” he contended.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer Arjune said the region is still faced with a number of challenges, but remains committed and determined to achieve success.
“I have expressed my plans for this region and backed by our hardworking and very supportive Minister of Communities, regional councillors and staff, we are determined to achieve our set goals and targets,” he said.

Regional Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks addresses the gathering

Arjune added: “As your region’s REO, be assured that as I continue to serve you, I will ensure that my daily contribution to this region is one that will continue to bring about holistic development. While we are focusing on celebrating the achievements that this country has made over the past 50 years, let us also seek to push ahead with our own developments, thus ensuring that the next generation can celebrate our contributions of today. Sacrifices will have to be made, a spirit of discipline, dedication, commitment and the willpower to see growth will have to form part of our daily lives if we are going to leave achievements that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can celebrate.”
During the ceremony, two prominent residents of the region were honoured.
Well-known businessman and sports enthusiasts Roger Hinds, who has been dubbed the “God Father” of the region for his overwhelming support and assistance to a number of communities, youth and sports-oriented project was honoured for his sterling contributions to sport and business in the region.
Hinds first got into business at age 14. Medex Ms Lisa Augustus who currently heads the region’s Maternal Child Health Department was honoured for her long- standing, diligent, sterling and committed service to health care development.
Augustus got into health care in 1998 when she began as a community health care worker. She has since served in several capacities over the years while upgrading her qualifications.

A WEST COAST Berbice minibus driver was on Tuesday sentenced to four years in prison after he was found guilty of causing the deaths of two passengers in his vehicle through dangerous driving.

Hurton Porter, 44, of Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty by Magistrate Rhondell Weever after a trial, which lasted over seven months.

The charges had been laid indictably, but were taken summarily with the consent of the defendant.

The accident causing the deaths occurred on May 26, 2015 when Porter was driving the bus en route from Berbice  to Georgetown and the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara  with 19 passengers, who had decided to travel  to witness the inauguration ceremony for the newly-elected President of Guyana, David Granger.

The case against Porter, prosecuted by Corporal Racquel Mars and Sergeant Althea Solomon, was that he had been driving the vehicle recklessly when the fatal accident occurred.

Testimonies revealed that minutes before the accident, passengers had asked him to desist from driving at a high rate of speed, but he had ignored their pleas.

Evidence also revealed that the passengers had warned him at that time, that the left side rear wheel of the vehicle was wobbling and he had stopped and put air into that wheel.

After doing this, it was revealed, he resumed driving at a fast rate and it was then that front, left side wheel of the vehicle blew out, causing him to lose control.

The vehicle veered off the road, toppled several times over and crashed into a fence before coming to a halt.

Several of the passengers received severe injuries as a result of the accident.
Ms Luckin Elizabeth Rodney, 54, of Golden Grove Village, West Coast Berbice, who was seated behind the conductor’s seat, received severe injuries to her neck and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital.

Murtland Anthony Richmond, 26, of Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice was transferred from the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital to the Georgetown Hospital in an unconscious condition.

He succumbed to his injuries three weeks after the accident. Porter had been allowed bail in the sum of $500,000 pending trial.

REPRESENTATIVE of US President Barack Obama and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Western Hemisphere Affairs for the Caribbean and Central America, Juan Gonzalez on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo at the Office of the Prime Minister.Gonzalez was accompanied by Captain Robert Landolfi of the US Coast Guard, who is also Special Advisor of the Western Hemisphere Affairs Office, along with US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Gonzalez engaged in informal discussions. Guyana and the US enjoy a strong and friendly relation.

The Prime Minister, on behalf of the people of Guyana, thanked Gonzalez for attending Guyana’s 50th anniversary celebrations on behalf of President Obama, and asked that the nation’s gratitude be conveyed to President Obama.

Nagamootoo noted that Gonzalez’s presence, as special representative of President Obama, elevated the international stature of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Prime Minister presented the party with memorabilia from Guyana’s 50th anniversary and sent a special gift of an exclusive Golden Jubilee lapel pin to be delivered to President Obama.

Gonzalez noted that the US Government is cognisant that the recent discovery of oil in Guyana’s waters has the potential to transform Guyana into a modern state and as a 21st century bridge between the Caribbean and South America.

He noted that this will require prudent management and oversight by the State and pledged the US Government’s support to the Government of Guyana in assisting in the process of setting up the requisite legal and other frameworks to ensure that the people of Guyana and future generations benefit from this monumental discovery.

Prime Minister expressed a deep interest in the Governments of Guyana and the United States pursuing cooperation and partnership on this front and offered advice on how this can be developed.

THERE is no denying that given our diverse historical experiences — pleasant and unpleasant — and the environment within which groups have had to share the same space (i.e. Guyana),  that such have been marked with conflicts, violent and non-violent. At the same time, Guyanese can only be held captive to negative experiences of history at our choosing. Conversely, the opportunity always presents itself to use historical experiences — lived or told — to learn from mistakes of the past, and build on the accomplishments. Somewhere between these two options this nation seems caught in a vortex.Where there continues to be a decided preference to not learn from mistakes and move on, but rather engage in the continual game of “proving” who was bad or good, how such serves this nation’s interest is anyone’s guess. Pursuing conversations, calls and actions to dismantle structures and conduct universally accepted places the nation on a tightrope and utilises the energies of the peoples in a non-futuristic direction, which is detrimental to the people and society.
A nation cannot be forged with continued efforts to deny the contributions of persons and organisations to society, because they are considered bad. Neither is it acceptable that those perceived to be good should be attributed the prominence of sole contributor — end all — and be all for everything. The marking of time, divisive and distasteful features of our politics, regardless of who practises them, have to end.
Forging a nation whose frame our national anthem acknowledges is that of a “land of six peoples,” to get to the stage where we are truly “united and free” requires integrity, civility and respect for self, others and the nation’s established mores and institutions. For too long public discourse and treatment of others have been poisoned or praised, primarily because of the person’s politics or ethnicity. The only place sanity reigns for those refusing to be caught up in the morass is reliance on history, through the perspectives of timeline, context and events.
In looking at forging nationhood, there are some home truths that need to be faced and accepted. Guyana is a diverse society. Diversity is not a curse, it is a blessing in that it offers different cultural experiences, perspectives on life, skills, interests, solutions and problem-solving techniques that can work for all. What is required and keep escaping attention is that where there is respect for this and everyone is treated equally and with dignity, such can reduce and eliminate the irascible approach to politics and things political.
There is no need to feel that a person has to be liked to treat him/her with respect and civility. This would be out of recognition and appreciation of sharing the same space, which that person is entitled to share, equally as having access to the nation’s resources, opportunities, and the protection of its laws.  There is no need to prove any point to anyone outside of being civil and treating that person the way you would want to be treated. It requires character to be civil and understand that such is not displayed when engaging in tit for tat.
Where one knows better, it is expected that better be done. And where others, when the shoe was on the other foot, had engaged in unbecoming conduct, civility dictates rising above the boorishness. A person cannot be embarrassed treating them in the crude manner they treated others. Neither can a society grow and unite/cohere caught in this display of misconduct to the other.
The challenges this nation faces at the social and political levels will not be fixed overnight. No one is delusional. However, what is expected is that Guyanese stop and take stock of the manner in which we treat each other and start now to address the decline in social grace, etiquette, protocol and civility. A heterogeneous society by its very nature brings with it conflicts, given competing interests, scarce resources, diverse cultural outlook and preferences.
Conflict, while it creates the space for animosity and intolerance, also allows for opportunities for bringing together diverse forces to find, arrive at, and work through consensus. This continues to present a challenge to Guyana and it is not that Guyanese lack the ability to do so. What is evident is the absence of will to make consensus the guiding principle for engagement which is important for forging nationhood. Guyanese have to learn to respect and treat self and each other with dignity or we’ll perish together as fools.

…urges cooperation, cohesion

Happy Jubilee to all Guyanese wherever you may be I have known that many many Guyanese have returned from the diaspora to be with us as we celebrate 50 years of our independence and for my brothers and sisters from the Rupununi to the Atlantic Ocean to Marawana to Moleson Creek to all parts of our very huge and diverse country I would like to convey the best wishes of our Government to you on this remarkable celebration of 50 years of independence of Guyana.

This celebration has brought to the fore the love of our people for Guyana, their patriotism, their commitment to go forward as a united country as a free country as a clean country as a green country, as a beautiful country and that is why today I feel so energized, I feel so elated because I have seen the genius of the Guyanese people that they could put all the difficulties behind them and they can look forward to the future with renewed confidence, with a sense of pride, with a sense of commitment , new commitment.

So as I look back on 50 years I recall the night the flag, the golden arrow head, our national flag was hoisted at the national park I was glued like many persons would have in the corentyne would have done or in Essequibo or in the Rupununi or other parts where you didn’t have any television at that time and your hear the voice or bobby more and Rafiek Khan and Victor Insanally as they recount the events that would lead to the unfurling of our independence flag. And so I followed those events very carefully and in fact the independence of Guyana has been a very special part of my life and the struggle for it and the desire for it, I recall at the age of 14 wearing my first long pants, almost like a woman’s jeans I would say.

Motorcade

I went to a motorcade up in Crabwood Creek in 1961 and I joined that motorcade where the intention was that after the 1961 elections Guyana would be independent.  Cheddi Jagan was elected to office then and he led that motorcade then and it was from then that I never looked back, I never falter and I felt that the greatest mission in one’s life is to be able to witness and fight for the freedom of one’s country. It was for me an achievement when Guyana became independent in 1966.

I sat in my home village watching the parade, the march on the road, the procession of people celebrating independence but as I noted on another occasion, for me it was not a happy time as our country was still under a state of emergency and that they were people who are in jail what was called simply hall political prisoners  and therefore for me the occasion of independence was both painful, nostalgic as well as europhic as well as a happy moment a moment that I should be overwhelmed with pride and joy, today I look back at those 50 years since 1966 and I look back at the long journey, the difficult path we have come through and I am more convinced that looking back is not really what we should be doing at this time, we have to look ahead, we have to look to the future, we have to look to see where we are going, it’s good to know where we came from, but I can imagine in the next 50 years I can imagine a beautiful Guyana, my homeland, my mother land, where all our children are properly educated where not a child is left behind, where all our young people, qualified and trained can find gainful employment, where we would have no need to worry that our young people would migrate or they would leave the country with the training and skills – what is called the brain drain.

Where we can look at our mothers and our elderly people and make sure that their needs are satisfied, where we are able to have one of the best or the best health system in the region and nutrition is attended to, why? Why do I say in the next 50 years we could do all of this, we  live in the hope that we can become and oil and gas producing state that you can have more revenues coming from the wealth of our country which is our natural resources, where we can manage our green untapped virgin forestry and we could produce oxygen for the rest of the world and we can be compensated for our supply of oxygen to save this planet for having, perhaps one of the world’s largest natural resort, forestry resort like Iwokrama, a bigger Iwokrama where could use to do all kind of laboratory testing of species that would be good for medicines and all manner of cures of people facing health issues.

Workers being retrained

I can look to our sugar workers being retrained, being retooled for the future so you don’t have to do the back breaking work, that of a mule to be fetching canes on your head, where the sugar industry would be  restructured, where the industry will be rehabilitated and diversified so we don’t have to carry sugar as a national burden, we have to carry the agriculture sector both sugar and rice as potential for the diversification of our economy as the potential for value added products, we would concentrate on manufacturing rather than raw materials extraction, where our young people will put their skills in factories that would produce high quality world quality products commodities from sugar and from rice and from other agricultural products from which our country is richly endowed with soil and water and climate to produce so we can once again become the bread basket of the Caribbean, the bread basket of the western hemisphere.

So I look to the future with optimism, I look the future with hope, I look to the next 50 years with a sense of accomplishment that I have been here on the long journey in the first 50 years and I that I have done all I could and you also, all of you, all of us would have to say that we have done all we could to make Guyana viable for the next 50 years to make Guyana a model of the country we call our homeland, our only home or only paradise, our only resort we have that we can bask in the sunlight, we can enjoy the breeze, we can enjoy the scent and the fume of a clean environment, where you can breathe healthy, stay healthy and live healthy so this is my vision as I bring you these greetings today on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of our independence.

Alternative energy

I want to wish you and your families all the best and I wish to assure you that our Government will continue on this path that we have started to make sure that we provide alternative energy, that we become a green economy, where we do not utilise so much of our resources on fossil fuel, on diesel on gasoline, on bunker fuel, that we could have solar panel, we can have wind energy, that we can have water energy hydro energy, so more Guyanese can have monies more disposable incomes in their pockets, that we are able to gear our economies  and gear our industries and gear our productive sector to receiving energy from renewable sources and that will place us as an envy in the world and that is why I believe that you also share that confidence that there is in fact the fact that Guyana could bounce back in the next few years ahead to a bountiful country, self-sufficient the things we need to consume, laying a viable, solid, unbreakable foundation for better health care, better education, better transportation and overall to be able to provide housing, recreational facilities and those leisure’s and parks that people would need to know that they don’t only work in Guyana but they can enjoy moment of leisure and they can walk in the park and they can enjoy some of the richness of being in Guyana and being Guyanese.

I want also to let you know that in one year we have been in Government we have chosen quite deliberately to focus all we can and divert as much resources as we can afford to celebrate with you the golden jubilee because we recognise that the golden jubilee has brought out something in all of us, that we could celebrate together, we could sing, we could laugh, we could dance, we could enjoy each other’s company not as six different races but as one Guyanese but that we are all one people, one Guyanese nation with one obsession, one passion and that is we should all be reunited and all consider ourselves as citizens of our common homeland so you have much to enjoy, you have much to see during these celebrations but also I would ask that in your silent moment that you consider that we have much more to achieve we have just begun this new journey, we are on the door step of a new exciting step for Guyana so once again happy golden jubilee, enjoy being in Guyana, enjoy being Guyanese. Thank you.

Reflections

I remember the big radio set, it was called Phillips and a big battery like a tractor battery so we were listening to the live coverage of the independence in Georgetown, I was in Berbice in my home village Whim and I was glued to the radio listening to the voices of the most remarkable broadcasters and analysts at that time like Rafiek Khan and Vic Insanally relaying what was happening at the National Park, it was there that the Golden Arrow Head was hoisted for the first time so I recall the sound of jubilation and the sound of elation  and I tried to picture that in my mind’s eye to picture graphically what is happening.

British subject

And I believe that apart from an announcement that the flag has been hoisted by a team that had visited that had gone to Ayanganna or Mount Roraima I believe, there was also a report that was bring broadcast and sent in by whatever means that the flag has been hoisted on the crest of our highest mountain, I also remember a part from the hoisting of the flag at the National Park a significant event that was very emotional for me and I believe for most Guyanese was when Forbes Burnham the then Prime Minister and Cheddi Jagan they embraced and I believe that embrace between those two nationalists leaders had become symbolic of the unity we want to achieve in Guyana among our people so I think on the night of May 25, 1966 it has brought just for that occasion a scintilla of hope, a scintilla of pride a sense that we were no longer British subjects, we were no longer british objects.

I was born in 1947 and the first time I recalled having to apply for a passport – the passport was British Guiana literally telling me I was a british subject and I want it to be known as a Guyanese and so independence on May 26, 1966 has given us that right to be Guyanese citizens and not British subjects and that for me is a liberating achievement, also on the next day May 26, 1966 I was in my home village in a shop refer to as Tara Shop – known for selling nice Mauby and I would say the best Salara in Berbice and we were there in the shop looking at people passing and there were people marching and singing praise of Guyana and welcoming independence and so on and some of the people were calling on me to come out but at that time I was with the People’s Progressive Party and there were several members of the People’s Progressive Party in detention so on that day I had embraced the slogan independence yes, celebrations no and so I felt left out, I felt very emotional because here was someone who literally from boyhood days had embraced the concept of independence for Guyana with a passion and when independence came and not celebrating independence because our country was under a state of emergency with the soldiers running around and in jeeps and there were also these prisoners in detention so those are some of the memories I have but going back in my mind and picturing what had happened there I felt that it part and parcel of the pain that independence brought not only the joy and the struggle and the struggle was not even smooth it was difficult in some respect it was controversial the way independence was achieved.

Bitter legacy

It was controversial and we still had for many years had to live with the bitter legacy of what took place during the independence struggle and even at independence time and that bitter legacy included a legacy of ethnic division in Guyana, political polarization so going back to 50 years, while it was good to live through that period while it is good to have been identified with that period it also for me was a mixed cocktail of joy pride with a sense of pain a sense of nostalgia a sense of not having achieved independence that made us a complete Guyanese personality and for years we battled with this question of our identity so when you look back at 1966 we can say now that not only have we survived those difficulties, it shows that we had the strength as a nation to deal with our problems in whatever way we did, sometimes it was done in conflict but most times Guyanese showed the ability that their desire to cooperate was greater than the temptation to create conflicts and that is what inspired me, that part of it that we have this commitment to cooperate, we have this commitment to move forward and to overcome our difficulties.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry has sought to explain the seating situation which saw Opposition members walking out of the Jubilee celebrations at D’Urban Park following claims that its parliamentarians were denied seats.

In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Henry said that the Parliamentary Opposition was orally briefed on May 24 about several protocols to be observed on May 25, which included that all members be seated by 9:45pm and they should use the North Western (Homestretch /Vlissengen Road) entrance.

According to Minister Henry, the PPP was informed that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo will be seated in Presidential Section with all other past Presidents and Prime Ministers while all other PPP members will be seated in the other VIP section.

On the night in question, Minister Henry claims that the PPP Parliamentarians entered the venue via South Western entrance (Hadfield Street).

“Had it not been for the police insistence on using the North Western entrance this would have resulted in the Opposition and President arriving on the tarmac at the same time,” Minister Henry clarified.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

She claims that the following Persons proceeded to the Presidential Section: Bharat Jagdeo, Irfan Ali, Anil Nandalall, Juan Edgehill and Clement Rohee.

“The remaining members remain standing in the passage as Ms. Manickhand indicated they will only sit when they can be assigned seats together. (This was told to the usher),” Minister Henry noted in her statement.

She further noted that upon arriving at the Presidential Section, the Opposition Leader indicated that there were concerns with the seating, and she assured him that this will be addressed immediately.

“So I proceeded by personally asking other invited persons to give up their seats to ensure the Opposition members were all seated together.  As soon as the persons began to give up their seats. The Opposition walked out,” Minister Henry said.

“In the circumstances I wish to state that as the organizer of this event I apologize for any inconvenience, embarrassment or distress this incident may have caused,” the Minister concluded.

The PPP in a statement issued the very night noted that upon arrival at the VIP area tonight, there were no seats set aside for the Opposition MPs, except for the two former Presidents, Dr. Jagdeo and Mr. Sam Hinds and two other MPs.

“The majority of the MPs were left standing. Appeals were made to Minister Henry and Attorney-General Basil Williams but to no avail. However, in the interim dozens of people were escorted to and seated in the VIP area. After standing for over half of an hour in the passage way and no seats were made available, the Leader of the Opposition, Former President Hinds, accompanied by the MPs and their spouses, departed.

“The humiliation of standing in the passage way while other people were being seated was deliberately designed to humiliate and embarrass the PPP/C parliamentary opposition,” the PPP stated.

POLICE are awaiting a post-mortem to determine the cause of death of Nathaniel Sears, whose lifeless body was found on the Armadale Public Road, West Coast Berbice, near his motorcycle early on Thursday morning by residents.Sears 69, called “Hurry Up,” was supposed to drive the tractor/trailer carrying the MMA-ADA float en route to D’Urban Park but never made it.

The police reported that Sears left his Number Nine Village home at about 04:00 hrs to drive the tractor at Number 27 Village, Onverwagt,after which he was to head to Georgetown for the Independence Float Parade.

According to the police, Sears’s body did not have any visible marks of violence, but they observed that the chain of his motorcycle had slipped. Sleuths believe that he may have encountered an accident when the chain of his bike slipped, causing him to fall, or he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was the father of five and was an employee of the Ministry of Agriculture branch at Onverwagt. The police in Berbice said they will determine the way forward after the PME results.

KARAMCHAND “Bobby” Singh of Lot 576 Block B, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara perished in an accident at Good Hope Railway Embankment, ECD on Thursday night.The 44-year-old joiner received major head injuries and reportedly died at the scene of the accident. The CBR motorcycle he was driving has been damaged beyond repair.

Widowed: Chandrawattie Singh

His widow, Chandrawattie “Babita” Singh, related that at about 20:15 hrs on Thursday, her husband was on his way home from his nephew’s birthday party when he reportedly collided head-on with a vehicle, and was killed in the accident.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she is still trying to come to grips with her husband’s demise.

Mrs Singh disclosed that when her husband left home after 16:00 hrs on Thursday, he was in a very good mood and had promised he would return shortly; but he never did. The grieving mother of six described her late husband as a very kind person, an exceptional husband who would be greatly missed.

Mr Singh’s body is at the Jerrick’s Funeral Parlour awaiting a date for funeral. A number of relatives from overseas are expected in Guyana to pay him their last respects.

The Singhs had known each other for 23 years, but got married about eight years ago. Their union produced two children.

Mr Singh’s step daughter, Indira Budhu, called “Carol”, said family members were at home when they received a telephone call informing that he had been killed in an accident.

According to acting Traffic Chief Boodnarine Persaud, a post-mortem examination on Singh’s body revealed that he died from multiple injuries.

Thus far this year, the Traffic Department at Eve Leary has recorded 56 road accidents with 60 deaths, compared to 33 road accidents with 43 deaths during the corresponding period last year.

By Vanessa Braithwaite

AFTER two months in office, the Linden Mayor and Town Council has successfully secured the return of the Kara Kara toll booth to the mining town. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland made this announcement on Monday, noting that a motion was passed during an emergency meeting last week for the toll to be reinstituted.
The booth will be gazetted and operations will commence earliest.
Mayor Holland praised Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams for his intervention in returning the toll booth to Linden.
During the recent Local Government Elections campaign, Minister Williams had made an open promise to the people of Linden to have the booth returned as soon as the Council was sworn in.
Mayor Holland said the minister has made good on his promise. This came at a time when the cash-strapped Council is in dire need to offset its $200M debt and cover basic monthly expenses.
The Kara Kara toll booth that was established in 1997 was disbanded in 2013 by former Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker.
The purpose of the booth was to garner funds from heavy-duty trucks transporting lumber and other resources to and from the Interior.
According to reports, the booth was disbanded to accommodate the operations of lumber giant Bai Shan Lin.
As a result of this subsidised operation, the Council lost close to $250M, former IMC Chairman Orin Gordon had said. Minister Williams described this decision by the previous administration as a move to stymie the progress of the town.
“They never wanted you to thrive, they took away all of your financial abilities to spend money to look after yourselves… you use to take fees from those large trucks passing through Linden, the heavy lumber trucks and the bauxite container trucks and you used to get a reasonable income from that as a Town Council… 35 per cent of those revenues constituted your budget in this town of Linden, said the minister.
In addition to the toll booth, the Council has secured an increase in the yearly subvention from the Government and is looking to also increase the toll for the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.