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Prime suspect in custody for murder of Venezuelan woman Jul 15, 2024 News – Believed to be taxi driver involved in kidnapping, shooting of another Kaieteur News – Investigators on Sunday told Kaieteur News that the prime suspect in custody for the murder of Evelyn Alfonzo Alves also known as Fabiana Betancourt is believed to be the trusted taxi driver involved in the alleged kidnapping, robbing and attempted murder of another Venezuelan woman, Diana Danello, three months ago. Murdered: Evelyn Alfonzo Alves Alves was found shot dead aback of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on the morning of Sunday July 7.  A few days after the news of her murder made headlines, Danello came forward publicly with her story. Danello had said that she could have suffered the same fate during a rainy night on April 10 after a taxi driver based at a popular city hotel allegedly kidnapped, robbed, shot and left her for dead aback of Diamond too. The bullet from that night’s incident is still lodged in her body. An x-ray showed that it is in a region close to her spine. Danello is alleging that she had chosen to flee Guyana after detectives did not show much interest in her case after providing them with what she deemed sufficient information to arrest the suspect. With the taxi driver still at large, Danello claimed that she did not stick around because she was fearful that the suspect could return to kill her. The bullet still lodged in Diana Danello’s back Investigators in response to her claims said that she left Guyana after she was discharged from the hospital, thereby stalling investigations. “She recently told detectives that she would return to Guyana to follow up with her case”, investigators told Kaieteur News on Saturday. In an update on Sunday, investigators did not disclose why they believe that the man in custody for Alves might be involved in Danello’s case too. They did however confirm with Kaieteur that the suspect in Alves case is also a taxi driver. Initial reports by Kaieteur News on Alves’ murder had revealed that she was last seen alive around 21:00hrs on Saturday July 6.  Relatives said that she was having a few drinks with her them when she received a call and left in a white car, a taxi that she regularly uses. Relatives further disclosed that Alves last made contact with a family member around 00:00 hrs. She reportedly told a family member that she was with her Guyanese boyfriend whom she has been dating for some time and did not seem in any distress but she never made it back. Early the following morning, her body was discovered lying face down in a pool of blood along a road in the New Diamond Housing Scheme. There was a gunshot wound to the back of her head and her cell phone was found next to her body. Police also recovered a 9MM spent-shell from the scene. It did not take long for them to arrest the prime suspect. A few days later, Kaieteur News reported Danello’s story and asked her to recount the horror that she miraculously survived. Danello said that on that night she had planned to party so she stacked on cash and left her home. Her first stop was at the popular hotel for dinner.  She then left the hotel in the taxi driver’s SUV. She told Kaieteur News that it was not the first time she travelled with the taxi driver because she frequents the hotel. “He was always neatly dressed and acted in a professional manner (translated from Spanish),” the woman said while relating that, she trusted the taxi base at the hotel because it was like an executive service. On April 10, however, the taxi driver reportedly turned into a monster. Instead of taking her to her destination, he locked the woman in and drove her at gunpoint to a lonely area aback of Diamond and turned off his car lights. Upon their arrival there, he reportedly held her at gunpoint and demanded that she hand over her purse and other valuables. Danello claimed that she had told him to take what he wants but spare her life. He took the purse which had her house keys, the cash, her ID card and some other documents along with her phone but according to the woman, it seemed as if he had no intention of letting her leave alive because he tried shooting her to the head. “El trata de dispararme, para matarme verdad, o sea, el me disparo verdad como dos tres cuatro veces con la pistola pero no salio nada la pistola hizo (imitates the sound the gun made) (He tried to shoot me to kill me right … he tried to shoot like two, three, four times but nothing came out, the gun made (imitates the sound that the gun made)”, she told Kaieteur News. It could be that the gun had jammed but the woman said that she believed at the time that it did not have any bullets. Instead of letting her go, the suspect tried to strangle her with a belt. “El agarro y quito la correa y me intento ahorcar y bueno dios me dio fuerza y pelee con el, le di unas patadas en las bolas (He held me and took off his belt and tried to strangle me but God gave me strength and I fought with him, I give him some kicks in the balls,” she recounted). While she fought for her life, she also received some blows to her body. The most painful she said was to her breasts because a surgery was performed on them. During the fight for survival, the taxi driver reportedly lost a chain which he was wearing and for a few seconds, let go of her to look for it. She recalled that he asked her where the chain was and it was that moment that she was able to escape his grip and exited the car into the pouring rain. She recounted running a short distance away when the taxi driver told her that he was going to kill her because she knows his face and where he works. It was at this point that man reportedly drew his gun again and shot at her. This time the gun went off and she ran for her life. She claimed that at the time, she did not know she was hit but it occurred to her that she might be unable to escape him. “Yo me tire pa el monte (I threw myself in some bushes),” the Venezuelan woman said as she recalled seeing the taxi driver exiting the SUV with a torchlight and searching around the area. She reportedly remained still in the bushes until he re-entered the vehicle and left. She then got up and walked in the pouring rain until she met a man selling at a small stand along the road. There she asked for help but the man said he had no cell phone to give her a call but advised her to wait until the rain was over for him to take her to a hospital. Fearful that he too might harm her, she continued to walk in the rain. Cars passed by, she said, but she was reluctant to accept any help from the drivers. One man, however, stopped and identified himself as a policeman. “Y me llevo a la (Diamond) police station (and he carried me to the police station)”. She said that when she arrived there, she realized that the attempt on her life took place in close proximity to the police station. After seeing her condition, she was advised to go to a hospital. The policeman who picked her up took her to the closest hospital and she was admitted. There she learnt that a bullet entered one of her arms and was lodged in her back. Doctors were unable to remove the warhead. She had also sustained a fractured rib from the blows she received. Detectives subsequently took a statement from her. Related Similar Articles

Guyana Police Force honours fallen heroes on 185th Anniversary Jul 15, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Top Cop, Clifton Hicken told those gathered at the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess Compound, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Sunday that they should, “never forget the courage and dedication of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to others.” Top Cop, Clifton Hicken lays a wreath in honour of the GPF’s fallen heroes The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently engaged in a month-long series of events to commemorate its 185th anniversary. On Sunday, officers and other dignitaries gathered at ‘Fallen But Not Forgotten Heroes Monument’ to honour those officers who died in the line of duty. Among the dignitaries were Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally; Guyana Defence Force, Chief Brigadier, Omar Khan; Head of Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, James Singh; Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham; National Security Advisor, Gerald Gouveia; Chairman of GPF’s Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc, Bishop Raphael Massiah; Deputy Commissioner’ Administration’ (ag) Ravindradat Budhram; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Errol Watts; other senior and junior officers and head of departments began with the listing of the ranks, their name, the year of their passing and the manner of their death, then the laying of wreaths.” In his speech, the Top Cop said that, “Today, as we gather with solemn hearts to honour the memory of our fallen heroes — those brave men and women of the Guyana Police Force who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.” Scenes from the ceremony. Hicken continued.  “This courage was evident in those who proudly wore the badge of the Guyana Police Force, standing as the guardians of our community against chaos. They showed unwavering dedication, demonstrating courage beyond measure and making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our lives. In addition to honouring our local heroes, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to law enforcement officers across the globe.” Furthermore, he stated that the brave men and women fearlessly defended their communities and upheld the principles of justice and order, often at significant personal risk and sacrifice. “Their commitment and courage serve as an inspiration to us all, transcending borders and uniting us in gratitude for their selfless service,” the Top Cop said. Sunday’s event saw dignitaries, high-ranking officials of the Force, families and colleagues gathered to pay homage to the brave police ranks who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying the ultimate price as they carried out their sworn duty of Service and Protection. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag) Mr. Ravindradat Budhram chaired the proceedings and delivered the opening remarks, during which he expressed deep gratitude to the families of the fallen heroes. “We stand with you today, and we will always honour the memories of your loved ones and pledge to carry forward your legacy of service and sacrifice,” he posited. His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the profound impact these officers and ranks had on society. Minister Benn said “it is important to ensure, as a nation, that the hopes, aspirations, and ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes do not go in vain.” The Minister also emphasised the importance of supporting our law enforcement officers across the Joint Services. The ceremony is not just a simple event; it is a display of commitment to remembering and respecting those ranks that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Related Similar Articles

Govt. will not act hastily towards complaints against Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores – Minister of Commerce Jul 15, 2024 News …says will discuss concerns with Finance Minister Kaieteur News – Almost three months after the local business community raised a series of serious concerns about the proliferation of Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores in Guyana, the government has said it will not act hastily in addressing the situation but will now discuss an approach. Local business community raised a series of serious concerns about the proliferation of Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores The truck and crane Navindralall was operating at the time of his death. Minister of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond on the sidelines of an event told this newspaper, last week, in an exclusive interview that the government treats every concern as a priority regardless of whether it is raised by the business community or an ordinary citizen. The Guyanese Businesses Owners Association (GBOA), comprising 65 entities and individuals in a letter to President Irfaan Ali and other senior Cabinet members, dated April 22, 2024 highlighted their concerns over the flooding of Chinese supermarkets and hardware stores across the country. The Guyanese business owners were keen to note that while they recognize and embrace healthy competition for the benefit of consumers, their primary concern pertains to the perceived lack of adherence by Chinese businesses to the same laws and regulations governing Guyanese enterprises. They argued, “Many of these Chinese stores fail to provide tax invoices automatically with purchases, and when requested, such invoices are begrudgingly provided. Additionally, they neglect to display TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) on invoices, omit charging VAT (Value Added Tax) on applicable items, and abstain from listing product descriptions on invoices.” The missive also noted that there have been instances where consumers unknowingly purchased expired food items from these establishments, only to find no recourse for product support. These flagrant breaches, according to the Business Association, raise questions about accountability and concerns about the oversight by relevant authorities. To this end, the businesses said they cannot help but speculate whether these non-naturalized Chinese businesses receive preferential treatment or special concessions. Meanwhile, the Minister of Commerce said, “I saw the letter and the issue appears to be across many sectors such as the financial sector which would include the Minister of Finance and we do plan to look and see what the genesis is and what really is at the bottom of it.” Walrond added, “We have seen the letter and we noted the concerns but instead of having a kneejerk reaction, I do need to sit with the Minister of Finance and we have spoken informally for us to meet and discuss what really the real issues are and how they can be addressed.” The business community is concerned that the rapid expansion of Chinese businesses may not reflect normal market competition but may be a strategy to undermine local businesses by diminishing their market share, potentially impacting those with financial obligations to lending institutions such as loans and mortgages. In light of the growing number of Chinese owned supermarkets and hardware stores, the local businesses questioned whether they were being subjected to the same taxes and import duties as local businesses, or whether they receive preferential treatment such as duty-free concessions for their imports. Related Similar Articles

Conspiracy Crazy Jul 15, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists Dem boys seh… Kaieteur News – Guyanese love a good conspiracy, like ants love sugar. That’s why 1,300 of we people dead because of COVID. Some of we, about one-third, refuse to tek de vaccine. We nah reach herd immunity quick. So, plenty people dead unnecessarily. Conspiracy theories are to blame. Now look wah happening with Trump. Some of we people seh de man set up he own assassination attempt fuh draw sympathy. But who does set up themself fuh get shoot? Trump get shoot pon he ear. One of he supporters dead and two others seriously injured as of writing dis. If Trump bin stand at a different angle, de bullet woulda pass through de back of he brain. De man lucky, he nah dead. But Guyanese love to mek up story. We like seh how Trump smart, he plan dis fuh look like de victim. But dat ain’t mek sense. Even de best actor nah want get shoot fuh real. Is like we forget sense. We believe any and everything. But de problem with conspiracy theories is dey does cause real damage. Remember de COVID vaccine? People seh how it got microchip.  Some seh it mek you impotent. But de real danger was people nah tek de vaccine. So dem get sick and dead. All because plenty people nah get inoculate. Same thing, happening now with Trump story. People wasting time and energy debating if he set up he self. Instead of focusing on real issues…like who really trying fuh kill him. Guyanese need fuh stop believe every stupid theory. Conspiracy theories does mek we gullible. Every election instead of accepting dem losses, de losing political party looking fuh conspiracy theory such as dead and migrant people voting. And nuff of we joining de bandwagon and believing dis nonsense even though dem parties had polling agents at every polling station. And believing conspiracy theories is dangerous. We end up making bad decisions. We believe lies over facts. And dat nah good fuh nobody. Dem boys seh, wake up Guyanese! Stop fall fuh foolishness. Use yuh brain. Think fuh yuh self. Conspiracy theories does mek we laugh but dem also mek we cry. Time fuh be smart and wise. Let’s leave de nonsense behind. Talk half. Leff half. Related Similar Articles

PANCAP’s hosts two day workshop on strengthening sustainable financing for HIV programmes Jul 15, 2024 News Participants at the recent workshop held by PANCAP on Strengthening Sustainable Financing for HIV Programmes in Trinidad and Tobago Kaieteur News – Ensuring the availability of sustainable financing for HIV programmes remains a critical element of the regional HIV response. In this regard, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), recently convened a workshop on Strengthening Sustainable Financing for HIV Programmes. The workshops were convened in Trinidad and Tobago during the period July 8-9, 2024. Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU), Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, addressing participants at the recent workshop held by PANCAP on Strengthening Sustainable Financing for HIV Programmes in Trinidad and Tobago The primary aims of this workshop were to Build capacity and foster commitment towards sustainable financing for HIV programmes, and catalyse efforts towards sustainable financing for HIV programmes through resource mobilization and social contracting. The Director of the PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU), Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson encouraged participants to openly share ideas and collectively explore innovative solutions towards achieving sustainable financing for regional HIV programmes. “Share your experiences, and explore potential partnerships for collaborative action, so that together we can create a future where all individuals affected by HIV and AIDS have equitable access to quality services and support,” she emphasised. Speaking on behalf of Ayana Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC), was the Technical Director of the NACC, Dr. Ayanna Sebro. Dr. Sebro highlighted that as countries strive to end AIDS by 2030, there is an urgent need to scale up their respective responses which require funding interventions to close many of the remaining gaps. “New sources of funding are required to ensure the existing programmes are sustainable, and even more importantly, that they reach more people,” Dr. Sebro underscored. “Sustainable financing is achievable through proper strategising and planning, along with a collaborative multi-sectoral approach with stakeholders. From Government to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), from policymakers to service delivery officers, from academics to the private sector, all sectors, all key populations, at all levels must collaborate to optimise, minimise duplication and be more efficient, and work smarter,” she added. During the two-day workshop, experts in Health financing delivered interactive presentations on key concepts such as The Caribbean Economic Landscape, Understanding the Landscape of Community-Led Initiatives and HIV Financing in the Context of the Caribbean reality. Best practices, case studies, and the practical use of resource mobilization to enable the sustainability of the HIV Response were also shared with participants. Panel discussions comprising government officials, CSO representatives and policymakers examined the challenges and successes experienced by   HIV programmes via various modalities of financing. PANCAP will continue to engage its partners in exploring and supporting investment strategies, national policies, and regulatory frameworks to strengthen sustainable financing for HIV programmes throughout the Latin American and Caribbean regions. National AIDS Programme Managers, representatives from regional civil society organisations, donor agencies, government representatives and technical partners from across the region participated in the workshop. PANCAP sincerely thanks the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Global Fund for making this workshop possible. Related Similar Articles

Ministry of Labour launches investigation into electrocution of crane operator Jul 15, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department of the Ministry of Labour disclosed in a statement on Sunday that an investigation has been launched into the electrocution of the truck driver, who died while operating a crane on Saturday. Deceased, Maniram Navindralall The driver, Maniram Navindralall, was in the process of offloading four crates of concrete blocks during a delivery at Windsor Estates, East Bank Demerara(EBD), when the crane he was using came into contact with 13,800 volts of electricity via a primary network electric wire. Navindralall of Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD) died of electrocution immediately. According to their statement, after the matter was reported, the Ministry’s Assistant Chief OSH Officer, Mr. Royden Croal visited the scene and commenced an investigation into the cause of the incident. Croal is said to have also given recommendations for the prevention of recurrences. The truck and crane Navindralall was operating at the time of his death. Meanwhile, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, in a statement expressed concern with regard to the frequency of workplace injuries and accidents in recent times. He noted that the Ministry’s hands have been full recently, with regard to occupational safety and health cases, as a number of cases similar to Saturday’s tragedy have occurred in recent months. Just several weeks ago, in June, an East Coast Demerara mechanic, in similar fashion to Navindralall, died after the arm of the crane, which he was operating, came into contact with a 13,800 volt wire. The Ministry launched an investigation into that incident as well. Related Similar Articles

No retraction, apology or compensation to Oil Minister for US detention claims – Woolford’s attorneys  Jul 15, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Lawyers representing veteran Guyanese Journalist, Enrico Woolford have said that there will be no apology, retraction and compensation given to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat over the recent claims that he was detained by Federal Agents in the United States. Veteran Guyanese Journalist, Enrico Woolford Minister Bharrat last Friday denied allegations that he was questioned by the US Federal Agents, on arrival at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.  Woolford had made a post on his social media account making claims that the Minister had been detained. News of his alleged detention quickly spread and when contact, the Minister directed this publication to a Demerara Waves article which quoted him as denying the allegations and stating that “it was courtesies being extended to expedite clearing. I was not detained or interrogated”. Bharrat told Demerara Waves that he traveled to New York for an emergency because his father was hospitalized. In the article, he described the Facebook post made by Woolford as “mischievous”. The Minister did not directly respond to any of the questions posed by this newspaper. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat However through his attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, he wrote to Woolford demanding he “issue a clear, unqualified and unconditional apology and retraction in a form manner and terms to be agreed on or before the 14th July 2024 at 2p.m.” In a letter dated July 13, 2024, attorneys, Eusi Anderson, Nigel Hughes and Roysdale Forde SC representing Woolford responded to the Minister’s lawyer demands stating categorically that “There will be no retraction, apology or compensatory damages or payments of legal fees as requested…” The lawyers noted that there was no falsehood, malice or defamation in any of the publication’s contents.  The letter described Woolford as a national icon and treasure and a decorated, Syracuse University trained world-class journalist. “In this context, much of the contents of both your missive and allegations against our Client are perilously proximal to harassment of his person and defamation of his untarnished name. Both you and your Client would embrace wisdom were you to immediately cease and desist from such practices,” the letter pointed out. “Consequently, the claim of injury to your Client’s reputation will find it hard to hinge itself to reality. Enrico Woolford stands, firm and strong, by the words published and will stand in similar resolve in defence of civil and criminal proceedings,” the letter stated. Further the lawyers pointed out that, “Our client considers the threat of criminal proceedings for the exercise of his constitutional right of free speech to be replete with humour and empty of substance. He has expressed a distinct aversion to barrels sans contents for obvious reasons.” Further, the attorneys said that Woolford will answer to whatever proceedings are brought against him in any Court in any country. “This disclosure is both a professional courtesy and a warning for those who inhabit subjective realities and consider truth to be malleable, context-specific or dexterous. We urge you to heed same,” the letter outlined. The lawyers’ letter called on the Minister to focus his energies to the national collective and his ministerial portfolio. “Undoubtedly, it is a significant and challenging task. We offer sorrows and prayers for all other matters.  Our Client and his attorneys wish your client’s father, the swiftest return to fine health,” it pointed out. Related Similar Articles