
CARIBBEAN NEWS
Man remanded for one hour after refusing to testify against suspect who allegedly tried to murder him
Man remanded for one hour after refusing to testify against suspect who allegedly tried to murder him
Sep 12, 2024
Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News
Kaieteur News – High Court Justice, Peter Hugh on Wednesday issued an order to remand Compton Charles, the complainant/victim in an attempted murder trial to prison after he declined to testify against his alleged perpetrator.
High Court Justice, Peter Hugh
Justice Hugh had ordered that Charles, the victim in a 2013 incident which left him unconscious for days, be remanded to Lusignan Prison until today. The judge subsequently recalled his order.
Before this, Charles had spent an hour in the prison holding cell at the Georgetown High Court. He was subsequently released. The man was scheduled to give evidence in the attempted murder trial of Shawn Embelton. Embelton is accused of attempting to run Charles over with a car for attacking and beating Charles with a piece of wood over an old grievance.
The incident which occurred on November 1, 2023 at Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, left Charles unconscious for several days. He woke up at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation nursing broken limbs some eight days after he was beaten.
The trial in the attempted murder case is being presented by State Counsel, Dellon Fraser and Mikhail Puran at the High Court. At the commencement of the trial on Wednesday, the State had already called three witnesses to the stand but when it was time for Charles to testify, he took the stand and informed the court that he would not be proceeding with the matter against Embelton.
A source attached to the High Court told this publication that the judge warned Charles that he could be placed in custody for refusing to give evidence.
However, despite this warning from the judge, the complainant remained adamant that he would not proceed with his testimony. As such, the judge issued the order for him to be remanded to the Lusignan Prison until today. Consequently, Charles was placed in the lock ups at the High Court, but approximately an hour after the judge recalled his decision. Kaieteur News understands that the judge had taken a decision to remand the victim in accordance with provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act. However, when contacted, for further clarity, those close to the case declined to make any further comment on the matter. They noted that “the matter which is still active before the court” is scheduled to continue this morning.
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New Canadian envoy to Guyana accredited
New Canadian envoy to Guyana accredited
Sep 12, 2024
News
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday accepted the Letters of Credence from the new High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin
Kaieteur News – President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday accepted the Letters of Credence from the new High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin at the Office of the President.
During brief remarks, the Head-of-State lauded the “exceptional relationship” between the two countries, which he said has been built on shared culture, value systems and the respect for law and democracy. He underscored that the relationship between the two countries is not only defined by trade, investment and project planning, but is also defined by a deep connection between people and states. Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966.
Late last month Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly has announced the appointment of Sigouin as the High Commissioner to Guyana and Plenipotentiary Representative to the Caribbean Community. Mr. Sigouin succeeds Mr. Mark Berman.
Sébastien Sigouin (LLB, University of Sherbrooke, 1993; PhD and LLM [International Relations], Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997 as a human rights and humanitarian affairs adviser.
At headquarters, he has also served as manager of the International Programme and director of policy for the Canadian Human Rights Commission (2002 to 2010). He was also director of strategic planning and operations for Canada’s development assistance programming (2010 to 2015), deputy head of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States (2015 to 2018) and executive director responsible for relations with Central American countries, Cuba and the Dominican Republic (2018 to 2022). Most recently, he was executive director of the Haiti Division. Sébastien Sigouin is expected to present his Letters of Credence to the Government of Guyana soon.
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Queenstown man remanded for illegal possession of firearm, ammo
Queenstown man remanded for illegal possession of firearm, ammo
Sep 12, 2024
Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News
Kaieteur News – A 29-year-old resident of Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, on Wednesday appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Remanded; Azariah Alli
Azariah Alli appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore who read the charges to him. It is alleged that on September 8, 2024, at Norton Street, Georgetown, he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and five live 9mm ammunition without holding a valid firearm licence. Alli has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
According to police statements presented in court, the arrest occurred around 09:30hrs, when officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) conducted a narcotics operation at the said location. During the operation, officers observed Alli through an alleyway carrying a multi-coloured bag. Upon confronting him and searching the bag, they discovered the camouflage 9mm pistol and the live ammunition.
When asked if he has a firearm licence, Alli reportedly responded, “No.” He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Alberttown Police Station, where he was informed of the allegations and cautioned. He was later charged with the offence.
During the court proceedings, Alli’s attorney, Bernard DaSilva, requested bail, arguing that Alli is not a flight-risk and is willing to comply with any bail conditions. DaSilva contended that Alli was on the pavement with another individual when the police arrived. According to DaSilva, the other person dropped the bag near Alli and fled, leaving Alli to be arrested, despite his claim that the bag did not belong to him. The prosecutor opposed bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. As a result, Alli was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return to court on October 23, 2024, for further proceedings and reports.
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Suriname launches seep survey to detect energy sources below seabed
Suriname launches seep survey to detect energy sources below seabed
Sep 12, 2024
News
Staatsolie, the State-owned Surinamese oil company has commenced a survey to detect natural oil and gas leaks from the seabed.
Kaieteur News – Staatsolie, the State-owned Surinamese oil company which was established to execute the oil exploration, drilling, and processing in the neighbouring country has commenced a survey to detect natural oil and gas leaks from below the seabed.
This is even as Guyana takes its first steps towards conducting a survey to uncover the information on its oil resources.
According to information released from the Staatsolie’s website, the extensive research started on July 22 last and is collaboration between Staatsolie, GeoPartners Limited (United Kingdom) and TROIS GeoConsulting (Netherlands).
According to the company, the exploration of the seabed began on September 2, 2024.
Staatsolie announced that since then, 23,800 km² has already been explored in the ongoing exploration off the coast of Suriname.
The information posted on the website outlined “Staatsolie has entered into a Multiclient agreement with the two companies, which means that they can sell the collected data to third parties.”
Further, Staatsolie, added that it “receives part of that revenue, but remains owner of the data. The total area of the research area covers 44,970 km². The aim is to detect natural oil and gas leaks from the seabed. These leaks may indicate potential energy sources.”
State-owned exploration firm explained too that the research is very important for the Surinamese energy sector.
The company explained that finding and analyzing these leaks can help identify new energy sources, which are of great importance to the nation’s future.
Explaining how the survey is done, Staatsolie noted that TDI Brooks, the contractor hired to conduct the research, uses Multibeam SONAR technology to map the seabed.
“This technology” it said, “sends and receives sound waves to create detailed maps of the seabed. They also use other data, such as seismic and satellite information, to determine locations where samples can be taken.”
According to Staatsolie, the seabed sampling is expected to start in November. The company explained that full results are expected in early 2025.
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Speak no ill of the dead
Speak no ill of the dead
Sep 12, 2024
Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News
Kaieteur News – When somebody dead, people does talk nice tings. But sometimes, soon as de man close he eyes, all dem haters start to chat. Mouth open, story jump out. Is like dem been waiting fuh de man to dead before dem find dem voice.
When he been alive, dem couldn’t say a word. Tongue tie up like shoelace. But now, dem loud, loud, talking all kinda tings ’bout de dead. Dem boys seh is funny how bravery does come after de fact. De dead can’t answer back, so everybody turn hero.
Dem does say, “Don’t speak ill of de dead.” But some people tek dat as invitation to spill all de tea. Every wrong de man ever do, every mistake, come to light. Is like de man funeral turn gossip fest. Dem boys seh is a shame.
Why dem didn’t talk when de man coulda defend heself? Maybe dem been fraid. Maybe dem didn’t have de courage. Or maybe dem just love de drama. Now, de man family gotta hear all kinda tings ’bout he. De poor soul can’t rest in peace.
Dem boys seh, if you got someting to say, say it to de man face. Don’t wait till he gone to bad-talk he. Dat ain’t right. Is easy to kick a man when he down, but is coward thing to do when he can’t stand up back.
Some people like to wash dirty linen in public, but only when de washerman ain’t around. Dem forget dat karma does come back ’round. Today is he, tomorrow could be you. So better to watch wha you say. Dem boys seh de world full of hypocrites. Smiling in your face when you alive, then tearing you down when you gone. But dat’s how some people stay. Dem can’t help demselves. Misery love company.
At de end of de day, we all gotta go someday. Better we live good and talk straight. If you ain’t got nothing good to say, hold your peace. And if you must talk, do it with respect. Dead man tell no tales, but de living does remember. Dem boys seh, let de dead rest. Leave de judgment to higher powers. Life too short fuh grudges and backbiting. Instead, cherish de good memories and let go of de bad. Dat way, when your time come, people gon remember you kindly.
So next time somebody pass on, think before you speak. Ask yourself if wha you ’bout to say gon help or hurt. ‘Cause once words leave your mouth, you can’t tek dem back. Dem boys seh, speak well of de dead—or don’t speak at all.
Talk half. Leff half
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
Ministry of Education, GTU at loggerheads over reshaping ‘Nationals’
Ministry of Education, GTU at loggerheads over reshaping ‘Nationals’
Sep 12, 2024
Sports
FLASHBACK! District 10 celebrating their 20th overall title and seventh consecutive victory at the conclusion of the 2023 National Schools Championship. (Photo: Rawle Toney)
– No word on 2024 National School’s Championships
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – A cloud of uncertainty looms over the 2024 National Schools Cycling, Swimming, and Athletics Championship as the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) engage in intense discussions over a proposal to revamp the historic event.
Sources suggest that the Ministry, through its Allied Arts Department, is proposing to restructure the championship’s traditional format, with plans to hold the event in March instead of the usual November-December period.
The change, sources told Kaieteur News, is aimed at aligning the competition with several regional and international sports events, particularly in swimming, athletics, and cycling.
One significant element of the proposal is the possibility of hosting the athletics segment of the championship in a style similar to that of other countries participating in the CARIFTA Games.
Guyana is the only CARIFTA Games participant that holds its national schools’ track and field competition nearly six months before the prestigious regional event, while most other countries—such as Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Bermuda, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominica—schedule their championships in March.
In fact, Guyana’s 2023 National Schools Championship was held from November 26 to December 1.
Despite the Ministry’s push for change, the GTU has expressed concerns about the potential impact on students, particularly those preparing for major exams like the Common Entrance and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).
The timing of the proposed March championship could pose challenges for students juggling both academic and athletic commitments during a critical study period, the GTU argued.
When approached for comment, a GTU official confirmed that talks with the Ministry and the Allied Arts Department are ongoing but stated that the Union will release an official position to the media once a resolution is reached.
The National Schools Cycling, Swimming, and Athletics Championship has long been a symbol of athletic excellence in Guyana for student-athletes, dating back to its inception in 1959.
Over the decades, the event has nurtured countless young talents, with District 10 (Linden) emerging as the dominant force.
Linden’s athletes have captured an astounding 20 titles, maintaining a remarkable winning streak since 2015, with victories in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Their legacy stretches even further, with wins in 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2011.
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Future Warriors ‘Champion of Champions’ Tape-ball bowls off September 14
Future Warriors ‘Champion of Champions’ Tape-ball bowls off September 14
Sep 12, 2024
Sports
FL Sport’s John Ramsingh (left) collects the ceremonial sponsorship funds from Community Relations Advisor for ExxonMobil Guyana, Lasawhna Prescott.
– Winner to play Guyana Amazon Warriors in novelty match on September 22
Kaieteur Sports – Powered by ExxonMobil Guyana, the Future Warriors Tape-ball tournament for Primary Schools will meet a new climax as the winners of the three previous tournaments will match prowess in the Champion of Champions edition set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the iconic Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.
Stella Maris Primary (Demerara), Cropper Primary (Berbice), and HuisT’ Dieren (Essequibo) will be the three participating schools. The teams will play each other in a double round-robin format, followed by a final in the eight-over-per-side contest.
John Ramsingh, speaking on behalf of the tournament’s organisers, FL Sport, expressed his overwhelming appreciation for the continued and fruitful partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana as the tournament aims to expose grassroots talents to cricket.
Ramsingh is confident that, based on the success of the other three tournaments, teams will give their all and have fun while competing and hopes the players can transition into clubs or a more structured programme.
Community Relations Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Lashawna Prescott, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering initiatives that offer youths a platform to develop sportsmanship and camaraderie in a competitive environment. “This initiative perfectly aligns with our objective of nurturing and empowering the younger generation through sports.”
Like in the previous editions, schools can field both boys and girls on their teams at their discretion. All matches will be scored live, and the organisers have committed to ensuring that all the teams are dressed appropriately in uniforms and that all their gear, catering, and transportation needs are met.
Apart from another gear bag with numerous pieces of equipment for tape-ball cricket, trophies, medals, and equipment/stationery for the schools, the tournament winner will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston on Sunday, September 22. The other two teams will also attend and engage in the interactive sessions.
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