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Convicted prisoner found dead in cell at Lusignan Jul 18, 2024 News Deceased Lindon Lamiazon. Kaieteur News – Lindon Lamaizon who was convicted of ‘causing death by dangerous driving’ in 2021 was found dead in his cell Unit #3 at the Lusignan Prisons on Wednesday morning around 06:00hrs. According to a statement from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) via their Facebook Page, “Duty officers were at the time making a routine check when they observed Lamazon was unresponsive to the roll call. The nurse on duty immediately examined him for blood pressure and pulse but was unable to obtain a reading.” Doctor Perhram was summoned and upon examination, he pronounced the inmate dead. Lamaizon was recently discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was diagnosed with kidney failure. At his time of death, he was on medication to address his illness. Currently, the Officer-in-Charge is making efforts to contact his family. The GPS extends its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. The police were informed and are currently conducting their investigation. It was reported by this publication in June 2021 that Lamaizon who was 51 years old at the time, was the taxi-driver involved in an accident on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway which claimed the life of Mark Ault, a father of three. The man whose address at the time was given as Brusche Dam, Friendship Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), made his first court appearance in the Providence Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Judy Latchman, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleges that on June 6, 2021 while on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, he drove motorcar HC 9662 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of 48-year-old Ault of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD. He had also denied the charge which stated that on the same day, he failed to render assistance to Ault. A third vehicle had collided with Ault’s minibus on the same night, leaving three other persons injured. Kaieteur News had reported that before tragedy struck, Ault had just completed his routine newspaper business in Linden and was on his way to his Republic Drive residence. Related Similar Articles

77 businesses registered during AG Chambers Mabaruma outreach – Nandlall   Jul 18, 2024 News Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, doubling down on his position Kaieteur News –  The Office of Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, on Monday during an outreach to Mabaruma, registered 77 businesses and provided the registration certificates immediately to the proprietors. This was disclosed by the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall on Tuesday during an episode of his show ‘Issues in the News’ aired live on Facebook. The outreach stemmed from requests made to President Irfaan Ali on a previous visit to the area where residents lamented the absence of certain services. Nandlall said that during the trip they, registered under the Deeds and Commercial Registry 77 new businesses, and, issued the certificate of registration immediately. “We notarised dozens of documents. You know simple services like notarial services are not available so persons would have had documents that required notarization for years and have been unable to have those documents notarized.” The AG explained that a Notary Public was a part of the team and therefore dozens of documents were notarized right there and then. The team also facilitated and completed numerous transactions for, affidavits of identity, deed poll. “Issues affecting persons like the misspelling of names and clerical errors on person’s birth certificates, marriage certificates and in some cases even on their I.D cards were looked at,” Nandlall said. “So we had the help of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), we had the help of the GRO, the General Registrar’s Office Representative at Mabaruma; they were all part of the outreach and they obviously offered their assistance in helping us to resolve all these issues,” he added. Furthermore, there will be the establishment of a permanent Office of the Deeds and Commercial Registry in the locality of Mabaruma. Nandlall deemed the outreach a “spectacular success”. Noting that they were able to address “dozens of land issues.” He said Mabaruma is a place riddled with land issues because most of the land there are State lands and persons are occupying based upon leases.  This he said has led to a large number of legal issues stemming from land occupation. “I was able to call the Head of Lands and Surveys Mr. Monize to work along with the staff of the Lands and Surveys Commission who is at Mabaruma and then I was able to give legal advice that ought to guide the Lands and Surveys Commission in resolving hundreds of land disputes.” “Because the problems while they are many folds, the issues have great similarities and commonalities. So once you give advice on a particular issue, once that advice is followed, then it would impact positively on the resolution of hundreds of these legal disputes that are facing residents of communities,” the AG explained. Nandlall said the Government of Guyana is looking to bring all of the townships up to standard, hence they will be executing outreaches of similar nature to see where there is a service gap and to introduce the necessary one required. “Even most importantly, a decision has been made to conduct this initiative in all our hinterland regions in the towns of these regions. So we will do one in Region Seven, we will do one in Region Eight, we will do one at Region Nine and we will do one at Region Ten. It is our hope and expectation, to establish a permanent office of the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority in all these Regions,” he stated. A similar outreach will be executed in Port Kaituma next week Monday and the team will be offering the same services offered to Mabaruma. Related Similar Articles

Second phase of Mazaruni Prison project completed Jul 18, 2024 News Block Two (Phase II) of the Mazaruni Prison rehabilitation project. (Photo courtesy, GPS/Facebook) Kaieteur News – Phase two of the Mazaruni Prison rehabilitation project undertaken at a cost of over $700 million is now completed. This is according to information provided by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Wednesday which stated that that facility is expected to be operational in a matter of weeks. According to the Prison Service, Officer-in-Charge of the location Carlton Cameron reported that phase two which is a pivotal project aimed at enhancing the correctional infrastructure is said to accommodate approximately 200 inmates. It was reported in the media that phase one of the project, which was done for approximately $4 billion was completed in late 2022.  Kaieteur News had reported that under the APNU+AFC regime, a contract was given to Kee-Chanona Limited of Trinidad and Tobago in joint venture with Guyanese firm, Nabi Construction Inc., at a cost of $4 billion for the first phase of the expansion project. That contract catered for the construction of a U-shaped two-storey building which was being erected to house cells, offices and a courtyard for the prisoners. This block is also said to accommodate 220 inmates. As it relates to block two of the project, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office (NPTAB) revealed on its website in December 2021 that Nabi Construction Inc. was awarded another contract to undertake major works at the facility. According to information released from the NPTAB, the project was awarded to the contractor to the tune of $1,119,652,421. Meanwhile, as it relates to other projects ongoing at the correctional facility, the GPS reported yesterday that construction of phase two of the fence is currently at 98 per cent completion, and this is being done at a cost of over $66 million. This project, the Prison Service stated is a significant step towards fortifying the security infrastructure of the prison, thereby ensuring a safe and controlled environment within the premises. In relation to other projects, the boundary fence and watchtower construction is currently at 80 percent completion, and the commencement of the officers’ mess reconstruction, designed to provide recreational space for both senior and junior officers, which will be done at a cost of over $57 million and is already at a 30per cent completion. “These projects encompass a diverse range of initiatives designed to enhance the infrastructure, living conditions for staff and prisoners and overall functionality of the prison,” the Prison Service highlighted. Related Similar Articles

Sase Singh takes up post as Ambassador to Belgium Jul 18, 2024 News Newly appointed Ambassador of Guyana to Belgium, His Excellency Sasenarine Singh during his presentation ceremony. – presents credentials, initiates bilateral cooperation agenda Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced via a press statement that Sasenarine Singh, Guyana’s newly appointed Ambassador to Belgium, presented his Letter of Credence to His Excellency Hubert Roisin, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Public Service – Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. The ministry said that, “This marks a significant step towards Ambassador Singh becoming fully accredited as Ambassador and Head of Mission to the Kingdom of Belgium, with the final presentation to His Majesty King Philippe announced to be completed in September of this year.” During the ceremony, Ambassador Singh underscored the warm and longstanding relationship between Guyana and Belgium, outlining key areas for bilateral cooperation including the mitigation and adaptation action plan around the climate change challenge, the agenda to enhance trade relations, our common commitment to world peace and support of the International Court of Justice process underway as the lawful means to addressing all matters in connection with the preservation of the territorial integrity of nations. He further emphasized Guyana’s status; having the world’s fasting growing economy hence presenting significant investment opportunities in several sectors of the economy including agriculture which can result in greater prosperity for both nations. He reiterated Guyana’s dedication to combating drug trafficking and stressed the importance of cooperation with Belgium in this critical area. “In response, His Excellency Hubert Roisin warmly welcomed Ambassador Singh to Belgium and expressed enthusiasm for the proposed areas of cooperation, many of which are priorities for Belgium, including the climate mitigation action plan. He welcomed the opportunity for Belgium to have a strategic partner in South America, emphasizing the importance of bolstering trade and investment, particularly in agriculture. His Excellency Roisin also highlighted Belgium’s essential port infrastructure supporting trade in petrochemicals, oil, and gas,” the ministry said. Both parties expressed eagerness to collaborate closely on addressing shared challenges and exploiting common opportunities, thereby forging a prosperous future for both countries. In an invited comment by this publication to shed some light on some of the investment areas, Belgium will be looking at Guyana ad well as any projects that will soon be proposed? Ambassador Singh said that the country will be looking at, “agriculture and healthcare research” to invest into Guyana and soon they will be proposing to have, “Discussion on organic foods private sector to private sector projects.” Related Similar Articles

LBI man on $75k bail for misuse of money Jul 18, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Clifford Ramlagan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Kaieteur News – A father of three from La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 when appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of fraudulent misappropriation. Charged and before the court is Clifford Ramlagan. The charge alleges that on May 14, 2024, at New Market and East Streets in Georgetown, Ramlagan was entrusted by Godfrey Jones with $190,000 Guyanese currency to purchase lights and perform bodywork on motor vehicle PMM 5671. However, he is accused of fraudulently misappropriating the funds for his own use or benefit. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the facts presented, Ramlagan and the victim, Godfrey Jones, were known to each other. Ramlagan is a spray painter, and Jones, the owner of vehicle PMM 5671, had contacted him to have bodywork and painting done on the car. They agreed that the total cost, including the purchase of new front lights, would be $280,000. Jones initially paid $90,000 for the first stage of the work, which was completed and returned to him. On the day in question, Jones provided the remaining $190,000 GC to the man, along with the vehicle. A few days later, the man contacted Jones, saying the car was ready. However, when the man dropped off the vehicle, it was observed to be in the same condition as when it was given to him. Jones reported the matter to the police and Ramlagan was arrested, though he denied receiving the full $190,000. The man’s attorney, Dominic Best, requested bail, citing his client’s lack of prior convictions and stating that it was a misunderstanding. The prosecutor did not object to the bail request, and Magistrate McGusty granted the man bail in the amount of $75,000. The next court appearance is scheduled for July 31, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Restricting access to pesticides, firearms could prevent more than 120,000 suicide deaths in the Americas over a decade – new PAHO study Jul 18, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, reveals that implementing policies to restrict access to highly hazardous pesticides and firearms could prevent more than 120,000 deaths by suicide in the region of the Americas over a 10-year period. The research, conducted in collaboration with experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada, suggests that if restrictions on access to firearms or pesticides were applied in countries where they account for 40% or more of suicides, the mortality rate could be reduced by over 20% among males and 11% among females by 2030. Annually, nearly 100,000 lives are lost to suicide in the Americas, and unlike other WHO regions, the suicide mortality rate has increased in recent years. Means restriction is an effective evidence-based intervention in suicide prevention, and a key strategy recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) under its “LIVE LIFE” approach to reduce suicide mortality. “Suicide is preventable and each life lost is devastating,” Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO and co-author of the study said. “This study shows that effective policies that limit access to two of the most common methods for suicide can have an impact on reducing mortality in the region,” he added. Using data modeled from 2020 to 2030, the study estimates important impact in several countries. For instance, in El Salvador, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Suriname, where ingestion of highly hazardous pesticides led to 40% or more of suicides in each country in 2019, proactive restriction measures could substantially reduce suicide rates by 2030. Similarly, in the United States, where firearms accounted for over 40% of suicide deaths in the same year, implementing targeted restrictions is predicted to lead to a marked decline in suicide rates over the next decade. The study concludes that the effective implementation of measures for restricting access to pesticides and firearms could prevent the loss of over 123,000 lives to suicide throughout the region of the Americas.  The most notable reductions would be observed in the non-Latin Caribbean subregion, where the suicide mortality rate could be reduced by up to 31% among males and 34% among females if a specific restriction on highly hazardous pesticides were to be applied in three key countries: Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, in 2020. “Implementing restriction measures is most effective when the methods are prevalent and account for a significant proportion of suicide deaths,” Dr. Renato Oliveira e Souza, Chief of the PAHO Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, and co-author of the study said. “However, it is also crucial to consider the socio-cultural context when implementing means restriction policies.” The researchers behind the study are calling for multisectoral collaboration to implement these evidence-based interventions to meet the WHO target of reducing the suicide mortality rate by one-third by 2030. Related Similar Articles

Security cooperation discussed during Guyana, US strategic dialogue Jul 18, 2024 News Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud addressing the US-Guyana meeting Kaieteur News – As the Government of Guyana continues strengthening its bilateral relationship with the United States of America, the First Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday began between the two countries. The dialogue, which was agreed upon by the administrations of Presidents Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Joe Biden, was convened to outline strategic issues and policies as well as other opportunities for collaboration. The governments convened the bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in Georgetown, Guyana. At the opening ceremony, Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud asserted that the dialogue continues along the upward trajectory of partnerships and relationships that the two sides have enjoyed for decades. “This dialogue seeks to build on the friendship and the partnership that exists between our two countries under the bilateral, regional and international cooperation frameworks,” he explained. The discussions centred on several global thematic areas, including energy security, food security, climate change, the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC) 2030, and security and defence cooperation. “I’m quite confident that our deliberations can pave the way for innovative solutions and strengthened ties between our two governments,” the Foreign Secretary affirmed. US delegation participating in the dialogue virtually Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the United States National Security Council (USNSC), Daniel Erikson, lauded Guyana’s global efforts to support the development of the Caribbean region. “Your leadership in the Caribbean Community is well recognized and your current role in the United Nations Security Council is a testament to the growing stature and influence of Guyana,” he posited. Erikson also recorded the US government’s support for Guyana’s inclusive and sustainable policy directives. “We know your government is working to ensure an equitable and thoughtful path towards an inclusive and sustainable development in safeguarding Guyana’s sovereign wealth throughout Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund. The U.S. stands ready to support you in that effort,” he said. He further reaffirmed his administration’s stance on maintaining Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “I do want to reiterate once again, and this comes directly from President Biden himself, that the United States fully supports Guyana’s territorial integrity,” Erikson noted. Also present at the dialogues were Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols, Special Advisor to the US Vice President for the Western Hemisphere Scott Winton, other senior officials of the US White House, the US State Department, the US National Security Council, the US Department of Energy, the US Department of Defence, and the US Department of Commerce. Additionally, Guyana’s delegation included the Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Ambassador of Guyana to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS) Samuel Hinds, Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Omar Khan, National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia, Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh, representatives of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Office of the President (OP), Ministries of Natural Resources, Finance, and Commerce, and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), among other senior government officials. (DPI) Related Similar Articles