admin

Suspect arrested for robbing manager $1M Jul 10, 2024 News …Police recover $10M Kaieteur News – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday announced that a suspect is in custody for the robbery of the Toucan Distributors Limited Manager at a city bank on July 3. Some $10M was stolen but police were only able to recover $1M. Further, police said that the suspect in company did not act alone. Efforts are being made to arrest the others. Reports are that two bandits dressed in police uniforms and reportedly wearing ski masks on Wednesday night robbed the Manager of Toucan Distributors Limited of $10M in cash as he was depositing it in the vault of a city bank on Young Street, in Kingston, Georgetown. The 65-year-old man manager told the investigators that the men were armed with pistols and held him at gun-point but his company in a statement claimed that bandits who attacked him were not wearing masks and were clearly identifiable. Investigators learnt that the victim left his workplace around 21:15 hrs in a black Land Cruiser vehicle (PKK 3700) with five bags containing the cash. When he arrived at the bank, he met with a GEB security Guard on duty who opened the gate and allowed him access inside to deposit the money in the bank’s vault. The Manager claimed that while he was walking towards the vault he saw two motorcyclists approaching from behind his vehicle and became concerned. However, when he noticed that they were dressed as ‘Policemen’ he paid them no mind and continued to walk towards the vault with the money bags in his hands. One of the suspects, he claimed walked up behind him and pointed a gun at his head before grabbing the bags from his hand. The suspect then joined the other motorcyclist, and they made good their escape out of the bank’s compound in an unknown direction. Related Similar Articles

Govt. hosts anti-corruption workshop for accounting officers, other technical staff Jul 10, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on Tuesday hosted a workshop on ethical behaviour in the public service. The workshop hosted under the theme “Promoting Integrity and Effectiveness in Public Bodies and Authorities Responsible for Preventing Corruption,” formed part of a discussion toward developing best practices for tackling corruption within the public service. Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira The meeting which was held at the Savannah Suites of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston is also part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Guyana’s anti-corruption framework through the work of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. Addressing participants of the one-day workshop which included Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Procurement Officers, and other high ranking technical persons within the government agencies, Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira said the discussion is necessary to equip key officers within the public service with the information needed to address corruption- related issues such as preventing and managing conflicts of interest, detecting and handling corruption and unethical practices, ethics in auditing, and enhancing ethics in public procurement. “At these workshops and programmers we are dealing with questions like what is corruption? How do reduce prevent it? Do the laws manuals guidelines are they sufficient or are there other areas like training and so forth” Teixeira said. She added: “The discussion focused on developing the capacity of public officials to eliminate instances of corruption.  It was held under the theme ‘Promoting integrity and effectiveness in public bodies and authorities responsible for preventing corruption.” The Minister emphasised the need for anti-corruption mechanism to be in place so that high-ranking public servants are held accountable as they manage their affairs. This she said will lead to good governance and effective management of the systems. “When you’re a politician [and] if you want to be elected, you have to be accountable to the people… that goes for permanent secretaries who hold power, as well as regional executive officers, overseers at the local government level, Toshaos at the Amerindian village council level, and the treasurers of that level,” the minister pointed out adding that part of the discussion is aimed at identifying mechanisms to prevent the abuse of public funds and strengthen State institutions so they can function more effectively. A section of the anti-corruption workshop hosted at the Pegasus Savannah Suites on Tuesday She noted that individuals in these positions have a moral obligation to ensure that citizens receive value for the money. “We are now looking at how we develop capacity, what are the kind of training we need to do to make sure that every public servant who is at the highest level knows very well what the rules are…and [these are ones] that does not condone corruption,” Minister Teixeira emphasized. The Minister reminded participants of the importance of abiding by the tenets of the Integrity Commission. She noted that the government is working on amending the Integrity Commission law to ensure that these individuals report as required and within the specified timeframe. “We have to now reach a point where, as a government, as a public service, that we are holding ourselves to high standards,” the Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister stated. Related Similar Articles

House approves Bill to abandon Preliminary Inquiry Jul 10, 2024 News Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC Kaieteur News – On Monday evening, the National Assembly approved the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Bill 2024, which will abolish the traditional lengthy preliminary inquiries (PIs). The Bill provides for the elimination of PIs and the substitution thereof with paper committals, which involves reviewing the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence in written form, rather than conducting an in-person hearing. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, who presented the Bill remarked, “This Bill aims to completely eliminate traditional oral preliminary inquiries in Guyana.” The enactment of the Bill is anticipated to bring significant changes to Guyana’s legal system.  The Attorney General’s Chambers drafted the Bill with the aim of making the criminal justice system more efficient. Under the new system, the magistrate will review the written submissions and make a determination based on the available evidence. The paper committal process saves time and resources by eliminating the need for witness testimony and cross-examination during the preliminary inquiry stage. This will inevitably save judicial time, reduce the backlog of criminal cases and reduce the prison population on remand. In his address, Nandlall explained that the Bill replaces the conventional PIs with a paper committal system which is deemed more efficient as it involves reviewing evidence and arguments submitted in written form from both sides, without the necessity of witnesses attending court to give testimonies. In the Magistrate’s Court, PIs for serious offenses like murder can extend to three to four years. During this time, the state bears the cost while the accused remains on remand until they are either committed to stand trial before a judge and jury or the case is discharged. The paper committal will shorten that time bringing more efficiency to the judiciary. “The main purpose of this Bill is to bring efficiency, proficiency [and] expediency…We have laboured with what is now clearly an outmoded process for nearly six decades… I don’t think that anyone can argue that the time for paper committal is [not] long overdue,” the Attorney General said. Nandlall underscore that the Bill will bring Guyana on par with jurisdictions across the Caribbean and the Commonwealth that have already abolished the use of preliminary inquiry. Related Similar Articles

Shot robbery suspect remanded Jul 10, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Remanded: Raheem Benn Kaieteur News – A 29-year-old suspect, who was shot during a robbery on June 30, was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The accused, Raheem Benn, was charged with Robbery Under Arms committed on Dominick Kassim at Irving and Forshaw Streets Georgetown. Benn, being in the company of another and armed with a knife robbed Kassim of an Apple Iphone 11 phone valued $150,000. On Tuesday, Benn of Lot 23 Meadow Brook Housing Scheme, Georgetown appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty who read the charge to him. Benn pleaded not guilty. According to facts, at around 19:45 hrs, Kassim (the victim) was standing outside his premises at Irving and Forshaw streets, supervising some work being done. He was armed with a licensed firearm during that time. He then observed a motorcycle approaching him. The motorcycle stopped alongside Kassim. Benn, being the pillion rider, approached Kassim, while being armed with a knife and dealt several stabs at him. Benn then took Kassim’s phone from his hand and attempted to run to the waiting motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle then attempted to pull something from his waist. This prompted Kassim to use his firearm. He discharged three rounds in the duo’s direction. Benn was shot and the rider immediately dropped the motorcycle and fled the scene. A report was made to the police, who responded and arrived at the scene. Benn was then escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was admitted as a patient. He was later charged. Meanwhile, an unrepresented Benn explained to the court that on the mentioned date he was on a drinking spree around the Stabroek market area and subsequently left with the motorbike to party on the Seawall. On his way, he entered Irving and Forshaw Streets to inspect the motorcycle after it was making strange noises.  He then saw someone running in his direction that was armed with a firearm and discharged several rounds and shot him in his back. Benn denied stealing the phone and said he was wrongfully shot. “I don’t thief and dem thing My Worship… this man shoot me wrongfully in the back,” the weeping defendant told the court. Notwithstanding Benn’s statement to the court, Prosecutor Quincy Lacon objected to bail due the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. He also told the court that Benn was charged with previous offences of similar nature. The court was also informed that Kassim’s phone was retrieved. Bail was denied and Benn is scheduled to return to court on July 16, 2024 for statements. Related Similar Articles

Procurement Commission received 10 complaints on the award of projects between July 2023-2024 Jul 10, 2024 News The Public Procurement Commission Annual Report – July 2022 to July 2023. Kaieteur News – Within a year of having been newly constituted, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) reported that it has received 10 complaints/ requests for investigations alleging certain irregularities relating to contracts awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). This is according to information published in the PPC Annual Report – July 2022 to July 2023, which was on Monday tabled in the National Assembly. According to the document, during that period 1,593 tenders were opened which saw 1,558 contracts being awarded by the NPTAB, 10 of which the PPC received complaints for. This, according to PPC represents 1% (low ratio) of the total number of contracts that were awarded. It was stated in the document that out of the 10 complaints, they have completed the investigations into four. The remainder is still being investigated. These complaints were filed by contractors and Member of Parliament, David Patterson who filed three. The Commission reported that of the six contracts that were still being investigated, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) was flagged for maintenance and servicing of fixed and mobile pumps (lots 1 to 4). According to the Commission, the nature of the compliant was a request for a review of the tender evaluation on the ground that “The complaint was the lowest bidder in two of the four lots.” A contractor requested a review of the tender evaluation relative to an NDIA project on the ground that “The winning bidder does not have the general or specific experience in accordance with the bidding documents.” Another complaint was filed relating to a Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), four-lane highway from Eccles to Great Diamond project. The PPC reported that a “request for an investigation to ascertain how the alleged debarred contractor, V. Dalip Enterprise, was awarded a contract and that the necessary actions be taken against the entities and individuals associated with the award.” The document detailed that for a Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Nine project, a request for investigation was filed “to ascertain how the alleged debarred contractor, V. Dalip Enterprise, was awarded a contract and that the necessary actions be taken against the entities and individuals associated with the award.” PPC said they had received a complaint with a Ministry of Local Government and Regional Democratic project relative to the Bamia Primary School contract. The Commission stated that a request for a review of the tender evaluation was made on the ground that “The technical requirements of the bid documents required the successful bidder to have successfully completed projects of a similar nature and size within the last three years. The winning bidder, St8tment Investment Inc. having been established in March 2021, does not meet the aforementioned requirement.” Further, PPC reported that under the Ministry of Home Affairs, they received a complaint regarding a supply and delivery to Guyana Prison Service project (Lots 1 to 5). Request for investigation which was filed by a contractor was on the grounds that “Bid document stated the qualification criteria to be on the least cost per item. The price of the winning bidder for four items was higher than that of the complainant.” Having received the complaints, the Commission in its Report stated that there were challenges in conducting some of the investigations to which recommendations were made for it to be resolved. According to the Report, “Access to information also proved challenges as there were delays in the submission of the tender proceedings to the Commission. It is proposed that steps be taken to establish a standard operating procedure within procuring entities and tender boards for the submission of information to the commission to facilitate investigations.” The PPC added that the “absence of a statutorily prescribed process for investigations particularly under Article 212AA (i) and (j) leads to uncertainty in the steps to be taken. It is proposed that legislation be enacted to enable these provisions. The PPC is the body which exercises a major regulatory and oversight role in public procurement and the awarding of government contracts. The PPC monitors public procurement by government to ensure the principles of fairness, equity, value for money, and competition is upheld and to ensure that the procedures of public procurement are executed in accordance with the laws of Guyana. The Commission is currently being chaired by former President of the Guyana Bar Association, Pauline Chase. Related Similar Articles

Mason remanded for attempting to rob cop Jul 10, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Delon Jones at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Kaieteur News – A 29-year-old mason from the ‘B’ Field Sophia Squatting Area was on Tuesday remanded to prison on an attempted robbery charge. Reports are that Delon Jones attempted to rob a police corporal. He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at around 23:20 pm. Corporal Lennox Daniels, who was on duty and armed with a licensed firearm, was stationed on Orange Walk, Bourda, Georgetown when he observed Jones and another individual on a motorcycle. Jones, who was the pillion rider, immediately dismounted the waiting motorcycle and pulled out a pair of scissors, pointing them at Corporal Daniels and demanding that he hand over his belongings. In response, Corporal Daniels backed away and drew his firearm, pointing it at Jones. This caused Jones to freeze, while his accomplice rode away, successfully escaping. Jones was subsequently arrested and taken to the Albertown Police Station. Jones pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offense, as well as the existence of CCTV footage of the incident. Jones was remanded and is set to return to court on July 16, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Hardat, Latchman flatten Leewards as Guyana pull off 2-run heist  Jul 10, 2024 Sports Niya Latchman and Trisha Hardat bagged three wickets apiece as Guyana snuck past Leeward Islands by 2 runs on Tuesday. CWI Rising Stars U19 T20 tournament…  – Latchman (3-12), Hardat (3-9)  Kaieteur Sports – Guyana pulled off a daring win yesterday, sneaking past a brave Leeward Islands by 2-runs after some clinical bowling prevailed during the latest round of Women Rising Stars T20 championships. At the Diego Martin Sporting Complex Ground, Trinidad and Tobago, opener Naomi Barkoye (17), skipper Realeanna Grimmond (15) and wicket-keeper Denellie Lindee (14) took Guyana to 94-5 after 20 overs ended. Leewards bowled well, with Captain Jahzara Claxton (2-26) leading the bowling with Kimberly Anthony (1-23), Gabrielle Harrylall (1-12) and Sainvani Kambalapalli (1-8), chipping in. Looking for a win, Leewards toiled but fell short as they were bowled out for 92 following a thriller. Claxton almost single-handedly won the match for Leewards, scoring an unbeaten 52 with a pair of fours and a pair of sixes. Kimberly Anthony struck two fours in her 11 as Guyana did well to keep the other batsmen under double figure scores. The magic of spinners Trisha Hardat (3-9) and Niya Latchman (3-12) coupled with solid returns from Crystal Durant (2-27), powered Guyana to another emphatic win. Latchman and Hardat put Leewards in a sleeper hold, leaving Claxton in search of partners as they looked to gun down the 90-odd run target. Leewards were eventually six down after the half-way stage, thanks to additional blows from Hardat and Durant, who eventually helped steamroll their opponents on their way towards victory in the final over. Guyana plays Windward Islands tomorrow, Thursday. Related Similar Articles