Coming hot on the heels of the recently concluded Back to School Dental Outreach, Digicel paid a visit to the students and teachers of the Kingston Secondary School to present students with back to school items.The institution which is located within the same community as the Company’s Head Office saw a positive reaction to the gesture by the cellular phone company as the students welcomed the Digicel representatives including Sponsorship & Events Manager, Louanna Abrams.“Digicel has for many years been involved in several community activities in Kingston. This year was no different. We decided to pay a visit to this school today since it is part of the same community we are a part of. We have been giving back to the community,Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic, especially around Christmas time and the back to school period,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale, where we would go door to door and give school items to the children in the area,Cheap Jerseys,” Abrams said.This year, however,Jerseys Cheap NFL, Digicel visited the Secondary School and provided each student, new and continuing,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, with snacks,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, water bottles and lunch packs.Headmistress Ms. Rowena Seymour expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Digicel for taking time to come to share with the students.Abrams said that this is not the only school that will benefit from its Back to School initiative. The company has several other distributions planned.

– three suspects capturedAn intensive operation by members of the Guyana Police Force has led to the capture of three suspects in last Sunday’s three-hour robbery blitz at Piari Landing in the Puruni River.The police also recovered the bodies of two men – one of whom is believed to be a member of the gang that raided the location and another who is said to have been a hostage taken by the escaping bandits.“One is that of a suspect, while the other is that of a man wearing a Rastafarian hairstyle who was taken hostage by the perpetrators to drive the getaway boat. Information received revealed that while the boat was travelling along the Mazaruni River it overturned and several persons may have drowned. No sign was seen of the boat that was stolen by the armed men,” a police statement said.The police press release yesterday said that acting on accurate and precise information, a team of police ranks went into another area in the Mazaruni where they arrested three suspects and recovered an Uzi submachine gun and a handgun.Ranks are still in the area pursuing the other suspects who are believed to be holed up on an island.Another man who is suspected of having transported the armed men to the Piari Landing had been earlier arrested at Piari and taken into custody.The two bodies covered with a tarpaulin in a speedboatOn Sunday night, a gang of gunmen stormed the Piari Landing, Puruni, firing shots indiscriminately and wounding three persons in the process.According to reports, as the armed men approached, a number of shop owners and other persons fled into the bushes. However, eight persons were robbed of cash, raw gold and jewellery, three of whom were shot and injured.Brazilian shopkeeper Joao De Freitas? Mattos was shot to his right leg and robbed of $60,Wholesale Jerseys NFL,000 and was admitted at the Bartica Hospital, while his countryman, another shopkeeper Benedito Docerado Oliveira, 56, was shot to his right hip and robbed of half million dollars and a quantity of raw gold, and was also treated at the Bartica Hospital.Another Brazilian, Francisco Da Cruz Morias, 44, was shot to his right thigh and left foot and robbed of $140,000. He too received treatment at the Bartica Hospital, as did 56-year-old Joao Da Conceicao, who was also robbed of $30,000.Brazilian Mario Odessa Da Silva was robbed of jewellery and half million dollars,Stitched Jerseys, while Curtis Bannette, 34, was relieved of $110,000 and a cell phone.David Coates and Carlton Small, who were beaten about the body, were treated at the Bartica Hospital and sent away.According to the police,Cheap Jerseys USA, two men who claimed that they were abducted and held hostage by the armed men as they were escaping have been found by the police and are assisting with the investigations.Kaieteur News understands that the gunmen, some of whom were clad in military fatigues kidnapped three men, including one of the men whose bodies was found.The two men who are assisting with the investigations told detectives that they refused to captain the boat and somewhere along the journey they jumped out and swam to safety.The gunmen then tied up the third man and ordered him to captain the boat through the many rapids and mini falls.As the boat was going down one of the falls, the captain lost control and everyone was hurled into the treacherous river.The man who was tied up was unable to free himself and drowned along with one of the gunmen. The others reportedly managed to make it to a nearby island.Kaieteur News understands that the police surrounded the island and according to reports began shooting into the air,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, forcing two of the gunmen to surrender, while the rest fled into the bushes.Barticians were loud in their praise for the police when some of the ranks returned there after the operation which has been described as highly successful so far.“There is no way off the island and the gunmen have no means of communicating….in addition, boat captains and well as boat owners in most of the areas have been alerted of the operation, so there is no likelihood of another boat stopping to assist the men who are trapped on the island,” a source in Bartica told Kaieteur News.As the two gunmen who were captured were being escorted to the Bartica Police Station, a large crowd chased after the police vehicle in anger, forcing the police to resort to shielding them, as many residents tried to grab the men.One of the captured suspects has reportedly confessed to being a part of the gang,Cheap Jeseys NFL, confirming that there were eight of them, headed by a notorious criminal suspect,NFL Jerse

By Desilon Daniels“Enough is enough,” is what the Guyana Music Network (GMN) is maintaining with its launch of a petition for more airtime for local music and modern copyright laws the norm in Guyana.The petition was recently launched by the body which currently represents over 500 artistes, ranging from musicians to designers. It is hoped that with its success, Guyanese musicians will be better represented and respected both nationally and internationally.In an interview with Kaieteur News,Authentic Jerseys Cheap, GMN Board Member Kwesi ‘Malachi’ Gilbert emphasised the importance of the petition in allowing the voices of Guyana’s artistes to be heard.He explained that the petition is a call to the people in radio stations to play more local content. He noted that this call was particularly directed towards the National Communications Network (NCN) which is mandated to promote all things Guyanese. The petition seeks to get 50 percent of Guyanese music played on private radio stations while 100 percent for NCN. He emphasised that NCN must be the leader in this new undertaking, since it is owned by the Guyanese people and should therefore represent them.“We’re demanding that our people do more,” Gilbert said before adding, “We’re not forcing the private entities to follow this petition, but we’re respectfully calling for a change in the landscape.“We saw the need over time to do something like this. Yes, people are saying that Guyana’s musicians are moving towards an international level so we need copyright to ensure that our people’s rights are promoted and protected.”The petition also seeks to not only have modern copyright laws implemented, but to have these laws enforced.According to Gilbert, there is a paragraph on copyright legislation covered in the Laws of Guyana. However, he said,China Jerseys NFL Wholesale, there is an issue of enforcement.The GMN petitionKwesi Gilbert“It’s all about enforcement and updating the laws that are currently there. We need to see the laws upgraded and enforced,China NFL Jerseys,” Gilbert stressed. “It’s about protecting our musicians’ music so that when they go abroad they can also be protected there,” he added.He further said that Guyana is a nation that has a lot to offer in terms of its culture and cultural identity. However, he said,Cheap NBA Jerseys China, without proper mechanisms in place ‘Guyanese-ness’ will easily be stolen and become a form of profit for someone else. He said too that Guyana lacks an enabling environment, which also makes it difficult to enforce copyright legislation. He indicated that people, particularly businesspersons, are wary of getting on board for fear that with legislation, they will be forced to increase the cost of their products, while their income will decrease.Gilbert stressed that this would not be the case and businesspersons would instead have to adapt their prices in a way that works for them, the musicians and the customers. He also opined that there was a need to change the mindset of the average Guyanese. He emphasised that there is need for greater appreciation of Guyanese music and talent.He noted Jamaica’s multibillion dollar music industry and attributed this success to a better framework and enforced laws.“We need to understand the importance of something like this. As Guyanese, we’d be contributing to the development of our people and country by supporting our artistes. If we support them they will stay right here in Guyana and contribute meaningfully to our economy,” Gilbert said.He further stressed that the entire creative industry in Guyana and not only musicians must come out and call for enforced copyright legislation. “We all need to be represented; this isn’t just about music,” he said.Meanwhile, Gilbert indicated that the response to the petition thus far has been favourable. He indicated that at least two radio stations have indicated their willingness to support it. However,Wholesale China Jerseys, both stations expressed concern over modern copyright laws.Gilbert also said that the GMN has met with Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes who indicated that the body’s concerns would be articulated to the Government of Guyana. The GMN is also looking to meet with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to share its views.Gilbert also suggested a “cap off” which would see Guyanese music being aired months on end in the lead-up to Mashramani 2016. He indicated that this technique is employed in other Caribbean countries and has been working well in the promotion of local and regional music.Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of the Ministry of Education, which now has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport,Whol

After waiting for some five years to have an appeal heard in the Court of Appeal,China Jerseys, brothers Allan, Marvin and Patrick Ramnauth had their matter called yesterday before Justice Ian Chang,NFL Jerseys Wholesale, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice James Bovell-Drakes.Back in September 2003, Marvin, Patrick and Allan along with Tulsie Seelall were charged with the kidnapping, rape and murder of Achama Madramootoo,Cheap Jerseys From China, which occurred between September 13 and 14 of the same year. In 2007, the three brothers were sentenced to death by Justice Dawn Gregory for the offence while the fourth accused had his charges withdrawn.At yesterday’s hearing the three brothers were present in court along with their lawyer Mursaline Bacchus and several close relatives, including their mother and father.Some of the grounds for appeal presented by the lawyer include:The Learned Trial Judge erred in not directing a verdict of not guilty upon the submission of no case to answer by Counsel for the Appellants there being no evidence that: the Appellants had committed the offence of murder by agreeing with ‘Johnny’ to commit a felony with violence upon the deceased.Bacchus in his presentation further stated to the court that there was a non-direction amounting to a serious mis-direction when The Learned Trial Judge failed to direct the jury on the ingredients of the felony of abduction,NFL Jerseys Supply, in that the learned Trial Judge failed to direct the jury that for abduction, one or more of certain intents must have been held by each of the Appellants. It was also put to the court that the Learned Trial Judge mis-directed to the jury on the law relating to joint enterprise thus depriving the Appellant of the chance of an acquittal.Meanwhile Attorney-at-law Joann Barlow,Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys, who is representing the state, was told that the matter will be put down until Friday when she will be allowed to raise her arguments.Initial reports are that the brothers along with Seelall abducted the woman, dragged her into the backdam and drowned her. She was later found dead in a trench close to the Kildonan cemetery. A caution statement by Allan Ramnauth said that they were drinking when a man by the name of ‘Johnny’ pointed a gun at them and told them to go to the woman’s home and call her out. He said she did not respond and the man then told them to break down the wall and they did so with the help of the man.By then, Allan said, the woman had opened the door and they dragged her downstairs and headed towards the bac dam. While taking her to the backdam he said the man stopped three times and “made love” to the woman and there was a confrontation between the two.He said after the last stop the man ordered the woman to walk into the trench and pushed her head down into the water. Allan said he threatened them and told them not to say anything.Yesterday’s hearing appeared to be somewhat of a relief for the Ramnauth family who have been waiting for this day. The appellants’ father Arnold Ramnauth who spoke with this publication said it has been very painful and costly to see his three sons languishing away in jail.The man said he feels his sons have been given a raw deal since the main suspect in the matter was set free,Cheap Jerseys NFL China, while he was forced to sell his house to make ends meet and to pay lawyer’s fees for his sons. Mr. Ramnauth opined that his sons were not given a fair trial and that even before charges were laid he was told by an investigating rank that the matter would have ended if he had money.

It has been over a week since Jamesie Mendonca, a resident of Lot 41 Alness, Corentyne, has been trying to find his 13-year-old daughter, Janet Mendonca, also known as Mursha.Missing: Janet Mendonca, aka MurshaDesperate to find his child, whom he last saw when she travelled to Georgetown in order to accompany her migrating mother to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Mendonca says that he is now forced to appeal to the public to assist his efforts.In an interview with this newspaper yesterday, the distressed father of four said that his daughter left his Berbice home in the care of an uncle and aunt.She should have returned on the same day in the company of the two adult relatives, according to Mendonca, but a request was made by one of his elder daughters, Ann Varon, who resides in the city,China Jerseys, for her (Mursha) to remain in the city for two days.However, the man said,Cheap NFL Authentic Jerseys, he was subsequently informed that his young daughter was not at her sister’s residence,Discount NFL Jerseys, and no one knew of her whereabouts.The man said that he was initially optimistic that the child was in the care of some of her mother’s relatives in the city,NFL Jerseys China, but was dismayed to find out they had not seen her since the trip to the airport.According to the man, his daughter, a second form student of the Corentyne Comprehensive School in Port Mourant, does not know her way around the city, thus he fears immensely for her wellbeing.?A distressed Jamesie MendoncaYesterday, Mendonca’s search for his daughter took him to Leopold Street, Georgetown,Wholesale NBA Jerseys, where her mother had operated a business.The man said that he ventured into the area despite warnings from officers of the Ruimveldt Police Station, whom he told of his daughter’s disappearance.He disclosed that he told the officers of his intention to check the Leopold Street area, but the officers told him that persons in that community might rob him of his valuables.As a result, Mendonca said,Cheap Jerseys From China, he begged the officers to accompany him to the area, but was told that there was no rank available to do so.Mendonca was, nevertheless, accompanied by his eldest daughter, Sharon Mendonca, who resides at Supply, East Bank Demerara, to the area to continue the search, which however proved futile.Reiterating his fear for his daughter’s wellbeing, Mendonca says that all he can do is to rely on the assistance of members of the public to help find his teenager.Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Janet Mendonca, also known as Mursha, can contact her father on telephone number 681-4650, or her sister on telephone numbers 266-5467 and 697-7616.

The old Alumina Plant is one of the most famous landmarks in Linden. It is readily visible as one enters Lower Kara Kara, as the super structures sit majestically at the entrance of the community.Dormant for several years, a few residents have built their homes as close to this landmark as they dared. But they are now between a rock and a hard place.While many persons say that they would welcome the resuscitation of the plant, they are very aware that such an eventuality would probably necessitate their relocation.Nilkanth Jainarain, a self-employed logger who lives a few yards away from the plant,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, said, “Well if they do resuscitate the Alumina industry,Wholesale Jerseys, it will be a good thing because jobs would be created for a lot of persons. But then people like me would have to remove,Wholesale Jerseys China, because I live so close. However, if it comes to that I wouldn’t mind, as long as we are properly compensated.”The Alumina Plant was established in 1961, at a cost of some $ 65 million at Spieghtland, the gateway to Lower Kara Kara.Some 1,700 men reportedly laboured for more than four years,Cheap China Jerseys, to construct it,Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys, after Alcan’s Guyana subsidiary, Sprostons Limited,Wholesale China Jerseys, was tasked with executing the project.“When the Alumina Plant shut down in the 1970s, it was a very sad day, because 1,600 workers from Linden, lost their jobs that day.So if indeed the plant could be resuscitated, that would be most welcome,” Galilea Da Silva declared.

A 19-year-old woman accused of simple larceny was remanded to prison when she made her first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday.It is alleged that on August 18, Tameka Cush, of Kitty, Georgetown,Discount NFL Jerseys, carted off a quantity of jewellery, property of Saudie Harrynarine.The court heard that Cush stole three gold chains valued $90,NFL Jerseys From China,000, 1 BlackBerry cellular phone valued $20,000 and a quantity of jewellery, all totaling $230,000.The defendant denied the allegation after it was read to her by Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.Cush was unrepresented.Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence.? He also stated that Harrynarine is a taxi driver and the defendant hired his car from Lisa’s Guest House on Sheriff Street.However,Stitched Jerseys, Jones claimed that on arrival at her (defendant’s) destination,Cheap NFL Jerseys, she relieved Harrynarine of his phone as she came out of the car. Jones further stated that after Cush came out of the car she snatched? Harrynarine’s shirt and said “you fare me and aint wan pay me eh boy”. Cush then relieved Harrynarine of his chain.Prosecutor Jones related to the court that a report was made to the police station,Cheap Stitched Jerseys, and a further investigation was carried out. The court heard that some of the items were discovered on Cush,Cheap Jerseys China, while the remainder was taken to the police station.Cush is scheduled to make her next appearance on August 31.

Farmers owed by Mahaicony Rice Mills Limited for paddy at Village 70, Corentyne, and at Paradise and Vilvoorden,Cheap World Cup Jerseys, Essequibo Coast will today and tomorrow be paid a total of $53M by SeaRice Caribbean Guyana.Management of SeaRice Caribbean Guyana made this announcement yesterday at John Fernandes Wharf, Water Street.According to Fitzroy McLeod, Financial Controller, the company purchased Mahaicony Rice Mills Limited’s assets at Paradise and Vilvoorden, hence inheriting the debts.It was noted that as part of an agreement concluded between the Ministry of Agriculture,China NFL Jerseys, Guyana Rice Development Board and SeaRice Caribbean Guyana,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys, payments will begin at Village 70 today and will continue at Paradise and Vilvoorden on Thursday.From left: Douglas Chappels, General Manager; Roopnarine Sukhai, Managing Director and Fitzroy McLeod, Financial ControllerThe company has been in the rice milling business for years and wants to begin operating the mills and receiving centres at Black Bush Polder, #70 Village, Vilvoorden and Paradise from this crop.McLeod related that the company is aiming to produce 20,Wholesale NFL Jerseys,000 tons of rice with the acquired assets,Wholesale NBA Jerseys China, and targets the Venezuelan,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, European and Jamaican markets. There are no real plans to supply the local market with rice, but by-products such as bran will be available. He assured that the company has a good track record with making payments timely to farmers.SeaRice Caribbean Guyana made it clear that monies owed to the Guyana Cooperative Financial Service have already been settled in full. In addition, $495M owed to Government by Mahaicony Rice Mills Limited was repaid nine days ago.

Police on the East Bank of Demerara are currently investigating yet another armed robbery.Karmindra Ghansian of Middle Street, Mc Doom, said around 19:45 on Monday while his brother Komal Ram was closing up their grocery shop, they were attacked by three men – two of whom were armed with handguns.According to the businessman,China Jerseys Cheap, his brother was about to lock up the shop when three men approached him, pretending to be customers. At the time of the incident, two other customers were in the shop. However, the two customers were locked in the shop as the men carried out their robbery.Ghansian said that while in the shop, his brother was forced to hand over in excess of $220,Cheap China Jerseys,000 as the men threatened to kill him if he did not meet their demand for all the money and jewellery that they had. Throughout the ordeal, the men kept asking for gold and more cash.Not being satisfied, Ghansian said he was upstairs entertaining some overseas guests, and they too were attacked by the gunmen. The man said his guests were forced to hand over their valuables as well.Meanwhile, this newspaper was told that during the robbery, a fourth man kept watch not far from the shop.After spending some 15 minutes in the businessman’s home the men calmly left after warning the occupants not to raise an alarm. The matter has since been reported and investigations are ongoing.Contractors paid in excess of $40M– But more than $60M still owed by Govt – Mayor“There is no regulation or provision which allows any person, including the Minister or any institution,Wholesale Cheap Jerseys China, to direct how the municipality dispenses its revenue.”This disclosure was made by City Mayor Hamilton Green who related yesterday at a press conference that having sought legal advice, the municipality has been duly informed that it is not obligated to follow any order issued by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall, to pay a specific sum to the contractors.The Local Government Ministry by way of correspondence had instructed the municipality to pay the sum of $15M to Cevon’s Waste Management,Stitched Jerseys, another $15M to Puran Brothers’ Waste Disposal Service and $10M to Crawler and Wheeler. The payment amounting to a total of $40M, represented taxes paid by the Government last Friday.However, according to Green, intensified revenue collection on the part of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has been instrumental in ensuring that the waste disposal contractors have together been paid in excess of the $40M rates and taxes. He disclosed further that Government is still indebted to the municipality to the tune of some $60M representing taxes due and payable.“Since we are trying to avoid lawlessness…we proceeded as an act of good faith to engage the contractors and have had a very fruitful meeting with them…They expressed some disappointment…Be that as it may, cheques were paid to them that satisfied them generally.”According to Green a decision was taken, based on legal advice,Cheap Jerseys 2018, to ignore the arbitrary figure that the Local Government Ministry had ordered the contractors be paid. In essence, Green said that the municipality was able to provide a comfortable figure that was based on a just calculation.“It turns out that that figure was not less than the figure quoted in the letter from the Ministry. They (contractors) of course expected more and the Minister when I met him today (yesterday) did suggest that if he did not intervene or the government did not intervene in the crisis, it would have remained extant….”However, it is the view of the Mayor that had the Government done the proper thing in the first instance there would have been no crisis and by extension, no need for the intervention of the government.The Mayor related that in spite of the difficulties, the contractors are very understanding of the plight which the municipality faces.“They understand the problem and we have always had a moment of stress and strain but moments of understanding with all of the contractors…I said publicly and I said to them we have always found them most reasonable except that on this occasion we did not get the taxes we expected.”Green stated that he was engaged in a meeting with Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, and Minister Lall on Monday where he sought to emphasise the point that Government is still indebted to the municipality.According to Green, he is yet to learn of the basis for the arbitrary $40M payout by Government.“This is unfortunate in a business arrangement and therefore I can assume that since tha

Scotia Bank has continued its tradition of donations to the less fortunate.The Scotiabank team with the kids at Joshua HouseEvery year at Christmas time the staff,Cheap Jerseys From China, their families and friends get together for an evening of caroling,Cheap Jerseys From China, sharing and giving.Last Wednesday,China Jerseys Wholesale, a team from the bank walked and sang carols through the streets of the city with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a horse cart.The group visited several homes and organizations including the Nazareth Home,Wholesale NBA Jerseys, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre,China NFL Jerseys, St. Ann’s Orphanage,Wholesale Jerseys From China, Joshua House and St. Vincent De Paul Homestead.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) yesterday launched an audit into the investment programme of Barama Company Limited after it was reported that the company has been misleading the commission about its investments in Guyana.Kaieteur News has learnt that the commission,Cheap Jerseys China, in conducting a review of all forestry investment plans, reportedly discovered that there are major slippages regarding the procurement, delivery and installation of a veneer plant in Guyana.It was also reportedly discovered that inaccurate documentation was submitted to the commission by a senior official of the company.As such, this newspaper was told, the GFC has been tasked to conduct a total review of the company’s investment programme, including the status of the veneer plant equipment.This equipment, Kaieteur News understands, was scheduled to have arrived in the country since mid last year, as was stated to the media during a tour to the Buck Hall facility in August 2007.Kaieteur News has learnt that when Barama applied for tax and duty concessions for its Buck Hall project, these were granted on the basis that the company would establish a veneer plant.However, it was recently discovered that the slice veneer plant and rotary veneer plant have not yet been installed, despite giving assurances in an MOU which was signed in August 2006.When contacted yesterday,Cheap Jerseys From China Outlet, Head of the Forestry Commission, James Singh, said that an audit has been launched into the company’s investment programme.Meanwhile,cheap jerseys from china, Neil Chand, an official from the company, yesterday told Kaieteur News that the major part of the plant is already in Guyana,Cheap NFL Jerseys, and only minor aspects are yet to be imported.He pointed out that he is not aware of an audit, since he has just returned from leave, but he added that the company’s Chief Executive Officer is currently out of the jurisdiction.In 2007, the Barama concession was suspended because of dissatisfaction with the implementation of the planned investment.The suspension was subsequently removed after assurances were given by the now former Chairman Girwar Lalaram that the situation would be remedied.The Veneer plant is used to peel wood,China Jerseys, which is sliced into sheets of a given constant thickness and combined with glue to produce plywood.During a media tour of the Buck Hall facility last year August,Cheap NHL Jerseys, former Chairman Lalaram had told the media that the company would be installing two more sawmills at the facility.He had added that the company had also installed a veneer plant at the Buck Hall facility in its bid to upscale operations into a complete wood processing complex.

…Hand in Hand Trust could lose US$6M to StanfordColonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) Guyana sold its shares in the Berbice River Bridge for $2B to New Building Society a mere two weeks ago.The move came as depositors were making a rush to collect their money from CLICO (Guyana) following reports that the parent company, CL Financial, as well as the various CLICO assets in the Caribbean were being frozen or divested.The problem of liquidity thus forced CLICO Guyana to move to dispose of some of its short-term assets to satisfy the need for immediate cash.Local withdrawals over the past two weeks amount to about $1.4B to policy holders.During a press conference, yesterday, President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that the local company had shown considerable exposure to CLICO (Bahamas).He added that despite instructions from Commissioner of Insurance, Maria Van Beek,Cheap Jerseys Online, to the company over a year ago and more recently to reduce this exposure, CLICO Guyana failed to heed the warning. This reduced exposure did not happen.President Bharrat Jagdeo along with Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh, Bank of Guyana Governor,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, David Lawrence and Commissioner of Insurance, Maria Van Beek yesterday CLICO Guyana invested $6.9 billion in CLICO Bahamas. Subsequent to this, he added, the local company began to experience sizable claims, which resulted in ‘liquidity strains’, thus it began to dispose of some of its investments.The Head of State added that although the investments held in CLICO (Bahamas) were liquid on paper,Authentic NFL Jerseys Cheap, investigations by the authorities revealed that the Bahamas company was exposed to real estate investments in Florida through related party transactions with other subsidiaries in the Group.On Tuesday last, in a press release, the Office of the Registrar of Insurance Companies in Bahamas cited the inability of CLICO (Bahamas) to pay claims/surrenders of policies in one of the jurisdictions where it operates. There were other concerns.CLICO (Guyana) has $6.9 B (US$34M),Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, he added, invested in CLICO (Bahamas), which represents 53 percent of the Guyana company’s total assets.CLICO (Guyana), the President added, has not been able to exchange its illiquid assets for more suitable investments despite repeated instructions by the Government of Guyana to do so.Given the action taken by the Bahamian regulators, President Jagdeo said, as well as the significant exposure that the local company has to CLICO (Bahamas), the local authorities on Wednesday moved immediately to the courts to seek a judicial manager in order to protect the best interests of Guyana’s policyholders.With this move, it is anticipated that a fuller assessment of the financial position of the Company will be obtained and greater protection would be offered to policyholders, he added.He noted that the administration intends to work towards recovering the sums outstanding from the Bahamas, and to protect the interests of all policyholders of CLICO (Guyana).Hand-in-Hand GroupAnd the Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc. (HIHT) total current exposure to the Stanford Group amounts to $827M or US$4M, in addition to $297M or US$1.5M invested on behalf of pension funds.The direct exposure represents nine percent of the total assets of Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc, the President said.“The Trust is a strong financial institution with capital adequacy ratio of 26.9 percent as at the end of January 2009.”Since the seizure of the Stanford Investment Bank, the management of HIHT has been proactive in putting together a strategy for mitigating any potential losses and ensuring that depositors’ funds are protected,Wholesale Jerseys, he said.“This strategy has been submitted to the Central Bank for its study and approval. The Central Bank is examining the proposal to see if it meets the demand of depositor protection.”It should also be emphasized, the Head of State said, that the Hand-in-Hand Trust Inc is a completely separate legal entity from the Hand in Hand insurance companies which have no exposure to these developments.GUYANA’S FINANCIAL SYSTEMAgainst this background, the total exposure of the Guyana’s financial system to the CLICO and Stanford Groups currently amounts to approximately US$41M.This amounts to three percent of the total assets of the financial sector and does not pose a systemic threat. “I wish to assure the public that, unlike in some developed countries, steps will be taken to protect the pensions of those who have saved and invested in the institutions affected by these recent events.”The local financial institutions are strong and well capitalized, he added, explaining that

The hosting of the long-awaited Local Government Elections has seemingly hit another snag as the People’s National Congress Reform has by way of letter to the Guyana Elections Commission urged that the legislative reforms be implemented before holding any elections.In the letter dispatched and addressed to Dr. Steve Surujbally,Cheap Jerseys From China Outlet, GECOM ‘s Chairman and signed by Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, he expressed the concerns of his party among other that, the commission was continuing its preparation for the holding of Local Government Elections without the implementation of Local Government Reform as required by the Constitution.More particularly,Cheap NFL Jerseys Online, the Opposition Leader pointed out that,Wholesale NBA Jerseys, some sections of the Constitution have not yet been adequately provided for by legislation.He urged Dr Surujbally to take whatever action the commission deems appropriate to ensure that the Constitutional requirements for a fully reformed Local Government System are met before the holding of Elections.Corbin reaffirmed his party’s position that it is fully mobilized and ready to participate in a “properly run and constitutionally held Local Government elections.”He cited the fact that recently, following decisions taken by the PNCR’s Central Executive Committee, he,College Jerseys, Corbin,?conveyed to President Bharrat Jagdeo the position of the PNCR on this matter.A week ago, the PNCR met and consulted with representatives of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and GAP-ROAR and also conveyed the position of the PNCR.At the meetings referred to, the President,Wholesale Jerseys Authentic, according to Corbin,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, undertook to have the matter discussed at the level of the Central Committee of the PPP. The AFC undertook to do likewise.“Since then, the AFC has publicly stated its position and we await a public statement from the PPP on this matter.”Corbin in his letter also stated that when the agreement for the new House to House Registration was signed by all political parties and GECOM in 2007, “the clear understanding of all was that the Reforms were to be completely implemented.”

President David Granger had made it pellucid that to his best knowledge, Minister of State,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys China, Joseph Harmon, wasMinister of State, Joseph Harmonsent on a trip to China to deal with the State’s business.The Head of State had said, “I know that he went to China on NICIL business. I saw the Cabinet decision.”Even though Harmon was on a trip to China to conduct business on behalf of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, he found the time to be part of a courting process with four Chinese companies.In a statement to the media last week,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, explaining his trip, Harmon said that the Ambassador of China to Guyana, who was in the country at that time, made arrangements for him to meet officials of four companies.These companies he said had signaled their intention to make significant investments in Guyana.??These Companies he said were located in Beijing,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, Shanghai, Hebei and Heilong Jiang Provinces.The Minister of State said that because of the significant distances involved and the limited time available on that trip, the Ambassador made arrangements for these companies to provide transportation, both air and land, for him to travel to their respective Head Offices.Significantly, the Minister of State noted that one such arrangement included a visit to Long Jiang Forest Industries Group,China Jerseys Cheap, a state-owned company that had acquired 55 percent of the shares in Bai Shan Lin. This company is poised to take full control of BaiShanLin this year.Harmon admitted that two officials from the Long Jiang Forest Industries Group,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, along with two officials from Bai Shan Lin, accompanied him on the aircraft from Beijing to Heilong Jiang Province to attend the meeting. The photograph was published on the front page of the Kaieteur News last Sunday.During the election campaign Harmon was the one who said,cheap nfl jerseys, “Bai Shan Lin mimics the behaviour of a bacterium called spirogyra. This bacterium gobbles what it wants and keeps splitting and spreading. That is exactly what Bai Shan Lin is doing.”The Minister of State even lashed out at the company for avoiding parliamentary scrutiny for almost two years.He continued, “But let it be known that once the laws of the country are breached by foreign or local companies, we will speak about it and we will take action. The level of examination and action to follow will surely arrest this wanton destruction of our forests.”Harmon had given his word to the nation that he would be unrelenting in his fight to ensure that the company is held accountable for its actions and that those responsible for allowing this abuse to continue be exposed.

Of all the banks that maintained a presence in Guyana,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, the Bank of Nova Scotia,NCAA Hockey Jerseys, a multinational giant in the financial world was the only bank that had a place in the top 10 most stable banks of the world during the recent financial crisis.This ability to perform consistently has apparently filtered down to the local arm of the bank and brought with it a sense of relief for local investors and customers as the financial summary for the previous year was released.The company’s assets increased by approximately $4B in 2009 over 2008 with almost 60 per cent of this increase attributed to loans and advances issued for the year,Wholesale Jerseys, items upon which the bank will earn corresponding interest.When this is combined with the interest generated from savings and time deposits,cheap nfl jerseys, the Bank saw $3B in interest earnings.However, factoring in provisions for loan losses,Wholesale Jerseys, net of recoveries in the area, round out the Bank’s interest generated income to $2.4B.Incurred expenses to the tune of $1.5B reduced the bank’s net income to $2.35B.In 2009, Scotiabank Guyana paid out $1.2B in taxes bringing the bottom line figure to $1.16B,Cheap Jerseys From China, corresponding to an 11.7 per cent increase in net income for 2009 over 2008.

Superintendent, ASP, Sgt., three constables departmentally charged – torture reportThe long awaited report on the torture probe that was conducted to ascertain culpability of those who burnt the now 15 year-old boy at the Leonora has been released to the public.The report that was released by the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday states that the then Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Paulette Morrison,China Jerseys Wholesale, knew that the lad had been burnt with methylated spirits but she claimed that she did not know the severity of the injuries.According to the report she subsequently (later in day) instructed a Superintendent Kissoon that the tortured teen be given medical attention by the police surgeon.It was pointed out that while Ms Morrison was not diligent as she should have been, the ranks involved were concealing material information from her in order to cover up their dastardly acts.Assistant Commissioner Mackhanlall, who investigated this matter,China NFL Jerseys, stated inter alia: “This is an ugly and unfortunate incident as senior ranks did not take appropriate action to safeguard the well being of the prisoners.“I am of the view that this Incident occurred because of lack of supervision of the ranks in the Division. If the ranks involved were properly supervised and they had understood their role as Law Enforcement Officers, and acted professionally, this incident would have been prevented, hence the Force would not have faced the embarrassment it faces due to this incident.”The report that was submitted to the President among others stated that following the murder of a former Regional Chairman, Ramenauth Bisram,Jerseys NFL Cheap, at his home at Canal No. 2 Polder 6, Twyon Thomas was arrested and was kept at La Grange, Leonora and Vreed-en-Hoop Police Stations.Deonarine Rafick, who was also detained, was kept at Wales Police Station then Leonora Police Station. Nouravi Wilfred was kept at Leonora Police Station whilst Kishore Deonarine was kept at Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.Thomas, the lad who was tortured, in a written statement, alleged that on October 28, last, while he was in custody at the La Grange Police Station, he was interviewed by a female rank and a male rank in relation to Bisram’s murder, but denied the allegation.About 16:00 hrs that day he was escorted to Leonora Police Station by Constables Foo and Singh and placed in custody.At that time there were no visible injuries on him on the exposed parts of his body, according to the report.Later that day Thomas was taken to the C.I.D Office at Leonora where four ranks interviewed him in relation to murder. The teen said that the four ranks were recognizable and were attired in civilian clothing. Again Thomas maintained his innocence.According to the released report, he alleged that during the interview, the men (meaning those with him) covered his face with a jersey, which was secured around his head with scotch tape. That process caused him to be partly suffocated and he was told to undress and he removed all his clothing after which, he was beaten with a hard object.His hands were then bound in front and he was placed to lie on the floor and beaten on his feet.During that ordeal, he managed to partly remove the jersey from his face but was simultaneously hit behind his neck by one of the policemen.The jersey was pulled back over his head and he was dealt a lash with a heavy object to his stomach.The lad related that on the floor, he felt a cold substance being poured to the region of his genitals and upper part of the thigh and simultaneously,Cheap Jerseys NFL China, he felt a burning sensation and he screamed.He alleged that the ranks removed the jersey and he saw the area of his genitals on fire, which was extinguished by the ranks and a fan and gel were provided to him as a salve.Immediately after, an East Indian man who identified himself as Doctor Foo and can be recognized if seen again entered the Office with three eggs and advised him to apply the white of the eggs to the burnt area and he complied.The lad was then forced to sign a statement saying that he was a member of the gang that stabbed Bisram multiple times and robbed him of cash and a gun.Whilst in custody and after complaining of severe pains,Cheap Jerseys From China, he complained to the Police and requested to see a Doctor or his parents. These were denied but later in the day a brown bag was placed over his head and he was removed from the lock-ups to the Enquiries Office where he was seen by a man who he assumed to be a Doctor and was provided with medication, which he had to apply himself.The female and male ranks that the young man says interviewed him w

Antigua –Millions of dollars in cocaine,Cheap Jerseys Outlet, an unlicensed gun and several rounds of ammunition were taken off the streets in recent days and three men have since been arrested.The Organisation of Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) have jointly charged 35-year-old Sherwin Parker of Antigua,? Andrew Greaves, 34,Jerseys NFL China, a Guyanese living in the US and Dezrel Anglin,Cheap NFL Jerseys, 40, of Jamaica with possession of cocaine, intent to transfer, being concerned with the supply of cocaine and drug trafficking.The trio was scheduled to appear in court yesterday before a magistrate who would consider bail and set a committal date for the three to reappear in court.According to the ONDCP,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, its investigators executed a counter-narcotics operation on June 13,NFL Jerseys Cheap, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine,Cheap China Jerseys, a .25 caliber pistol along with six rounds of ammunition.

…PNCR uneasy with consecutive nature of meetsThe Local Government Task Force should recommence work on Monday. People’s National Congress Reform Vice Chairman Basil Williams, on Thursday, told media operatives that he was in receipt of a letter from Co Chairman of the Task Force, Clinton Collymore, signalling the recommencement of the task force meetings.This comes months after the task force was suspended in order for Collymore to take part in the People’s Progressive Party congress.Williams, however, expressed his concern over what he described as the consecutive meetings of the body, given that the PNCR members of the team had other responsibilities and commitments.He said that many of the members were attorneys and had obligations.The party recently accused the Government of attempting to arbitrarily abandon the work of the Task Force on Local Government Reform, thus putting local government elections further in jeopardy.At a press conference, PNCR Leader Robert Corbin had said that he had received a memorandum from the co-chairman of the task force, Clinton Collymore, suggesting that there was a deadlock in talks and that the remaining tasks were being transferred to Cabinet.Collymore wrote the memorandum to President Bharrat Jagdeo and copied it to Corbin. However, the PNCR representatives on the task force,China Jerseys Cheap, including co-chairman Vincent Alexander, are disputing Collymore’s assertion.“Work was ongoing,NFL Jerseys Authentic China, there was no deadlock,” Alexander claimed.President Bharrat Jagdeo subsequently ordered the recommencement of the task force meetings.On August 25 last,Cheap Jerseys From China, Williams, also a member of the task force representing the PNCR, wrote Collymore, “to register a serious protest against the dilatory practices of the Government side of the Task Force,Wholesale NFL Jerseys China, which have crippled its work.”According to the PNCR, the only piece of legislation that was completely discussed and generally agreed upon was the proposed legislation on the new electoral system. The task force is yet to complete its discussion on three areas, namely the establishment of a Local Government Commission, objective criteria for fiscal transfers, and the necessary continuous education on the new local government system.“It should be noted that it was also a decision of the task force,NFL Jerseys Supply, a position endorsed by all stakeholders,China Jerseys Cheap, including the donor community, that all the reforms to the local government system must be taken as a package.“Consequently, nothing is agreed until the entire raft of legislation is considered and consensus (is) reached,” according to Corbin.

– no collateral, low interest, up to $250,000By Leonard GildarieIn what has been hailed as a flagship programme for assistance to the poor in Guyana, government,Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys, in a collaborative effort with a local bank,NFL Jerseys Cheap Authentic, yesterday launched a $500M scheme that will see single mothers accessing loans up to $250,000 without having to put down any collateral.A large audience on the tarmac of the Guyana International Convention Centre, Liliendaal, heard that small businesses including catering, dress making, poultry rearing, craft, child care, floral arranging and fabric painting will be among some of the areas to be targeted in the pilot project.President Bharrat Jagdeo delivering the feature address Almost 30,000 single parents registered as part of a government programme back in 2008,Cheap Jerseys From China, are eligible to apply for the loans which the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) will be administering.Addressing a high profile gathering which included hundreds of single mothers, President Bharrat Jagdeo, several ministers and bankers, GBTI’s Corporate Secretary and Head of Credit, Shaleeza Shaw, stressed that the bank, in endorsing the programme, embraces the growth of industry in the economy.“So this afternoon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, we are pleased to be part of this ceremony to officially launch our new “Women of Worth” (WOW) Loan Plan. WOW recognised the pivotal role women play in society and the fact that they are more likely than men to spend their income on the well-being of their families.”The bank said that in this initial phase, it will be allocating $500M to help establish,NFL Jerseys Wholesale, carry on, expand or upgrade small businesses for single mothers.The loans will attract interest of up to 6% with applicants having up to 24 months to repay.“Moratoriums of 3 to 6 months on the payment of installments will be granted to borrowers to allow for the migration of new ventures from their embryonic and infancy stages to maturity.”However, single mothers will have to be between 18 and 60 years and earn less than $40,000 monthly to qualify. Additionally, they have to be registered with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.According to Shaw, individuals from groups would have an edge since repayments have been found to be better in these areas.Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand,Cheap Jerseys, who was described as being “aggressive” in pushing the micro-credit facility into being, noted that it is one of the many promises now a reality made by the PPP/C government in its manifesto for the 2006 elections.Last year, over 360 single mothers were trained, with government also issuing a voucher grant for $65,000 to kick-start small businesses for the graduands.Manickchand acknowledged that the empowering of single mothers is a powerful way to help develop the country.“This (WOW) is government caring for the women of Guyana,” she said.President Jagdeo, in his feature address, noted that it is the third such facility backed by government,Wholesale Jerseys From China, for the vulnerables of Guyana. One was seed money to the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). In addition to these, there are legislations passed that also lent to the further assistance.With the recent Credit Report Bill which will help to reduce the risk for lending institutions, earlier this week, a Bill was passed in parliament to allow tax concessions just for lending to small businesses.Hopefully, other banks will also take the initiative and join GBTI introducing similar schemes like WOW, Jagdeo urged. The tax concessions, he advised, are geared to further reduce interest rates and this in turn can help spur development.Meanwhile, venturing off, the President made reference to the dropping of interest rates last year on mortgages which saw a huge number of applications being made. Lending jumped from $3.1B to $27B in 2009 alone, an increase of over 700%.The Head of State also noted that the figures are indicating that more and more women are staying in school and graduating than their opposites.The problem will be how to close that gap.Additionally, the fact is Guyana is limited in its resources to fully plug into all the sectors.

Former Ministers of Local Government Harripersaud Nokta and Clinton Collymore are among the highest paid workers in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.Former Minister of Local Government Harripersaud NoktaNokta and Collymore have been employed by the same Ministry they once presided over since 2007.This was revealed in the National Assembly yesterday.The current Minister of Local Government,Air Max 95 Black Leather, Ganga Persaud,Nike Roshe Run Online Shop, said that Nokta is employed as Hinterland Coordinator at $380,Air Max 97 Silver Bullet Mens,000.per month while Mr. Collymore is paid $317,Cheap Air Max 90 For Sale,000 per month. They are among the top five most highly paid workers in the Ministry.The Opposition has argued that the continued employment of Nokta and Collymore reflects the government creating “jobs for the boys.”Apart from their salary, Nokta and Collymore are each provided with a gardener and a maid. Their gardeners and maids are paid $25,Nike Shox Clearance,000 each, per month.In addition, security is provided at the homes of the two men and they are also afforded a vehicle to do their work. All those transportation expenses are covered by the Ministry.The Alliance for Change (AFC) had proposed cutting out the employment of the two men, but withheld yesterday.AFC Parliamentarian,Nike Tns Cheap Online, Moses Nagamootoo, said the proposal for cuts was withdrawn after he said the party has proposed that the government freezes the employment of contract workers and that all hiring be channeled through the Public Service Commission.In the end, the salaries for Nokta and Collymore were approved, along with salaries for their maids and gardeners and security at their homes.