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Reports findings of investigation shows Child Care and Protection Agency failed to follow procedures  

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand at a press conference on Thursday announced that following the investigation launched on October 7, to review the actions taken by the Child Care and Protection Agency with regards to case of 16-year old Neesa Lalita Gopaul, two officers from the Agency have been sacked, while the probation period of one has been extended.
            The investigation was carried out to determine whether there were any breaches in addressing Gopaul’s case, identify gaps within the system and recommend corrective actions with the view of improving the service delivered by the Agency.
            The case was first reported on October 19, 2010, when Gopaul accompanied by a teacher from Queen’s College visited the agency and filed a report explaining the difficult environment that was characterised by physical and drug abuse and by the threat of sexual abuse, in which she (Neesa) lived.
            The matter was assigned to a caseworker and Neesa and her younger sibling were subsequently removed from their home by the Agency and placed under the care of their maternal grandparents.
            Minister Manickchand explained that this step was taken as per procedure, since all studies have concluded that in the interest and well-being of children, institutional care should be last resort.

  
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand at the press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom

           Gopaul began receiving counselling sessions, which continued for a few weeks. However, a while after the new living arrangements were worked out, Gopaul’s grandparents indicated the refusal of the mother, Naree Gopaul, to give more than $8000 per week for the children’s upkeep as the reason for sending them back to live under the same dreadful environment from which they were removed.
            Minister Manickchand said that the fact the children were removed from the home they were placed in for safety, was not communicated to any senior personnel in the Agency and that the reintegration was not approved by the Director, as is the established procedure.
            Consequently, Neesa stopped attending the counselling sessions at the Agency; however, efforts were made by her caseworker to contact her and the assistance of the police was enlisted in this regard.
            According to the report, after many pleas, the police agreed to accompany the caseworker to Neesa’s home on the West Coast of Demerara, but refused to go into the yard, saying that they have already been subjected to much criticism from the public regarding their dealings with another young person.
            Nevertheless, the caseworker eventually succeeded in meeting Neesa at her school, who upon questioning, assured that her current environment did not pose any risk to her welfare or well-being.
            The report stated too, that although the initial reports had elements of alleged sexual abuse, nothing during the counselling sessions or during any other contact, led the caseworker to believe that sexual abuse obtained in Neesa’s life.
            On August 24 of this year, Gopaul’s case resurfaced, when the Child Care and Protection Agency received a report of alleged sexual abuse from social worker stationed at a hospital in West Demerara.
The matter was then assigned to a new caseworker, who made several visits to Neesa’s home in an attempt to speak with her, but was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, her mutilated body was found shortly after.  
             Minister Manickchand said that from the investigator’s report, it is clear that following both reports (the one from October 2009 and the other from August earlier this year), the caseworkers did not follow the documented and/or established procedures for addressing matters that engage the attention of the Agency.
             “As it relates to the management of the operations of the Agency, it was found that the Operations Manager by her own admission failed to do obligatory and necessary daily management of the operations of the Agency resulting in little or no proper supervision and /or follow-up of cases that had been brought to the attention of the Agency,” the Minister said.
            Moreover, the Operations Manager had been written to more than three times about her failure to perform in the capacity in which she was hired and also for her continuous absences. Unfortunately, although so advised, no action was taken by the Personnel Division.
            Minister Manickchand noted that the investigations also revealed that the working conditions, specifically as it related to the physical accommodations, could be improved and new tools should be added to make the Agency more effective.
            The actions that were taken against the officers were based on the specific recommendations outlined in the report.
There are also other recommendations, these include: immediate preparation of a building to house the Agency, development and implementation of a Management Information System (MIS), which the Minister said is already being pursued, immediate communication to teachers and police officers through the Ministries of Education and Home Affairs, and an increase in the complement of officers at the Child Care and Protection Agency.
Minister Manickchand asserted that notwithstanding the lapses, the Agency is not responsible for the death of Neesa Gopaul.
“The responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of those who did this fiendish act; nevertheless, we share this responsibility with the family and friends of Neesa and the community where she lived. None of us can be absolved,” she lamented.
The Human Services Ministry is renewing its call to the citizenry to speak out against child abuse, since the system of disclosure has worked effectively in the past to protect vulnerable children. The CC&PA’s 24-hour hotline telephone number is 227-0979.                            
            At a press conference on October 22, Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo condemned the horrors surrounding the life and subsequent death of Neesa Gopaul.
He also said that “this is not just an inhumane act, it’s beyond brutal and what we have found out from this is that there were many failures.”
            Gopaul’s body was discovered on October 2, in a suitcase at the Emerald Tower Resort, Soesdyke, Linden Highway. Her mother and step-father have been arrested and remanded to prison.

Delegation from French Guiana calls on President Jagdeo
- joint forestry plans discuessed

President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday received a courtesy call from the Prefect of La Guyane Daniel Ferey accompanied by the French Honorary Consul resident in Guyana, Pierre Saint Arroman at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
             Farey in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said that the meeting by the visiting delegation was to discuss a programme for the survey of Guyana’s forest using satellite technology. He is hopeful that there will be collaboration.

President Bharrat Jagdeo interacts with Prefect of La Guyane Daniel Ferey and French Honorary Consul resident in Guyana, Pierre Saint Arroman during courtesy call at the GICC  

            “It’s a technology from French Guiana because it is space centre and we are proposing to the Government of Guyana to collaborate with us for that project. But the meeting was very fruitful and we hope to start operations very soon with Guyana,” he said.
            He said that they were impressed with President Jagdeo’s international reputation with regards to the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and preserving its natural resources.
            He noted that the President’s advocacy and leadership can be useful in French Guiana’s quest for forest preservation.
            “We hope with the leadership of President Jagdeo opting in to this technology, we will be able to bring results to Suriname and Brazil to have a survey by satellite as what we have in French Guiana,” he pointed out.

CSME must lay stage to facilitate regional growth and development
-Minister Persaud during consultation to review the Draft Report on Rural Community Readiness

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud has emphasised the need for CARICOM states to understand that industries are not owned by any particular member state and that the region’s people do not belong to any specific state, but to a regional grouping.
            He reiterated these views while delivering the feature address at a consultation on Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) Rural Community Readiness, held to review the Draft Report on a career study promoting buying within rural communities, and stimulating and encouraging their active participation in CSME. 

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud addressing the gathering at the CSME consultation to review the Draft Report on Rural Community Readiness at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston

            “The Challenges is and continues to be how to meet the information needs of all stakeholders on the issue relating to the progression of the integration process and how to operate and make a living within the new regimes. These have pointed to the rural community as one critical stakeholder group especially, in its capacity as a source of agricultural produce to consumers within the CSME,” he said.
            Minister Persaud stated that producers and inhabitants in rural communities are unaware of the CSME, noting that they are unable to access opportunities because of challenges in understanding how to meet market access requirements such as Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary requirements.
            He pointed out that if the CSME is to succeed, then the gap between the richest and poorest countries needs to be narrowed, noting that the free movement of capital goods and services should not only be allowed but also the free movement of labour.
            “This freedom of movement can be of significant benefit, since there is a huge potential of skilled labour in the Caribbean diaspora. To this end if the CSME is to fulfill its mandate, it must lay the stage for business to operate in an economic space that facilitates growth and development and create the conditions for extra-regional expansion into the global economy,” the Minister said.
            The CSME is regarded as the most ambitious enterprise undertaken by the Anglo Caribbean since independence, and has the potential to unlock and unleash latent economic strategy in the Caribbean. The most recent was the approval of the ‘Single Development Vision’ by the Heads of Government in 2007, to guide the CSME development process.

Participating members of CARICOM states during CSME consultation to review the Draft Report on Rural Community Readiness at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston

           As such, agriculture, fisheries and the forestry industries have been recognised as economic drivers of the Single Development Vision. This according to Minister Persaud can be recognised by the 500 rural farmers currently involved in the Ministry’s Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development (READ) project.
            The project which will be developed over a six-year period is being implemented under a comprehensive Agriculture Diversification Strategy with the aim of empowering rural communities through agricultural trade.
            “We believe that agricultural development stimulates rural development and rural communities’ buy-in to the CSME is dependent on much member states allow agriculture to be a vibrant regional production and trading enterprise.”
            “In a rural development efforts it is important to recognise the cultural practice of the communities; and to also ensue engender change one must develop a strategy that seeks to augment the community efforts and foster community development,” he said.
            The READ project is being done in communities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.
            Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary General, Trade and Economic Integration, CARICOM Secretariat, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque while lauding the timeliness of the consultation, said that the CSME is aimed at providing access and opportunities to live, work and trade in any CARICOM state freely.
            “As a community our challenge is to ensure that the fruits of our efforts through our guided CSME are to have widely and equitable distribution in and among our member countries,” he said.
            In achieving this he stated that easy access of information on citizens using available technologies must be set as a priority, since there can be no CSME benefits without communication and interactions.
            The sum of $2.5M euros from the European Development Fund will also be spent on the development and implementation of a public education strategy; which will commence next year.
            Representative from CARICOM states including Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and St. Kitts were also in attendance.
                                 

Berserk man hacks two to death, injures two more

At the hands of a man assumed to be of unsound mind, 38-year-old Ann Cham-a-Koon of 60 Russell Street and 75-year-old Cedric Blackman of 57 Russell and Howes Streets are now dead.

The suspect was referred to by residents as ‘Brother Lyte’ or ‘Booy’ who according to the police is a 42-year-old, of Stevedore Squatting Area, Georgetown.

According to reports reaching this Blog, the incident started at the now deceased Cedric Blackman’s residents. The assailant was a family –friend of the Blackmans whose house he would frequent and have meal.

At around 07;00 hours yesterday, a neighbor who wished to remained anonymous indicated that he told Blackman to keep a close watch on the assailant since “He was operating odd”

He stated that shortly after he heard the assailant calling out for Blackman, “I tell this man don’t open the door and he still opened it …Mr. Blackman just sit down in the chair by de door and de next thing I heard is Mr. Blackman saying ‘Booy’ is wha happen to you”

Blackman’s relative said not long after he noticed a cutlass waving back and forth in the front door at which he then turned his attention at him, forcing him to flee the house.

After chopping two others in his pursuit, the assailant then turn his murderous passion upon Cham-a-Koon, chopping her until she fell on the streets, after walking away calmly as if nothing had happened.

The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with the investigations. Cham-a-Koon leaves to mourn two daughters Rabia Shakoor and eight-month-old Su-Lin Wallace.

New Consul General to Brazil appointed
- aims to forge greater bilateral relations with southern neighbour  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has announced that Government had received the necessary agreements from the Brazil and as such, Mrs. Leila King will be appointed as the new Consul General.
            Her comments came while addressing media operatives during a press briefing in the Ministry’s boardroom.
            “On the occasion of the inauguration of the Takutu River Bridge, President Bharrat Jagdeo spoke about the upgrading of our representation in Boa Vista which for some time was served by an honorary consul. We had promise then to upgrade the embassy to a consulate general,” she said.
This, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, is to further strengthen trade and bilateral relations with the Brazilian Government. Mrs. King is a Guyanese entrepreneur who has been a resident in Boa Vista for the last 20 years.
 The newly appointed consul general is very au fait with Brazil’s culture, and with the conduct of business; demonstrating a keen interest in developing relations between the two neighbouring countries.
King has been credited with the visits to Guyana, of several private sector representatives from Brazil, seeking to improve business relations between the two states.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that there is a partial verbal agreement with the neighbouring country, whereby some local products are allowed to enter Brazil on a preferential basis.
She explained that a request for expansion of the list has been approved from October 15.
“We have submitted to the Brazilian Government an additional list which included items such as flour, pharmaceutical and rum and I am very pleased to announce that Brazil has approved that list,” she added.
            The Minister reiterated that the initiative is definitely an expansion of trade relations with Brazil, noting that it is hoped that the private sector would make use of the opportunity that such a development will provide.
            This would now see 16 other tariff lines entering Brazil duty free.
Leila King is the Managing Director of Maikan Turismo, a tour company in Brazil.

Guyana to establish embassy in Kuwait

The Government of Guyana in an effort to strengthen greater ties and forge relations with countries in the Middle East will be establishing an embassy in the State of Kuwait, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett told media operatives at a briefing recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
            Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that the initiative stemmed from a visit by President Bharrat Jagdeo to Kuwait in January this year, during which two bilateral agreements were inked.
             The visit saw the signing of the encouragement and reciprocal protection of investment and the cultural and artistic cooperation agreements.
            “In light of all these developments and in keeping with our policy to improve trade relations with non-traditional partners I am pleased to announce that the Government has taken the decision to establish an embassy in Kuwait,” she stated.
            The necessary arrangements are currently being administered for the appointment of an ambassador and the establishment of the embassy.
            According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Government is confident that with the establishment of the embassy, bilateral relations not only with Kuwait but, other countries in the Middle East will be further strengthened.
            The relationship between Guyana and Kuwait strengthened to the extent that Kuwait Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah paid a visit to Guyana on July 19, 2010.
            The visit paved the way for several other agreements to be signed between the two Governments. These included a bilateral trade agreement, one for a technical and economic cooperation; another for the establishment of a joint commission for cooperation between the two Governments and an air services agreement.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several members of the private sector in Kuwait.
               Guyana and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on August 17, 1995.

Guyana instrumental in securing Є 500M from EU negotiations
-in its capacity as chair of ACP

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at a press conference at her Ministry’s boardroom On Monday, disclosed that preparations leading up to grand event when Guyana will be assuming chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) on November 26, are on schedule.
            She said that the official visit of the Ecuador’s Foreign Minister, Ricardo Patino led to very successful deliberations and all arrangements are in place to have not only the summit but the foreign ministers’ meeting on November 25 and council of delegates on November 23 and 24 respectively.    
Apart from assuming the chair of UNASUR, Guyana is at present the chair of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, which was assumed on August 01, for a period of six months.
            The ACP Group of States is a body comprising 79 developing countries from Africa, the Caribbean (CARICOM, Dominican Republic, Cuba and member states from the Pacific). This organisation was established through the Georgetown Agreement in 1975, where Guyana played a major role in its establishment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the press conference at her Ministry’s boardroom

           “In our capacity as chair of the ACP, Guyana has been instrumental in the conclusion of negotiations with the European Union (EU) to secure a second tranche of  Є 500M for the 18 former sugar protocol countries and this would go from 2011 to 2013,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said.
            Guyana has also chaired the ACP consultative group on sugar and has initiated a study to look at the impact by loss of preferential treatment for ACP exports to Europe, on account of trade agreements that the EU has been concluding with countries in Latin and Central American countries.  
            The Foreign Minister said that, “we believe that this is necessary because we are told of the benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) and other markets are also opening and we need to see how it will impact on our markets.”
            Guyana will also be calling for consultations with the EU under Article 12 of the Cotonou Agreement and Article 42 of the CARIFORUM-EU Agreement to foster better economic partnerships.
            The Minister said that during Guyana’s chairmanship, focus will be placed on relations with the ACP and Brazil and China (developing south-south relationship). She explained that this is seen as a necessary step, because the ACP is not only about Guyana’s relations with the EU but rather, it is important to collaborate with other countries as well. 
To date, only the CARIFORUM member states have signed EPA with the EU, several other countries have signed only interim agreements while others have signed none at all.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that this is because of the many difficulties that have been encountered by the ACP Group of States.
“Fundamental to the discussions is the request by most of the other groupings to have the five-year review, as included in the CARFORUM EPA, this was a provision that Guyana also fought for,” she said.
Another issue that will be raised by Guyana with its European counterparts is access to the European Development Fund (EDF).
She explained that many times there are bureaucratic hurdles in accessing this fund and it is hoped that by way of closer working relations, objective external assessments and the need to appreciate Guyana’s policies and realities, these difficulties will be surmounted.

Guyana receives great attention at Shanghai World EXPO

Guyana is showcased among 240 countries and organisations worldwide at the World Expo hosted in Shanghai, China this year.
            Guyana’s booth at the expo continues to attract considerable interest with its captivating display of the country’s unique offerings. The country’s participation is seen as a great opportunity to showcase its offerings to the world and to further strengthen bilateral ties between Guyana and China.

Display of replicas of important buildings around Georgetown

           According to a press release by the Caricom Secretariat, President Jagdeo said that, “China is the future and through our alliances with China we too become a part of the future: a future of scientific and technological excellence and cross-cultural dialogue which will be pivotal to our human development”.
            Guyana’s booth was crafted under the theme, “One people, One Nation, One Destiny”, by Guyanese designer John Fernandes with the guidance of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce. This was excellently portrayed with a tunnel showcasing the distinctive history of Guyana’s six races.

Visitors in the Guyana Booth

The booth was divided into three sections:  The Amazon Adventure, featuring Guyana’s rich biodiversity and landscapes; Better City, Better Life; featuring historical buildings and other hotspots in Georgetown; and Industries driving the economy such as agriculture, mining and fishing.
Replicas of Amerindian huts and canoes showcasing the lifestyle of the Indigenous people were also displayed along with products of Guyana such as Indi Garam Masala and Curry Powder, Demerara Gold, and a variety of El Dorado rums.
Much interest was generated by Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, which had a specific wall designated to highlight President Jagdeo’s great work. It has attracted the attention of many environmentalists worldwide.
Guyana is being commended by many visitors for having the best booth and the visitors were also given the opportunity to win prizes through question and answer.  Among the items to be won were; bags, T-shirts, DVDS and lapel pins.

Visitors inside the tunnel displaying the six races

Guyana gained immense attention and popularity as China Central Television (CCTV), the Expo Daily Newspaper and the Shanghai Morning Post Newspaper all carried features of Guyana.
The purpose of the World Expo is to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology but most importantly to serve as a meeting ground for countries worldwide to display their achievements and improve and foster foreign relations.
The event began on May, and will conclude on October 31.  According to the Expo Bureau, an estimated 70 million people are expected to visit.
The world expo is 150 years old and for the first time ever is held in a developing country.

Barbados Prime Minister dies

Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson according to report reaching our website died, at around 2;00 am this morning at his private residence in the South-Eastern parish of St. Phillips.          
              The forty-eight year old leader was said to have been suffering from a stomach pain since early March, died from pancreatic cancer.

                                                  
    Attorney General and Deputy Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was tasked with taking up the post of Prime Minister, of which he will remain until a further decision is taken.   
              Thompson leaves to mourn his wife, Mara, and daughters Mischa, Oya, and Osa- Marie. The family members and Senator David Durant, an evangelical minister, were by Thompson’s side when he died, according to reports.
             In addition, tributes continued to flow in from around the Caribbean including one from Guyana’s President Bharrat Jadgeo.

President Jagdeo swears-in Public Service Commission members  

A six-member Public Service Commission, that will be tasked with among its many functions, conducting examinations for appointments was officially sworn in by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President today. 

            The members are;- Ganga Persaud; Michael Desmond Hope; Vedyawattie Looknauth; Vera Naughton; Carvil Duncan and Cecil Seepersaud.

             The Public Service Commission which is a constitutional body has been in existence for decades.

            Persaud, in an invited comment, said that the commission has very urgent matters for deliberation, and conclusion and explained that there are two vacancies that would have attracted applications, for which applicants would be awaiting a response. The commission will be deciding on these shortly, he said.

           

Persaud pointed out that the commission is mandated to enhance the public service and life of public servants, emphasising that the basic function of the constitutional body is to make appointments, and that without its existence, such cannot be done.

            He noted that the members are also tasked with adjudicating on disciplinary matters, underlining that there may be persons in this category who are tense, because of no decision being made, thus far.

            He also stressed that the commission is the regulatory mechanism of the public service, since they are also tasked with dealing with the aspects of superannuation benefits for retiring public officers and acting appointments salary approval so that payments can be made for such functions.

            The commission will be holding its first meeting on October 25, and based on an advisory from the body’s secretary, the first order of business will be the appointment of a chairman and deputy chairman, after which the commission will commence its functions.  

Guyana, Ecuador to hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy, combating drug trade

A delegation from Ecuador, headed by its Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino is in Guyana for talks with the Guyana Government, primarily with regards to the process of the handing over of the Chairmanship of UNASUR to President Bharrat Jagdeo.
            on Thursday evening the group met with Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to discuss issues Guyana would like to advance and the process for handing over of the chairmanship.
           Apart from the UNASUR discussions, the two countries will also hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy; combating the drug trade, and climate change mitigations.
            Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in a warm welcome to the Ecuadorian delegation said that it was her first meeting with the Foreign Minister, since the crisis in Ecuador that threatened the democratic process, reiterating Guyana’s firm adherence to democratic principles and support for the Government of Ecuador.
            Ecuador currently holds the chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
             The Minister pointed out that Guyana was expected to assume the chairmanship of UNASUR in August; but that this will now take place on November 26, on the occasion of the fourth summit, when Ecuador’s President Rafeal Correa will hand over the chair to President Jagdeo.
            While emphasising Guyana’s pleasure for being able to host its South American counterpart, the Minister said that discussion on bilateral relations, in addition to the transition of the chairmanship and issues that arose during Ecuador’s leadership will also be discussed.  
            Giving a brief background, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett alluded to the signing of the constitutive treaty on May 23, 2008, pointing out that there were several meetings leading up to the historic event.
            She reiterated that though the grouping is still very young, much has been achieved, although there is still more to be done, noting that Guyana as the chair of the organisation will do its best.
            Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Foreign Minister while addressing media operatives expressed his interest in strengthening relations with the Government of Guyana.


Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett (second from left), flanked by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and visiting delegation during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

            “We believe that we have a lot to give to each other since we have a common history and we believe that the strengthening of UNASUR and our bilateral relations will have a positive impact on our people,” Minister Patino stated.
            However, there still needs to be two more signatory countries to ratify the treaty and, according to the Spanish speaking Minister, it is his hope that by the time the chairmanship is handed over this will be met. There are currently seven countries already signed on, with the exception of the two.
            “Ecuador would offer all the support that is necessary to assist the administration of Guyana to successfully carry the chairmanship of UNASUR,” he stated.
            In an invited comment, on the protocol of democracy to be developed Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that it is expected that the protocol will be passed by the Heads State at the upcoming summit.
         

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister calls on President Jagdeo
- to discuss hand over of UNASUR chairmanship

In further efforts at advancing the strengthening of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and in preparation for the handing over of the rotating chairmanship, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, and a delegation of seven on a one-day visit to Guyana on Thursday, met with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.  


President Bharrat Jagdeo is greeted by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive. (Sandra Prince Photo)

            “We had the opportunity to coordinate the activities of UNASUR for the last time and now it’s the turn for Guyana, and we are very pleased to hand over all the information of all the work we have done so that Guyana can take over the chairmanship,” Minister Patino said.
            The Spanish speaking Minister through an interpreter noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Ecuador are currently in discussions, which will be focused on preparation for the handing over and agenda of the November 26 meeting to be held in Guyana.
            At the fourth UNASUR Summit, there will be a meeting of national delegations of each of the signatory countries on November 23 and 24. This will be followed by discussion by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of State on November 26 and will conclude with the handing over of the chairmanship.


From left;- President Bharrat Jagdeo, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and interpreter during courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive.
(Sandra Prince Photo)  

             “We are very pleased to be here in Guyana. It is the first time I came here and I truly feel that it is a very familiar environment to our cities and we are very happy to have that relationship and to have received such courtesy,” the Foreign Minister stated.
            President Jagdeo also came in for high praise from the visiting Foreign Minister, as it relates to the solidarity shown to the country.
            “We also had the opportunity to thank the President of Guyana for his solidarity with Ecuador through the difficult times we had when there was an attempt on our country and for that we are grateful,” he posited.

Natural disasters impact to be significantly reduced

-through collaboration with Canadian Government  

The Government of Canada through CIDA is supporting the efforts of the Canadian Red Cross to assist Caribbean countries and local communities to better prepare for natural disasters

            In a press statement, the Canadian High Commission said on Wednesday, International Day of Disaster Reduction, Minister of International Cooperation Beverley J. Oda announced support for reducing the impact of natural disasters in the Caribbean.

            The support from the Canadian Government is a component of its Caribbean Disaster Risk Management programme.

            Minister Oda was quoted as saying that “It is by strengthening the region’s resilience to natural disasters that Caribbean states will reduce the number of lives lost and the severe impact on their populations,”

            Canada has contributed CD$3.5M to the Canadian Red Cross project which will help deliver training that will enable people living in vulnerable communities to better understand the hazards of their environment and adopt practices that will make their homes safer.

Minister Persaud emphasises Government’s commitment to sustaining food security
- during World Food Day observance at St. Cuthbert’s Mission  

Enhancing food security continues to be one of the main priorities of the PPP/C Administration and to ensure that Guyana is on par with the objective of ensuring that ‘World hunger is eliminated’ the Ministry of Agriculture On Saturday observed World Food Day, an annual activity in the Ministry’s calander of activities for Agriculture Month.
            This year, St. Cuthbert’s Mission an Amerindian Community located in Region Four was selected as the location for the observance, which was aimed at stimulating greater food security, while increasing food production. 

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud addresses the gathering during ‘World Food Day’ observance at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four. Also in photo at head table are;- Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, and FAO’s representative Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul

The day’s activity which saw exhibition on display from agencies such as the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), and the Guyana Forestry Commission, also gave persons an opportunity to get a taste of traditional Amerindian life and culture.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud while delivering the feature address at the occasion, said that Guyana stands ready to positively contribute to eliminating world hunger, noting that the country has been fortunate in that it has been able to become self sufficient.
He indicated that Government has succeeded in eradicating hunger, thus making food affordable, despite the constraints oftentimes faced with climate change and Guyana’s vulnerability due to its coastland being below sea level.
While emphasising the need for the community to be more self sufficient, he said that farmers must recognise the challenges, and confront them so as to significantly maximise on the benefits, and exploit the full potential of the community.
Minister Persaud noted that the only way residents and farmers can see increased productivity, is by getting more areas under cultivation, despite the topography and location of the community.
 “The best days for Guyana as it relates to agriculture are not in the past but in the future. We believe that we can tap that vast potential because if we look at our land mass in terms of fertile soil we have close to 250,000 acres without deforestation, under cultivation,” he said.



While positing that there are a few countries that can boast of such fact, the Agriculture Minister said that not withstanding climate change the country is in a position to be a significant provider of food.
He said that having recognised the opportunities that lie in the sector, Government continues to invest. This has seen to date an allocated $9B invested in the sector, to ensure that there is a decrease in the number of hungry people.
Food production
Minister Persaud said that the administration is currently restructuring the St. Cuthbert’s community, enabling it to be more food secure as such, a massive rehabilitation of the main access road from the Linden Soesdyke Highway to the village will be done.
            The initiative will see $25M being spent.
            The Ministries of Agriculture and Amerindian Affairs will also be collaborating in a project whereby areas that were formerly not used for agriculture production, will now be converted into food producing plots.
            Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai who was also at the occasion alluded to the fact that Guyana currently has a positive outlook as it relates to being food secure, noting that Government has and will continue to ensure that it is maintained.
            She indicated that many countries have suffered from natural disasters, which have taken a toll on their productivity. However she said that “The world needs to pay more attention to ensuring that we can guarantee our food security at the international level.”
            She said that the recorded figure of one billion people being hungry would have been increased, because of natural disasters, noting that the national context is a very positive one, given the move towards expansion and diversification within the agriculture sector.
            According to the Minister, Guyana had realised its true potential and as such, it will continue to lead in this regard.
            “Our country stands in a very good position to fill the gap not only in a regional context but also at an international level so therefore with agriculture expansion and diversification on the agenda, agriculture is a lucrative sector,” she added.
            Meanwhile, the observance was highly praised by Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Ernest Dundas and the Food and Agriculture Organisation representative Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul.
            Dr. Fletcher-Paul while reading the ‘World Food Day’ message by FAO’s Director General, Dr. Jacques Diouf, said that due to decades of silent neglect in global agriculture production, the 2009 economic crisis, coupled with soaring food prices, caused the hunger threshold to breach the one billion mark.
            This has since seen the launch of a petition by the FAO to reflect on the moral outrage of the situation.
            “This is for persons to sign the petition and to work together to amplify the message that society has to take special care so that no one goes hungry, and to date over one million people have signed and the project is continuing,” she said.
            According to Fletcher-Paul this year’s theme “United against Hunger” highlights the need to launch a new green revolution noting that the task of increasing food production is a job for everyone.
            She pointed out that there will have to be a 70 percent increase in food production to satisfy the needs of nine billion people by 2050. This means that farmers will have to get greater yields from the limited farms acreages they till.
Drip Irrigation System
After the ceremony, Ministers Persaud and Sukhai also commissioned a Drip Irrigation System that will significantly benefit residents of the area, as Government seeks to address pressing issues that are affecting food security.


Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud inspects Drip Irrigation System at St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

            The area which is mostly sandy is oftentimes faced with the availability of adequate water and as such, the Ministry saw it fit to initiate the programme.
            This method allows for the slow application of water directly to the plant’s root zone, hence, water is not wasted on non-growth areas.
            This method can maintain moisture of the soil as well

Minister Manickchand joins keynote panel at Harvard University
-discussions focused on closing gender gap

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand today joined Prime Minister of Canada Kim Campbell on the important panel of a conference at the John F Kennedy School of Government at the Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.



The two- day conference “Closing the Gender Gap: the business case for Organizations, Politics and Society is hosted by the Council of Women World Leaders in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and seeks to examine the relationship between gender equality and societal and economic outcomes.



A release from the Ministry said the panel discussion, moderated by the Secretary General of the Council Laura Liswood examined specifically the benefits of political power. 
Minister Manickchand posited that political power matters in closing the gender gap across the world and expressed the view that political power derived from political office has tremendous benefits one of which is to allow for the culture of a country to be shaped and changed by public policy derived from political office. She said that when that office is occupied equally by both genders the female perspective is considered when decisions are being made. As to how to ensure there is equality in representation the Minister was resolute that quotas prescribing numbers of women in office must be provided for by legislation.



The Minister however also put forward the view that of tremendous value in closing the gender gap is political power derived from unity around a cause.
 The Minister noted that where women across political divides, religious views, social status and professions could collaborate and hold a common position about a specific issue that body would have power that is political in nature and that cannot be ignored.



Governments have to create environments that encourage and enable women uniting around specific causes, she said. This, she offered would more than likely require proactive efforts by governments to allow the voices of women to be heard on issues.
Taking consultations to women is a sure way to enable this environment; she told the audience which included professors, students, presidents and directors of organizations and banks, and business owners and CEOs.
Marrying political power derived from political office and from unity around a cause is unbeatable, the Minister said.

Manickchand says Child Care & Protection Agency protocol breach
- resulted in system failure for Gopaul

Following the gruesome murder of 16-year old Neesa Lalita Gopaul and the disturbing details that surfaced with regards to the conditions under which she lived, Government expressed it outrage and disappointment at the way the issue was handled by the relevant authorities which are mandated to ensure that vulnerable groups, particularly children are protected.
            Against this backdrop, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, on thursday told media operatives that an internal investigation, headed by the Director of Social Services, is being carried out to review the actions that were taken by officials of the Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA). Additionally, an external review is being considered.
            “We have to know exactly where the system erred, why it erred, and what we need to do within the agency as it relates to collaboration with other agencies to prevent these breaches from ever happening again so that we could, as far as possible, prevent the consequences of these breaches,” Minister Manickchand stated.
            The investigation, which is expected to comply with all the fair-hearing rules that govern public law matters, has a deadline of November 5, at which time a report based on the findings as well as recommendations will be made public.
            Over the years, Government has placed considerable emphasis on the protection and well-being of Guyana’s children. As such, several pieces of legislation have been passed in National Assembly and others pending before a parliamentary special select committee, to address the way children are being treated in society.

From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Human Services and Social Services, Trevor Thomas, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, and Public Relations Consultant, Alex Graham during the press conference at the Ministry’s boardroom

            These include: the Protection of Children Act, the Status of the Children Act, the Adoption of the Children Act, and the Childcare and Protection Agency Act.
Moreover, the Sexual Offences Bill of 2010 also makes it mandatory for all reports of sexual abuse and violence to be fully investigated at all levels of the social services and criminal justice systems.
However, the Minister said that “much more could have, and should have been done to protect this girl by all the authorities, sectors and persons who were aware of the complaints of this young girl.”
She added that much more could have been done by the CC&PA as its procedures and protocols for addressing complaints such as those received in this matter; prescribe that more should have been done.
“I sincerely regret that the Child Care and Protection Agency’s intervention in this particular case was not as effective as it should be and fell short of the high standard that has been set by the Agency,” Minister Manickchand submitted.
She explained that based on a preliminary report, certain well-defined protocols/procedures by which the Agency is governed, were not adhered to in this particular case.
The CC&PA was established to protect and preserve the well being of children across Guyana. It also has the mandate to implement policies, decisions and laws governing children, monitor childcare facilities, intervene in cases where a child is abused or neglected and to do whatever is necessary to protect Guyana’s children.
Minister Manickchand emphasised that “we have to use this incident as an opportunity to perfect a system that effectively served many children since the establishment of the Agency.”
The CC&PA, which came into operation in 2009, has since received 3, 175 complaints regarding child abuse, all of which were investigated and some are still being dealt with. Of this number, 602 were recorded as sexual abuse complaints.
The Minister added that 700 children have been placed in “safe care”, while 198 were re-integrated into their families. 
On October 2, Gopaul’s headless body was discovered in suitcase at the Emerald Tower Resort, Madewini, Linden, Soesdyke Highway.  According to reports the teen is alleged to have lived in an abusive home with her mother and stepfather who have since been taken into police custody to assist with investigations into her death.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh, have launched independent investigations into what transpired in this particular matter as it relates to their sector.
The Ministry is renewing its call to the citizenry to speak out against child abuse, since the system of disclosure has worked effectively in the past to protect vulnerable children. The CC&PA’s 24-hour hotline telephone number is 227-0979.          

‘Code of practice’ will ensure Guyana’s conformity with a world class forestry sector practices
- Minister Persaud

In ensuring conformation to international standards as it relates to forestry practices and as Guyana continues in its drive to mitigate the effects of climate change, a workshop to review the code of practice for timber harvesting and non timber forest products was today conducted.
            The forum which was held under the auspices of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) at its Multiplex Building, Kingston, dealt with the traditional and non-traditional forestry products such as nibbi, kuffa and maincole palm. It is also in keeping with activities for Agriculture Month.
            Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who also has responsibility for forestry, in delivering the feature address, pointed out that oftentimes there are perceptions that whenever there are efforts to have a code of practice, that it was the commission, and by extension Government’s intention to exert more control over the forestry sector.
            Instead, he noted that the initiative is to place Guyana in conformity with the socio-economic practices of a world-class forestry sector that will develop and evolve relevant policies and guidelines, making the sector more sustainable and economically viable.

Attendees during workshop to review the code of practice for timber harvesting and non timber forest products at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) at its Multiplex Building, Kingston

            “When we talk about forest, we are talking about a range of produce and services both at the primary level and certainly at the value added level. So the notion when we are talking about forest we are only talking about trees is certainly an old fashion and outmoded understanding of what the forest is,” Minister Persaud added.
            Minister Persaud however, indicated that if the sector is to move ahead, then the institutional arrangements and guidelines the commission is seeking to implement, must be assured.
            While speaking on the Forest Bill that was enacted in 2009, Minister Persaud said that apart from the fact that it predates some of the practices that were being carried out, the aim in the final analysis was that Guyana must have a sector that is competitive and viable.
            He noted that if there are no guarantees that Guyana’s timber resources extracted are done in a sustainable way and through a legal verification system; then the products cannot be sold on the international market.
            “The efforts that we are making are intended to ensure that we satisfy those requirements and at the same time we continue to be compatible with national and international requirements. It is not for us to make life difficult for people both in timber and non-timber forestry resources,” he said.
            The initiative is an attempt to have a second revision of the code of practice as it relates to timber harvesting. The first came into effect in 1998 and to date, a number of consultations was held by the GFC, to solicit the views of stakeholders, since it was necessary for the guidelines to be updated.
            While noting that increased emphasis was placed on the code of practice for non-timber resources, he said that exports for the commodity for 2010 have seen an increase from the latter.
            In addition, Minister Persaud said that while furniture and craft exports have been stable, over 7000 pieces of nibbi and kuffa were exported for last year hence, it is important for increased emphasis to be placed on non-timber resources.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud addressing the gathering during workshop to review the code of practice for timber harvesting and non timber forest products at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) at its Multiplex Building, Kingston

            As such, more impetus will be placed on value-added to ensure that more economic activities are done, if the economy is to receive maximum value for its timber resources.
            The GFC will also be placing attention on new areas such as processing.
            Meanwhile, GFC’s Deputy Commissioner Jagdesh Singh, said that the code of practice for timber harvesting was produced in 1994 after a thorough review process and became operational on a voluntary basis in October 1998; with the FAO model code of practice for forest harvesting and the national code of logging practice forming the basic framework for the first edition.
            Based on new information the first edition was extensively reviewed and revised in 2001.
            The code also contains practices and set standards which have been developed based on ongoing research and practical experience both locally and internationally over an eight year period. It also contains guidelines and planning requirements on forest operations, construction works for logging, logging operations, post harvest activities, operational hygiene and waste management, health and safety and social issues.
           Over the year, the Administration has been working assiduously in the protection of its rainforest for climate change mitigation reasons.

Minister Baksh disappointed over UG standards

Minister of Education Shaik Baksh has voiced his disappointment over the quality of education provided and the way Guyana’s main tertiary educational institution; the University of Guyana is being managed.
            His comments came while delivering the feature address at the 14th National Award ceremony for outstanding student performance held at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday where he also noted that Government will be working closely with the University to improve in their standards.
            According to the Education Minister issues such as the sloth in the registration process, absences of lecturers, delay in marking papers and the external examination system are some of the areas that will be given keen attention.
            This, he said, is to ensure that Guyana’s educational system offered is improved so that persons can benefit.
            He noted that to further build on the impetus of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s vision of having maximum use of Information and Communication Technology in Guyana (ICT), the subject will be added to the school curriculum for offer at the Caribbean Examinations Council exam.
            The Ministry of Education is also looking to establish a sixth form educational institution for students early next year.
            “Government will also be establishing a dedicated learning channel so that all the people in Guyana can benefit while a multi-media centre was also established at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD),” Minister Baksh said.

Every child must access quality education-Minister Baksh at National Award Ceremony to honour students’ performance

The education system must be able to produce students who can make a meaningful contribution to the country, by not only providing academic training but values which are much needed for critical development if the sector is to progress, Education Minister Shaik Baksh told a large gathering of awardees, parents and government and other officials at the 14th National Award ceremony for outstanding performance held at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday.
            “As we progress over the years we must be clear where we must go and this is to promote tolerance and modernise our country to eliminate illiteracy. It is necessary that high levels of investments be made and the Government of Guyana has been doing just that,” the Education Minister said at the function which was held as part of activities for Education Month.


Minister of Education Shaik Baksh and overall best performer Kelly Ann Persaud of Queen’s College who obtained 15 grades ones at the Ministry of Education’s 14th National Award Ceremony for outstanding Performance 2010

            “In education lies a salvation of any country and that is the reason many countries are investing heavily in Education across the world because it provides the path to all occupation,” he said.
              While referring to a Caricom report on youth development for 2010, Minister Baksh said that the administration is looking at modernizing the school’s curriculum, with focus on teacher training for effective delivery.
            “Guyana is on the move. It is already embarked on re-designing education and the curriculum to strengthening the education system in our country,” he added.
             The report found that the performance in English and Mathematics has declined with the exception of Guyana; however, the country has been behind the Caribbean in terms of its Mathematics performance.
            Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who also graced the ceremony, encouraged the awardees to be role models, noting that both passively and actively their achievements have shown what the country can achieve with the limited resources available.


Prime Minister Samuel Hinds hands over a trophy to an awardee during the Ministry of Education’s 14th National Award Ceremony for outstanding Performance 2010

            While urging them to help others by sharing their knowledge, Mr. Hinds challenged them to remain in Guyana and to make their contribution to the growing economy which has over the years received huge investments by the Administration.  
The 2010 performance showed improvements with a 59 percent pass rate in English and a 35 percent pass rate for Mathematics and according to Minister Baksh, it is anticipated that in 2011 the sector will surpass the 2010 figures due to Government’s interventions.
            A call was also made for parents to play their part as it relates to the upbringing of their children, since the school alone cannot do so. 
            Minister Baksh while indicating that the Education Ministry will continue to provide the requisite resources to raise the standard of education said that the issue of school drop-outs has been proving a challenge for the Ministry, despite several strategies to encourage them to remain and be educated.
            The Education Minister also pointed to the significant six percent decrease in school dropouts and emphasised that should the 30 percent of students’ contribution at tertiary level not be realized, it will amount to a 5.47 percent loss in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
            He also credits the Technical Vocational and Educational Training programme (TVET), as another aspect of successfully reducing the number of school dropouts, thus far.
            Awards were presented in various categories: Best performers at the National Grade Six Assessment, CSEC - Best junior and senior secondary performers, Carnegie School of Home Economics,  Government Technical Education Examination, CSEC Best performer, CAPE Best performer, CSEC Best performer 2009-2010, General Certificate of Education Advanced Level, Most improved primary, and junior and senior secondary schools, and  CPCE Best Graduating student.
            National Grade Six Assessment awardees are;- Sonia Ghir- Mae’s Primary (555 marks), Tauhir Khan-ISA Islamic (553marks) and Victoria Najab-ABC Academy (551marks)
CSEC - Best junior and senior secondary performers; -In the Junior category are: Yeeshana Ganpat- Anna, Regina Secondary-(13 grades 1 and 1 grade 2), Kelly Ann  Persaud of Queen’s College (15 grades 1), Kalina Bulkan-Mae’s Secondary (13 grades 1) Salma Ferouz-Mae’s secondary (13 grades 1), and Krysta Yan – Marian Academy (13 grades 1), while in the senior category are : Kelly Ann Persaud, Saieed Khalil, Lide Forde and Candace Barnes all of Queen’s College with 15, 14, 15 and 14 grades 1 respectively.
Carnegie School of Home Economics:- Anesia Glen – Household Management, Khemraj Bahadr - Catering and Hospitality and  Carolyn Johnson Cosmetology and Hair Care
Government Technical Education Examination: Jermain Lawson, Kushyal Budhan Tynisha Niles and Preston Paul of GTI while Rondell Lachmaren, Lynnel Layne  and Nazimul Ghani of New Amsterdam technical institute were awarded for various programmes.
CSEC best performer was awarded to Kelly Ann Persaud of Queen’s College.
CAPE best performers were: Eileen Marray of New Amsterdam Multilateral, Yana –Marisa Edward, Kia Persaud and Kibwey Peterkin  of Queen’s College; Rebecca Khan and Dinello Mahabir of Bishops High
CSEC best performer 2009-2010 was awarded to Yana –Marisa Edward.
GCE A level – Rizwan Saffie, Dinesh Sukhu and Stefan Hutson all of Queen’s College with four As each
Most Improved Primary school was West Ruimveldt while Most improved Junior Secondary was Tucville Secondary. The Most Improved Senior Secondary was President’s College
Best Graduating Student of Cyril Potter College of Education was Hemant France.

Headless corpse identified as 16-year old Neesa Lalita Gopaul

- three persons in Custody, including mother and stepfather

The headless corpse of a female found on Saturday has been confirmed as that of 16-year old Neesa Lalita Gopaul of Lot 13 A Lenora Public Road, West Coast Demerara. Reports are that three persons including, the teen’s mother and stepfather are in police custody following the brutal murder.

Neesa in happier times

            Police said that body of Gopaul is at a city mortuary awaiting post mortem as investigations are continuing.



Neesa Gopaul



Meanwhile, Gopaul relatives explained that since he death of Neesa’s father last year she started to become troubled and often complained about her stepfather, who moved in the home with her mother two weeks following the death of her father.

            Disclosure was also made that Neesa’s father who was a diabetic died under questionable circumstances last year. However, disputes surfaced immediately after as 16-year old Neesa became the sole beneficiary of the property, much to the annoyance of the stepfather, who is a known character to the police.

             

Police Commissioner admitted to CHI

Police Commissioner Henry Greene is currently a patient at the Caribbean Heart Institute having suffered heart related complications.
Reports are that Greene developed a breathing problem some time on Friday and was rushed to St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital before being referred to CHI. He was admitted on Friday afternoon and was found to be suffering from congestive heart failure, according to an attending physician.

Commissioner of Police, Henrey Greene

Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body’s other organs. This can result from narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and lead to coronary artery disease and even high blood pressure.
The failing heart could keep working but not as efficiently as it should. People with heart failure are usually unable to exert themselves because they become short of breath and tired.
according to reports, the Commissioner was treated with heart medication which has since alleviated the problem to some extent.
Up to yesterday he was resting comfortably at CHI. He is expected to remain there for the next few days.  According to attending Cardiologist, Dr Ghansham Singh, the Commissioner is listed as stable.

Headless body of unidentified woman found in suitcase
- dumped in creek near Emerald Tower Resort

Police are trying to ascertain the identity of a woman whose headless body was discovered yesterday in a suitcase near the Emerald Tower Resort at Madewini, off the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
             The fair-complexioned woman’s body was stuffed into a black briefcase, which was dumped into the Madewini Creek. A length of rope was wrapped around the body and the killer(s) had attached a heavy metal object to the other end of the rope in an effort to weigh the body down.
            The victim was wearing a pair of black shorts and a multi-coloured top.
            Detectives retrieved a passport (Number 0730108) bearing the name Teesa or Neesa Lalita Gopaul from the suitcase. A bank card was also found with the remains.
The gruesome find was made around noon by a family that had gone to the abandoned resort to swim in the Madewini Creek.
          The family while at the creek became aware of an unpleasant odour and observed the black suitcase in the water.
         Suspecting the worst, they immediately summoned a male relative who was in the area. The man said that he poked the suitcase with a stick and saw what appeared to be part of a body protruding from it.
He then summoned the police.
         The man and others suggested that the killer was familiar with the area and that he had taken his victim there by vehicle. The resort is about a mile off the highway and can only be accessed by a trail.
No blood was found at the crime scene.
         Porters from the Lyken Funeral parlour eventually removed the body around 17:00 hrs.
On March 13, the decomposed remains of Alpha Hotel owner Rosaline Hall were found wrapped in a tarpaulin near the resort.
       And last March, the body of 58-year-old Lambert Patrick Clarke was found along the Emerald Tower trail. A post mortem revealed that he had died from natural causes.

Stretch of road between Punt Trench Dam and Broad Street to be riveted to two way traffic
- to significantly ease traffic congestion

 The Ministry of Public Works has overlaid the La Penitence carriageway from Punt Trench Dam to Broad Street; in an effort to ensure a free and safe flow of traffic along the corridor. 
            According to Road and Traffic Safety Engineer, Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Nigel Erskine, the asphalt works to the road commenced on September 30 and was completed on October 1. The decision to return it into a two-way road came into effect after a successful meeting with Ministers of Transport and Hydraulics and Home Affairs, Robenson Benn and Clement Rohee respectively, and engineers from the Ministry in August.

Works to the two-way lane road at La Penitence

            When the Government Information Agency (GINA), took its cameras to the site, workers were painting two lanes 11 feet wide and ‘no parking signs’ on the western side.
            According to Erskine during the morning periods there is a tremendous build up of traffic from the Demerara Harbour Bridge leading into Georgetown and as such, the initiative is necessary to relieve traffic congestion and for the efficient discharge of traffic on the East Bank road into Sussex, Broad and Lombard Streets.
“Currently vehicles can only come into Georgetown through Lombard Street, but what we are trying to facilitate here is to have another alternative entrance into the city. The entire carriageway into Saffon Street has been overlaid to allow free movement to two lanes of traffic in either direction,” he said.
He noted that with the completion of the two lanes vehicles would now be allowed to come through Saffon Street and enter the city either from Sussex or Broad Streets using the secondary roads leading into the city, as was not possible previously.

Ministry of Public Works and Communications, Road and Traffic Safety Engineer, Nigel Erskine and Technical Engineer, Kester Hinds inspect a section of the La Penitence carriage way from Punt trench Dam to Broad Street

 The Road and Safety Engineer, pointed out that it anticipated that the project will significantly ease the traffic build-up, often occurred during the peak period of the morning.
The road has been a one way from 6 am to 6 pm for several years.
In line with the development, a meeting is scheduled for October 6 whereby stakeholders, stallholders and the business community will meet to discuss the way forward, as the intervention would require vendors to re-locate.
            They will be allowed to air their views and make suggestions pertaining to the new development.
             “We will however have to work out arrangements as to how vendors would be required to off-load their goods at the market. What we plan to do is rehabilitate the bridge on the northern side of the market, so that vendors would be able to off-load their goods,” he noted.