Government shocked at alleged involvement of Guyanese in terror plot
- remains committed to fight against terrorism
Georgetown, GINA, June 2, 2007
Government has expressed shock following the arrest of two Guyanese suspected to be part of an international terrorist network which allegedly conspired to carry out an attack at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. A third Guyanese was also named as a suspect.
The three Guyanese, identified are former People’s National Congress Reform Parliamentarian, Abdul Kadir, Russel De Freitas and Abdel Nur. Along with Trinidadian, Kareem Ibrahim, they were charged with conspiring to blow up jet fuel supply tanks and a pipeline linked to the JFK Airport.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, in a statement today, indicated that contrary to reports, “Mr. Kadir is not nor was never a Government of Guyana official. He served as a Parliamentarian for the opposition, People’s National Congress Reform, PNCR in the eighth Parliament of Guyana.”
He noted that it was unfortunate that Guyanese Nationals have apparently been involved in this terrorist act and indicated that many lives would have been lost, as well as massive damage to property, if the plot was successful.
The Government of Guyana, he said, is a partner in the fight against global terrorism and will continue to cooperate with all countries in pursuance of this objective.
“If at anytime a request is made to the Government of Guyana for information that has to do with defeating or exposing any terrorist plot, the government is committed to cooperating fully with those agencies,” Minister Rohee said.
This latest development, he said, brings into sharper focus the need for greater cooperation among countries in the fight against international terrorism.
Minister Rohee also highlighted the need for laws to be implemented which deals with cyber-crime, since the alleged terrorists communicated and planned the attacks via the internet.
The Government of Guyana, Minister Rohee said, reiterates its principled position that the fight against international terrorism is for the benefit of all mankind.
The pipeline targeted by the suspects is 40 miles long and carries jet fuel from New Jersey and through the New York boroughs of Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.
United States Attorney Roslynn Mauskopf described the plot as one of the most chilling imaginable, noting that had it been successful it could have resulted in ‘unfathomable damage, deaths and destruction’.
Russel De Freitas, a former JFK cargo worker, was arrested in Brooklyn on Friday, while Abdul Kadir and Kareem Ibrahim were arrested in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Home Affairs Minister has since been in contact with United States Ambassador to Guyana, David Robinson.
The Government of Guyana is in receipt of the shocking news that three Guyanese Mr. Abdul Kadir, Russel De Freitas and Abdel Nur were held at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad & Tobago for conspiring to commit terrorism at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.
These three along with one other person were planning to blow-up a jet fuel supply that feeds from New Jersey to the JFK Airport, as well as a fuel storage tank at the said airport.
The Government of Guyana is a partner in the fight against global terrorism and will cooperate will all countries in pursuance of this objective.
Contrary to reports, Mr. Kadir is not nor was never a Government of Guyana official. He served as a Parliamentarian for the opposition, People’s National Congress Reform, PNCR in the eighth Parliament of Guyana.
This latest development brings into sharper focus the need for greater cooperation among countries in the fight against international terrorism.
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CI defining boundaries for proposed protected areas of Kanukus
Georgetown, GINA, June 2, 2007
Conservation International Guyana (CIG), identified by Government as the lead agency for the establishment of the Protected Areas of Shell Beach, Region One and the Kanuku Mountains, Region Nine recently held three days of consultations with representatives from the 18 surrounding mountain communities on delineating the boundaries of the Kanukus.
A protected area is described as a portion of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues who attended the workshop on the third day was informed the formation of an effective decision making team for the proposed Kanuku Mountains Protected Areas (KMPA).
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The Minister reassured the representatives of the 18 communities around the Kanuku Mountains that their requests for land titles will be granted.
Located in the southern region of the country, the enchanting Kanukus are surrounded by lowland forests and savannahs. They are the mainstay of life for the Macushi and Wapishana tribes living at the foot of the mountains.
Susan Stone of CIG said the most important objective is to determine the roles, responsibilities, commitment, communication and timelines required to delineate the proposed KMPA boundaries.
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During an interactive session with participants at the Regional Democratic Council Office, Central Lethem Minister Rodrigues highlighted Government’s position on the protected areas system which is to ensure effective protection and sustainable management of representative ecosystems.
Located in the Rupununi, the Kanukus abound with beautiful flora and fauna. CIG, after conducting a rapid assessment test, concluded that the Kanuku Mountains were found to be ‘one of the last remaining tropical wilderness areas in the world and one of the most biologically rich areas, with over
350 species of birds, including the Harpy Eagle, as well as 6,000 different kinds of plants and 2,300 kinds of animals’.
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Acting President calls for more respect for centenarians
- Attends 101st birth anniversary of Mahaicony resident
Georgetown, GINA, June 2, 2007
Acting President Samuel Hinds visited Mahaicony, his former home village to attend a special ceremony in celebration of the birth anniversary of Pandit Rampiaray Maraj who turned 101 today.
Acting President Samuel Hinds greets centenarian Pnadit Rampiaray Maraj who turned 101 on June 2, also in photo is grandson Dewan Shrikant.
Pandit Maraj who lived most of his life at Macouba in the Mahaicony River is among the few centenarians who landed on the shores of British Guiana during the indentureship period.
Pandit Maraj was at the tender age of six when he came with his mother, who was 22 at the time, on the Indus ship in 1912. He still possesses his birth certificate and articles printed by the British press about himself and the early indentured servants.
Although physically stricken by age, Pandit Maraj is still boisterous and was able to relay some of his experiences to the Acting President.
He has also influenced scores of family members and well wishers who converged at his home to celebrate his birthday.
Special renditions and accolades were paid to the centenarian. The Acting President said he was pleased to be a part of the occasion to celebrate the life of a person who made significant achievements and continues to influence those around him.
“I think as we reflect on Pandit Rampiaray Maraj’s life as a Pandit and his birth anniversary we cannot help but be conscious of life moving along and recognise that we are on earth for a special reason. In the period of time we are on earth, it behoves us to do our best,” the Acting President noted.
In a brief conversation with Mr. Hinds, Pandit Maraj pointed out the numerous lessons learned by the early indentured servants from the ex-African slaves after their arrival in British Guiana.
The Acting President noted that these stories should serve as a lesson for all Guyanese to find ways of working and living together which Government has been advocating.
About 414 East Indian labourers travelled from India on the boats, Whitby and Hesperus to begin the Indentureship system.
Acting President Sameul Hinds greets residents of Mahaicony while in the area on June 2
They were subsequently taken to work on different plantations across the country such as Highbury and Waterloo in Berbice, Anna Regina in Essequibo and Belle Vue, Vreed-en-Hoop and Vreed-en-Stein in Demerara.
Some of the labourers including Pandit Maraj veered off into rice and other forms of agricultural cultivation.
The Acting President made a national call for Guyanese to give more recognition to centenarians, particularly indentured servants, whom he noted are few in number.
Following the ceremony, Mr Hinds extended his usual courtesy of meeting residents while travelling out of Mahaicony.
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Works Ministry to support Mazaruni Prisons’ repairs
Georgetown, GINA, June 02, 2007.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn has indicated that focus will be placed on the rehabilitation of the chapel and other buildings located at the Mazaruni Prisons, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).
The Minister today led a team of technical personnel from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications to inspect the infrastructure in need of repairs and maintenance.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee had requested the Works Ministry’s support to carry out the improvements.
Minister Benn noted that the improvement will require engineering skills and designs and is very significant to the upkeep of the prison’s facilities, some of which have been in existence for more than 130 years.
The Mazaruni Prisons, apart from housing convicts, form part of Guyana’s historical background, which should be maintained through infrastructural upkeep, the Minister said.
He also pointed out that there is need for an architectural layout of the prisons to guide and support the infrastructural improvements. Many of the facility’s documents were destroyed in fires experienced some years ago.
During a visit in April, Minister Rohee indicated that major emphasis will be placed on improving the functions of the facility. Increased staffing, more training opportunities for ranks to deal with the multi-dimensional challenges in the prison environment, development of enhanced security capabilities were among the areas identified for improvement during this year.
The Minister had expressed satisfaction with the prison’s environment, noting that the penitentiary has the potential of becoming a model prison for Guyana and possibly the Caribbean.
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$20M to be spent on repairs to Bartica/Issano road
- Minister Benn inspects Region Seven infrastructure
Georgetown, GINA, June 02, 2007
Government will be spending approximately $20M to upgrade the Bartica/Issano road, which is currently in a deplorable state.
This was highlighted by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn during his visit to Bartica today. He was accompanied by a team of technical personnel from the Ministry including Permanent Secretary Balraj Balram, Technical Advisor Walter Willis, Coordinator of the Work Services Group (WSG) Rickford Lowe and Engineer Leon Goring.
Sections of the roadway that will be repaired are still to be identified since the allocation that was made under the 2007 Capital Works Programme of the Ministry of Public Woks and Communications may not be sufficient to upgrade the entire stretch.
The team inspected a part of the roadway before stopping at Four-Miles to check on the progress of the modern secondary school currently under construction. Representing an investment of approximately $400M, the Bartica Secondary School is part of the administration’s programme to improve education facilities in Region Seven.
During the inspection, it was observed that there are some issues with regard to slope protection of the building’s foundation, which Minister Benn said will have to be addressed immediately.
At the Bartica water front, the team inspected a floating dock which is being used to facilitate loading and offloading of passengers using the speed boat service. This design will be considered for application to speed boat services at other locations.
These arrangements, according to Minister Benn are intended to modernise the transport services in Guyana and provide more comfort and safety for those travelling. The current loading and offloading systems at other locations are not very safe, he said.
As part of efforts to enhance transport services between Parika and Bartica, the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) is currently considering requests from the business community in Region Seven to have another day of service instituted. At present, the ferry operates on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Navigation of the route and demand for the service are the main aspects being considered before any decision is taken.
The Minister also inspected the Mazaruni Dock Yard to determine the need for repairs/upgrading of the existing facilities since Government is looking to have the two roll-on-roll off ferries constructed locally. The two ferries are being procured under an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and China.
While at the Dock Yard, it was observed that a Pilot vessel owned by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) was under repairs. Minister Benn noted that there is need for improved routine maintenance to avoid exorbitant expenditures on maintenance.
General Manager of the T&HD William Joseph and other officials of the Department and MARAD were a part of the visiting team. TOP
PYARG brings cheer to less-fortunate families
-two homes to be constructed in six days
Georgetown, GINA, June 2, 2007
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony today inspected two projects currently undertaken by the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG).
The two projects which are being conducted at Mon Repos and Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara, will bring relief to two less fortunate families, who are engaged in construction endeavours.
Minister Dr. Frank Anthony noted that PYARG by its structure, is intended to assist youths in developing skills and competencies in a profusion of areas, while serving members of their community and the country as a whole.
He commended the initiative noting that the assistance is directed to persons who are genuinely in need.
Individuals are required to participate in several projects before attaining the gold award, which is the highest achievable level. These include community service and physical recreation.
PYARG’s Executive Officer, Alfred King said more than 50 members are engaged in the project and will be residing within the respective communities for the duration of the construction.
It is expected that the recipients will benefit greatly from free labour as well as technical support since two persons on the team have competency in various construction areas.
In addition to offering their services members will also have an opportunity to interact with persons from other communities.
Members of the PYARG are also engaged in similar endeavours through the Habitat for Humanity construction programme.
Other programmes in which they are involved include charitable work at the Mahaicony Orphanage, Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the Joshua House.
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Culture Ministry stages triathlon competition in Region 10
Georgetown, GINA, June 2, 2007
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony today visited Linden, Region 10 where he participated in activities organised for the second annual triathlon athletic activities.
The event which is coordinated by the Ministry was this year hosted in Linden in light of the overwhelming number of participants from the community in 2006.
According to Minister Anthony the intention is to revitalise athletics and other forms of sporting activities in the mining town, while encouraging interaction between participants from other parts of the country.
The event commenced with swimming at Christianburg, Wismar, after which participants progressed to the cycling stage of the competition.
Subsequent to the cycling event the 23 participants then embarked on the final stage, the road race.
Presentations were made for outstanding male and female performances in junior and senior categories.
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