Gov’t pushing for Crime Stoppers Guyana to kick-start but private sector not showing interest -Minister Rohee
Georgetown, GINA, February 17, 2008
The administration has been pushing for the Crime Stoppers Programme to be implemented but it has not been receiving the support from the private sector.
This was disclosed by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee recently.
“It’s not because of the lack of will on the government part. I have been aggressively pushing for this programme to come on stream but you see, the Crime Stoppers Programme internationally, is based on the involvement of the private sector.”
He said, “The government gives leadership in terms of helping to guide the framework or the various steps that are required for the Crime Stoppers Programme to be established. We have done these things.”
Government has brought the stakeholders together, given them the necessary guidance and the pathway both domestically and internationally to get the programme established.
The preparatory work has been done. Guyana has already been registered. There is a business plan and the other documentary work required, has been completed.
“Businessmen have a position to pay more attention to their business entities than to matters such as these but I think there is a lack of an appreciation of the interaction and interconnection between their businesses and this programme. When this programme comes on stream it will reap down fundamentally speaking, to the safety and protection and the security atmosphere in the country and of the private sector that has a lot of properties around town,” Minister Rohee explained.
The Home Affairs Minister said if the businessmen are yet to understand the importance of the programme then it’s a lack of will and noted that as Minister of Home Affairs he may have to engage the community once again, to ensure the programme is launched as soon as possible.
The programme facilitates the passage of information regarding criminal activity from citizens to the police, based on anonymity and it has been successful in reducing and preventing crime worldwide.
It works on three components: the community, the media and the police, with the residents forming the foundation. The media’s role is to assist in highlighting unsolved crimes and it can also regularly promote the special Crime Stoppers telephone numbers.
Minister Rohee noted that if the programme was in place, it would have assisted in the current situation to receive information from the public on wanted man Rondell Rawlins known as “Fine Man”.
“For instant the reward that is offered for Rondell Rawlins, if the Crime Stoppers Programme was in place with the anonymity of the phone number, they could have contributed significantly to persons having some level of comfort and confidence of what the information is providing through the Crime Stoppers hotline. It will be secure and all it will be receiving is some kind of symbol to identify themselves rather than a name and phone number,” Minister Rohee pointed out.
How does the Crime Stoppers Programme work?
If you witness or know about a crime, a 1-800 toll-free number will be made available for you to call. You will never be required to provide your name, or to testify in court. A secret code number will be given to you at the time you report the crime, which would be the basis by which you identify yourself.
You will then be given a time period in which to follow-up on the actions taken, based on the information you provided. Depending on the level of action taken, such as an arrest or conviction, or the amount of items seized and their value, the size of the reward you receive will be determined. The reward would then be handed over to you by a Bank manager at a location of your choice. You would only be required to provide your code number.
Meanwhile, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) US$22M Citizens’ Security Programme (CSP) which will create greater police/community relationship to fight crime will be launched on February 20.
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Veterinary supplies, clearing of Creek mouth being pursued to help Abary farmers
Georgetown, GINA, February 17, 2008.
The provision of veterinary medications for cattle and livestock and clearing the mouth of the Abary Creek are among the main activities to be pursued by Government, as part of immediate efforts to relieve affected farmers in the area.
These and other interventions were discussed today by Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud and a team of officials from the Ministry and Regional Administration, when they met farmers at the Onverwagt road-end, Abary Creek in Region Five.
Abary is mainly a cattle rearing area and discussions were centered on protecting the animals especially the calves from the harsh weather conditions. Suggestion were made for the animals to be relocated to the dam surrounding the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Scheme, but rice farmers who have crops under cultivation in the scheme opposed the idea. They claimed that the animals will venture into their farms and damage their crops.
Minister Persaud and farmers discuss interventions at Abary Creek
Requests were made for the Agriculture Ministry to provide veterinary supplies and supplements to maintain the cattle at their current locations. Farmers were advised that approximately $2M has been made available for such a programme for cattle and livestock in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary Creeks.
Under this intervention, veterinary medications and nutrients for the animals will be provided while two veterinarians will be stationed full-time in the area to assist farmers. The medication and supplements will be distributed through various farmers’ groups in the respective areas.
Another issue raised at the meeting was the need for land titles to be granted so farmers can access finance from the banking institutions and further secure their farms from flooding during heavy rainfall. Minister Persaud advised that this matter is recognised and action is being taken to have it addressed.
Farmers were consulted on other actions to help relieve their area from water accumulation caused by excessive rainfall and it was suggested that the mouth of the river be cleared to enhance its discharging capacity.
One farmer committed his two short-boom excavators to carry out the works and it was agreed that Government will provide the fuel and pontoon to transport the machines and cover necessary operational cost to have the job done.
Minister Persaud interacts with farmers at Abary Creek.
Minister Persaud, while at Abary visited the mouth of the creek and inspected the area to be cleared. He also checked out drainage and irrigation structures at Little Abary and Profit/Foulis along the Abary Creek.
Previous interventions to help alleviate the risk of flooding in the Abary Creek include construction of a flood embankment on the left bank of the Creek, a project that was recommended by farmers but after it started and was moving apace, several farmers protested the activity and the project came to a halt.
The Minister’s meeting at Abary follows previous visits to Region Five to other areas including West Coast Berbice and Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, where farmers and residents were consulted on additional measures to help them deal with the current rainy situation.
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Region Five receives jeep, motorcycles
- to assist in the deliverance of education
Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2008
Today, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall handed over the keys for a 4 x 4 jeep and two motorcycles to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five, Floyd France at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
The procurement of the vehicle and the cycles was made possible through Central Government funding in 2007. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Seewchan said that these vehicles were provided to assist in education delivery in Region Five. He noted that the motorcycles will also assist in some aspects of monitoring of the drainage and irrigation system in the region.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Deveolpment, Kellawan Lall, Handing over the keys for the 4x4 and two motorcycles to Regional Executive Office Region Five, Mr. Floyd France. In the centre is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Seewchan.
Minister Lall noted that during the year there will be more handing over of equipment to the other regions to assist them to improve their work.
The REO was very happy to receive the donation noting that they will aid officials to better deliver education in the region.
He added that the motorcycles will allow for quick access to schools on the coast, and the 4 x 4 will allow for quick access to schools in the riverain areas.
The Two Motorcycles procured for Region Five
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Security Systems for ten administrative regions
Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2008
Today, two security firms signed their contracts at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to provide security systems to the country’s ten administrative regions assets.
The contracts were awarded to Strategic Action Security and R.K. Security Services which were the only two firms out of four bidders that fulfilled the criteria of the National Competitive Bidding Process.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Seewchan and the Regional Executive Office of Region One, Ms. Mary Williams signing the security contract.
Strategic Action Security will provide services for Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six valuing $41,040,100; and R.K. Security will provide services for Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten at a value of $14,882,400.
Present at the signing were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Seewchan, Richard Kanhai of Strategic Action Security, Roshan Khan of R.K. Security Services along with nine Regional Executive Officers (REOs).
The REOs expressed gratitude for the awarding of contracts to these security firms since they are in need of security systems in their respective regions. Region One’s REO, Mary Williams said she is grateful for the security services since her region has been experiencing difficulties.
Regional Development Officers (standing), Head of Strategic Action Security, Mr. Kanhai (seated left), Permanent Secretary, Mr. Seewchan (seated centre) and Mr. Khan of R.K. Security (seated right).
The Heads of the security firms assured the REOs that they are proud to have been selected to provide their services. “Though some regions are a great distance away my firm will work tediously to bring about satisfaction in the regions through telephone conversations and visitations,” Khan said.
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Children raise voices against violence in song, dance and drama
Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2008
The spate of violence at Lusignan and more recently Bartica was condemned unanimously by children from all walks of life who vented their feelings in song, dance and drama today.
Students from the different primary and secondary schools in Georgetown and other parts of the country performed in a concert entitled “A voice for Peace,” held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
The concert was organised by a concerned group of youths referring to themselves as “Children of Guyana” who were among the first within the youth population to condemn the violence at Lusignan and advocated the rights of children.
Children affix their signatures on a board mounted in the lobby of the National Culture Centre after Voice for Peace concert
The group, recognising their obligation to youths in society, believes that violence against children such as the callous attack on those in Lusignan is unacceptable and intolerable.
The event began at 14:00 h with prayers from youth representatives of different religious denominations in Guyana who recited the Christian, Muslim and Hindu prayers respectively.
The concert then proceeded with songs, by the Queen’s College 80-member choir, School of the Nations, Children of Buxton, Rama Krishna Primary School, and President’s College much to the appreciation of the packed National Cultural Centre.
School children unite in voice for peace at National Cultural Centre
Individual performances in piano and guitar among others were showcased by the youths as well as recitals of the words of the late Guyanese poetic icon Martin Carter and several others.
Among other highlights of the concert were the performance by well known artiste Eddie Neblett who sung “Love and Unity,” followed by reigning Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin who influenced the audience in one voice to shout ‘peace and unity’.
At the conclusion of the concert, the youths affixed their signatures and and messages of peace on a board mounted in the foyer of the NCC in expressing their solidarity.
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Home Affairs Minister condemns Bartica massacre
-work on going to improve intelligence gathering
Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2008
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee in condemnation of the Region Seven, Bartica massacre on February 17 said it is unfortunate. He said that like in any country, Guyanese would want to live in a peaceful society.
An estimated 15 gunmen around 19.45h invaded the community of Bartica and murdered around a dozen persons while several other persons suffered injuries. Three of the dead were policemen
“This is most unfortunate. As the Minister of Home Affairs I feel a sense of disappointment. You see, we have to understand our people like persons in any country, they have expectations of the law enforcement agencies particularly the Police, to get a certain level of comfort in their day to day activities,” he said.
He added, “obviously, we would have been very happy if we had caught some of these persons who perpetrated the act at Lusignan because every blow you make against a criminal gang it has a regurgitating effect on other gangs. If some of these people in these gangs feel that by carrying out these heinous acts they are advancing a cause, I think this is misplaced.”
The Home Affairs Minister speaking during an interview on the National Communications Network (NCN) said investigations will have to prove whether the attack was politically motivated, a robbery and if it was linked to the Lusignan massacre on January 26, where gunmen also invaded that village and killed 11 persons, including five children.
“When we look at the total picture we have to ask ourselves, was this a robbery- murder, and if it was why did it require so many men…or is it something else. Are there political motives attached to this activity?…We do not need to draw hasty conclusions at this time. Let us wait on the ballistic test in order to ascertain connections with other crimes that were committed over the years and months,” Minister Rohee said.
Joint Services teams were dispatched to Bartica and surrounding areas where they are conducting security operations and investigations. There has also been an increase in river patrols.
The Home Affairs Minister said government is congisant of the Security Forces shortcomings and noted that it is working to improve this pertinent part of the Forces work which according to him is closer to realization.
“Unless the intelligence service of the Joint Services as a whole is built up significantly, it is going to be difficult …work has started on that. We have put a lot of emphasis on that.”
He said,” In our discussions and negotiations and the government of Guyana/UK action place there are certain components in terms of intelligence, which will be addressed sooner than later in Guyana. I feel wherever there is deficiency we need to address that deficiency head-on and not sweep it under the carpet.”
Several aspects of the Government of Guyana/United Kingdom Security Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) will be implemented be month-end. Among these are the establishment of a new and expanded criminal intelligence unit that will be fully furnished and equipped with a communication system and commencement of training of local police officers. A British expert is expected in the country by month - end to begin the training aspect.
“This is a collective undertaking and this is the direction we need to take. There is no silver bullet to solving the crime situation. The crime situation is no different from many other countries. It’s always a challenge,” Minister Rohee asserted.
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Guyana will rise up from this battle
-Gov’t Ministers urge public to cooperate and support security forces
Georgetown, GINA, February 18, 2008
Several Cabinet members on hearing of yet another tragic and brutal attack by criminal elements in Bartica, Region Seven, today visited the area to console and provide moral support to residents and victims of the horrific tragedy.
During an address to the residents and families of the victims the Ministers expressed their condolences and called on members of the public to support the Joint Services in their fight and continue to be vigilant.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony said despite what has happened it will not deter the Joint Services from going after the criminals and that will be the case until they are captured.
Government Ministers sympathizing with relatives of the Bartica massacre victims.
“This is a war and the Government intends to win this war since criminals can’t run this society and therefore the public needs to join the Joint Services by supporting them with any necessary information and do not succumb to fear, Minister Anthony said.
He said this incident is purposely perpetuated to inflict fear in the society and if the public allow themselves to be paralyzed by fear then that will be a problem, so persons should not succumb to fear but take the relevant precautions and cooperate with the Police and the Army.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand said Guyana is not going to lose the battle. “We are going to rise up; we are going to face the challenge and rise up from it. The public has to support the Joint Services Operational Group who are formed to hunt down these criminals to ensure they are brought to justice quickly.”
Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford consoling a grieving Bartica resident.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn said the Government is taking all steps and marshalling all aid for Bartica at the moment.
“All Guyanese who would want to see decency and order restored in the country have to stand on the side against those who would want to kill our children, women, police, soldiers and other citizens,” Minister Benn said.
He said the criminals should find no safety and no succor anywhere in Guyana. “We must look out for each other and the security forces to ensure these persons be brought to justice, so that we can end their rampage soon and have safety for our citizens and ourselves.”
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Regional Chairman Holbert Knights, Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn on a live programme at Tarzie Television Station, Bartica.
Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford said this brutal act will not be condoned and Government will continue to hunt these killers until they are found. She said, “We have to be strong and ensure that we will show these criminals that they will not allow us to cave in.”
This is an attempt to destabilize the good relationship that persons are having in Bartica and Government will not allow such things to be disturbing the peace,” she added.
Chairman of Region Seven, Holbert Knights said the Region condemns the criminal attacks in the strongest terms and are not going to sit idly by and allow this kind of slaughter of citizens to continue.
He said at approximately 21:45h February 17, gunmen attacked crew men at the ferry stelling killing five of them execution style. The sixth person died on the way to Georgetown.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, REO Region Seven Peter Ramotar, Minister within the Ministry of Health Bheri Ramsaran and Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand on a live programme at Tarzie Television Station, Bartica.
The perpetrators made way their escape with 5 rifles and 6 shot guns from the Police Station.
Government has set up an office at the Bartica Hospital to facilitate counseling for persons who are traumatized as a result of the incident. Government has also made it clear that necessary assistance will be rendered.
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