Watchman murdered at worksite
AUGUST 18, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS
By Latoya Giles

Shock, dismay and outrage were expressed, as word spread of the brutal murder of a security guard who up until his death, worked with the Dynamic Security Firm. Dead is 64-year old Mohamed Haniff, of First Street Alexander Village.


Dead: Mohamed Haniff

He was killed at his worksite, which is located opposite Ming’s Services Limited at Providence. This newspaper was told that a bond was being erected at the site. A bloodied piece of iron, according to police sources, was recovered at the scene and a bloodied tarpaulin upon which his bashed-in head lay, told a gruesome tale of how Haniff met his demise.

His niece Anastacia Gordon yesterday told Kaieteur News that her uncle was employed with the guard service for the past year and was at the Providence location for the past four months. Kaieteur News was told that Gordon’s mother Jocelyn Griffith was the person who received the news of the death sometime around 09:00hrs yesterday, after which a number of relatives rushed to the Providence location. The woman said that the police prevented them from even trying to identify the body. It was only until the undertakers arrived at the scene that relatives were allowed to the see the body.

Gordon said blood was oozing from Haniff’s mouth and his head appeared to be bashed in. The woman explained that she was told by her uncle’s boss that two containers were broken into and a generator among other items was taken from the worksite. Gordon said she was always skeptical about her uncle’s job because of other guards that were killed at their worksites. “I always used to ask if the bandits came what he would do….he used to tell me that he would leave them to take whatever,” the woman cried.


The two containers that were broken into.

“He was at an Eccles location but removed because he said it was too lonely and they brought him here,” the niece explained. Meanwhile, the owner of the security company Randolph Perreira, yesterday told Kaieteur News that the last time he saw Haniff was sometime after midnight. Perreira explained that he visited the worksite three times, 21:15, 21:30 and lastly at 00:15hrs. He said that he and Haniff spoke briefly and he left the worksite and returned home. It was around 06:00hrs yesterday when he received a telephone call and he and his driver rushed to the worksite.

He said that upon reaching the site, he noticed a number of tracks and the fence was thrown down. He began checking around the worksite and a few seconds later he heard the driver call out to him. Perriera said he was shocked at the scene, calling the killer(s) beastly for doing something like that. He immediately called the police who arrived shortly. According to Perriera, this was not the first time that thieves had attacked the worksite. He told Kaieteur News that one time he even caught a man loading up things and the police were called in.


Undertakers removing the body yesterday.

Meanwhile, relatives yesterday said that the death has caused more suffering for the family. Gordon told Kaieteur News that her sister was killed almost a year and half ago and the suspect has not been located. Kaieteur News was told that Gordon’s sister Latisha Rodrigues, was stabbed at the Stabroek Market by her reputed husband’s girlfriend. The women had a feud that went on for several years. Investigations into the matter

Source

Father, son killed in interior during robbery attempt
AUGUST 19, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Police in the interior are currently investigating a double-murder during which a father and his only son were killed by armed bandits who attempted to rob their mining camp. Kaieteur News understands that the father, Daniel Higgins Sr., 48, was shot at least two times while his 22-year-old son, Daniel Jr., was severely chopped. Police sources yesterday said that the incident happened in the Konawaruk-Whitewater area.

The two resided at Lot 55 Main Street, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara. When this newspaper visited the home late yesterday afternoon relatives were hesitant to speak to the media. Shauna Higgins, the dead man’s daughter, spoke briefly to Kaieteur News. According to the young woman, the family received the message just after lunch yesterday. She opined that the incident might have happened the day before, but could not speculate since the family did not have all the information.

This newspaper was told that the father and son left their home only last Tuesday. According to the daughter, the two victims had no known enemies and she could not say what prompted the savage attack Kaieteur News understands that the senior Higgins owned and operated a dredge and excavator in the interior. Meanwhile, sources told this newspaper that two armed bandits attacked the camp, while Daniel Higgins Sr. was in the “pit” with workers; he was shot to the back. His son who was a short distance away reportedly intervened in an attempt to save his father and was viciously chopped to death. There are unconfirmed reports that one of the men was buried by persons in the area, even though this is not procedural. (Latoya Giles)

Kaieteur News

Stabroek News

Robb St pharmacist Rachpaul, 84, murdered
By ABIGAIL SEMPLE | LOCAL | SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

Harold Rachpaul, 84, owner of the Rachpaul’s Drugstore on Robb Street, Georgetown, was found dead, gagged and bound in his home early yesterday morning. Rachpaul’s body was discovered at the Lot 75 Robb Street, Lacytown residence by his eldest son Leonard and his son Vincent, after they arrived to open shop near 8am. Leonard told Stabroek News minutes after viewing the body that he was found wrapped in two sheets, which were held together by metallic cord. He said his father’s hands were also tied in front of him.


Harold Rachpaul

Leonard, well-known as “Lenny,” said that it was his son, Vincent, who went in first and saw his grandfather dead. Leonard eventually untied the elderly man as he wanted to see if he was still alive. But he was already dead. A vault in the pharmacy was open and money stored there was missing. Leonard said he was not sure what else was missing, but he felt the murderer/s might have forced his father to open the vault and from all indications they spent some time in the pharmacy. It is believed that the perpetrator/s gained entry into the well-enclosed premises of the storeowner by entering the neighbouring yard of GT World Internet Café and scaling the back fence into the yard.

According to Leonard, the incident might have occurred sometime during the night, after he and Vincent left for the day. He explained that his father has three dogs, one of which is pregnant and has been experiencing complications. As a result, he would usually lock them up, so as to avoid a miscarriage. But on Thursday night, he told Leonard that since the place was so hot, he should loose them. Leonard added that he believes that after he left, his father heard the dogs barking and went out to lock them up, since they were making too much noise. He thinks that it was after Rachpaul had tied the dogs that the perpetrator/s pounced on him, led him to his room, and forced him to open the vault, where they cleaned out all his money, and afterwards bound and gagged him.


Relatives in tears as Rachpaul’s body was being removed from the crime scene.

Rachpaul’s niece Denise, however, believed that the man might have been attacked in the morning, as she stated that her uncle would usually go into the yard at around 6am, tie the dogs and would proceed to clean the yard. She suspected that he was attacked as he was cleaning the yard. She noted that persons nearby heard no sounds nor did they see anything strange.

Very kind

Rachpaul was a respected and well-known figure in the neighbourhood, and the pharmacy is a hub for workers at businesses along Robb Street. After news of his body being discovered spread, a large crowd of shocked onlookers congregated in front of the popular pharmacy. Elderly bystanders were heard saying that he was “the poor people helper” and one regular customer divulged that on Fridays he would gather his coins and share with the less fortunate. The woman tearfully stated that Rachpaul was a very good man, “very kind and he was like a [fixture] at the side counter, labelling medication. He always had a kind word to tell me, and encouraged me to take my iron tablets to develop my baby.” She also divulged that the store owner had a good sense of humour, and she recalled that just Monday evening, while she was there, a man rushed into the store and declared he wanted to be sold right away because he had a taxi waiting on him, even though there were several other persons in the store.


Rachpaul’s body being carried from his home as his grandson Vincent (at door) looks on.

“Without missing a beat Mr Rachpaul raised his head and told the man, ‘You see all these people, they have aeroplanes waiting on them,’ much to the amusement of everyone in the store. The thing about Mr Rachpaul is that he never seemed fussed. He was always calm, regardless of how packed the store was or whether everyone was attempting to get sold at the same time,” she stated. Another woman, from the nearby Rayon House of Fashion, also praised the man’s good deeds and gentle and kind manner. She along with almost everyone else in the neighbourhood expressed shock at his death and some rage at the way in which he left the world.

As the news of Rachpaul’s death spread online, Guyanese overseas who knew him, also shared their thoughts on who he was and the manner of his death. “My condolences to the family! I remember the tall always smiling gentleman who every time told us to stay in school. As a high school freshman my friends Festus, Maurice and I used to buy candy (sweetie) at that drugstore when we were at Maurice’s home a few doors away,” one reader, identified as Ankoko, commented on the Stabroek News website. Another reader, identified as Michael, stated that as a child living just two houses away between the late 70s and early 80s, he knew Rachpaul and his wife very well. “We spent a lot of time at their home… very, very nice man indeed! So sad that his life had to end this way,” he said. Another, named Collin, stated that Rachpaul was “one of the most quiet and soft spoken gentlemen I came across, and always had a smile!”

According to Rachpaul’s son-in-law, Roger Phillips, he was a peaceful churchgoing man. He had been a member of the Burns Memorial Church. He revealed that the storeowner lived alone, as his wife resides in the United States. Rachpaul’s wife was expected to be flying in to Guyana sometime last night.

Source

Miner murdered at Mowasie Backdam
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011

Another miner has been killed in the interior with the latest victim stabbed to death reportedly by an ex-policeman. Dead is Rafael Khan, 32, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast. Police said that his body was found at about 4 pm on Saturday at Mowasie Backdam, Mahdia, Potaro, with suspected stab wounds to the chest. The circumstances surrounding Khan’s death are being investigated, police said. The body is at the Mahdia Hospital mortuary and is due to be flown to Georgetown today.

Khan’s murder is the latest to have happened in the increasingly violent gold fields. Only last Wednesday, two miners, a father and his son, were brutally killed after being attacked and robbed at their camp at Konawaruk. Khan was stabbed with a pair of scissors, a relative told Stabroek News yesterday. The suspect who relatives said is an ex-policeman has not been held. “He was beaten and then the man stab he with scissors,” an aunt said. She said that Khan had gone into the gold fields about three weeks ago. “He normally do gold wuk,” another relative said. “He is a seasoned bush man.”

The relative said that while they did not have many details, they were told that Khan was attacked by the ex-policeman while he was on a trail. It was not clear what sparked the attack. The matter was reported to the police and the body was brought out. Khan is the father of a four-year-old boy.

His murder follows that of miners Daniel Higgins, 48, of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, and his son Daniel Higgins Jr., 22, which occurred at about 10:45am on August 17 at White Water Backdam, Konawaruk. Police said that investigations revealed that the victims were mining when a man approached and shot Daniel Higgins about his body while another man chopped his son to his neck. The body of Daniel Higgins was found buried in the mining pit. He was reportedly buried with the aid of an excavator while still alive. No one has yet been charged.

Investigations are in progress.

Source

A murder every month in deadly ‘gold bush’
AUGUST 22, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A toxic mix of gold, greed and alcohol has resulted in a spate of brutal murders in the interior, many of which are still to be solved. This has resulted in E and F Divisions having at least one murder every month for the year. The pattern began on January 11, when 14-year-old Elton Thompson of South Rupununi, was battered to death at Chinese Creek, Puruni, while he and another Guyanese were imbibing with two Brazilian nationals.


Emanuel Evans

One of the Brazilians, identified as Frank Rebeiro, allegedly beat the teen to death during an argument. He was arrested and charged. In late February, the partially decomposed body of Andy Whyte, 40, was found on a trail along Eyelash Backdam in the North West District. The remains were found while police were probing a missing-person report made to Port Kaituma Police Station by Whyte’s reputed wife. Police were told that Whyte had left in the company of another man for Eye Lash Backdam and had not returned. Although an associate of the victim was detained, the case remains unsolved. In March, 36-year-old Conrad Semple went to the assistance of a woman who was being assaulted at Konawaruk. One of the woman’s assailants stabbed Semple in the back, and he succumbed on the way to the city.

In April, a miner known as Shane got into an argument with another man at Pamela Backdam, Mahdia. The man retaliated by stabbing ‘Shane’ in the chest. The victim was taken to the Mahdia Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An over-indulgence in alcohol is believed to have caused the murder of Moruca resident Charles Atkinson. His body, with a gunshot wound, was fished out of a river in late April. According to reports, Atkinson and another man had consumed alcohol together prior to the shooting. However, they later began arguing and the ‘friend’ subsequently took out a firearm, shot Atkinson and threw his body into the river. The suspect fled but was later apprehended by residents.

A few days earlier, miner Fabian George was hacked to death during an argument with another man with whom he was drinking at Kariako, Moruca. That suspect also fled but was subsequently arrested. The murders had led E and F Divisional Commander David Ramnarine to state that there seems to be a bigger problem than just law enforcement when it comes to the high incidence of murder in the interior.


Alan Welch

“It is clear that the tolerance level of these men in these mining areas is very low or limited and it also seems that their ability to restrain themselves from violent behaviour is directly affected by their consumption of intoxicating drink,” the Commander had told Kaieteur News. “To my mind this is a bigger social problem than just the effort of law enforcement,” Ramnarine said. But robbery appeared to be the motive for the death of 49 year-old Lawrence Martindale. In May, the fish vendor’s body was found at the Port Kaituma waterfront. He had been stabbed several times. The dead man’s wife said she had spoken to her husband who was a fish vendor hours before receiving the news of his death. According to the woman, Semple had related to her that he had already sold off a catch of fish and he would be posting some money to her the following day.

In May, 20-year-old Berry Williams was brought out by two men from the backdam to the Mahdia Hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was later transferred to the GPHC where he succumbed. A few days later, Arturo Castilla Balcazar, a Venezuelan shopkeeper, was shot dead at Eteringbang, near the Guyana/Venezuela border, allegedly during a dispute over raw gold. Reports are that Balcazar was shot while travelling in a boat with his wife and three other persons on the Guyana side of the border with Venezuela. A rank from the Guyana Defence Force was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter.

In June, another foreigner—Brazilian Edel Alemba Passos, 51, –was stabbed to death at Ikawan, Cuyuni River, during an argument with another man. Then in late June, another miner was stabbed in the neck at Black Water, Mahdia. He succumbed while being transported to the Mahdia Hospital. The high price of gold has made tempers short, and in early July, a group of men clubbed 54-year-old miner Alan Welch to death at 14 Miles, Issano. The suspects are all part of a mining operation with which Welch had been working when he was killed. According to reports, Welch of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, was bludgeoned to death by fellow miners using tree limbs and other pieces of wood after they accused him of stealing raw gold.

In August, 42-year-old Emanuel Evans was shot dead at Powis Backdam, Five Star, North West District. He was shot in the chest while intervening in an argument between a relative, 23-year-old Ewart Hescott and another man. Hescott was shot in the groin. According to a police press release, the two relatives went to a businessman’s shop where they requested goods on credit. The businessman refused and an argument ensued during which it is alleged that the businessman pulled out a firearm and shot Evans and Hescott. The suspect fled the scene and is still to be arrested.

And two Tuesdays ago, Daniel Higgins Sr., 48, was shot dead and his son, 22-year-old son, Daniel Jr., was hacked to death at their Konawaruk mining camp. The elder Higgins owned and operated a dredge and excavator. A police release said that the victims were mining at around 10:45 hrs last Tuesday when a man approached and shot the elder Higgins about his body, while another man chopped his 22-year-old son to the neck. The body of Daniel Higgins (Sr.) was found buried in a mining pit. Kaieteur News understands that one of the killers forced the excavator operator at gunpoint to bury the body. An official said that the killers escaped with a small quantity of raw gold and cash.

From reports reaching this newspaper, the killers struck when most of the more seasoned crewmen were away from camp. Some had reportedly returned to the city for a wedding. “The motive seems to be greed. These guys were recently recruited,” a source said. “They did not know anything about mining. They saw a little ‘wash-down’ (gold) and began to make demands.” Police have the names of some of the suspects but the killers are reportedly still at large.

Source

Businesswoman robbed $2.8M on Water Street - “I couldn’t even scream or holler. I didn’t know how me ain’t collapse.”
AUGUST 23, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A businesswoman was robbed of $2.8M yesterday while heading to a city wharf to pay suppliers for plastic tanks which she had previously ordered. The robbery occurred at 10:15hrs in the vicinity of Robb and Water Streets. “I couldn’t even scream or holler I didn’t know how me ain’t collapse,” Joan Rasheed said. According to the distraught woman, she caught a taxi on Vlissengen Road, in Kitty, and disembarked in the vicinity of GBTI on Water Street.


Joan Rasheed relaxes at home after the unsettling ordeal.

She said after exiting the vehicle she held onto her green canvas bag (with the money inside) which was hanging from her left arm, and proceeded to make her way to Muneshwer’s Wharf where she was supposed to make some payments. She recounted that in the vicinity of Robb and Water Streets, two males approached her briskly, “…one short and he look like Indian and he got wavy hair, and the other one tall and fair-skinned but I can’t tell if he is Dougla or Indian, because he had a toque on his head. I saw both men walking in my direction but I didn’t suspect that they were about to rob me,” Ms Rasheed said.

She continued: “The short man walked past me and was several feet away when the taller one walk up to me and hold onto my bag at the bottom and tell me ‘hand me the f***ing bag’. And he pull it off (the bag)… and all two of them take off and run towards a bluish car which look like a taxi.” Ms. Rasheed acknowledged that this was the first occasion in her business career that she had ignored her intuition not to go on the road with money. The businesswoman said she normally would change her cheques on Mondays, and not before, like she had done on Friday last.

“I don’t know how I do this stupidness. I can’t understand what happened to me. I collect the money Friday and keep it over the weekend until Monday. It is because somebody was calling me all the time for their money and I decided to go… although I didn’t want to leave the house.” She said that after the ordeal she visited Brickdam Police Station and gave a statement. Police visited the area and promised to continue investigating the incident.

Source

Murdered watchman another cold case? - police yet to make any arrests…
AUGUST 29, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Relatives of murdered watchman Mohamed Haniff are at their wits end over the apparent sloth in the police investigation. Haniff’s battered body was found at his worksite which is located opposite Ming’s Services Limited at Providence, East Bank Demerara, less than two weeks ago. His sister Jocelyn Griffith on Saturday told Kaieteur News that relatives are yet to hear from the police concerning the matter. Griffith said that the family had contacted the owner of the security firm, but got little help. Haniff was employed with the Dynamic Security Firm at the time of his death. The woman further told Kaieteur News that they were told by the owner that he knew who had committed the murder.


Dead Mohamed Haniff

“He tell we that he know is who…..so I say let’s go to police, but he say he waiting for the police contact him,” the woman said. Relatives plan on returning to the station today to get an update on the matter. Griffith opined that the family would not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet, this time around. Griffith lost her daughter Latisha Rodrigues a year ago. She was stabbed at the Stabroek Market by her reputed husband’s girlfriend. The women had a feud that went on for several years. The suspect is yet to be located.

Workers at the site where Haniff’s battered body was found, also discovered a bloodied piece of iron, along with a bloodied tarpaulin upon which his bashed-in head lay. A high power generator and other machinery that were locked in a container were stolen.

Source

Gunmen snatch $300,000 from LBI business
Written by Demerara Waves Tuesday, 30 August 2011 13:51

Gunmen on Monday made off with some GUY$300,000 from an East Coast Demerara business after sticking up the security guard and employees. Guyana Police Force spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker in a release on Tuesday stated that the robbery occurred around 8.10 PM at the Shivrattan Molding Establishment, LBI. “Manager Haymant Singh, 30 years, of Triumph, ECD and two other employees were attacked and robbed by four men, three of whom were armed with handguns. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators entered the premises and held the security guard and the three employees at gunpoint,” Whittaker said. He added that the men took the cash, a quantity of personal jewellery and two cell phones from their victims and escaped in a waiting motor vehicle. There was no word of any arrests.

Source

Semi-nude elderly fish vendor found dead in canal
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2011

The partially nude body of a 68-year old Cane Grove, Mahaica fish vendor was on Monday night discovered floating in a canal aback the community. Dead is Phulmatie Rami, a mother of nine, of Lot 54, Shawa, Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. Relatives had reported the woman missing at the police station in the area on Monday evening, after she failed to return home. She had left home around 7:30 that morning to catch fish.


Phulmatie Rami

The woman’s daughter, Parmawattie Munillal, told Stabroek News that her mother would leave home around 7 am in the mornings for the backlands to catch fish, which she would sell in the village. She said that the woman left home on Monday morning and persons saw her walking along a dam located about a mile away from her home. She said that her mother would walk as much as four miles, towards the East Demarara Water Conservancy (EDWC), to catch fish and she would return home during the afternoons to complete orders she would take from customers.

Munillal said that around 7pm on Monday night, her nephew and his wife travelled to the Cane Grove Police station and reported the woman missing. She added that the police advised them to travel to the area and search for the woman. She said that her nephew, accompanied by the police, travelled to the area, where the woman was last seen and she noted that the search party discovered her mother floating in a trench. She said that her mother normally wore a small gold stud earring and she noted that it appeared to have been ripped off of her ears while her back had several bruises. She said too that the woman’s clothes were partially pulled down while other garments lay on the dam, some 100 feet away from the scene. Her fishing gear also lay on the dam close to where the body was found.

While the family is awaiting the police to complete their investigations, Munillal said the family suspects foul play in the woman’s demise. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on the woman’s remains today.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Triumph manager battered during raid by gunmen - money, jewellery stolen from moulding business
By ABIGAIL SEMPLE | LOCAL | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2011

The owners of a Triumph, East Coast Demerara moulding establishment are counting their losses after gunmen attacked the company on Monday evening, battering a manager and robbing them of cash and jewellery. According to a police release, at around 8:10 pm on Monday four men, three of whom were armed with handguns, raided the Shivrattan Moulding Establishment at Triumph, and held the security guard and three employees at gunpoint.


Haymant Singh’s office at the back of the Shivrattan Moulding Establishment building which was ransacked during Monday night’s robbery.

The men took away a total of $300,000 in jewellery and two mobile phones and escaped in a waiting motor car. According to Manager, Haymant Singh, the business entity would normally close its doors around 7 pm, but he noted that on Monday evening the staff had additional work to do and decided to stay until 9 pm. He said that the security guard was at the front of the premises and four other staff members were in the business’ workshop at the back of the building. He was inside his office which is also located at the back of the building.

Singh added that he does not normally close the door that leads to his office and he recounted that as he was sitting at his desk completing work on his laptop computer, he saw the door swing open and three men entered his office, all covering their faces with their hands. The visibly-shaken man said one of the men was armed and he said that they asked him where the money was. “I thought was them guys playing around and then I realize that none of them ain’t look like them guys…then they hoist me and lash me down on the ground and start stamping me”, a traumatized Singh related.

He related that the men frisked him and while searching his pockets they found $32,000 along with a Coral mobile phone as well as a bunch of keys. He said that the men then asked for the day’s takings, but he responded that he does not handle the entity’s finances. This led the men to gun-butt him to the head repeatedly, after which they took him outside and to his boss’s front door.


The top half of the door which the bandits broke out using a sledgehammer and a chisel to gain entry into Deochand Shivrattan’s house situated above his moulding establishment.

He said that the men asked for the keys but he responded that he didn’t have them and the men then “stamp the door and it didn’t budge so they took the gun and lash the glass twice but they didn’t get through”. Singh said that the men took him downstairs and into a passageway where they made him lie face-down on the ground and they continued to assault him about his face and body. While asking him for money and about the second entrance leading to the upper flat of the building, the two men took Singh to the workshop where his hands and mouth were duct-taped. The men then took his gold earring and it was while there that he realized that the four staff members had also been assaulted and duct-taped.

Singh related that the men took a gold band from one of his colleagues and two mobile phones as well, after which he was taken back into his office, which he realized had been ransacked. He said that the top half of the door leading to the second entrance of the top flat of the house had also been broken off. Two men then took him upstairs through the broken door and there they proceeded to ransack all the rooms, taking with them approximately $300,000 in cash. He said they also hit his head against a door, after which they covered his head with a bed sheet and some curtains. He continued that in addition to all the loot they had gathered, the men also took away his laptop, a camera and a flashlight.

According to Singh, a colleague who was also taken upstairs by another of the intruders later made him aware of the men’s departure from the premises. Singh’s boss was not around, as he had already left work for the night. The man stated that his colleagues who were in the bottom flat of the building ran to the nearby Beterverwagting Police Station to report the incident, while he and another employee flagged down a passing police patrol car. The police attempted to follow the Silver grey AT 212 getaway car but were unsure in which direction the men had gone. Also, Singh related that one of his colleagues went missing after the men left, but upon the police’s arrival he was discovered hiding at the back of the building out of fear. Singh said the man is still traumatized by the whole ordeal. Singh and another employee are both in agreement that there were about five bandits, four of them armed.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Gunmen open fire, grab $$M at intersection
Written by Denis Scott Chabrol Wednesday, 31 August 2011 14:26

Gunmen Tuesday evening opened fire on a car at traffic light junction and grabbed GUY$4 million from a two men in a car. Guyana Police Force investigators were told that Danesh Boodna, 34, and Harry Jodhan o were in their motor vehicle at the traffic light in the vicinity of Conversation Tree, Rupert Craig Highway, when they were confronted by two men armed with handguns.

The perpetrators had driven up in another motor vehicle alongside the victims’ vehicle and discharged rounds at the vehicle which damaged a window, after which they took away a bag containing $4 million and escaped, police spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker said in a statement. Boodna and Jodhan reside at Banks Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Source

Businessmen robbed of $4M in Conversation Tree ambush
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

Two businessmen are lucky to be alive and without serious injuries after they were robbed by armed bandits while transporting $4M to Georgetown. Police in a press release said that at around 6:20 pm on Tuesday, while in a vehicle in the vicinity of Conversation Tree, Rupert Craig Highway, Danesh Boodna and Harry Jodhan were confronted by two men armed with handguns. The release continued that the perpetrators had driven up in another vehicle alongside the victims’ vehicle and discharged rounds at the vehicle, damaging a window in the process. They then took away a bag containing the $4M and escaped.

According to one of the victims, he normally purchases groceries on credit from businesses in Georgetown, which he then transports via trucks to Baromet and Five Star in the North West District, where he would distribute the goods to stores there. The man continued that he would then collect the money owed for the goods from the shopkeepers in the interior after which he would repay the businesses here in Georgetown.

It was while transporting the $4M to repay for groceries in Georgetown on Tuesday night that the businessman and his nephew were robbed. The man related that they had just collected the money from a friend in Bel Air and they had made a stop at the traffic light by Conversation Tree when the bandits approached from a car that was three vehicles behind them. He said that there were also three other vehicles in front of them in the line, and during the robbery they cried out for help but everyone upon seeing the guns fled the scene. In the process, he also sustained a gun butt to the head, as he had pushed his head through the window.

The still traumatized man also recalled that one of the men shot at the vehicle, which broke the window, and the sound of the gunshot caused the vehicle immediately in front of theirs to knock into their front fender. The robbery, he said, lasted a few minutes. He also said he has no idea whether the men had been tipped off about their past and impending business transactions that night. Following the robbery, a report was made to the police and investigations are in progress.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Elderly fish vendor died from multiple injuries
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

A post-mortem examination was yesterday performed on the body of Cane Grove fisherwoman Phulmattie Rami by Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.


Phulmattie Rami

When Stabroek News spoke with the woman’s daughter yesterday, she related that the doctor had revealed that her mother had been beaten to death. The semi-nude body of the 68-year-old woman was found in a canal at Cane Grove on Monday. Gold stud earrings had been ripped from her earlobes, while there were bruises on her back.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Sorry to jump in the thread Gerhard, but I just had to say RIP to these souls and their loved ones they've left behind.

quote:

Originally posted by cain:
Sorry to jump in the thread Gerhard, but I just had to say RIP to these souls and their loved ones they've left behind.

That's fine bro. All my threads are open to contribution and comment.

Thanks Gerhard. After reading the last one with that poor woman, a sad feeling came over me.

During a recent visit to Guyana, two young men were choking a 75 year old man who lived alone. They wanted to kill before robbing him. Fortunately, neighbours saw the struggle and the bandits ran away.
Similar to the recent robbery near Conversation Tree, where the bandits shoot first before the robbery. It is becoming common practice in Guyana, where bandits would rather kill the victim, before robbing them.
This might have something to do with hardcore drugs, which the GOG say do not exist.

I wonder how the pepper sauce man, a friend of the AFC, contributed to the criminal activities of drug addicts when he wants to raise funds to support the 2 seat party.

quote:

Originally posted by BGurd_See:
I wonder how the pepper sauce man, a friend of the AFC, contributed to the criminal activities of drug addicts when he wants to raise funds to support the 2 seat party.

Just like you did in your contra-band (and who knows what else) smuggling days.

Youth shot dead near East Coast seawall
Written by Demerara Waves Friday, 02 September 2011 12:13

A man was shot dead during the pre-dawn hours of Friday while he and a female companion were in a parked car on the Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara. Dead is 21-year old Anthony Ting-a-Kee, of Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, which occurred at about 12:30 AM.

"Investigations revealed that Anthony Ting-Kee and a female friend were in a purple Toyota VIOS motor car PNN 49 which was parked along the roadway, when they were confronted by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The men took away Ting-Kee’s jewellery and the motor vehicle, during which he put up a resistance and was shot to his right foot and chest," police spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker said in a statement.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Police on Thursday morning took a statement from the female.

Souirce

Gov’t lacked will to fight drugs – Thomas in cable
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

Charge d’Affaires of the US embassy, Michael Thomas concluded in June, 2007 that the government lacked the political will to go after drug traffickers and he related to Washington how he was summoned by Dr Roger Luncheon over a tape which made corruption allegations against senior cop Steve Merai. Commenting on the meeting with Head of the Presi-dential Secretariat Luncheon and the general drug situation, Thomas referred to a conversation between President Bharrat Jagdeo and then Ambasador David Robinson where the former was alleged to have said that almost everybody in Guyana knows who the major drug traffickers are.

Said Thomas: “Despite this knowledge, Guyanese law enforcement almost never investigate or take action against narco-criminals, senior government officials socialize with notorious drug traffickers, and the president participates in ribbon-cutting ceremonies opening businesses built with drug money. The GoG does not need DEA to point the way. In this environment, it is the lack of political will, rather that the lack of foreign assistance that impedes progress against narco-trafficking in Guyana.”


Michael Thomas

Thomas expressed doubts about Dr Luncheon’s motives for seeking intelligence from the US on drug figures and he also indicated that Washington was unlikely to trust Guyana with sensitive information. He said: “As for the architecture for information sharing, it will be informed by President Jagdeo’s comment to Ambassador Robinson last week that his government cannot keep any secrets.” Luncheon has declined to comment on the WikiLeaks cables. Thomas said that Luncheon contacted him on the morning of June 18, 2007 and said that there was an urgent matter to discuss but which couldn’t be addressed on the phone.


Dr Roger Luncheon

“When Charge arrived at the Office of the President, Luncheon had him read 23 pages of documents including a seven page anonymous letter to acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene containing allegations against Senior Superintendent of Police Steve Merai.” These allegations had contended that Merai was attempting to extort money from a drug dealer. Merai had later told the media that he was working undercover and trying to infiltrate the organization. An investigation by the police of this matter led nowhere. Merai ironically was at the centre of attention several weeks ago when he accused several cops – including one attached to Greene’s office – of working for drug traffickers.

TSS


Steve Merai

In his cable, Thomas noted that Merai had been a member of the Target Special Squad (TSS) and had a notorious reputation. Thomas pointed out that the TSS had been involved in extra-judicial killings dating back to the 1990s and had acted as an enforcer for “corrupt US Vice Consul Thomas Carroll’s visa selling ring”. Thomas added that after it was disbanded in 2002, many of the members of the TSS ended up in the service of Roger Khan and the phantom death squad.

Thomas said the principal point of the letter against Merai had been a concern that Venezuelan-based Guyanese narco-trafficker Maxwell `Lunkie’ Melville was being aided to take control of Khan’s narco-trafficking empire. Melville had staged a spectacular escape from the Camp Street prison in the 1990s and was never recaptured. The letter then issued threats and an ultimatum. Thomas said that Luncheon then made three points: that he had been out of action due to an illness but was now back and was the only person in the government that the US embassy should be dealing with on national security matters.

He also contended that the US and Guyana needed to “develop an architecture” to address the “asymmetry of information sharing” on national security matters. He said that Luncheon acknowledged that the US might have some difficulty dealing with Top Cop Henry Greene whose visas Washington had revoked and suggested that the US work with him (Luncheon) to develop the architecture. Thomas said that Luncheon warned that if the asymmetry was not ended Guyana might have to reevaluate countries with which it will partner in security matters and Cuba was mentioned. The third point made by Luncheon was that since the arrest of Roger Khan the second tier of narco-traffickers was disorganized and that they should be tackled.

Thomas put it this way in the cable: ”`We’ should strike against them now. Luncheon noted that, unlike Surinam and Trinidad which have demonstrated an ability to work closely with U.S. law enforcement, `Guyana’s constitutional and legal structures are inconvenient’ for acting against narco-traffickers. Luncheon, who has repeatedly stated his conviction that in security matters `the ends justify the means’ said he is not bothered by legalities, but President Jagdeo does not feel the same way. Thus, there needs to be consideration of third countries’ involvement in action against Guyanese narco-traffickers.”

In addressing the letter on Merai, Thomas said that Luncheon said that the government was concerned that it would be embroiled in another tape scandal. Thomas said that Luncheon told him that the Guyana Government would ask for the necessary technical assistance from Washington and would make a similar request to the UK. The investigation died a natural death and Merai was later promoted to be commander of the Berbice police, a position he still holds.

Under the heading `Do They Really Want Our Help?’ Thomas related the following exchange with Luncheon. “After listening to Luncheon’s 45-minute soliloquy, Charge responded that DEA Country Attach resident in Trinidad was due in Guyana this week and volunteered to bring him to Luncheon’s office. In a reflexive action, Luncheon pushed himself away from the table on his wheeled chair, raising his hands in the air as he blurted out `Whoa! I’m not going to talk to DEA!’ Charge expressed confusion since Luncheon had only moments before sought USG partnership in fighting the narco-trafficking scourge in Guyana. Luncheon back-pedaled and accepted the offer.”

Damaging tapes

Thomas then provided some background for Washington in which he said that it was believed that Khan had damaging tapes on President Jagdeo and other officials. The diplomat also recounted the DEA effort to set up a vetted police unit here which he alleged that Luncheon had undermined. “In 2005 DEA offered to set up a vetted police unit that would gather actionable intelligence in support of Guyanese counter-narcotics operations. Jagdeo told post he had charged Luncheon with ensuring the initiative moved forward. Luncheon proceeded to kill it, although this did not stop him and Jagdeo from repeatedly publicly announcing the supposed opening of a DEA office in Guyana. More recently, Jagdeo and Luncheon deep-sixed the comprehensive, practical, and funded British proposal for security sector reform that would inter alia strengthen police capacity to act against narco-traffickers.” Thomas then went on to say that the issue was not the need for the DEA but the lack of political will to tackle narco-trafficking.

Thomas also postulated that Luncheon’s plea for the embassy to work with him on information sharing “is aimed at ensuring Luncheon personally is the recipient of any derogatory information about government or party members so that he can manage damage control efforts”. The envoy concluded by saying that if the government requested aid analyzing the Merai DVD, the US would request DEA and/or FBI as appropriate to assist to the extent possible. “We will also arrange for a meeting of Luncheon and DEA Country Attach (resident in Trinidad) in which we will seek Luncheon’s specific, practical proposals for steps DEA can take within the context of existing working level relationships to support GoG counter-narcotics efforts. However, the UK has the lead among the donor community on security sector reform and any major DEA initiatives will depend on progress on the UK proposal”. It is unclear if there was any subsequent meeting between the DEA and Luncheon.

Source

Overseas-based man robbed of jewels in West Ruimveldt
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

An overseas-based Guyanese man yesterday morning suffered a loss of $3.3 million worth in jewellery after being robbed at 50 Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt. Jainarine ‘Robbie’ Singh yesterday told Stabroek News that he and his nephew Mahendra Harrilall were returning home from a nearby beer garden, owned by the family, around 1:30 am when the incident occurred.

He said that as he entered his yard and his wife was about to open the door, a man approached them and gun-butted him to the temple. The perpetrator then took from Harrilall two gold bangles and one diamond platinum ring which are estimated to be worth $3.3 million and fired a single shot before making his escape. The attacker, Singh said, jumped over the fence and ran west along Mandela Avenue after the 2-3 minute ordeal.

Relatives attempted to give chase behind the man but stopped after several more shots were heard. A report was made at the Ruimveldt Police Station. Singh opined that the robbery was a planned incident and spoke of a similar ordeal last year when $500,000 in cash was taken.

Source

Gunman caught and beaten after daring robbery at Taxi service - gun recovered, two fleeing accomplices arrested
SEPTEMBER 5, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A gunman identified as Toney Ogle called ‘Skin Teeth’, 34 of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara is currently in police custody after he was caught and beaten shortly after he committed a daring robbery on a popular taxi service in Alexander Village around midday yesterday. There are reports that two other men were arrested as it is believed that they were Ogle’s accomplices in the robbery.

One of the men was caught while walking along Mandela Avenue (Back Road) while another was caught not far from where the robbery was committed. Two of the men are said to be interdicted police ranks. Reports are that Ogle attacked a female dispatcher, Jenelle Burke who is attached to the Green Ice Taxi Service, Cross and Fourth Street, Alexander Village base, sometime after 13:00 hours yesterday. Burke told this newspaper that the suspect turned up at the Taxi Service base pretending to be a customer. The woman said while she was attempting to locate a car for the ‘customer’, the man grabbed at her hand and began demanding that she hand over her valuables. She was relieved of her gold chain. The man then demanded that she hand over the base fees that were collected for the day and instructed her to stay quiet or she will be a ‘dead meat’. Burke related that she told her attacker that she had already handed over the money to her employer.


34-year-old Toney Ogle called ‘Skin teeth’ shortly after he was caught following the robbery.

The shaken woman said that the man indicated that he did not believe her and proceeded to ransack the office. After coming up empty-handed, the man turned his attention to her handbag, in which he found two cellular phones and an undisclosed sum of cash. The woman stated that as the man was fleeing, she raised an alarm and this resulted in him pulling out a gun discharging a round into the air. But that did not deter public-spirited citizens and drivers attached to the taxi service from responding to the call for assistance. Persons in the area said the man then began running east towards the traffic light on Mandela Avenue.

Another person attached to the taxi service said they were all made aware of the incident after the dispatcher sent a message over the radio along with instructions and a description of her attacker. One man said that after the transmission was sent, almost all drivers gave chase in their cars. It was only at that point that persons were made aware that the man had an accomplice who was nearby on a bicycle. “After the one on the bicycle see wha going on, he mek a u turn and beat out,” one of the drivers told this newspaper.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunman then discharge a round at one of the chasing cars, hitting its windscreen but fortunately the driver escaped without injury. The gunman then made his way into Hunter Street as he took away a bicycle from a bystander in an attempt to flee faster. Having no other choice, one of the drivers attached to the base and who was a part of the chase struck the fleeing man off the bicycle. “When he fall down, he pull out he gun again but a man give he a tackle from behind and is then other people grab he and you ain’t got to ask de rest,” the driver told this newspaper. By that time the police arrived on the scene and rescued the man, and the gun was handed over to them. The police then took the injured man to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and handed over to the police.


The shattered windscreen which the bullet damaged.

Source

Another spoke in the wheel of the AFC fund raising campaign. How will they raise funds if their fundraisers get beat up by public spirited people? Maybe they ought to recruit better fundraisers. hahahahhahhaha

I am an eternal optimist and I am convinced the person who call himself Bgurd is better than this; can write a better sentence; has a bit more intellectual mass.

My interpretation of what Gerhard is trying to do here is to highlight the plight of the ordinary citizens with respect to crime.

He is also expose the flawed decision of not taking the British Security help.

THE AFC will be engaging the British to source and secure this project.

So stay on the point and stop making yourself into a perpetual noise on the blog.

quote:

Originally posted by BGurd_See:
Another spoke in the wheel of the AFC fund raising campaign. How will they raise funds if their fundraisers get beat up by public spirited people? Maybe they ought to recruit better fundraisers. hahahahhahhaha

quote:

Originally posted by Sase Singh:
I am an eternal optimist and I am convinced the person who call himself Bgurd is better than this; can write a better sentence; has a bit more intellectual mass.

My interpretation of what Gerhard is trying to do here is to highlight the plight of the ordinary citizens with respect to crime.

He is also expose the flawed decision of not taking the British Security help.

THE AFC will be engaging the British to source and secure this project.

So stay on the point and stop making yourself into a perpetual noise on the blog.

The AFC really believe that the white god will come from the sky and make everything right. They can't even control crime in their own country where they have access to the best tools police can want and funding up the wazoo. Yall keep glorifying the British, a bunch of snakes waiting to recapture its glory days by recolonizing its former colonies. hahahhahah

Bandits grab car, cash at intersection
Written by Demerara Waves Tuesday, 06 September 2011 15:29

Bandits on Tuesday staged yet another intersection heist in just under one week, this time carting off cash and a motorcar, police said. Investigators were told that around 8:40 AM, Andrew David was attacked and robbed by three men one of whom was armed with a handgun. Guyana Police Force spokesman, Ivelaw Whittaker said David was driving his motor vehicle PJJ 8837 along Sussex Street, and on stopping at Saffon Street, Georgetown he was confronted by the perpetrators.

The robbers, were on two motor cycles, who held him at gunpoint and took away his motor car and $300,000.00 and escaped, police said. The car was found around 9:10 AM intact at Sussex and Callender Streets, Abouystown. Gunmen on August 30 opened fire on a car at a at traffic light junction and grabbed GUY$4 million from a two men in a car. Investigators said they victims have not been entirely cooperative.

Source

quote:

He is also expose the flawed decision of not taking the British Security help.

Maybe someone should solicit the advice of those who enjoyed the benefits of "British Security help" back in the 1950s.

Ten murders in August
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

Ten persons according to Stabroek News’ records were killed during the month of August, a slight decrease when compared to July. More than half of the killings occurred in the poorly manned E&F Division with knives being the weapon of choice in most of the cases. There were six murders in E&F Division and one each in `C’ (East Coast), `D’ (West Demerara), `G’ (Essequibo Coast), and `A’ (Georgetown) Divisions. Police have been able to lay charges in only a few of the cases while the others are still being investigated.


Daniel Higgins

Kenny Creame was the first victim. Reports are that Creame, age 19 years was beaten to death at Monessee Backdam, North West District. Two men; Lowell Hope and Sherlund Joseph called ‘Rudolph’ have since been charged with the capital offence. According to the particulars of the charge they allegedly murdered Creame in the course and furtherance of a sexual offence, namely rape. Almost a week later on August 15, miner and Kuru Kururu resident Emanuel Evans was shot dead and his nephew Ewart Escott wounded when a businessman opened fire at a shop in Five Star Backdam, North West District. Evans succumbed instantly while Escott was transferred to Georgetown for further medical attention. The shooter is still on the run.


Daniel Higgins jnr

A father and son were brutally slain at their camp located at White Water Backdam, Konawaruk on August 17. Reports are that Daniel Higgins, a miner, was shot then buried alive by two men, who later hacked his son, Daniel Higgins jnr to death. Police had questioned several witnesses who reported the incident to Linden police. According to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud police are looking for a number of persons in connection with the incident.

The pharmacy community was plunged into shock on August 18 when 84 year old Harold Rachpaul was discovered murdered in his living quarters located behind his Robb Street pharmacy. The perpetrator/s had bound, gagged and strangled the elderly man after removing valuables from a safe and tumbling the pharmacy. Police have identified a suspect who remains in hiding.


Harold Rachpaul

E&F Division recorded a fifth murder when on August 20, Rafael Khan, a 42 year old miner was found with multiple stab wounds to his body at Mowasie Backdam, Mahdia, Potaro. Relatives had told this newspaper that before breathing his last breath, Khan was able to call the killer’s name. They were told that it was an ex-policeman who stabbed Khan with a pair of scissors during an altercation.

Donna Lakeram was the first woman to be killed. Between August 23-24 at Seamang Creek, Middle Mazaruni River, she was strangled. Lakeram’s body was found in Seamang on August 24, and police reports stated that the deceased and the suspect identified as Bevonon Hyder Khan had been consuming alcohol when an argument ensued between them. Khan has since been charged with the capital offence.


Donna Lakeram

On August 23, another woman was killed; this time allegedly at the hands of her ex-husband during a drunken quarrel. Radika Ramjattan age 42 was allegedly stabbed once in the chest at her Tarla Dam, Meten-Meer-Zorg home. The man Andrew Khetwaroo, 30, has since been charged with the capital offence. Then on August 25, Phillip Prince aka ‘Strong Boy,’ was stabbed to death at Capoey Mission, Essequibo Coast. Reports are that Prince and a man were consuming alcohol at a nearby shop when a heated argument erupted between them. An eyewitness told this newspaper that the suspect ran into his house, with Prince chasing after him. It is alleged that the suspect picked up a kitchen knife and dealt Prince three stabs in his abdomen. The suspect was held after public-spirited residents surrounded a house in the area and prevented him from leaving.

The murder of Phulmattie Rami rounded off the figure for August. The semi-nude body of the 68-year-old woman was found in a canal at Cane Grove on August 29. Gold stud earrings had been ripped from her earlobes, while there were bruises on her back. A post-mortem examination revealed that she died from multiple injuries and according to Crime Chief her death is being investigated as a murder.

Source

‘We must do better’
By STABROEK STAFF | LETTERS | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

Dear Editor,

I thank you for the tribute to Mr Rachpaul in your editorial of Thursday, August 25. Mr Rachpaul was a truly decent human being and did not deserve to die like that. As Rev Bisnauth said in his sermon at the funeral, Mr Rachpaul was in church 99 out of every 100 Sundays, in his customary pew. I am sure he was there every Sunday, but we err on the side of caution.

I still grieve over this murder, for someone who was no relation to me, for several reasons. One, from seeing the gentleman in church every single Sunday I attended. Second, because he was 84 years old and in perfect health, as far as anyone could see, and he appeared to be much younger, so he could have lived to be 100. Third, because he worked hard all his life and no one had the right to steal from him, much less to brutally murder him. And fourth, because more than likely, his murder will never be solved and no one will pay the consequences for this heinous act.

I am moved to write because a few years ago another elderly citizen was murdered by bandits or thieves – not sure which is the right word, maybe criminals? – and this was someone I knew from work. Mr Mohamed was an attendant at GH where I worked at the time, transporting patients to and from the OR before and after surgery, a truly decent human being who had just retired from the hospital and was doing what he thought was a safe job, driving children to and from school. As far as I know no one was ever apprehended for his murder either.

And then there is the recent murder of Mr Mohamed Haniff, maybe 2 weeks ago. Many years ago Mr Haniff was a patient of mine at GH and for some reason I never forgot his face because I saw him all the time at the clinic where I work now and also he was a watchman at my neighbour’s house a few years ago.

These are just 3 men whose murders are unsolved. There are hundreds more. And this is wrong. Where are we headed? Why did we allow this state of affairs to get so out of hand? Each one of us has our own area of expertise. I am in no way trying to tell anyone how to do their job, but my goodness, if you cannot do what is expected of you then step aside and let the experts in. Either lead or follow. But do not take us down this road of despair. I know I will get tons of criticism for this, but we absolutely need to start hanging criminals again. Life is too cheap in Guyana. I do not want to hear it is worse elsewhere. This is where I live and I know we can do better. All it takes is the will, then we move on from there. But we cannot allow the drug wars and the need for drugs to continue unabated. People will kill for less than $1000 in this country. People kill and there are no consequences for their actions. None. I applaud the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for instituting a limited state of emergency in her country. She means business. She will get results. What are we waiting for?

On a totally unrelated matter, on Wednesday afternoon, at the corner where I live, an out-of-control police vehicle knocked down an old woman who died 6 hours later in hospital. Will that policeman be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving? He did not stop at the major road as he should have. What is the big hurry in Guyana? This old woman has no relatives (according to the newspaper reports) so I hope the Police Force will do the decent thing and give her a proper burial at the very least, and then investigate their rank for his actions.

I grieve every time I read of a murder, and that is every day in Guyana. If I, a total stranger to these people, feel their passing so much, how much more their loved ones? Each one of us has at least parents and grandparents, and most of us have siblings and children, nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Each life must count. We must do better.

Yours faithfully,
Jennifer Bulkan

Source

3% drop in murders - Guyana Police Force
Written by Demerara Waves Wednesday, 07 September 2011 16:51

Guyana recorded a mere three percent decline in murders for the first eight months of this year compared to last year with the major ones being execution-style and domestic violence. The Guyana Police Force, however, noted that overall 91 persons have been killed during January to August, 2011 compared to 88 for the same period. The actual figures show that there were five execution-style murders during the period under review, one more than last year and 18 linked to domestic violence, two more than last year. Thirty-one and nineteen persons were killed between January and August, 2011 for during disorderly behaviour and in unknown circumstances. Those figures were unchanged compared to the same period in 2010.

The police statistics also show a 12 percent spike in robbery under arms with 548 reports up to August 31 this year in comparison to 488 for the same period last year. While the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms is almost similar, there has been 48% increase in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators, police said.

In relation to traffic, there have been four more road fatalities up to the end of August this year in comparison to the same period last year, with 79 this year and 75 last year. 8 children have lost their lives so far this year due to traffic accidents, compared to 5 last year. Pedestrians and pedal cyclists are the two main categories of road users affected with 31 persons and 16 persons, respectively, losing their lives. Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the major causes of the fatal accidents.

The police force said it is maintaining its rigid enforcement towards road safety along with the use of breathalysers and radar guns. Up to the end of August this year a total of 42,494 cases were made against errant motorists. Of this total 8,859 were for speeding and 743 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Noting that along with enforcement of the laws, emphasis is also being placed on traffic education, the force said it was embarking on a school-outreach programme. “With the opening of schools for the new term, the police traffic department will be conducting its lecture to schools programme and visible patrols in school areas,” the force said.

Source

No arrests in fish vendor’s murder
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

No arrests have been made in connection with the death of fish vendor Phulmattie Rami, police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker said on Monday. Rami’s semi-nude body was discovered floating in a canal at Cane Grove, Mahaica last Tuesday. Gold earrings had been ripped from her earlobes, while there were bruises on her back. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that she died of multiple injuries.


Phulmattie Rami

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud had told Stabroek News last week that the 68-year-old woman’s death was being treated as a murder. She was buried on Thursday last.

Source

Mahaica pastor clings to life after robbery
SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

A pastor from Mahaica is currently on life support at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after a severe beating by two men who invaded his home. According to reports, 36-year-old Daniel Subramani, of 15 Helena, Mahaica was beaten in his head after two gunmen attacked him and his wife on Tuesday night. The incident occurred some time after 20:30 hours. The Pastor’s wife, Praneila Subramani, was at the front of their yard while her husband went to the back to tend to a chicken pen.

“While he coming back in front I hear he shout and tell me run and when I turn around I see two men jumping de fence and one had gun,”. The woman said that she ran toward their front door but did not make it as one of the men grabbed onto her. “Before I reach the door the man scramble me and start shaking me asking me for the money and I fall down,”. While on the ground the woman said the man started kicking her about her body. Not long after, she lost consciousness. The woman said she was resuscitated by her 13-year-old daughter some time after.


The injured Pastor 36 year-old Daniel Subramni.

“She came out and ask me why I left the door open and I told her that I didn’t; that it was the bandits. She start screaming and asking where her father was.” According to Mrs. Subramani she then glanced to the back of the yard where she noticed her husband lying in a pool of blood. The woman said that her daughter began screaming and this alerted neighbors. Other relatives who also live close by responded and rushed the injured man to the Georgetown Public Hospital. At the hospital the man remained in an unconscious state.

Meanwhile the man’s wife speculated that her husband was beaten so severely because he may have recognized his attackers. She added that the men made good their escape with a large amount of cash and gold jewellery. “These people had to know we because they come shortly after my husband collect money from people who order baby chickens from he…He does work minibus and do the chicken business on the side,” The woman remains hopeful that her husband will pull through and at the same time she said she is thankful that both her children slept through the ordeal. Up to press time Mr. Subramani, who is the Pastor of Reaching the World Ministry Church, was on life support. The matter has been reported to the police and investigations are ongoing.

Source

Tuschen carpenter dies after Enachu beating
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

A carpenter from Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Demerara succumbed yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was being treated since Saturday September 3, when he was beaten and robbed of over $200,000 at Apaika Backdam, Enachu, Cuyuni/Mazaruni. Dead is Aftab Rahim, 32, of Lot 262 Tuschen New Scheme, EBD.

According to the man’s sister Shamina, from what she knows, her brother who works as a carpenter in the interior was robbed of $230,000 by four men, who also beat him about the body. This newspaper also understands that Rahim suffered blows to the head, and as a result upon his arrival at the GPH on Saturday a CT scan was performed on him. His sister related that Rahim went into the interior approximately nine months ago, where he worked for someone called “Mr Sobers”.

Rahim leaves to mourn his father Yassin, who was also in the interior at the time of the incident, two sisters, and five children. A police release stated that a man has been arrested and is in custody assisting with investigations. This is one of many murders/robberies that have been taking place in the NWD this year.

The most recent murders were those of miners Daniel Higgins Snr and Jnr, who were shot and chopped to death respectively while at their mining camp at Konawaruk backdam.

Stabroek News

Kaieteur News

Burglar takes cash from businessman’s home
SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER NEWS

Businessman, Beesham Seepersaud, 38, of Johanna Cecilia, on the Essequibo Coast, is begging the police to maintain vigilance in their investigations into a recent robbery. Seepersaud, who was the victim, said that he does not want a repeat of a level of dormancy pertaining to police investigations. The sole distributor of Edward.B.Beharry products on the Essequibo Coast, the man said that he was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash, including foreign currency on Friday.

According to Seepersaud, the discovery was made after he returned to his home at Johanna Cecilia around 1: 30pm, on Friday. He said that he was conducting business as usual in the Suddie market, while his wife, Narima Haripaul, who teaches at Suddie Primary School, had left for school.
Upon his return home, Seepersaud said he became alarmed after noticing something about his closed door. After noticing the contrary position of the bolt, Seepersaud said he proceeded to call his wife, thinking that she probably had returned home from school earlier than usual. The woman was still in school. He then called out to his next door neighbour, David, who went over and tried to help him get into the house. The frustrated Seepersaud said that on entry he noticed that the house was ransacked and a quantity of cash missing from his drawers. He said that immediately a report was lodged at the Suddie Police Station.

Two years ago, Seepersaud was the victim of another robbery. In that instance, he said that he lost $1.5M in cash belonging to his company. He said that he also lost items belonging to Edward B. Beharry and Company. The man explained that he suspects the bandit gained entry through his side fence. He has also lodged the name of a suspect with the police.

Source

quote:

Originally posted by BGurd_See:
Another spoke in the wheel of the AFC fund raising campaign. How will they raise funds if their fundraisers get beat up by public spirited people? Maybe they ought to recruit better fundraisers. hahahahhahhaha

Why don't you try this exercise idiot Goadie man.

Bend forward,place your head between your legs, bend as far as you can and shove your head up your ass. There you go, you feel any better?

Alicia Foster murder probe at standstill – as third anniversary approaches
By STABROEK STAFF | LOCAL | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

Having one’s child die in one’s arms is every parent’s worst nightmare. What is even more painful is when the police appear to show little or no interest in finding the person/s responsible for the brutal murder of your loved one. Almost three years after senior environmental officer Alicia Foster was gunned down as she was returning to her Thomas Street, Kitty home from a wake, her parents and relatives have been left with nothing but memories. No one was ever charged, but they remain adamant that one day God will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has since said that there have been no new developments in the case but investigations are continuing.


Alicia Foster

Recently, a very emotional James Foster spoke with this newspaper. He sobbed for about a minute before the first word came out of his mouth. He said that he last spoke with the police in January 2009 and there was no positive information on that occasion. He recalled that he took a bold step to visit Police Commissioner Henry Greene to get an update on investigations. “His words to me were that he thought that I came with information,” James Foster said with tears rolling down his cheeks. The grief-stricken father said the commissioner’s reaction left him shocked and he was asked to leave a contact number. James told this newspaper that he left three numbers and is yet to hear from Greene or any other members of the Guyana Police Force.

Asked if he was surprised at the police’s lack of action, he responded, “I think everyone knows the incompetence of the police force. I think this is a trend of the police force as everybody knows they are more corrupt than anything else. No one came since then, not even called and I did not go back after that encounter with the commissioner. “I don’t think the police did any proper investigation. Someday things will come to light but it’s a matter of time. I am waiting patiently for that day when I will get justice,” he said.

Shorty after the killing, reports had surfaced that Foster was threatened by a city businessman. However Persaud had told this newspaper that he was unaware of this. He had explained that at the time of her death, Foster was conducting an investigation into a city business. He said that the woman who operated the business was questioned after Foster was killed, but nothing was found to suggest that anyone from that business place had anything against her.

James, during the interview with this newspaper, said that after nearly three years he is still to come up with a motive. “We are still trying to figure out what was the motive. Nothing was taken from the car or her. They took her out of the car and shot her…” he noted. Recalling the night of October 12, 2008, James said he and his wife were watching television while Foster and her younger sister went to a wake. Just before ten, he said, he heard the gate open and then suddenly he heard the buzzer. He recalled that as he was heading to the veranda, he heard what sounded like a single gunshot. “She [the younger daughter] said daddy they shot her [Alicia],” he recalled. He said that from the veranda he saw two men jump into a car, which sped off. Foster he said was lying on the ground near the car which she had parked across the road so that when the gate was open she would drive in. “I ran out and I held her. She died in my arms,” he said with teary eyes.

He said that over the years, his pleas for justice have gone unanswered but he will still make another. “Anybody who has information, please pass it on to the police. No matter how small it is, please pass it onto the police,” he stressed. He said tears still flow for Foster adding that everyday thoughts of her consume him. He described her as the perfect child who was so quiet and simple. Foster was accepted into a Canadian university and was expected to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Studies when she was killed.

No proper investigation

Meanwhile Foster’s mother Gillian said the family will never get closure until the perpetrators are caught. She said a statement by police that the family was not cooperating has left them disturbed. She explained that that statement was made by the commissioner around Foster’s second death anniversary and it was claimed that this was the reason why the investigation was not moving forward. The woman told this newspaper that her younger daughter had repeatedly told police that she could not recognize the perpetrators because she was not concentrating on them but rather on her wounded sister. They still wanted her to attend multiple identification parades.

She questioned how her daughter could have gone on an identification parade. “It is our child and we want to do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice. [But] we are not going to expose our daughter and other members of the family to further danger… she did not recognise the individuals,” she added. Gillian noted that the police had her daughter’s vehicle for two weeks. She said that if they were dusting for fingerprints, they could have been matched to suspects.

She said that from the inception, she knew “it was another cold case”, adding that only when it is a high profile case or the perpetrators turn themselves in and confess that crimes are solved. She said she now leaves the case in the hands of God stressing that the family is not bitter. She said that had the police been doing the right type of investigation, there would have been results. “I don’t have that confidence in the police force. We are seeing too many cold cases,” she said adding that they are upset and disappointed at the statement made. She said it was not the family’s duty to solve the murder but rather the police’s. “Everyday you think of your child who you nurtured, cared for and did all you can…. When persons make such statements it upsets you. Why wouldn’t a family cooperate to solve your loved one’s murder?” she said.

Source

quote:

Originally posted by BGurd_See:

quote:

Originally posted by Sase Singh:
I am an eternal optimist and I am convinced the person who call himself Bgurd is better than this; can write a better sentence; has a bit more intellectual mass.

My interpretation of what Gerhard is trying to do here is to highlight the plight of the ordinary citizens with respect to crime.

He is also expose the flawed decision of not taking the British Security help.

THE AFC will be engaging the British to source and secure this project.

So stay on the point and stop making yourself into a perpetual noise on the blog.

The AFC really believe that the white god will come from the sky and make everything right. They can't even control crime in their own country where they have access to the best tools police can want and funding up the wazoo. Yall keep glorifying the British, a bunch of snakes waiting to recapture its glory days by recolonizing its former colonies. hahahhahah

Nobody knows who is next to be brutally murdered
SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 | BY KNEWS | FILED UNDER LETTERS

Dear Editor,

September 14, 2011 will make one year since the brutal slaying of Sheema Mangar who was employed at the time of her death at Demerara Bank Ltd. Unto this day the killer remains at large, which does not inspire much confidence in the rather slow pace in which the police authorities are proceeding with the investigation.

This certainly must add to the frustration and agony that her parents and family members are experiencing in addition to the malicious destruction of the small memorial that was erected at the spot where she met her demise. This act committed by some ‘vandal’ in broad daylight was deliberate and a vulgar display of how degenerate, inhuman and lawless our society has become, causing law abiding citizens to live in a state of fear and anxiety.

As citizens, we are all extremely vulnerable, nobody knows who is next to be brutally murdered or hit down and left to die on the streets like some stray dog. The underlying factor remains that life has become so dirt cheap in Guyana that for a cell phone Sheema Mangar was cruelly crushed to death, and this is extremely revolting. And although for weeks people expressed their disgust at the gruesome manner in which she was killed and the reluctance of police authority to perform their duty for which they are paid by the citizens of this country to pursue and apprehend the killer and have justice served, nothing has happened.

Every day we are awakened to the news of some horrifying murder, crash up, robberies, a fanatical suicide rate and an unprecedented wave of violence against women. There is no consolation in the police press releases that the police are continuing their investigations, which actually means another case for the cold case cabinet. In this manner, literally hundreds of people have been brutally murdered and their cases have all ended up in the cold case cabinet. It is only the Sheema Mangar family that has refused to give up their quest for justice.

Sheema Mangar’s dreams to be a certified accountant all came to an abrupt end on that faithful afternoon of September 14, 2011. Her death is a loss to our country and our already small, diminishing population.

Anatasia Alli

Source