Guyana Focus
dominate polls
In spite of all the hype about change surrounding Guyana's next general elections, it is interesting to note that the same old party horses, albeit dressed up differently, are leading the pack after more than a half a century.
As well, the same factors which have dominated past elections, primary among them ethnic voting and allegations of corruption, nepotism, and poor performance, remain critical issues on the agendas of contenders for power.
Even more important is the fact that the party structure of contenders has reverted to what it was 50 years ago.
Incidentally, just as it was in 1961 when the country held its first elections on the understanding that the country would be granted independence from Great Britain, Guyana today has three main political parties - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Alliance for Change.
In 1961, the three main contenders were the PPP, the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and the United Force (UF), which eventually sold its power-hungry soul to the PNC in 1964, only to be put in oblivion through a spate of rigged elections between 1964 and 1992, which benefited the PNC.
The reality today is that APNU, which is a joint opposition force comprising of the PNC/R, the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA), the Guyana Action Party and the National Front Alliance, is merely the PNC/R in disguise, backed by a set of fringe parties, soup drinkers and disgruntled individuals who are trying to grab a few crumbs of power which they could not otherwise have access to on their own strength.
On the other hand, the PPP/C is almost the same party, while the newcomer AFC is in a similar position to the UF. It is the most successful fringe party since 1964, with support equivalent to that of the UF. In 2006, it was widely believed that it could hold the balance of power but the largest victory ever by the PPP/C took those aspirations away. In 2011, it does not appear as though its strength has improved but it remains confident of its position and has chosen so far not to align itself with any of the major parties.
With electoral conditions theoretically remaining unchanged in Guyana, the question that begs to be asked is: What is different today? In truth, the answer is nothing. The focus on dethroning the PPP/C through a coalition of opposition parties will not necessarily introduce new blood onto the political scene. So where does that leave us? Ethnic voting would once again dominate the outcome at the polls.
At the end of the day, in spite of the cheap talk about unification of the races, Guyanese will continue to vote largely along racial lines. History verifies this sobering truth. More important, however, there is yet to emerge a real alternative to the PPP/C or for the PNC that would challenge their hegemony. Nor has there been any significant change in the political landscape.
Somehow, the perception has been created that the PPP/C is the only beneficiary of racial voting. But in reality, this might be more applicable to the PNC, with the APNU coalition providing marginal inter-racial voting benefits. The only reason why the PPP/C is the greatest beneficiary is because the East Indian population is larger.
Regardless of existing political and economic conditions, elections in Guyana always bring out voters' deepest racial sentiments. It would be naïve to interpret past election results any other way. Indeed, exercising one's franchise at the polls is typically based on personal preference or choice. However, when voting patterns are based purely on ethnicity and not driven by the achievements or objectives of the parties contesting the elections, the population is merely shortchanging itself. This is because they end up electing a government that may not be the best suited to govern the country.
Looking at the other side of the coin, we find that because neither party has been outstanding in governing the country – the PNC/R much less so than the PPP/C – the population does not have a lot of choice in choosing a party to govern the country. Consequently, they align themselves to a party along ethnic lines. Alternatively, they can choose to support a fringe party but no fringe party has been able to produce a charismatic leader, with a good track record or serious agenda that can displace the "brand" created by the PPP/C or the PNC/R.
Given the past track record of the PNC, most rational individuals would ensure that the party does not return to power, yet it remains a major political force. It is doubtful that any factor other than voting along ethnic lines contributes to this party's continued strength in the political process. Whether the APNU brand will change this reality is left to be seen.
This is not to say that anything is outright wrong with racially motivated voting. If a party attains power through support from a particular ethnic group, such support should be premised on the party's achievements or objectively based plans to develop the country – not because the leader is of a specific race or plays on ethnic emotions.
So why will the PPP/C and APNU continue to get the lion's share of voter support? Obviously because of ethnic loyalty! East Indians will vote for the PPP/C while Blacks will typically vote for APNU. To make it appear as though they have multi-racial fronts, both parties persistently attempt to woo members of different ethnic groups as "show pieces".
Incidentally, the fringe parties that choose a similar strategy have been unable to break the hold of the major parties because they are not necessarily seen as offering any value added. They are essentially splitting the racial votes or leveraging the support of those who are dissatisfied with either party.
The dilemma that one is faced with is how to avoid racially motivated voting in a country that is intensely divided along racial lines. Don't get me wrong, this statement is an attempt to alleviate, not spur racial sentiments. If the population votes for the best party along multi-racial lines, then the country would certainly be better off.
Regardless of how much you say or believe differently, the whole racism phenomenon is entrenched in the Guyanese society. Changing it demands a fundamental, broad-based re-education process. Nobody trusts the politicians, and probably the church as well.
This has nothing to do with racial harmony in the country. The different ethnic groups always co-exist peacefully. However, at election time this harmony becomes fragmented because of blind loyalty based on race. In addition, politicians deliberately play on racial sentiments even though the parties do not openly take a racial stance.
The truth is, change is usually difficult. Guyanese have been blindly loyal to the PPP/C and the PNC/R for so long that they can't imagine not having either party around. With no real alternative around, the PPP/C and APNU will continue to attract the majority of the votes based on ethnicity.
Gorgetown — Assistant Commissioner of Police Steve Merai has gone public with an allegation that a corporal and two senior officers have ties to drug lords.
In an immediate response to the allegation the police in a press release has stated that Commissioner of Police Henry Greene had written to Merai requesting that he provide evidence to support his allegations. But according to Kaieteur News (KN) Merai is not likely to cooperate with local investigators who have been mandated to probe his allegations, rather he is more inclined to cooperate with an international Commission of Inquiry.
Following Merai's disclosure, the two main opposition groupings, the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have called for an independent inquiry comprising commissioners from outside of the jurisdiction.
According to KN Merai had already indicated that he was not too comfortable with providing evidence to Crime Chief Seelall Persaud and head of the police Office of Professional Responsibility Mohamed Jameer, both of whom he had accused of initially turning a blind eye on the matter.
Merai had alleged that two officers of the Guyana Police Force, the Commissioner's Personal Assistant and a senior operative of the Tactical Services Unit were driving vehicles that were owned by alleged drug dealers. But both officers in their defence indicated that they had borrowed the vehicles since their personal ones were "down" and were not aware that the owners were drug lords.
Gorgetown — A federal grand jury in Brooklyn, USA, has returned an indictment charging Guyanese born businessman Edul Ahmad with participating in a mortgage fraud scheme, in which he and others fraudulently obtained loans in excess of US$50 million. Hearing of the matter will commence before Judge Dora Irrizarry on September 6.
According to Kaieteur News (KN) prosecutors in the case have given notice that they will seek the forfeiture of his properties if he is convicted. This could include properties outside the jurisdiction. Ahmad who was indicted on ten counts relating to bank fraud could also be deported at the end of his sentence if convicted, according to a legal source, KN added.
Ahmad's indictment alleges that he conspired to defraud financial institutions, including Bank of New York, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, N.A., Countrywide Financial, Flushing Savings Bank, Fremont Investment and Loan, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., IndyMac Bank, One West Bank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo & Company, and wholesale mortgage lenders, including New Century Mortgage Corporation and Ocwen Financial Corporation.
He has been reported to be a friend of President Bharat Jagdeo. But the president said that if he is guilty of any infractions of the law he should face the full brunt of the law.
Gorgetown — A monument in the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown was officially dedicated to the Arya Samaj in recognition of its one hundredth anniversary in Guyana last Monday. The Arya Samaj, one of the oldest denominations of Hinduism in the country, celebrated its hundredth anniversary in Guyana last year and this monument was part of its plans to observe the milestone.
The monument stands on a base with a conical pole 14 feet tall and a covering arch of 13 feet, two inches. There is an engraved marble stone with the words of each of the 10 principles of the Arya Samaj. Also, there is an inscription indicating the commemoration of 100 years of Arya Samaj and the motto 'Making the World Noble'. In addition, there are two flag poles; one for the Om and the other for the Guyana flag.
Arya Samaj was brought to Guyana in the year 1910 by Bhai Parmanand. Many missionaries visited and laid the foundation for the establishment of the mission. Most notable amongst them were Professor Bhaskaranand and Pt Ushar Bodh, now Swami Veda Bharati.
Arya Samaj is proud of helping individuals develop spiritually, economically and socially to improve their lives and uphold the teachings of Vedic Sanatan philosophy, wisdom and practices. It continues to do social, charitable and religious work in the country.
Gorgetown — The highly publicised libel case between President Bharat Jagdeo and the Kaieteur News commenced hearing last Friday before Justice Brassington Reynolds, with Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon being the first person called to give evidence.
In the much anticipated court case President Jagdeo is suing Freddie Kissoon and National Media and Publishing Company, publishers of Kaieteur News, and Editor-in-Chief Adam Harris for libel arising from an article written last year by Kaieteur News columnist, Freddie Kissoon titled "King Kong sent his goons to disrupt the conference". The President has sued for over $10M claiming that the article suggests that he is a racist and that "by extension, the State and Government of Guyana, practise racism as an ideology, dogma, philosophy and policy."
Kissoon's legal team comprise attorneys at law Nigel Hughes, Christopher Ram and Khemraj Ramjattan while the state is represented by attorneys at law Anil Nandlall, Jaya Manickchand, Bibi Shaddick and Sase Gunraj.
At the proceedings Dr Luncheon said that the article intended to confuse the readers about the position President Bharrat Jagdeo held, with regards to Afro-Guyanese. It was also stated that the article attempted to place the President as a racist.
Dr Luncheon was later cross examined by defence attorney Nigel Hughes who asked him about the ethnicity of persons who headed a majority of the Government agencies and state institutions, and held all the ambassadorial positions. Nandalall objected to the line of cross examination and the case has been adjourned to Wednesday (today).
Minister Persaud said that the success of the sugar industry rides on the success of the Skeldon factory, which was commissioned two years ago at a cost of US$181 million. GAWU has accepted the company's offer of 5% wage increase through cordial negotiations. Union president Komal Chand emphasised the Union's concern about the Skeldon Project, saying that factory and field production needs to be ramped up.
GuySuCo is the country's largest employer accounting for some 20% of the country's work force.
Georgetown — Khadija Benn, daughter of Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn was robbed at gunpoint last Sunday outside her father's residence at Meadowbrook Gardens.
According to reports Khadija, accompanied by a male friend, arrived at her home in a vehicle at around 2:00 am. While they were about to exit the vehicle a man and two teenaged youths on bicycles approached them. Two of the strangers, who had handguns, pointed the weapons at Khadija and her friend and ordered them to hand over their cash and jewels. After relieving the victims of their valuables the men fled on their bicycles.
Minister Benn took his daughter and friend to the East La Penitence Police Station where they related their ordeal. A taxi driver also visited the East La Penitence Police Station around the same time and reported that three bandits on bicycles had attacked him.
Guard murdered at work
Georgetown — The battered body of Mohammed Haniff, a 64-year-old security guard was discovered around 6 am two Tuesdays ago at his worksite, which is located opposite Mings Services Limited at Providence. Police recovered a piece of iron and a hammer at the scene which are believed to be the murder weapons. No arrests have been made as yet.
Persons reportedly entered a shipping container which was on the worksite and removed a generator and several other items.
Owner of the security company, Randolph Perreira, stated that the last time he saw Haniff was sometime after midnight on the night that he died. Perreira explained that he did routine checks at the worksite and spoke briefly to Haniff at the time.
Georgetown — A minibus conductor charged with obstruction and inflicting grievous bodily harm on a peace officer, was remanded to prison last Thursday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.
Curtis John, 19, of Urquhart Street, Georgetown, is alleged to have inflicted grievous bodily harm on Constable Fraser, a female police officer, who was acting in the execution of her duties on August 16. It was further alleged that on the day of the incident at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he also obstructed Constable Fraser from carrying out her duties.
Bail was denied taking into consideration the seriousness of the offence. The matter will be called again on October 26.
Georgetown — The body of Rafael Khan, 33, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast was found with marks of violence in Mahdia, a gold-mining district in western Guyana.
Investigators found what they described as "suspected stab wounds to the chest." Police said his body was found about 4 pm last Saturday at Mowasie Backdam, Mahdia, Potaro. The body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital Mortuary where it is awaiting an autopsy that could help investigators in their probe. With the growing incidence of these crimes two police stations are being built at Aranka and Aurora.
Georgetown — Businesswoman Joan Rasheed was robbed of $2.8M around 10:15 am last Monday in the vicinity of Robb and Water Streets while heading to a city wharf to pay suppliers for plastic tanks which she had ordered.
The woman said she had the money in her shoulder bag and was walking towards the Muneshwer's Wharf where she was supposed to make some payments when she was robbed.
Mrs Rasheed said two men approached her and one walked past her while the other came up and grabbed the bag. They both escaped on foot with the money.
Georgetown — Gold miner, Daniel Higgins, 48, was shot and killed while his son, Daniel Higgins Jr., 22, was chopped to death two Wednesdays ago at Konawaruk-Whitewater in Guyana's interior. Investigations revealed that the killing stemmed from a payment dispute at the gold mining area and was committed by some of the dead men's colleagues and not by bandits as was first believed.
According to reports the senior Higgins was in a mining pit when one of the attackers shot him in the back. His son was reportedly hacked to death when he attempted to save his father. It was also reported that one of the killers used an excavator to bury the senior Higgins. The killings took place at around 10 am.
The dead men are from Ann's Grove Village, East Coast Demerara.
Georgetown — Harold Rachpaul, the owner of Rachpaul's Drug Store on Robb Street, was found murdered in his home two Thursdays ago.
The bound and gagged body of 84-year-old businessman was discovered next to his bed by his son and grandson, just around 8:00 am.
Rachpaul lived in the top flat of the three-storey property which housed a pharmacy on the lower flat and a Chinese restaurant above that.
According to Kaieteur News (KN) sources close to the investigation have stated that the pharmacy was ransacked and a quantity of phone cards, cash and other items were missing.
Rachpaul's body was reportedly wrapped in a bed sheet and his hands and feet were bound with an electrical iron cord. His face bore marks of violence.
Rachpaul is survived by his wife, who is presently overseas, five sons, a daughter and a number of grand children
Georgetown — Leonard Bacchus, 39, his wife Indranie Bacchus and their 15-year-old son were charged with being in possession of 67 kilogrammes, 296 grammes of cocaine on August 16 when they appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus last Monday at the Vigilance Magistrate's court, East Coast Demerara. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded to jail. Leonard Bacchus also pleaded not guilty to possession of 125 12-gauge shotgun cartridges and 155 rounds of.32 ammunition.
The cocaine was found in the false bottoms of 148 of 426 havan kunds at their Enmore, East Coast Demerara residence. The coke is said to have a street value of $300M
Defence Counsel Vic Puran informed the court that the number one accused, Leonard, had given a statement saying his wife's participation in the enterprise was entirely as a result of duress on his part. Leonard is said to have pressured his wife into participating by burning her hand with a hot iron.
Police said that the Bacchus family had been under surveillance for three months prior to the discovery of the cocaine in their home.
Georgetown — A teenager was held in connection with the disappearance of millions of dollars in cash, valuables and motor spare parts from Riverview Housing Scheme, Unity, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The 18 year-old was a trusted assistant of tailor, Chandradat Gurudat who discovered that his home was broken into around 4 am last Thursday. Five louvre panes were missing from a window in the lower flat of Gurudat's home. On looking around Gurudat discovered that all the jewellery in the house was missing as well as his digital camera, car keys and other minor items. His car keys were found in the premises of a spare parts store which had also been burgled the same morning and which suffered severe losses of spare parts.
It is believed that the teen was not working alone but so far no one has been arrested.