Dear Editor, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is reported to have stated he is going after former Finance Minister Ashni Singh over the release of some Gy$4.5 billion that was used for various Government projects. The Minister transferred the State funds for public use in his capacity as a Minister without parliamentary approval. In New York, my AFC friends told me that their party’s leadership promised them that criminal charges will be filed against Dr Singh for spending money without parliamentary approval. In fact, right after the APNU/AFC was sworn in last…
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Government must act with a sense of responsibility
Dear Editor, Dr Hinds commented, “President David Granger’s recent plea for patience and suggestion that they have not yet accumulated the evidence needed for prosecution makes some sense. But, politically it puts a damper on the expectations of Government supporters.” The above is an excerpt from a news item published in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News. Dr Hinds is also reported in that news article to have said that the lack of prosecution of alleged wrongdoers under the previous government could negatively impact APNU/AFC’s success in upcoming local government elections.…
Read MoreThe plight of Leguan farmers
Dear Editor, I wish to draw the attention of the government to the plight of the farmers in Leguan. It is a known fact that most rice farmers are not being paid for last crop paddy despite the fact they suffered a loss. Presently they are unable to plant this crop because the weather condition is not suitable since the rain is not falling. As I write the Island is surrounded by salt water which is having a telling effect in the agriculture sector. Hardship for the farmers is prevailing…
Read MoreConsultation on Coroners and Law Reform Commission Bills
Dear Editor, The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday participated in consultations at the Attorney General’s Chambers on the Coroners (Amendment) Bill and the Law Reform Commission Bill. Participants included Christopher Ram, representing the Guyana Bar Association, among others. Discussions were centred primarily on the provisions for appointment of Commissioners and an agreement was reached with the Attorney General on how these persons would be appointed. The PSC, being wholly cognisant of the many obsolete laws which remain in the Laws of Guyana and the need for careful culling of…
Read MorePoints to consider when granting amnesty to prisoners
Dear Editor, I have noted with great interest that His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger has granted dozens of youngsters and women, amnesty for various reasons. I have also noted that the Food For The Poor entity for over a decade now, has been coming forward to pay fines for persons incarcerated for minor criminal offences, and are unable to pay their fines. Both initiatives are laudable, and compliments should be heaped on our President, and the Food For The Poor entity. However, I do not think the amnesty should…
Read MorePU/NICIL has been good for people and country
Dear Editor, I write to make the case that PU/NICIL has been good for people and country. I would be failing in my duty if I were not to. I put myself on record also, that I have known and worked closely with CEO Winston Brassington and DCEO Marcia Nadir-Sharma, weekly and often daily throughout the years and have found them to be knowledgeable, able, diligent, hardworking and earnestly committed to advancing people and country. It is said that every person is liable to some moment(s) of failure; nonetheless I…
Read MoreSetting the record straight
Dear Editor, Commissioner Benn in his response to my last letter signalled that he will not engage in last lick. Indeed, he cannot enjoy the last lick since he has now descended to crass misrepresentation, in an attempt to further his cause. The truth must prevail. His entire last letter is unworthy, since it makes him incredible. GECOM minutes of the 461st meeting states: “The Commissioner said that he further found it strange that both Commissioners Benn and Shadick, who were on the PPP/C’s Candidate list at the 2015 General…
Read MoreThere is need for drastic changes within the security services if crime is to be reduced
Dear Editor, The security services – Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Prisons – have all joined in providing information from these agencies that are misleading and, in many cases, outright fictitious. Firstly, the APNU/AFC Government security measures implemented so far have not put a real dent on the serious crimes committed on innocent Guyanese. Many of these crimes are committed by active members of the Army, Police and Prison Services. These agencies in the eyes of the general public have been lenient with these lawbreaking security men…
Read MoreCorporal punishment should be banned
Dear Editor, I refer to Mr Malcolm Alves’s letter: “The debate on corporal punishment” in which he defends its use and this prompts my letter. I fully support a ban and respectfully disagree with Mr Alves. Firstly, Mr Alves pointed out that 19 States in the United States of America are currently using corporal punishment and these includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. It is to be remembered that 31 States, mostly affluent…
Read MoreWest Indies should recall Chanderpaul
Dear Editor, West Indies, on tour in Australia for a three-test series, is without its most prolific run scorer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been left out of the team because of underperformance. Yet, almost all the others on tour have performed worse than Chanderpaul in recent matches. The team lost its two warm-up games performing badly and the test performance is not expected to be any better. If Chanderpaul were with the team, he would have strengthened the middle order and be a psychological boost to the youngsters to stand…
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