Osborne & Associates News Network

03/07/2023

RESIDENTS FEAR FOR SAFETY AS POLICE REPORTEDLY FAIL TO ARREST MAN ACCUSED OF MAKING THREATS

Sand Hill Oko Back Dam, Mining District 4 - In a concerning turn of events, residents of a local community are expressing their fear for their safety following an alleged incident involving a man named Mr. Avinash. According to some residents, a police report was filed last night at approximately 21:30 hrs, accusing Mr. Avinash of making death threats while in possession of an illegal shotgun. It is claimed that he also discharged shots in the area.

The residents have alleged that although the police responded to the report, Mr. Avinash was not arrested. Instead, law enforcement officers reportedly confiscated the shotgun from his possession. What has caused further alarm among the community members is the alleged negotiation between Mr. Avinash and the police, wherein he agreed to pay them 3 ounces of gold after a wash-down, scheduled for tomorrow.

This turn of events has left residents concerned that Mr. Avinash may follow through on his threats, given that he was not taken into custody by the authorities. *The community is now questioning the actions of the police and calling for an investigation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) headquarters to determine if standard operating procedures were breached in handling this incident.*

Adding to the growing unease among the residents, it is alleged that a security guard by the name of Muslim, associated with Baksh Diamond Enterprise Security Service, has been supporting and empowering Mr. Avinash. The land on which Mr. Avinash allegedly works is reportedly part of an ongoing dispute between Baksh Diamond Enterprise and another party.

The residents are pleading with the GPF headquarters to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding this incident and address their concerns promptly. They hope that a thorough investigation will shed light on the actions of the police and bring about a resolution that prioritizes their safety.

Local authorities have yet to respond to these allegations, leaving the residents anxiously awaiting an official statement. As tensions rise in Sand Hill Oko Back Dam, the community hopes for a swift resolution to this alarming situation, ensuring the safety and security of all its residents.

Attached is an image of Mr. Avinash.

01/07/2023

GUYANA POLICE FORCE COMMENCES 184th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH TRADITIONAL DRUM HEAD CHURCH SERVICE

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) kicked off the festivities for its 184th anniversary with a remarkable and time-honored event known as the Drum Head Church Service. Held at the Police Officers' Mess Annexe, located in the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, this morning's service marked the beginning of a month-long series of activities commemorating the establishment of the Police Force on July 1, 1839.

The well-executed ceremony unfolded in two phases: the Piling of the Drums and the Church Service. Opening prayers were led by Woman Superintendent Leslyn Smith (Christian), Superintendent Bharat Persaud (Hindu), and Sergeant #21330 George (Muslim). This inclusive multi-religious service provided a meaningful opportunity for Guyanese from all faiths to come together in unity, aligning with the 'One Guyana' initiative championed by the Commander-in-Chief and Guyana's Head of State.

Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag) Calvin Brutus took the stage to provide insights into the significance of the Drum Head Service. He explained that the precise arrangement of the drums symbolizes the quest for divine blessings and protection before entering combat. This custom originated from the practicality of maneuvering on battlefields and the infeasibility of accessing traditional places of worship.

The Drum Head Service featured the positioning of seven drums: five white side drums, one Tenor drum, and one bass drum. Each rank was assigned to a specific drum, marching in quick time while carrying the drums close to their bodies, resting on their left side hip. The coordinated drill of piling the drums exemplified strength, unity, and precision, leaving spectators in awe.

Constable 25974 Ragnauth (side drum), Woman Lance Corporal 22199 Grimes (side drum), Constable 26143 Manoo (side drum), Constable 23148 Johnson (side drum), Constable 26100 Sardinha (bass drum), Constable 23974 Downer (tenor drum), and Constable 24926 Morris (side drum) skillfully piled the drums during this morning's event.

As a paramilitary organization, the GPF adopted this longstanding tradition along with various others. The regimental banners were substituted with the National Flag and the Police Flag, respectively. The color party included Assistant Superintendent Singh (National colors) and Assistant Superintendent Cort (Police colors), both adorned with sashes representing the Force. The es**rt to the color party comprised Sergeant #21118 Gillis and Inspector Morris #21115 Doliveria.

The Church Service commenced with an engaging sermon delivered by Force Chaplain Reverend Patrick Doolichand. He encouraged the Police Force's leadership to collaborate and build upon the legacy of their predecessors, emphasizing the sacred duty of serving the people. Reverend Doolichand invoked the wisdom of thinkers and philosophers like Machiavelli and Aristotle, highlighting the importance of teamwork and partnership for success through real-world examples.

Pandit Seeram Madray stressed the significance of maintaining a close connection with God, regardless of one's current situation or status in life. He expressed gratitude to the Top Cop, Mr. Clifton Hicken, for fostering a friendly and approachable environment within the Guyana Police Force. Echoing these sentiments, Iman Warren Barlow acknowledged the positive direction and evident changes within the GPF, noting their visibility across the country.

To captivate the audience, the GPF Military Band, MS, and the GPF Steel Pan performed musical renditions throughout the Drum Head Service. Among the songs played were the renowned gospel hymn "My Tribute To God Be The Glory" and the lively tune

"Krishna" performed by the Police Steel Band.

The Police Choir led the gathering through a worship session, featuring popular gospel songs such as "Lift Jesus Higher," "What Shall I Render to Jehovah," "How Great Is Our God," and "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow." The Church Service also included scripture readings from Ecclesiastes Chapter 4, verses 9-12, and Colossians Chapter 4, Verses 6-10, which were beautifully presented by Rebecca Abai from the School of Nations and Rachel Persaud from Kingston Secondary School.

Reverend Doolichand concluded the Church Service with a doxology and benediction. The event culminated with the recitation of the National Anthem and the ceremonial un-piling of the drums.

Distinguished guests in attendance at this morning's ceremony included Prime Minister Brigadier (R'td) Mark Phillips (performing the duties of President of Guyana), Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn, Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Omar Khan, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, Head of CANU James Singh, Head of the Police Service Commission Bishop Patrick Findlay, Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag) Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner 'Operations' (ag) Ravindradat Budhram, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Head Special Branch Assistant Commissioner Errol Watts, Head SOCU Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, retired Chief of Staff Norman McLean, retired Commissioners of Police Seelall Persaud and Nigel Hoppie, along with Divisional Commanders, Heads of Departments, and numerous senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force.

01/07/2023

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO ALLEGED R**E INCIDENT IN UPPER CUYUNI RIVER

Guyana Police Force is currently conducting a thorough investigation into a reported case of alleged r**e involving a 20-year-old woman from the Upper Cuyuni River area. The incident is said to have taken place on June 30th, 2023, and the suspect hails from Bartica.

According to the victim, she was acquainted with the suspect, and on the aforementioned date, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the suspect invited her to Sixth Avenue Beach in Bartica. They consumed alcohol together, but their outing was interrupted by a sudden rain shower. Seeking shelter, they took refuge in the suspect's car. It was during this time that the victim alleges the suspect forcefully removed her clothing without her consent and engaged in non-consensual sexual in*******se, lasting for approximately four minutes.

After the assault, the suspect drove the victim back to her residence. She confided in a friend about the traumatic incident, who promptly encouraged her to report the crime to the police.

Law enforcement officials are actively searching for the suspect in order to facilitate their ongoing investigation into the matter.

04/07/2022

TWO TEENS ROBBED AT NISMES, SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Police are investigating a robbery committed on an 18 year-old Porter of Patientia, West Bank Demerara to wit one Silver chain valued $7,000 (GC), and one Samsung Galaxy A10 cell phone valued $40,000; and an 18-year-old female student of Patentia H/scheme, WBD to wit one Samsung Galaxy J7 valued at $40,000, one pink purse valued $2,500 and an undisclosed sum of Guyana Currency.

The robbery occurred on the Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara on 2022-07-02 at about 22:30 hours by two identifiable males.

Enquiry disclosed that on the date and time mentioned above, the victims were standing on the western side of the Nismes Public Road with the above mentioned articles in their possession when two identifiable males approached them on a motorcycle, grabbed onto their clothes, took away the above mentioned articles and made good their escape on the motorcycle, heading in a northern direction along the said Public Road.

A report was made and two male suspects were apprehended at the western side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

They were found with 7 different kinds of cellphones and one silver chain which they do not own, in their possession. They were both told of the offence committed, cautioned and one of the suspects admitted to committing the offence.

The other suspect denied having any involvement after which they were es**rted to Parfaite Harmony Police Station where they were placed in custody.

04/07/2022

FATAL ACCIDENT AT SILVER HILL

Police are investigating a fatal accident on the Soesdyke Linden Highway in the vicinity of Silver Hill, involving a motor lorry GNN 1385 (with trailer TJJ3014) driven by Threon Dash, a 27-year-old of 120 Anna Catherina, WCD; and pedestrian Steven Dhanbeer, a 28-year-old of LaBonne Intention (LBI), ECD.

Enquiries disclosed that the motor lorry with trailer was proceeding north along the western side of the said road where the front portion collided with the pedestrian who ran across the road from west to east.

As a result of the collision, he fell unto the road surface and sustained injuries about his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

04/07/2022

ALLEGED UNLAWFUL WOUNDING

Police are investigating a report of an Alleged Unlawful Wounding committed on Colin Cumberbatch, a 28 year-old bus conductor of North Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, and Sherwin Ariwa, a 56 year-old vendor of 'C' Field Sophia Squatting Area.

The incident occurred today (2022/07/03), about 11:00 hours, at Longden Street in the vicinity of the Timehri minibus park.

The scene was visited by a party of policemen. Enquiries revealed that Colin and Sherwin had a misunderstanding due to 'changing money'. According to Sherwin, he went to the bus to change Five Thousand Dollars Guyana Currency (Gy$5,000) when Colin approached him and told him to move from near the bus. They had an argument which escalated into a scuffle where Sherwin armed himself with a beer bottle and dealt one lash to Colin's right-side forehead and Colin dealt Sherwin two stabs, one to his left side abdomen and the other to his left hand.

The scuffle at the #42 minibus park was reported to a police rank who was stationed at the nearby Stabroek Police Outpost at the time. The rank left and went to the scene where he observed that Colin was armed with a scissors and Sherwin was armed with a beer bottle.

The rank warned both parties to desist from such behaviour. As a result Sherwin dropped the beer bottle but Colin continued to argue and say that he is going to kill Sherwin. Colin went to a nearby shop and picked up a cutlass and rushed towards Sherwin saying that he is going to kill him.

As a result, the Police rank pulled out his service weapon and discharged one round in the air but Colin did not stop running towards Sherwin with the cutlass in his hand.

A second round was discharged which hit Colin in his left foot, preventing him from continuing his manacing advance towards Sherwin. As a result, he stopped and sat down on the road. The ambulance service at Central Fire Station was summoned where both parties were es**rted to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an ambulance to seek medical attention.

30/06/2022

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING DEATH OF DONALES PARK, A CANJE WOMAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND WRAPPED IN PLASTIC AT CORENTYNE

According to the Guyana Police Force, Detectives in Regional Division #6 are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 29-year-old Donalesa Park of No. 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice who's body was found at about 07:00hrs this morning at Courtland Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to the Donalesa's sister, she last saw her sibling alive on June 29, 2022 at about 08:00hrs at the aforementioned address where they both reside. The deceased woman reportedly told her sister that she was going to braid someone's hair at Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice.

About 06:00hrs this morning (June 30, 2022), the sister called the individual whose hair Donalesa told her she was going to braid but the individual told her that Donalesa never showed up and explained that the woman called and told her she had to go to Corentyne.

Subsequently, at about 07:00hrs, Donalesa Park's body was found wrapped in plastic on the Courtland Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The scene and surrounding area was processed and photographed by crime scene ranks.

The body of the deceased is presently at Ramoo's Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem examination.

Police investigations into the death of the 29-year-old woman are ongoing.

17/06/2022

POLICE FORCE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CONTINUE COLLABORATION

As the Guyana Police Force continues its collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education to tackle violence in schools throughout Guyana, ranks of Regional Division 4'C' on Thursday, June 16 visited several schools on the East Coast of Demerara where they spoke with the students and conducted random searches.

The exercise was done with the assistance of teachers and the schools' Welfare Unit.

The schools visited yesterday were Lancaster Secondary, Bladen Hall Multilateral Secondary, Buxton Practical Instructional Center, Annandale Secondary, Buxton Secondary, Plaisance Secondary, Beterverwagting Secondary, La Bonne Intention Secondary, Ann's Grove Secondary, St. Cuthbert's Mission Secondary,
Hope Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary and President's College.

The ranks carried out searches on several bags of the students in the presence of teachers and Welfare Officers of the schools, during which a number of scissors, screw drivers, a toy gun, and knives were found and confiscated by the ranks.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, the team of police ranks spoke with the students on several topics such as violence and crime committed at schools, gang fighting, and taking offensive weapons to school.

The team, before departing, also advised the students about the negative impact that such actions and behaviour may have on their lives.

17/06/2022

CORENTYNE MAN CHARGED FOR RA**NG UNDER-AGED GIRL
-- victim succumbed after injesting poison

30-year-old Ameer Inshanally, a hire car driver of Sand Reef Albion, Corentyne, Berbice was on Wednesday June 15, 2022 charged by police with R**e of a Child under Sixteen.

Inshanally appeared at the Reliance Magistrate's Court in Berbice before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh.

The accused was not required to plea to the indictable charge and was further remanded to prison.

Ameer Inshanally is accused of committing the act on the 14-year-old school girl on June 6, 2022, at Albion, Corentyne, Berbice.

Unfortunately, the victim who ingested a poisonous substance shortly after the ordeal on June 6, 2022, succumbed at around 21:15 hrs last night (Wednesday, June 15, 2022) at the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was hospitalised.

Her body is presently at the Ramoo's Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

04/06/2022

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING ANOTHER FAKE KIDNAPPING

Keshan Bhola, a 30-year-old taxi driver of Section 'C' Block 'Y' Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, went to the Madewini Police Station at about 07:00 hrs on 2022-06-03 where he reported that he was abducted and robbed of his motor car ( 2794) by two males and a female on 2022--05-29.

However, during an interview conducted by investigators, Bhola recanted his false report to the police. In fact, he claimed that he went to a 'gamble shop' in Grove with his motor car 2794 where he used co***ne, and drank beers then fell asleep with the sensor (key) on his pants waist.

When he finally woke up, he realized that the sensor (key) for his car was missing, as well as his vehicle.

Bhola said he asked around and was told that the shop owner and another male, who is known to him by being in the said 'drug yard', to be the two that removed the car sensor (key) and vehicle.

Further investigation was conducted on 2022-06-03 and Bhola related that he is a habitual co***ne user and would visit the 'drugs yard' often which is located at Grove, EBD.

On Sunday 29, May 2022 at about 22:00 hours, Bhola said he went to the drugs yard and used co***ne which led him to conspire with a 45-year-old vendor of Grove.

Contact was made with the vendor, who was arrested and interviewed by investigators at CID Headquarters, and it was revealed that he (vendor) sold the car to a named individual who is currently being pursued by the police.

This individual has not been located as yet but police are said to be closing in on him.

Investigations are ongoing.

26/05/2022

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD TIMOTHY KIPPINS, SIX-YEAR-OLD TRISTON KIPPINS, AND ONE-YEAR-OLD ZHALIA FLUE PERISHED IN FIRE AT MOCHA

The Guyana Fire Service is reporting that they received a call at 1:25 hours and was alerted to a fire at 10 Field Barnwell Mocha, East Bank Demerara.

Water Tenders #95 from the Diamond Fire Station and #107 from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the location.

The first water tender arrived on the scene at 1:42 hours but was unable to access the home, which was already entirely engulfed by the fire, due to the deplorable state of the dam.

The structure involved was a one-storey wooden building, which was owned and occupied by Tracy Flue and her family of three.

As a result of the fire the building was destroyed and eight-year-old Timothy Kippins, six-year-old Triston Kippins, and one-year-old Zhalia Flue perished.

Investigations revealed that the fire was electrical in nature.

The Guyana Fire Service would like to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the children and continues its plea for citizens to take the necessary precautions to avoid fire emergencies.

Citizens are advised to not leave children unattended or at home without adult supervision.

Do not leave cooking unattended and ensure stoves are properly turned off when not in use.

Keep children away from the cooking area and ensure matches and lighters are out of reach of children.

Make use of fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

HAPPENING NOW: President Dr. Irfaan Ali meeting with the mother and other relatives of the children who perished in the fire at Mocha, East Bank Demerara last night. The President is meeting with the grieving mother at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

20/05/2022

https://fb.watch/d7KpihBJfr/

20/05/2022

20/05/2022

IPED RECORDS $512M INCREASE IN ASSET VALUE FOR 2021

4,060 Loans processed for the financial year

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2021: The Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) Tuesday last announced at its Annual General Meeting, held at the Institute’s headquarters in Georgetown, that it has seen an increase of 12% in asset value when compared to the previous year. IPED’s assets at the end of 2021, were valued at $4,808M, an increase of $512M or $4,296M as of December 31, 2020.

Assets recorded as of December 31, 2021, have been financed by accumulated surplus of $3,808M and liabilities of $998M. This is in comparison to 2020’s accumulated surplus of $3,496M and $800M liabilities.

In the just released Annual Report, IPED’s Chairman of the Board, Komal Samaroo, “I am happy to report that IPED stands financially healthy and stable as of December 31, 2021. We are optimistic about IPED’s future as it pursues the fulfilment of its many objectives, which include building partnerships with organisations that provide complementary support services to micro and small businesses entrepreneurs to enhance their production potential, and capacity to meet their market demands.”

IPED remained resolute in providing services to its new and existing Clients. In 2021 IPED processed 4,060 for a total value of $3,224M compared to 3,566 for a total value of $2,921M in 2020.

Three-hundred and twenty-fuve (325) loans for a total value of $402M have been refinanced, granting entrepreneurs the opportunity of furthering their respective enterprises which IPED determined to be worthy investments.

Loans were granted to 2005 small scale farmers, this accounted to 49% of loans granted for 2021. This shows IPED’s major role in supporting small scale farmers.

As at December 31, 2021, IPED services 4,122 small and micro enterprises with a gross loans receivable of $3,688M. Non-performing loans as of December 31, 2021 were $310M or 8% compared to 2020’s $368M or 10.8%.

Cash resources and financial investments at the end of 2021 totalled $530M compared to $510M in 2020. IPED was able to cover all operating and loan impairment costs for 2021.

IPED’s total operating income for 2021 was $717M compared to $594M in 2020, an increase of $123M or 21%. Total operating cost before loan impairment for 2021 was $550M compared to $515M in 2020, an increase of $35M or 7%. Loan impairment cost for 2021 was $14M compared to $56M in 2020.

IPED was able to cover all its operating cost and loan impairment cost for 2021 and 2020 to generate a surplus of $153M and $24M respectively. After remeasurement of its employees’ pension plans, net total comprehensive income for 2021 was $314M compared to $72M in 2020.

Samaroo added, “IPED’s success in achieving its mission to provide financial and advisory services to small and micro business entrepreneurs enabling them to build sustainable enterprises, remains a true testament to its indelible contribution to reducing poverty and expanding Guyana’s economy.”

Several awards were handed out for outstanding performances by business for the year these are; Best Medium Enterprises, Haimlall Persaud; Best Youth Enterprise, Munesh Persaud; Best Small Enterprise Project, Hardat Pearce; Best Micro Enterprise Project, Cecelia Peters; Best Woman in Entrepreneur, Naveta Ramkripal; and Best Agricultural Project, Jagdesh Sookhoo.

20/05/2022

BRAZILIAN NATIONAL ROBBED ON EWING AVENUE, BEL AIR

Police are investigating an alleged Robbery Under Arms that occurred in the vicinity of Eping Ave, Bel Air Park, which occurred at around 19:40hrs on Thursday, May 19, 2022, by four identifiable Males of African Descent on two motorcycles.

The victim is Francesco Alves De Arujo Junior, a 28-year-old Business Administrator who is a Brazilian national and is currently staying at Roraima Inn located at Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park Georgetown, to wit:

• Three thousand dollars ($3,000) cash Guyana currency

Investigation revealed that the victim arrived in Guyana through port Lethem on Tuesday May 17, 2022.

On the date and time mentioned, the victim was heading east on Eping Avenue after purchasing a meal from the nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and while in the vicinity of Roraima Inn, he was confronted by the perpetrators who came from the eastern direction on two motorcycles.

The two pillion riders immediately dismounted the motorcycles. One was armed with a knife which he placed to the victim’s neck and relieved the victim of the cash mentioned, after which they made good their escape heading west on the said motorcycles.

The matter was reported to the police on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at about 21:45hrs and the scene was visited by a party of police.

CCTV cameras were seen and viewed by investigators.

Meanwhile, the victim subsequently visited the Alberttown Police Station to make a report where he saw and pointed out a 15-year-old of South Sophia who was in custody at the said station (pending investigation into another matter where he and a 17-year-old on motorcycle shot at police ranks on patrol on Oronoque Street, Queenstown at around 20:45 hrs on Thursday night.)

Investigation in progress.

20/05/2022

TEENAGERS ON MOTORCYCLE ARRESTED WITH SUSPECTED AIR-GUN

Three Police ranks attached to the Alberttown Police Station who were on patrol duties in Georgetown on Thursday May 19, 2022, were shot at by a teenager on a motorcycle.

Th ranks were on motorcycle patrol duty about 20:45 hours, on Oronoque Street, Queenstown Georgetown, when they observed four suspicious looking males -- (two on a red motorcycle) and (two on a black motorcycle) -- heading in the same direction on the said street.

Upon seeing the ranks, the four males immediately turned around and began proceeding south on Oronoque Street. The ranks gave chase, during which the pillion rider on the red motorcycle pointed an object in the direction of the ranks after which a loud explosion, suspected to be a gunshot was heard. One of the ranks who was armed with a 9mm pistol immediately discharged a single round in their direction.

The ranks managed to apprehend the two males on the black motorcycle -- a 17 year-old from Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown and a 15 year-old of South Sophia.

A search was subsequently conducted on the suspects and a suspected air-gun was found on the 17 year-old.

A wound, suspected to be a gunshot, was also seen on the 17 year-old teen's right lower foot. He was es**rted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to seek medical attention.

The 15 year-old lad is presently in custody assisting with investigations.

20/05/2022

“FRESH START ” INITIATIVE OFFERS THREE EX-PRISONERS A NEW BEGINNING

Three ex-prisoners on Friday became the second set of recipients of the government’s “Fresh Start” Initiative, under the auspices of the Guyana Prison Service.

Minister of Home Affairs, Minister Robeson Benn handed over the respective packages to Eduardo Moore, Dharmendra Persaud and Adriane Stewart at a simple presentation ceremony held at the Prison Headquarters boardroom.

Moore was the recipient of a complete kit of welding tools and equipment, Persaud received 100 broilers with all the essential amenities, while Stewart collected a complete sewing kit.

Minister Been during his remarks said the Fresh Start programme, is dedicated to reducing criminal recidivism in the local Prisons’ system, and at the same time helping individuals gain access to resources and to provide the necessary motivation for success when reintegrating into their respective communities.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said that while the “Fresh Start” initiative offers ex-prisoners a new beginning, the gesture was part of the holistic approach to rehabilitation for inmates when they leave the prison system.

“The idea also is to help ex-offenders make a smooth transition back into society. It is believed that recidivism rates are reduced if an offender is able to make a smooth transition, so the programme was designed to address the criminogenic needs of offenders, who upon successful completion of the rehabilitative pathways will be well equipped for their reintegration as law-abiding and productive members of society,” The Prison Head stated.

The trio was considered for the “Fresh Start Toolkit” based on a number of qualifying criteria while in prison, which included participation in training programmes, conduct reviews, family support, and a post-release plan.

The recipients thanked the Ministry and Guyana Prison Service for their support upon their release.

Meanwhile, members of the public are encourage to support this initiative in any form.

20/05/2022

GARBAGE TRUCK INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENT AT SOPHIA

Police are investigating a fatal accident that occurred today (Thursday May 19, 2022 at about 11:30hrs) in a street in 'B' Field, Sophia.

The accident involved a garbage truck (GYY 7351) owned by Puran Brothers and driven at the time by an employee Tulsiedas Surgrim, a 45-year-old of Leonora Pasture, West Coast Demerara - who is employed as a driver of Puran Brothers Trucking and Disposal Services; and pedestrian Yvonne Morrison (deceased), a 65-year-old female resident of 'B' Field, Sophia.

Enquiries disclosed that the pedestrian was proceeding west in front of the garbage truck which was proceeding in the same direction.

It was alleged by the driver that whilst in the process of passing the pedestrian, he sounded the vehicle horn and the pedestrian stopped and allowed the garbage truck to pass.

As the truck proceeded forward, it was further alleged that the pedestrian lost her balance and fell onto the road surface and under the said garbage truck where the left rear wheel 'squeezed' her.

The porters immediately signaled to the driver to stop, which prevented the rear wheel from crushing the pedestrian. As a result, the pedestrian was picked up in a semi-conscious condition by the driver and the porters and was placed into a motor car and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and at 14:30hrs she succumbed while receiving treatment.

The body was then es**rted to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Actions Taken:
(i) Scene visited by the police and statements and measurements were taken.

(ii) A notice of intended prosecution was served.

(iii) The vehicle and scene were photographed, and the vehicle was examined by a Licensing and Certifying officer.

(iv) A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver and he had no trace of alcohol on his breath.

(v) The area was checked for witnesses and one came forward. Also, CCTV footage to be obtained from a nearby resident.

(Vii) The Driver is in custody as further investigations continue.