Guyana Observer News

By Freddie Kissoon

Stella Ramsaroop who used to write a frequent column in this paper dropped off the radar a few years ago because of serious illness, as she explained. But Stella is back already. Her Wednesday piece was lovely, touching and engaging. Titled; “I can see clearly now: The case of the former First Lady,” it takes a feminist and sympathetic look at the cries of alleged mistreatment of the Former First Lady by her common-law husband, President Jagdeo. The term common-law is totally acceptable as a description because Ms. Varshnie Singh and Mr. Jagdeo were not legally married. The lawyers advised me to use the word, “alleged.”

 By Dr. David Hinds

It pains me to write this statement since it announces a parting of political company with persons who I love and respect. But there is a time when principle and honor must take precedence. Buxton gave me my first breath and nurtured my sense of duty and pride. So I owe it the staunchest defense in the face of the recent political charade that is presented as “outreach,” “healing,” “change” and “reaching out.” I do not control anybody in Buxton or claim leadership status, but given my history of activism in the village and nationally, some Buxtonions look to me for political example. Everyone has a right to choose their political friends and allies but to do so in the name of a community without its approval is an unforgivable act that deserves the strongest and widest condemnation.

Armed bandits stormed the Eccles Industrial Site early yesterday morning and after disarming and tying up security guards, broke into a business and escaped with computer monitors and cell phones. Up to press time last evening the six men, two of whom were armed with guns were still at large. Police said last evening that an investigation has been launched into the armed robbery which occurred at Telcoms Solutions Guy Inc, East Bank Demerara, during which two guards attached to a private security service were robbed of two 12-gauge shotguns and twenty matching cartridges.

Law enforcement agents will be among those undergoing polygraph tests this year, as the government continues with its “integrity testing” campaign, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said yesterday. At his post-Cabinet press briefing at Office of the President, Luncheon said that the focus will continue to be conducting polygraph tests on “identified members” within state entities, divisions and units.  He said that particular attention would be on law enforcement agencies. Luncheon said too that the “retesting of those previously tested will constitute the vast majority of the activities being concluded in the 2010 visit.”

- GLU’s Duncan

“The problem with the City Council is Hamilton Green,” said General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan even as he commented on recent municipal talks about a need to cut the wage bill – a move which may entail massive restructuring. The GLU represents about 75 percent of municipal staffers. According to Duncan, “the union’s position is clear. We have nothing against restructuring…Our problem is that restructuring cannot be a piecemeal thing, there needs to be total restructuring from the top to the bottom.” “If you are going to restructure you have to start from the top. People have a tendency of cutting at the bottom, but when you cut at the bottom the whole house will fall down because there is no foundation.

 By Eric Phillips

I was deeply amused by Sheila Holder’s statement about ACDA in the recent SN Sunday article, “Opposition admits voters disenchanted”. er statement about ACDA calling for a Government of National Unity and constitutional reform before any new elections was reported to be: “I don’t understand how intelligent people make such an unintelligent call,” she said. “How are you going to get a government that clearly demonstrated it has no interest in sharing power to share power while it is in power? It is an absurdity! And it exposes the laziness of those people to get off their posterior ends and to educate the people.”

Journalist, Gordon Mosley is scheduled to be on "Straight Up" this evening from 8pm. Mosely is a senior reporter for "Capital News" and also President of the Guyana Press Association. Mr. Mosley was banned from entering Office of the President after he reported something to the deslike of President "King Kong" Jagdeo. Listen this evening as Benschop ask tough questions concerning press freedom in Guyana and the real reason why he (Mosley) was banned from OP. (go to benschopradio.com then press your Media Player to listen to the live interview) Tune in from 7pm to 7:30pm for George Corriea and his "Pure Facts" and from 7:30 to 8pm for Keith Williams with "Truth to Power."