Guyana Observer News

Alliance for Change Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, has lashed out persons speaking to the competency of the legal team that petitioned the High Court for the Region 10 Parliamentary seat. Ramjattan pointed out that in no way was the loss a result of the inability of the team of lawyers but rather, “it had everything to do with devious machinations in the High Court’s administrative system primarily within the Marshal Section…from hindsight, I am now aware why this Marshal was giving us the royal runaround…that is in signing up the Affidavit of Service. He was obviously gotten.” Ramjattan said that the Affidavit of Service was filed late but it was not the fault of the AFC nor its lawyers, in that it had to be filed by the Marshal who served the documents on GECOM and the various interested parties.

Police were up to late yesterday still to arrest the Mahaica Pastor under investigation for allegedly sexually abusing his 17-year-old stepdaughter. The man had told Kaieteur News that he would have gone in to the police with his attorney but has still not done so. A source close to the Pastor said that he has been advised not to visit the police out of concern that he would be detained over the long weekend. However, the source assured that he will turn himself in this week. In Saturday’s edition, Kaieteur News had mistakenly identified the accused as a member of the Unity Church.
This newspaper regrets the error.

Dear Editor,

Unless otherwise stated, a newspapers’ editorial reflects the thinking of the owner(s). Reference is made to the February 7, 2010 Kaieteur News’ Editorial, “Prospects of Bauxite” which depicts a position that is untenable in a society grappling with issues of failing democracy, rising dictatorial practices and everyday infringement on the rule of law, good governance, fundamental human rights and dignity. The role of the media in liberation struggles and struggles for equality and justice is well documented. Kaieteur News having earned a favoured position among the readership of this nation should at least upkeep its role as watchdog of the nation unless it is serving as an oppressive arm of an authoritarian regime.

Today Sunday, Mark Benschop took to the streets to introduce his newly formed party, "The Independent Party" to the people. He visited the La Penitence Market this morning to inform the vendors and shoppers about his run for the mayor's seat and why they should vote for him. Mr. Benschop also visited Agricola, Albouystown and other areas around the city. Persons wishing to become a member or to donate to the Benschop for mayor campaign, please contact our campaign office at 313 East Street or call us on telephone number 227-8113 or Mr. Benschop directly on 644-2635 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 By Freddie Kissoon

I have extremely liberal views, so extensive that I can easily be classified as an unrealistic person. But I take my values seriously. I believe in these conceptualizations sincerely and I cling to them tenaciously. They are not unchanging (in life never say never) but at the moment, that is how I have philosophized on life, on nature, on the world. There is one exception. That exception is the reason for this essay. I chose to leave it for the last. If you disagree with me, I accept your opinion but in the most honest way, I don’t think you can change my mind, because my reason for this particular position I have taken from the philosophy texts. And I prefer to be guided by that source. Growing up in a house of poverty with six other siblings not knowing where the next meal would come from was bound to have a lasting impression on one’s life. My father worked all day in the tropical sun as a groundsman preparing cricket pitches for St. Stanislaus College and GCC.

The Princess Hotel yesterday created history when it opened its doors to a casino – the first of its kind in the country. The casino, which cost over US$2 million, is the 30th such facility constructed internationally by the Princess Group and reflects the full Las Vegas style. The facility has 300 slot machines and 11 gaming tables (2 roulette tables, 7 card games – blackjack and poker and 2 Texas Holdem). At a press conference yesterday to launch the facility, Director of Operations for Princess Casinos in the Americas Oguz Tayanc emphasised that the establishment would be run within the confines of the law, permitting only guests of the hotel and foreigners to use it.

 By Adam Harris

The past few days were mindboggling. I had to sit and hear about a man who seems to have a hearty sex appetite and who wants help to curb it. He wants this help so bad that he is going to therapy. Well he is either a lucky son of a gun or a stupid man. I know many men who would like to be in his position because it would seem that sex drives the world and the more sex an individual gets the better the world would be driven. Sex is the thing that sells certain products. I have seen the advertisements about men developing fantastic bodies just to attract women and men would only attract women for one reason. If it is that they want a maid then they would simply place an advertisement in the newspapers. The calypsonians and the Soca singers of today all promote sex. Immediately the Gryner calypso about the key being too big for the lock; and Sparrow’s May May or The Mighty Duke’s Whoop Whap Man come to mind. And I cannot forget Calypso Rose’s Fire in She Wire or even Gypsy’s For Cane.

…Top Cop fails to comply with High Court order

Yesterday, lawyers for Barry Dataram discontinued their motion in the High Court before Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and the man was released mere hours before the court hearing. Dataram was released on $100,000 station bail from the Diamond Police Station lock-ups. Meanwhile, the habeas corpus hearing that was scheduled for noon yesterday for the Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene to show cause why the police should keep Dataram was not continued with. During the court hearing only Dataram and his two lawyers, Vic Puran and Glen Hanoman, were present in the courtroom. Neither the Commissioner of Police nor a representative of the Guyana Police Force was present. This was pointed out to the court by Mr. Hanoman who went on to tell the court that the actions of the Commissioner of Police were contemptuous.