The Year in Review
Kaieteur News
January 1, 2007
January
Man jumps off Harbour Bridge
Early in January, taxi-driver Quacy Leacock, 27, of Princes Street died after he drove his car off the Demerara Harbour Bridge .
After the car landed on a pontoon, the man jumped from the pontoon and into the swirling waters below.
His body was found two days later.
A teenager, who was with him at the time and refused to jump along, said Leacock and the mother of his child were having problems.
President optimistic of January Budget
It was January too that President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed optimism that the 2006 National Budget would have been presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar, despite constraints like the ongoing floods.
The Head of State said he had hoped for a January Budget and he was looking forward for a budget that would solve the problems of the people and that reflected an upward trend.
Income tax threshold hiked
Former Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar presented a $102.9 billion budget to the National Assembly late January last year representing a 19.1 percent increase from 2005.
The budget predicted a growth in Gross Domestic Product of 4.3 percent and current revenue by 4.4 percent.
The Minister said that the budget contained something for everyone and projected growth in a tax-free and relatively stable macroeconomic environment.
Gov't supports Code of Conduct
Government pledged full support for the code of conduct that was to act as a guide to media practitioners and owners of media houses with regard to coverage of the 2006 general elections.
Fourteen media organisations signed the Code of Conduct at Le Meridien Pegasus on indicating their commitment to responsible coverage for elections, constitutionally due by August this year.
Jamaican Law student drowns
A Jamaican national, 22-year-old Andrew Anderson, drowned at the Splashmin's Fun Park in January while trying to retrieve a football.
A friend of the dead man said it was his birthday and he invited a few friends, including Anderson , to spend the day at Splashmin's.
Lotto Company dismisses sales manager
It was in January too that the Guyana Lottery Company dismissed Sales Manager Mohamed Yasin following the fiasco regarding allegations of racial discrimination.
Yasin was dismissed after the Ethnic Relations Commission advised that no one be dismissed during the investigation.
Waddell killed
Former journalist and controversial talk show host Ronald Waddell was gunned down on January 30 in his car outside his Sea View, Subryanville home.
News of Waddell's death circulated in the media on the morning of January 31 after he was riddled with bullets by gunmen in a dark-coloured car who waylaid him.
No one has as yet been arrested.
February
CARICOM Single Market launched
The formal launching of the CARICOM Single Market took place in Kingston , Jamaica in early February.
The event was broadcast live across the Region via the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) and its affiliate stations.
Barbados , Belize , Guyana , Jamaica , Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago became the first six CARICOM countries to have signed on to the Single Market.
The Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) sought to convert the 15-member CARICOM into a single, enlarged economic entity, a single market.
Foreign embassies condemn Guyana violence
The United States Embassy in Georgetown issued a joint statement on behalf of its Ambassador, the High Commissioners for the United Kingdom and Canada and the Ambassador representing the European Commission, condemning the current climate of violence in Guyana .
The four missions said they joined voices with those who expressed concern at the crime situation in Guyana and condemned all forms of violence in the strongest terms.
Another ‘Leptospirosis outbreak
Eleven persons were confirmed as having succumbed to the deadly water-borne disease leptospirosis from the beginning of the rainy season in November 2005 to January 2006. Another eighty-two persons was treated for the disease.
The 11 cases were confirmed using local rapid screen testing.
Four-year-old kidnapped
It was in February too that four-year-old Tiffany Mackenzie Belfield was abducted from the Kingston Nursery School where she was a student.
The child's father, Sean Belfield, a former policeman, was forced to hand over a ransom after a $5M reward for the recovery of the child was posted.
A woman had reportedly picked up the child from school.
Massive turnout for Mash
On February 23, thousands of Guyanese and their overseas visitors braved the brilliant sun to enjoy Mashramani 2006.
Revelers clad in colourful attire with generous helpings of glitter began tramping behind beautifully decorated floats, gyrating their way to the National Park.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon subsequently said that the scale of the costume and float parade this year was unprecedented and that the event would long be remembered.
March
Interesting items found in Buxton raid
It was in March that more than 100 ranks from the Guyana Police Force swooped down on Buxton in a widespread search of about 47 houses, 37 of which were unoccupied.
Police stumbled on some interesting articles including elections scrutineer identification cards, documents for the Guyana Nationalist Party, camouflage clothing, ammunition pouches, military boots, clothing and electronic equipment.
Teen killed, dumped in trench
The bullet-riddled body of a suspected member of the feared Agricola gang, Devon Cambridge, was discovered in a trench near the eastern section of Hadfield Street leading to D'Urban Backlands in March.
The victim's hands were bound with duct tape and his body bore gunshot wounds to the chest, head and upper arms. The 18-year-old had been shot at least a dozen times and a 9mm warhead was found embedded in his right rib.
Guyana records highest migration
In March, the UNDP reported that Guyana experienced very marginal increases in population growth and had a high level of outward migration, particularly so among skilled Guyanese.
In the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Guyana it was stated that migration further exacerbated the human resource constraints and made it imperative to address the issue of regeneration of the human capital as a matter of highest national priority.
Body of Indian national found at Prashad Nagar
The decomposed body of an Indian national was found in the bottom flat of a two-storey house at Lot 14 Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar.
Police said that the man's apartment had been ransacked and he appeared to have been murdered. He may have been slain three days before his body was found.
Eight killed in Agricola massacre
About 15 heavily armed and masked men slaughtered three MMC security guards, and five others persons during a brutal attack on the Two Brothers Gas Station in March.
The dead included Loris Semple of Buxton, Sheldon Smartt of Sophia, Cedric Dummet of Victoria, Hannah Cameron, David Brummel, Laverne Garraway-Scott and Otis Rudder, all of Agricola, and Cecil Duncan.
The first three are security guards while the others were burnt in their homes or hit by stray bullets as they passed on the roadway.
Ashmin's boss, 10 others in GEA fuel bust
A high-speed river chase ended in the Atlantic Ocean and led to owner of Splashmin's, Lennox John, his brother, and more than a dozen employees being detained.
Officers attached to the Guyana Energy Agency spotted a suspicious deal involving the Sea Trout, a vessel owned by Splashmin's Enterprise .
GEA Head, Joseph O'Lall was alerted but was not allowed access into the compound.
It was later intercepted in a high-speed chase after two speedboats escorted Sea Trout with the Customs and police ranks in tow.
GDF missing 33 high-powered rifles
It was in March too that the Guyana Defence Force and police began investigating the disappearance of weapons from its storage bond at Camp Ayanganna .
A reported 33 assault rifles (AK-47) and five pistols were discovered missing that month and army officials detained six soldiers who were later court marshaled.
A number of the missing weapons were eventually recovered in various circumstances during the year.
GT&T asked to cease cell service
The Public Utilities Commission wrote to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company requesting that the company cease its cellular phone service until a “reasonably adequate” service could be provided.
This move was disclosed by PUC Chairman Justice Prem Persaud who said that the PUC received numerous complaints from users of cellular phones relating to accessing the service in certain parts of the country.
Child killed in McDoom
Gunmen stormed the home of 12-year-old Kevin Brown, killing him and leaving his mother Shondell Brown seriously injured back in March.
Brown's foster father, George Prince, had told media operatives that he was the intended target but had hidden behind a wardrobe to escape the wrath of the men.
Brown was killed by a shotgun blast to his abdomen while his mother was shot thrice in the stomach.
Woman killed for motorcycle
It was that very month, that 28-year-old Samantha Belle was shot and killed in the presence of her two children while she jostled with two gunmen for possession of her motorcycle.
The shooting occurred in front of the St. Sidwell's Primary School where Belle was waiting to give her sister a ride home.
Top cop's telephone bugged
Later in March, the telephone line in the office of former Police Commissioner Winston Felix was bugged by persons who remain anonymous up to this day.
The security breach came to light after a tape recording of a 17-minute conversation between Felix and Attorney Basil Williams surfaced.
During the conversation, Felix and the attorney had allegedly discussed political issues, the unrest in Buxton, the execution of Ronald Waddell, and the massacre in Eccles and Agricola.
Barticians robbed $6M, dumped on deserted island
Four bandits escaped with a speedboat and over $6M in raw gold and cash after terrorising 12 passengers and leaving them stranded on an uninhabited Essequibo island.
The attack occurred near Baboon Hole about nine miles from Parika in late March.
A businessman who was reportedly carrying about $4M in raw gold made up most of the loot. The victims were stranded for about 14 hours until they were rescued by a passing fisherman.
April
Minister Sawh, siblings executed
In early April, gunmen executed Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh, two of his siblings and a guard.
In a well orchestrated attack, the gunmen jumped the fence, shot the guard before entering the house and demanding valuables.
Minister's Sawh, sons and wife escaped after hiding in separate parts of the house.
Police later conducted ballistic tests which revealed that the weapons used in the shooting were linked to the Agricola massacre and the shooting of the 12-year-old Mc Doom resident.
Abducted taxi driver killed
Relatives were still awaiting word from the kidnappers of 22-year-old taxi driver Deonarine Sukhdeo who had demanded a $500,000 ransom when they found his body on the Linden highway.
The search for Deonarine Sukhdeo ended after his body was discovered with several stab wounds to the neck in a clump of bushes near Madewini Creek.
The driver's car was found about two miles away.
GDF cadet officer collapses
A Guyana Defence Force cadet officer collapsed and died while training at Camp Stephenson in early April.
Amar Rajcumar and other students were involved in a physical training session when Rajcumar collapsed after being struck at least three times in the head with a blunt instrument. A Board of Inquiry was launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and two army officials were later charged.
US revokes Crime Chief's visa
Deputy Commissioner and Crime Chief Henry Greene became the second high ranking police official to have his visa revoked by the United States Embassy in Guyana after a decision by the US in April.
The revocation became known when airlines operating out of Guyana got word that they were not to sell US airline tickets to Greene on his A2 visa.
Ex-cop's body found in trench
It was April too that the police began investigating an apparent execution-style killing of a former policeman whose body was fished out of a trench in Garnett Street, Newtown.
The corpse of 26-year-old Clive Budhram, with a bullet wound to the chest, was found in a trench on the northern side of Garnett Street .
Police later ruled out robbery as a motive after they retrieved $20,000 from Budhram's pockets.
Gunman killed in Buxton shootout
A 22-year-old man was shot dead and a policeman wounded during a confrontation between heavily armed police ranks and gunmen in Buxton in April.
Ryan Beckles, called Ryan Sutton or Ryan Lewis, of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, was killed after police cornered him and other gunmen on Pond Dam.
Police said Sutton was wanted for questioning in connection with a number of murders and robberies and that the weapon found on him was used in the Agricola massacre.
Warrants issued for Roger Khan, others
Police issued wanted bulletins for businessman Shaheed Khan, Paul Rodrigues, Ricardo Rodrigues and Gerald Pereira in April.
The four were being sought for questioning as a consequence of the recent raids carried out around the city at prominent business places.
Paul Rodrigues, Ricardo Rodrigues and Pereira were wanted in relation to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, drugs and other illegal items
Wanted men demand apology of Felix
The four men for whom a wanted bulletin was issued called for an apology from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the withdrawal of the bulletin.
The four, Roger Khan, Paul Rodrigues, Gerald Pereira and Ricardo Rodrigues, retained Attorneys-at-law Vic Puran and Glenn Hanoman who wrote to the Commissioner of Police demanding the apology.
The Attorneys said that the police have no power to issue any wanted bulletin and as such they were refusing all invitations to go to any police station
Ogle Security guards killed
Two East Coast Demerara families suffered a crippling blow after receiving word that the bound bodies of two Air Services Limited security guards were found at Ogle Aerodrome in April.
Hemraj Saroop, 60, of Lot 33 Industry, East Coast Demerara and Chandradeo Arjun, 50, of Crown Dam, Industry, were clubbed about the body and strangled by their attackers, who escaped in Arjun's Toyota Carina.
The killers, who apparently had a key to an office, also made off with a computer that controls the flight simulator, another computer which monitors the surveillance cameras and a firearm. One body was found in a washroom while the other was lying in the aircraft hangar. No one has so far been charged with the murders.
May
100 blank passports stolen from Immigration Office
Investigators are still trying to trace the whereabouts of 100 blank passports with serial numbers ranging from 1142301 to 1142400, which disappeared from the office of the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer in May.
Investigators discovered that a hasp and staple and padlock had been sawn off, which facilitated entry into the strong-room where the passports were kept.
Immigration department gets new head
Newly promoted senior superintendent, George Vyphuis, took over as head of the Central Immigration and Passport Office in May.
The move followed the theft of 100 blank passports from the Camp Street department. Vyphuis, who was commander of the Essequibo Division, replaced Assistant Commissioner Paulette Morrison.
Wanted Trinis held in Guyana
Two Trinidadians were among five persons held in a joint services raid on a house in Nandy Park which netted an unlicensed 9mm pistol, laptop computers and hand-held radio sets, and eight cellular phones among other items.
One of the men David Millard, called ‘Buffy', was later flown out of Guyana to face charges in his homeland where he was charged with conspiracy to murder.
Man burns three alive
An elderly woman and her two grand-daughters were burned to death after a ‘channa bomb' was hurled into their home at Parika Backdam, Essequibo .
Victoria Benjamin, 65, her grand-daughters, Devika Bowling, aged three, and one-year-old Anida Bowling were burned alive as they slept on a bed in the one-bedroom house, which has been at the centre of a dispute.
A 29-year-old man, Arsha Ally who was accused of igniting the flames was later charged with murder.
Parliament dissolved
President Bharrat Jagdeo issued a proclamation dissolving Parliament with effect from May 2, after the government used its simple majority to pass the amendment to Article 61 of the Constitution which extends the stipulated time for the formation of a new Parliament to four months instead of three after dissolution.
Due to the decision, the PNCR indicated that they were taking the matter to the High Court and if needs be, to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
CCJ dismisses Guyana 's first case
On May 12, The Caribbean Court of Justice handed down its judgement on May 12 on Guyana's first case to that court since its establishment last year April.
The case involved the legal challenge by a former employee of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Brent Griffith, against his dismissal on September 21, 2000.
Griffith had challenged the Guyana Court of Appeal's ruling which dismissed his appeal.
Three perish while praying in Demerara River
What was supposed to be a routine Hindu ritual ended tragically after three persons perished in the Demerara River in early May.
Fishermen pulled the bodies of Sherry Khemraj, 26, and Nicky Arjune, called ‘Nicky Boy', of Grove, East Bank Demerara, from the river.
However, the body of the third victim, 10-year-old Khrisma Mohan, Arjune's niece, was not recovered until days later.
US Ambassador dubs Khan's outburst ludicrous
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Roland Bullen in late May denied claims by beleaguered businessman Shaheed ‘Roger' Khan that the United States is working with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Main Opposition, People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) to remove the Government-elect from office.
Guyanese usher in 40 th Independence Anniversary
The dawn of Guyana 's 40 th Independence Anniversary was met with loud cheering at the National Park at midnight on May 26 as ranks from the Guyana Defence Force hoisted the Golden Arrowhead.
Thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life thronged the National Park to join in the celebration of yet another milestone for Guyana .
‘Missing' GUYSUCO worker resurfaces
A GUYSUCO worker who mysteriously disappeared late in 2005 merged from hiding and requested his old job back.
Asftaf Alli Majeed was released from police custody after giving police a statement surrounding his disappearance.
Majeed, of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, said that he had left his wife and five children because of domestic problems.
June
Man charged with Berbice schoolgirl murder
And it was in June that police charged a 21-year-old man who allegedly confessed to raping and killing a 16-year-old Berbice schoolgirl Roshni Partabsingh.
Jagnarine Seenarine, called ‘Vicky', of Bath Settlement, Berbice, was remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Chandra Sohan at the Whim Magistrate's Court.
Roger Khan, bodyguards arrested in Suriname
In June too, embattled businessman Shaheed Roger Khan was arrested in Suriname along with his bodyguards, ex-policemen Sean Belfield, Lloyd Roberts, Ricardo Rodrigues and Paul Rodrigues.
Sergeants charged with cadet officer's murder
After almost two months of investigations, two Guyana Defence Force sergeants were charged with killing Cadet Officer Amar Rajcumar, at Camp Stephenson , Timehri, in April.
The two, Christopher Harmon and Kurt Trotman, Cadet Officers in the army, were accused of murdering 21-year-old Rajcumar on April 11, 2006.
PJ Patterson receives Guyana 's highest honour
President Bharrat Jagdeo said Guyana will forever be grateful to former Prime Minister of Jamaica Percival James Patterson for his relentless effort to resolve the Guyana-Suriname border dispute.
The President's comments were made during the investiture ceremony and dinner at State House in recognition of the former Prime Minister.
Wanted ex-soldiers caught
After almost three months on the run, the joint services arrested former army officer Oliver Hinckson and James Gibson, who were wanted for questioning into the missing weapons from Army Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna .
The men were detained during a raid at 115 Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt.
A .38 pistol and 12 matching rounds along with twenty-seven 12 gauge shot gun cartridges were reportedly found in the house.
12-year-old charged with manslaughter
A 12-year-old schoolboy was charged in connection with the death of La Grange Comprehensive College student Rayaaz Eshack who was killed in May.
The young boy was charged with manslaughter and has been released into his parents' custody.
US asks Suriname for Roger Khan
The United States of America made a formal request to the Suriname Government for the extradition of Guyanese businessman Shaheed Roger Khan who is indicted on drug trafficking charges.
Surinamese Justice Minister Chandrikapesad Santokhi confirmed that a formal request for Khan's extradition was made and the government deliberated whether the move would be in the best interest of all involved.
Suriname accuses Khan of planned assassinations
Guyanese businessman Shaheed Roger Khan who was captured in a sting operation in neighbouring Suriname had planned and ordered the assassination of several key government and judicial officials, Suriname Justice Minister Chandrikapesad Santokhi said.
The Justice Minister was one of the targets but would not disclose the names of persons on this assassination list.
Chinese nationals on lost passport charges
Police charged two Chinese nationals, Chen Tain Xing and Chen Bei, in connection with the theft some months ago of 100 blank passports from the Immigration Department.
The men were among five males and a female who were held at a popular Robb Street restaurant. They pleaded guilty to the charges and were each fined $45,000.
The passports were stolen about three months ago from the office of the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer.
PNCR burns PL E outside GECOM
The People's National Congress Reform upped the ante on its demands for house-to-house verification by symbolically burning the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) outside the head office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
Supporters of the party declared the list as flawed and threw several copies of the list into a fiery blaze.
Nothing to hold Roger Khan on here
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, disclosed in June that law enforcement agencies in Guyana did not have enough evidence against Guyanese businessman Roger Khan which would have likely led to a successful conviction.
The findings of the law enforcement in Suriname and the charges made a superior position from a prosecution perspective, he said.
July
Rich youths drug, drug-rape teens in porn videos
Evidence of a thriving porn ring surfaced in early July where a group of wealthy young men were said to be drugging and blackmailing teenage girls into making pornographic videos and then circulating the images on the internet.
The sons of at least three well-known businessmen were identified to be the ringleaders in the blackmail scheme.
Cops seize porn CDs, arrest eight
And police seized several compact discs with pornographic material and detained eight people in the investigations into an alleged drug, sex and blackmail scandal.
Ranks reportedly seized the CDs from vendors who were selling them in the streets and were later charged.
The locally-made pornographic CDs, labelled “Guyanese Girls Gone Wild”, show graphic pictures of young females in various sex acts. The girl later revealed that they were drugged and cajoled with cash.
Child drowns in sewage reservoir
Many people would still remember the vivid images of the five-year-old girl who was pulled from a huge disused sewage reservoir at Tucville, South Georgetown .
Brianna Dover perished after she fell into the waste-filled storage facility, which is operated by the Guyana Water Incorporated.
A lone rescuer braved the stench and filth as he combed the 12-foot deep reservoir for several hours for her body. This was after the pair of sandals she was wearing was found floating in the reservoir. The man was later awarded for his heroic action.
Lovers murdered, bodies burned in Soesdyke house
In July, the charred bodies of 22-year-old Fayon Williams and her lover John Hernandez were found in a gutted two-storey house at Lot 33 Nursery School Road, Soesdyke.
Up to present, police are still hunting for the husband of Williams, Michael Dey, who is suspected to have murdered the sleeping couple before setting the house alight.
PNCR will not boycott 2006 polls
Boycotting the 2006 general and regional elections was not an option of the PNC/R, even though the party continuously reiterating that no elections would have been held in the absence of house-to-house verification.
Moses Nagamootoo resumes status as PPP member
In July too, PPP stalwart Moses Nagamootoo resumed status as a party member in good standing and recommitted his efforts to contributing in any way possible towards advancing the PPP's platform at the upcoming elections.
The PPP's Executive Committee accepted Nagamootoo's explanation that he did not resign from the leadership of the party.
Internet porn suspect claims he was framed
One of the youths accused of being part of a pornography ring has alleged that persons tampered with explicit sex photographs on the Internet to make it appear as if he was a participant.
Police sources said that the youth made the claim a few days ago when he turned up at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary with his lawyer.
President announces Elections Day
President Bharrat Jagdeo officially announced August 28 as the date for the holding of General Elections to elect the Members of Parliament and Members of the ten Regional Democratic Councils in Guyana .
The President made the announcement after he was informed by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission Dr. Steve Surujbally that the Secretariat is in a position to produce the Official List of Electors.
Crime Chief's visa revoked
The US Embassy in Georgetown revoked the visa of newly-appointed Police Commissioner Henry Greene, effectively barring him from entering the United States of America .
The US Embassy had first revoked the diplomatic visa of the former Crime Chief but extended the revocation to include his multiple visa.
Speculation was rife that the revocation had to do with allegations that Greene aided and abetted drug trafficking.
Police Commissioner resigns
Outgoing Police Commissioner Winston Felix said that his tenure as the country's top security officer was relatively free of political interference.
Speaking to hundreds at his farewell parade in July, Felix acknowledged without hesitation that he has largely had the freedom to function as the Chief Commander of the Guyana Police Force.
Suriname authorities expel Roger Khan
In a surprise move, Guyanese businessman Shaheed ‘Roger' Khan was deported to Guyana from Suriname but never made it home after US officials accosted him as he disembarked a flight at Trinidad's Piarco Airport .
Khan was escorted by three heavily armed policemen and put on a flight to Trinidad and Tobago but on arrival at the Piarco Airport , Khan was arrested and subsequently transported to Miami .
Oprah to feature locally-designed furniture
Locally-designed furniture by the Liana Cane Company of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, is to be featured on Oprah Winfrey's “O” List.
Winfrey , America 's influential talk-show host, actress, and producer, became interested in one particular piece that was featured at a trade show held in New York earlier this year, at which the company won the craftsmanship award.
Shadick says porn saga victims seem willing
In July, Minister of Human Services, Bibi Shadick, said that some of the girls who claimed they were drugged and raped by members of a pornographic ring appeared to be willing participants.
The Minister also said she did not believe the alleged victims were fearful for their lives, as they had claimed.
Roger Khan tried bribing his way out of jail
Suriname police said they uncovered a plot to break Shaheed Roger Khan out of the Santo Boma jail where he was held for two weeks before being handed over to US authorities in Trinidad and Tobago .
Reports out of the Dutch-speaking republic stated that the plot was uncovered during inquiries about his alleged involvement in criminal activities in Suriname .
No passport needed for C aricom citizens during CWC
CARICOM nationals travelling between venues for the Cricket World Cup 2007 will not need passports to facilitate their entrance and departure from the host countries.
Barbados Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General, Mia Mottley, made the announcement in July last year, that the nine host countries have agreed that their territories will become a single domestic space from January 15 to May 15, 2007.
PNCR in One Guyana Platform coalition
The PNCR proposed to contest the upcoming elections with a coalition force that called itself the One Guyana Platform.
The One Guyana Platform initially comprised the Working People's Alliance , the National Front Alliance headed by Keith Scott, Vision Guyana headed by Peter Ramsaroop, trade unions and social groupings.
Two die in bicycle feud
A member of the Presidential guard was beaten to death after he allegedly shot dead a teenager from Mahaica in later July.
Troy Andrews, 16, of Chelsea Park, Mahaica was shot in the chest while Constable Chetnarine Kellawan, 26, whose older brother 28-year-old Sudarshan Kellawan was hospitalised, died in the clash.
Kellawan's brother sustained head injuries as a result of the beating after an angry crowd attacked the Presidential guard for shooting Andrews during a row over a bicycle.
Minister Sawh's wife for consular post
The wife of murdered Agriculture Minister of Guyana , Satyadeow Sawh, was identified in July for appointment to the post of Guyana Consulate in Toronto .
Sattie Sawh, who returned to Canada that same month, is now serving as a trade attaché at the Consulate.
She had worked at the Guyana Export Promotion Council after returning to Guyana with her husband in the early 1990s.
August
AFC promises no retreat or surrender
Presidential Candidate of the Alliance for Change, Raphael Trotman pledged to forge ahead onto victory at the August 28 poll.
Trotman said while the party has attracted many supporters locally, there are hundreds abroad ready and willing to help develop Guyana once the right government is in place.
Corbin to consider debate with Jagdeo
Just weeks prior to the August elections, Presidential Candidate of the People's National Congress Reform One Guyana, Robert Corbin was considering the prospects of a challenge to debate President Bharrat Jagdeo on several issues including drugs, mismanagement and discrimination among others.
Corbin had said he will only consider such a move after he has been satisfied that Elections Day safeguards were in place.
Slain deportee recently released from Cayenne prison
Deportee, Leydon Elvis George Deane, called ‘Sheldon Solomon' and ‘Cross Eye', was shot dead during a confrontation with the Joint Services in August at Victoria .
Polcie later disclosed that the dead gunman had been deported from Cayenne , French Guiana in 2005 after serving 12 months of a two-year sentence for possession of firearms.
Army ranks said that Leydon Elvis Deane was armed with a pistol when he hurled a grenade at ranks.
Son, 15, kills father with shotgun
A 42-year-old farmer, Tiwari Gopaul, was gunned down at his home in Yakusari North, Black Bush Polder in August.
His 15-year-old son and the murder weapon were handed over to the police by an uncle. Gopaul's body was discovered by his wife with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left side chest. The woman said she was asleep when she heard the gunshot. However, the teenager claimed that he had shot his father in retaliation for an assault on his mother.
Four decaying bodies found at Grove
The decomposing bodies of four persons, including two children, were discovered in a house at Grove, East Bank Demerara and investigators are still hard at work to determine who carried out the killings.
The bodies of 43-year-old Danmatti Kayman, and 69-year-old caretaker Looknauth were discovered in the upper flat while Kayman's children, two-year-old Melville Kayman and Alicia Kirkpatrick, 10, were found in the incomplete bottom flat of the house.
‘Felix' tapes not spliced
Scientific examinations of two taped conversations purportedly involving Commissioner of Police on leave Winston Felix revealed that the conversations were continuous and unaltered.
The study of the tapes was done by American firm Audio Forensic Center 's San Francisco , California laboratory, through the law offices of John Bergendhal, one of the attorneys for embattled businessman Roger Khan.
Woman killed for not preparing dinner
Police charged a 36-year-old man who allegedly beat his reputed wife to death in August at Moruca , North West District, during a quarrel over dinner.
Glennis Joseph, 22, collapsed in her kitchen after a brutal beating, and died some hours later.
The couple had engaged in a self-help exercise where they consumed a large quantity of alcohol and on their return home, the man began to berate Joseph for not cooking dinner. He punched her, causing her to fall and strike her head against a post in the kitchen.
Five Kaieteur News staffers killed
Five Kaieteur News press employees were killed and other injured after gunmen opened fire at Bagotstown and the Kaieteur News pressroom in Eccles on August 8.
Mark Maikoo, Chetram ‘Boyo' Persaud, Eion Wegman, Richard Stewart and Shazim Mohamed, were killed as a result of the blast.
A guard at the gate to the printery had alerted the workers to the approaching gunmen who marauded their way to the back of their press and carried out the brutal killings. Bagotstown businessman Wosworth Grey also died in the clash.
Dwight Da Silva, Jermaine Charles, Quincy Evans and a lad called ‘Nasty Man' were among those who were charged for the murders.
Prison inmate dies after unrest
Remand prisoner Mark Wilson, who was struck on the head by another inmate during unrest at the Camp Street jail, died in hospital without regaining consciousness.
Wilson, who was on remand on an attempted larceny charge, was struck on the head with an iron bar by another remand prisoner, during a two-day riot at the penitentiary. His assailant, Gregory Padmore, was later charged with the killing.
VCT/WRHM pulls PPP TV ad
Closing in to the date of National Elections, VCT Channel 28 and WRHM Channel 7 refused to air an advertisement titled ‘The Great Pretender.'
The People's Progressive Party/Civic expressed their displeasure at the decision of the two media entities to pull the ads stating that it was a clear breach of the Media Code of Conduct to which the entities have signed.
The advertisement showed PNC/R supporters in post-elections protest action which turned violent to the detriment of the business sector.
Sharma on indecent assault charge
Presidential candidate of the Justice for All party Chandra Narine Sharma pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecently assaulting a minor in the run up to the National Elections.
The popular television station owner appeared before Magistrate Rekha Persaud at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Court on allegations that he indecently assaulted a minor at Atlantic Gardens .
Sharma dismissed the allegations as attempts to besmirch his character and described the charges as a “smear campaign”.
Media panel disappointed by ‘Great Pretender' ad
It was that same month that the Independent Media Refereeing Panel said that the linkage made in the PPP/C's ad, “The Great Pretender” between PNCR and AFC leaders and the images of rioting and looting was apparently being used for political mileage. The Panel stated that the "The Great Pretender" ad belonged in the category of "attack" advertisements and hinted that the leaders were part of looting perpetrated by one ethnic group.
September
Polling Day mood somber
The elections day mood in the country was solemn as thousands of voters from all walks, races, creeds and religions went to their respective Polling Stations to cast their votes.
There was no report of major incidents expect for some who claimed they could not locate their names on the voters' list.
With heightened police presence and air surveillance, Elections Day 2006 was deemed incident free, despite a few reported cases of administrative hiccups.
OAS dubs elections ‘best ever'
Chief of Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Group, Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Albert Ramdin announced that the 2006 Election was one of the best in Guyana 's history.
Ambassador Ramdin, who headed a 123-member team, said the Guyanese people should be commended for the orderly fashion in which they voted.
PPP/C wins landslide victory
The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was declared the winner of the 2006 National and Regional Elections, securing a majority in Parliament on August 30. The declaration was made by Chief Elections Officer Gocool Boodoo, after receiving Statements of Declaration from the ten Returning Officers of results of their polling districts. The PPP/C amassed 183,887 votes of the 338, 839 ballots. The People's National Congress Reform-1 Guyana (PNCR-1G) gained 114,283 votes.
President Bharrat Jagdeo sworn-in
President Bharrat Jagdeo was sworn-in early September by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, as Guyana 's seventh Executive President. The swearing-in took place at an elegant ceremony held on the lawns of State House. In his speech, President Jagdeo gave his commitment to serve all the people of Guyana regardless of race, religion, gender, geography or political partisanship.
International terrorist may be in Guyana
In September, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that one of the world's most wanted terrorists, Al Qaeda operative Adnan el Shukrijumah, may be hiding in Trinidad and Tobago or Guyana .
Shukrijumah, 31, is wanted in connection with possible terrorist threats against the US . The FBI indicated that he has several personal ties to both Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana , and reportedly has passports for both countries.
President names 10 new Ministers to Cabinet
Shortly after his reelection, President Bharrat Jagdeo named 10 new Ministers to the 22-member Cabinet.
The new faces included Dr. Ashni Kumar Singh, Jennifer Webster, Robeson Benn, Dr. Desrey Fox, Robert Persaud, Priya Manickchand, Manniram Prashad, Dr. Frank Anthony, Kellawan Lall and Dr. Bheri Ramsarran.
Infant's mutilated body dumped
A newborn baby girl was brutally murdered, and her mutilated body dumped on a parapet between Harper's Drive and Savage Street, North East La Penitence in September. The infant's arms and legs were missing and appeared to have been severed.
Rainbow Raani premiers in Guyana
‘Rainbow Raani', a movie filmed in Guyana , was officially launched at the Strand Cinema in September.
Described as a ‘Guyanese production', the much anticipated premiere showing attracted a wide cross-section of the society.
The local cast and crew were given a grand ‘red carpet' entrance just before the movie premiered.
AFC challenges delayed parliament in High Court
The Alliance for Change (AFC) filed a writ in the High Court to ascertain whether Government acted illegally by delaying the reconvening of Parliament.
Party Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan said Cabinet may have been illegally appointed since those persons appointed as ministers should have been members of parliament before being appointed by the President. However, Chief Justice Carl Singh ruled that the appointments were legal.
Child kneels in classroom for six hours
An 11-year-old schoolgirl who was unable to submit homework assignment was reportedly forced to kneel for six hours and made to do her class work in that position.
Sandy Persaud, who attends the ABC Academy, suffered lacerations and abrasions to both knees, caused by the sand and other debris on the floor which penetrated her skin.
The headmaster, Arthur Chandra was later accused of inflicting unfairly harsh punishment on the child and was charged with causing her bodily injury.
Regent street storeowner killed
Popular Regent Street businesswoman Shirool Persaud was shot dead in broad daylight in her business place, Boyo's Variety Store on September 26.
Persaud, 42, of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, was shot four times by a gunman who was armed with a 9mm pistol, after she reportedly put up a struggle during an attempt to rob her.
Her suspected killer, Sherwin Sampson was later arrested and charged with her murder.
October
Guiana 1838 film premiers locally
In an anticipated premier, scores of Guyanese swarmed the Strand Cinema on October 26 for the premier of the local film ‘ Guiana 1838'.
The movie, which was cast in a colonial setting, depicts plantation life with a focus on the coming together of Africans and Indians in an attempt to put an end to slavery and indentureship.
The movie was filmed in its entirety in Corentyne, Berbice, on actual plantations.
Mother swallows needles, overdoses on pills
A Cummings Lodge mother of three drank 30 Ibuprofen tablets and swallowed five needles in an apparent suicide bid.
The woman cited her reason for the act as her two disrespectful children who are just 11 and 12-years old.
She was rushed to the hospital where an X-ray revealed the needles lodged in her stomach.
Woman mistakenly murdered for killer's ex-girlfriend
A 42-year-old woman was brutally murdered on her birthday by a jealous man who allegedly mistook her for his estranged lover.
Hilda Nedd, of D'Edward Street , Rosignol, was stabbed in the chest and left breast by the suspect, who had cornered her near an outhouse at her cousin's home.
The suspect, a 33-year-old Lindener, was later arrested in an abandoned house and police alleged that he intended to kill Nedd's cousin, 43-year-old Laverne Albert, who bears a striking resemblance to her.
Sherwood Lowe resigns from PNCR committee
In October, University of Guyana lecturer Sherwood Lowe resigned from the Executive Committee of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), citing the need to fast-track the push for shared governance.
Lowe, who tendered his resignation from the party on September 15, said he remains a member of the party but strongly feels that he was being constrained by the Executive Committee.
Brothers gunned down in Victoria
Two brothers were brutally gunned down in the East Coast Demerara village of Victoria , causing panic, shock, and mourning and a month long manhunt for their killer.
Roy Walcott, 35, and his brother, Carl Andrews, 31, were both shot several times by a lone gunman wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying an AK-47 assault rifle.
The attacker, Cyon Dielvom Collier, later hijacked a minibus, which he used to flee into the nearby village of Paradise .
Rockstone hosts first National Fish Festival
The Rockstone community came alive in October at the country's first ever fish festival seeing participants and potential fishers coming from as far as New Amsterdam and Essequibo . Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad said Rockstone, in Region 10, located on the Essequibo River some 32 miles above Bartica, is a prospective tourist attraction.
The festival celebrated the contribution of persons involved in the local fishing industry, and was described as a success, attracting at least 900 patrons.
PNCR participates in Parliament under protest
The People's National Congress Reform indicated that it was participating under protest in the affairs of Parliament until the matters before the court are properly determined.
The party included 10 new faces among 22 extracted from the list of candidates to sit in Parliament.
Troy Dick and accomplice shot dead
Notorious prison escapee Troy Dick and a 34-year-old accomplice were shot dead just a few minutes after carrying out a brazen $8M heist in Regent Street .
Police said that Dick, the last of the surviving escapees from the February 2002 jailbreak, was killed in Norton Street , Wortmanville while attempting to hijack a car. His accomplice, Colin Jacobs, also called Paul Lynch, of Globe Yard, Waterloo Street , was cornered and killed in a yard in Hardina Street .
At the time of his demise, Dick was armed with an AK-47 rifle and a quantity of matching live rounds.
Couple killed outside house
A 43-year-old woman was shot dead and her husband severely wounded during a brazen attack by a lone gunman at their Duncan Street home in October.
Relatives said that the woman, Marlisa Archer, was shot to the face while her husband, Maximilian Perreira, 53, was shot in the head and in the right side.
The couple had just arrived home by vehicle and was standing on their bridge, when a gunman, who had been hiding behind a nearby vehicle, ran over to the couple and shot them at close range.
CWC security plan tested at GuyExpo
A security plan similar to the one that will be used for Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 was adopted and tested at GuyExpo, which was held on October 26-31 at the Sophia Exhibition Center .
The event, Guyana 's largest trade and exhibition show, was nominated as one of two events to be used as a test piece.
AFC appeals Chief Justice's decision
In keeping with its promise, the Alliance for Change (AFC) filed an appeal against the September 27 ruling of Chief Justice Carl Singh.
The Chief Justice ruled that the appointment of Government Ministers, and the proclamation issued by the President convening Parliament, were all legal. But, according to the AFC the “new and important issues” arose, which required a determination on appeal.
Special traffic court to be set up
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has announced that a Traffic Court , with a designated Traffic Magistrate, will be set up in the not too distant future.
The Minister made the announcement while addressing mourners at the funeral service of Kiesha Crawford, one of the victims of a horrific minibus smashup on the Rupert Craig Highway two Saturdays ago.
He said that he has already sought the help of Chief Justice Carl Singh to have the court established without undue delay.
Dennis Chabrol elected GPA President
Foreign correspondent Dennis Chabrol was elected President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) at the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Chronicle Sports Club.
Chabrol, who resigned the Presidency position a few months after he was elected in 2004, beat Capitol News Senior Reporter and part-time Anchor, Gordon Moseley, and NCN Programme Manager, Martin Goolsarran, to the top spot. However, Moseley, by a coin-toss, was elected Vice-President of the GPA after an initial vote produced an unprecedented tie with Kaieteur News Sports Reporter, Frankie Wilson.
Blindness to be eliminated by 2020
World Sight Day was observed around the globe in recognition of the worldwide problem of varying levels of blindness in October.
Officials at the Eye Clinic disclosed that among the global initiatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is to eliminate avoidable blindness worldwide by the year 2020.
Poultry farmer killed by plucking device
A 26-year-old man broke his neck in October when an apron he was wearing became entangled with a chicken plucking machine.
Bertram Azeez of 85 First Street , Herstelling, was pulled through the machine and fell on his head while he was plucking his poultry.
Wanted man ‘John Kirby' killed
Joint services ended a manhunt for wanted man ‘John Kirby' after shooting him dead in Agricola.
Kirby, whose right name is Anthony Heywood, 25, received multiple gunshot wounds to his body while he was trying to ride away from the patrol on a motor-choppy.
Police recovered a sawn-off shotgun and several cartridges from the dead man.
Woman among three wanted for murder
Police have issued bulletins for three persons, including a woman, in connection with two separate, multiple murders on the East Bank of Demerara.
The recent bulletins were issued for Anita Lala and a man known only as Troy for the murders of two children, Nikita Kirkpatrick and Melville Kayman, their mother Indira Kayman and a caretaker, Looknauth.
The bodies of Indira Kayman called ‘Mother', 43, and 69-year-old caretaker Looknauth, along with Kayman's two children, two-year-old Melville and Alicia, 10, were discovered on August 2.
Corbin denies stepping down rumours
The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) has refuted reports published by Stabroek News that Party Leader Robert Corbin told an Executive Council meeting that he will not contest the party's top position at the upcoming party congress.
PNCR General Secretary, Oscar Clarke, in a statement said that the article was “totally false” and called on Stabroek News to retract the story.
Armed bandit found floating in Canal #2
The body of one of the heavily-armed gang members who was part of gang which attacked two houses in Canal Number 2 Polder was pulled from a trench a short distance from where they were engaged in a shootout with a public-spirited resident.
The body, which was never identified, was discovered floating in the trench by residents shortly after daybreak.
Police recovered an AK-47 assault rifle which was strapped to the body, 35 live rounds and other personal items. The body was that of a dreadlocked male and was clad in dark clothing and military styled boots.
GuyExpo 2006 opens
Guyana 's largest trade and investment exposition, GuyExpo 2006, was declared open with a call by the President for the private sector to work closely with the government.
Dozens of foreign and local companies participated in the exposition, including some thirty business executives from neighbouring Brazil , accompanied by the Governor of Rorima, Ottomar Pinto.
November
Over 12,000 sugar workers on strike
Over 12,000 sugar workers vacated cane-fields and factories as workers' unions began a three-day strike to press their demands for wage hikes for 2006.
They had previously rejected an offer to settle negotiations by arbitration.
Human Resources Director of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), Jairam Petam said the stoppage of production due to the industrial action has cost the company about US$600,000.
AFC wants PM to vacate Region 10 seat
The Alliance for Change (AFC) approach the government in November to have them relinquish the Regional Constituency seat in Parliament for Region 10, to which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has been appointed.
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said the party is certain it won a sixth Parliamentary seat at the August 28 polls, owing to the omission of results from several polling stations in Region 10.
Parliament passes Cricket World Cup Bill
After nearly four hours of debate, the 65-member Parliament unanimously passed the “ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Bill” with an amendment allowing the local courts to impose imprisonment terms of up to nine months on offenders.
The act termed the Sunset Legislation, will govern the 2007 games only for the period of the games, which are scheduled to run from March 13 at Sabina Park , Jamaica , and end on 28 April, at the Kensington Oval in Barbados .
Providence stadium handed over
India 's Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat arrived in Guyana in November for a two-day visit during which he handed over the newly-built Providence Stadium at the dedication ceremony.
India 's High Commissioner to Guyana , Avinash Gupta said that the Vice-President also signed three bilateral agreements with Guyana .
Schoolboy battered, dumped alive in canal
A 12-year-old Letroy Hinds-Harris was severely beaten, and possibly sodomised, before being dumped alive in a Thomas Road canal.
The schoolboy died from drowning but was first subjected to a severe beating and might have also been sexually assaulted.
Detectives are still clueless as to the identity of his killers.
Three private radio stations in train
Government's monopoly of radio is likely to end soon with the news that licences will be granted for the setting up of three private radio stations.
A senior government source disclosed that the administration has decided to move in this direction, and legislation to this effect will be tabled in Parliament in the not too distant future.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds denied the reports, while President Bharrat Jagdeo neither confirmed nor denied them.
Casino gambling to be allowed for CWC
Legislation to allow casino gambling should be enacted in Guyana in time for the Cricket World Cup matches in 2007.
This was revealed by President Bharrat Jagdeo who said he is going ahead with instituting the process.
However, only those hotels which fulfill the requisite criteria will be granted licenses and only visitors to Guyana will be allowed to use the casinos initially.
President Jagdeo said the passing of the proposed legislation will in no way open the floodgates for widespread gambling.
Customs monitoring scrap metal shipments
All scrap metal to be exported within the next seven weeks will be under the control of Customs after Government took a decision to ban the export of the commodity at the end of December 2005.
Guyana to introduce DNA testing
The Guyana Police Force is planning to set up a laboratory for DNA and other forensic testing. There are many local murder cases which remain unsolved because of a lack of these facilities. In addition to that there has been a general reluctance on the part of the police to utilise such evidence. It is hoped that through the introduction of DNA testing, the killers in ‘cold cases' will be brought to justice.
Cambio boss, wife charged over arms raid
Owner of Swiss House Cambio, Farouk Razac, was granted $1million bail on three gun-related charges when he appeared before Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys charged with possession of a Beretta pistol, four 9mm magazines and 120 rounds of ammunition. Razac's wife, Carolan Lynch was also charged with the same bust but was admitted to hospital after her detention.
She was granted $500,000 at the High Court after being refused bail at the Magistrates' Court. And Rhonda Gomes, who was caught with cocaine, guns and ammunition at a house belonging to the Razacs, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.
Wanted man ‘Kussum' killed
Ranks from the Joint Services on killed notorious East Coast Demerara gang member Anthony Charles, called `Kussum,' during an intense shootout at Bachelor's Adventure.
Charles, who is in his late forties, was killed while hiding in a pit latrine after he managed to briefly elude the Joint Services.
He was fingered in a few recent robberies and the murder of a Non Pareil businessman and one AK-47 rifle, which was stolen from the army, was recovered from the dead man.
Berbice smashup
Two women and four children died at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice after the car in which they were travelling collided with a Toyota Rav4.
Dead are 43-year-old United Kingdom-based Guyanese Shirma Bobb, and her four children.
A 41-year-old sister of the dead woman, Lorraine Edwards, was also killed during the crash.
Roger Khan's bodyguards deported
Three former bodyguards of Guyanese businessman Roger Khan arrived in Guyana in November after spending five months in a Suriname jail.
Paul Rodrigues, Lloyd Roberts and Sean Belfield were handed over to local police at Moleson Creek, Springlands after being deported from the Dutch-speaking republic.
Annandale students suffer mystery illness
A medical mystery surfaced in November when several female students of the Annandale Secondary School suffered an illness which caused panic in the educational institution.
The students, comprising both first formers and fifth formers, were rushed to the hospital after complaining of severe pains and cramps and by Thursday 12 more were a