Black Immigrant Daily News

News

The body of Damien Primus was found in Valencia recently. His daughter Destini Primus 16 on left and her mother Bernice Nedd, await to identify him at the Forensic Science Centre, Barbados Road, Port of Spain on Monday.
Photo by Angelo Marcelle

The former common-law wife of murdered taxi driver Damian Primus says she hopes her daughter can have closure after her father’s body is conclusively identified.

Primus, 46, was found dead in a bushy area off Cumaca Road, Valencia, last Monday night.

He was identified by relatives last week.

Speaking with Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Monday, Bernice Nedd said she identified Primus’s body for the sake of their daughter, 16-year-old Destiny Primus.

“I just want closure for my child. She doesn’t want anyone else telling her that it’s really her father that they identified. She wants me as her mother to identify him so I can tell her that there is no more Daddy. So that’s why I’m here.”

Nedd said Primus worked as a private hire taxi driver after losing his job in an advertising company during the covid19 pandemic.

She said the area where Primus’s body was found had a reputation for being a hideout for criminals from Port of Spain and Beetham.

“I know someone living in the area and he said he heard the gunshots, but he didn’t come out.

“That area is a bad area, It’s a place where all these guys from Port of Spain and Beetham and so on, they go up there and lock the area. They are from these gangs like Sixx and Seven and Nine and all these numbers they are calling.”

Newsday also spoke with Destiny Primus, who remembered her last interaction with her father.

“I told him to bring back a muffin for me when he was coming home, because he knows I like a little snack to munch on.

“He wasn’t a man to stay on the road too long, or go straying.”

Contacted for comment, a police officer from the Eastern Division said Cumaca Road was a known squatting area, and people from different parts of the country had come to live there. He said police in the division were working to prevent further violence.

“It’s not some lawless area where people can come in and do what they want. We are on the ground and we are keeping watch on what’s going on.

“Valencia has a large squatting population where people from all over come to live so we are aware of that, but we are also doing our part.”

Police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region II are continuing enquiries.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

Una mujer identificada como Luz Virginia López Ríos de 53 años de edad, permanece detenida en el cuartel de Cedro Arriba en Naranjito, luego de que intentara depositar en su cuenta bancaria, un cheque falsificado por la cantidad de $17,800.00, alegando que le fueron pagados por concepto de desempleo de parte del Departamento del Trabajo. 

De acuerdo a la información preliminar, se alega que López Ríos, quien se identificó como empleada del Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres (NMEAD), se presentó al Banco Popular localizado en centro comercial de Mercado Plaza que ubica en Naranjito, para depositar el cheque falsificado, pero al ser verificado por el personal de la institución bancaria, se percataron de que no coincidían algunos datos, por lo que alertaron a la Policía.  

El agente Omar Sánchez Berdecía y el sargento Carlos Bou Rodríguez, adscrito al precinto de Cedro Arriba en Naranjito, detuvieron a la mujer a la que se le ocupó una pistola Taurus calibre 9 milímetros, para la que tiene licencia.   

Este caso está siendo investigado por la División de Robos a Bancos y Fraudes del Negociado de la Policía de Puerto Rico, que dirige el teniente José Ayala.  

La detenida permanece en el precinto de Cedro Arriba en Naranjito, a la espera de la posible radicación de cargos.              

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

Two graduates of the NCB Capital Markets Limited (NCBCM) Research Analyst Programme copped top spots at the recently concluded Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Market Research Competition.

The first and second place winners were Jamelia Jalaalwalikraam, Research Manager, NCB Capital Markets Limited (NCBCM), and Nickard Swaby, Research Analyst, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB).

In speaking on this remarkable achievement, Annya Walker, Vice President – Strategy, Research, Innovation & Projects at NCBCM shared that the outstanding performance of both team members instilled a renewed level of pride within the organisation.

“Over the years, the company has heavily invested in nurturing and developing young talent. Since the inception of NCBCM Research Analyst Programme in 2019, more than ten tertiary students have been recruited and provided with holistic training across a wide range of financial sector areas including the local and overseas stock and bond markets”.

Eight of the ten graduates have since been permanently employed by National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited or one of its subsidiaries, including the JSE Competition’s first and second place winners this year.

Jalaalwalikraam, who earned the coveted first place trophy, could not contain her excitement.

“This win is an amazing achievement; the hard work I’ve poured into this journey has paid off,” commented Jalaalwalikraam. “I feel blessed and honoured to claim the top prize. The JSE Market Research competition provided a platform for me to hone and showcase my talent. It has certainly helped to boost my confidence and sharpen my skills, and has overall contributed positively to my development as a research professional.”

Jalaalwalikraam bested twenty-three contestants to walk away with the title of 2021/2022 JSE Market Research Competition Winner, along with a cash prize of $300,000.

Each quarter, the JSE challenges analysts across the securities industry, tertiary institutions and the media to submit analyses of listed companies based on their past performances and expected advancements. In the submissions, participants are required to research and analyse a predetermined company and at the end of the year, the top two quarterly submissions are selected to compete for the overall winning title.

Swaby, Research Analyst, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) who was also a first-time entrant, earned the runner-up trophy and a $150,000 cash prize. Swaby directly accredited his success in the competition to the NCBCM Research Analyst Programme.

According to Swaby, “Ever since I was given the opportunity to work as a Junior Research Analyst at NCBCM through the Research Analyst Programme, I was being trained and prepared for the task. These types of analyses are what we prepare regularly for our clients to make informed and smart investment decisions.”

NCBCM Vice President Walker concluded by expressing that “the entire NCB team is extremely proud of Jamelia and Nickard. The quality of their analyses, and the commitment they’ve displayed certainly speak volumes of the well-rounded professionals they are. Their remarkable performance in the competition is also a testament to the strength of the NCBCM Research Analyst Programme.”

She continued, “Over the years, our research team has produced consecutive title winners in this competition. NCBCM stands committed to investing in people, honing world-class talent, and developing regional leaders of capital markets and securities industry of tomorrow.”

Dr Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director, JSE, emphasised that the JSE remains committed to increasing the interest and involvement of analysts and observers in the Jamaican stock market. She shared, “One of the main objectives of the JSE Market Research Competition is to increase the interest and involvement of analysts and observers in the Jamaican stock market through in-depth analyses of the performance of listed companies.”

She continued, “Over the last five years, we have seen an increase of over 20 per cent in the number of participants. This is quite encouraging as it signals that interest has grown and we look forward to garnering even more involvement in future competitions.”

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

…will see more capital investments, boats, helicopters

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will have to expand and be the beneficiary of increased Government investments if it is to meet the growing port security threats that come with Guyana’s expansion as an oil and gas producer.

This sentiment was expressed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, while he was speaking at the opening of MARAD & DIRECTEMAR – Chile’s Port Security Workshop, which opened at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday.

“The fact that our profile has been elevated, our risks have also been elevated. So, we have to ensure that our ports are very safe. And today we’re emphasising the issue of port security… I can tell you that our waterways are becoming busier by the day.”

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill

“You’re the operators. You’re the ones who facilitate and provide services to ensure that our ports function effectively and safely. So you know exactly what I’m talking about. We have to do things better. We have to be more efficient. We have to be able to embrace international best practices.”

According to Edghill, MARAD will also have to expand its operations to better be able to police the ports and waterways. This will include increased capital budgets and adding to their fleet of boats and even helicopter.

“When I came to office, one of the first things I said was that MARAD has to repurpose, reorganise and rethink the way we do things. We didn’t have an oil and gas division in MARAD. And we were an oil and gas producing country… we cannot behave as if Guyana is not a country of consequence.”

“So, we have to invest more, in terms of more capital investments, to equip MARAD. We have to be able to get more vessels, we have to be able to get more equipment. Sooner or later, I’m sure you’ll come and tell me that we have to get the helicopter.”

But he noted that as MARAD expands and acquires all those hardware, it is important they also have people who are equipped with the relevant training. And this is where the training Chile will be providing to Guyana, is crucial. The workshop took shape following discussions between Edghill and Chile Ambassador to Guyana Juan Manuel Pino Vasquez.

Last year, it was announced that Atlantic Ventures Inc (AVI) had partnered with Alexarya Corporation International of India to establish Atlantic-Alexarya Maritime Development Guyana (AAMDG) Inc, with a common purpose of developing Guyana’s growing maritime industry by constructing the Caribbean’s first Marine and Off-Shore Training Institute.

The facility is to be located at Friendship on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). The maritime institute will focus on teaching practical skills to high-calibre seafarers to meet the highest standard of professionalism required in the ever-changing and demanding shipping industry.

The three main academic programmes offered to applicants at Atlantic-Alexarya Marine and Offshore Institute are the Pre-Sea Training, Officers Training and the Post-Sea Training.

In addition, a residential facility is available within the grounds of the Institute.

Applications are not limited to Guyanese; the training is open to nationals from around the Caribbean region. Upon completion, graduates will be awarded accredited certificates that will prepare them for careers both on and offshore as seamen, chief officers, captains, merchant marines, or any other job in the marine industry locally and internationally.

This joint venture will see developments in excess of US$35 million within the next five years. AAMDG will not only facilitate a Marine and Offshore Institute, but plans are already in place for the construction of a shipyard and dry dock to be used for shipbuilding, ship repairs, and complete ship management.

The tourism sector will also benefit from this large-scale investment through the development of river cruise and floating hotels in Guyana’s waters, along with worldwide vessel registrations being done through the company.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

…as accused continues to threaten teen despite Police report

A Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) mechanic, who is before the court for allegedly raping a teenage girl, has been threatening her.

According to family members of the teenager, she is scared for her life.

In July, the 30-year-old mechanic was charged for raping a 13-year-old girl between 2020 and April of this year. He was placed on $150,000 bail.

The girl is now 15 and her grandmother said that her younger sister is also scared, adding that she could also be harmed if her sister is attacked while on their way to or from school.

The elderly woman told this publication that the accused continues to threaten the teenager.

She explained that on several occasions when her granddaughter is going to school, she is being threatened by the accused who once said to her that she will get what she wants.

“So, the lil gyal tell me that when he did raping she, he tell she say if people know anything about it that he gon kill she,” the worried lady said while noting that the teenager is fearful that she may not return home from school one day.

The teenager, according to the grandmother, is reluctant to go to school. However, the woman noted that she gets assistance from her husband in accompanying the teen to and from school.

The woman has been taking care of her three granddaughters since their mother died.

She said that she has reported the threats to the Welfare Department in the region and was advised to make a report to the Police, which she did on September 15.

However, according to the grandmother, even after the report, the accused approached the teen as she left school one day and was waiting on transportation to get home and hurled threats.

The frustrated woman said that she is also fearful and feels helpless since there is no guaranteed protection for the granddaughter as the threats continue from the accused.

According to her, nothing tangible has been done by Police in relation to her reports of threats.

Even more worrying, she added, is the fact that after the initial report of the alleged rape was made, the Police officers did not take any action. It was not until she made a report to a senior officer in the region that the matter was pursued.

“When me go to the station, the Police keep telling me to take a settlement for the story because I would lose out because the paper would take one year at the DPP [Department of Public Prosecutions] and then when it go to court it would take a next two to three years for the case to try and the girl would get big so, I gon can’t talk for her and the case would dismiss,” she revealed.

Under the Sexual Offence Act, Police officers should follow a specific procedure when reports are made of alleged sexual offences.

NewsAmericasNow.com