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Remorseless child rapist jailed for 15 years

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

A remorseless child rapist has been jailed for 15 years and three months. Thirty-three-year-old Ray Williams, who groomed his 12-year-old victim, was sentenced on Wednesday when he appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Sexual Offences Court in Georgetown.

By pleading guilty to three counts of child rape, Williams, a coal miner and father of four, did not put the young girl through the harrowing ordeal of a trial.

He first raped the child between February 26 and July 31, 2021, then again between August 1 and 31, 2021, and again between September 1 and 30, 2021.

Notwithstanding his guilty pleas, Williams maintained his innocence.

“I am asking for mercy from the family [of the victim] and for the Judge to have mercy upon me, knowing that this is something I didn’t commit. I’m going to jail for something that I have never done,” said Williams, who appeared in court from prison via Zoom.

According to the sex offender, he pleaded guilty to the charge because “I don’t need to stay long in jail; so, I just admit to what is the crime so that I can pay my time.” He said the victim “knows in her heart” who harassed her.

On the first count of rape, Justice Kissoon sentenced Williams to 12 years in prison. He, however, adjusted the sentence upward for the repeated sexual assault on the girl. As such, Williams was handed prison terms of 13 years and three months and 15 years and three months on the second and third counts respectively. The three jail terms will run concurrently.

In admonishing Williams, whom he described as a “sexual predator”, the Judge told him that he had violated a position of trust as an adult, a husband, a father of four, and a spouse.

Williams was represented by Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed, while State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, in association with State Counsels Caressa Henry and Paneeta Persaud, presented the prosecution’s case.

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Guyanese fugitive arrested in Dominican Republic

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

Guyanese Dennis Edwards, called “Death,” a 38-year-old suspected drug trafficker, has been extradited from the Dominican Republic to the United States, and is to face drug trafficking charges.

Edwards arrived in the Dominican Republic on Monday, November 14, but was denied entry and deported by Dominican Republic authorities. He was placed on a US Government flight that landed at Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey, and was detained by US Government authorities at the airport upon his arrival there. He appeared in federal court in Newark on Tuesday, November 15, before US Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel, and is being held without bail.

According to court documents and statements, the US Government claims that Edwards was part of a criminal conspiracy that arranged for the importation of cocaine into the US.

The conspiracy charge against Edwards carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison and a maximum fine of $10 million.

In 2010, the Guyana Police Force had issued bulletins for ten persons, including Edwards, in relation to a murder. Police had not specified which murders the men were being sought for, but the bulletins had come in the wake of three bullet-riddled attacks which had claimed the lives of eight people in the year 2010 and had ramped up pressure on the Police to solve the cases.

In a 2012 indictment, Edwards was charged with conspiring to import five kilogrammes or more of cocaine from St. Maarten into the United States.

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Driver arrested after teen seen hanging on to moving, overloaded minibus

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

A minibus driver was arrested and immediately charged after a teen in school uniform was seen clinging on to the back of his bus while it was in motion.

The minibus operator was charged, Police say, after they saw a Facebook post circulating on the social media platform of the youth dangerously slinging behind a moving Route 40 minibus that was overloaded.

“The Police managed to arrest the driver of the minibus. The vehicle was also impounded at the Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary,” a release from the Police read.

On Tuesday, the driver was charged for breach of condition of road service licence; failing to exhibit revenue licence and fitness certificate, tinted motor vehicle, and breach of prescribed fitness.

According to the Police Force, it has zero tolerance for traffic lawlessness, and every driver who is found in violation of traffic regulations will face the full brunt of the law.

“The Guyana Police Force wishes to encourage all drivers, pedestrians, and persons using our roadways to be more responsible and to remember the theme for Road Safety 2022, which is: ‘Safe driving saves lives!” the GPF has said.

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Agri Minister announces black giant chicken programme for Corentyne single mothers

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that select single mothers from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will soon benefit from the receipt of black giant chickens which they can use to their economic benefit.

This announcement was made when the Agriculture and Natural Resources Ministers, Zulfikar Mustapha and Vickram Bharrat respectively, held a community meeting on Wednesday at Bloomfield, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to Minister Mustapha, the black giant chicken project would benefit all single mothers in the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

He said each recipient would receive 25 baby chicks.

“We can even extend it to Alness. From Alness to Bloomfield – all the single mothers. A lot of people during the flood relief conned the process, so we have to be careful,” he said.

The villages that are added to this programme include Lancaster, Liverpool, Ulverston, Manchester and Alness.

Recognising that poor drainage and irrigation is a recurring issue for residents, the Minister committed to spending $42M to clean drains in communities within the NDC, and a further $35M to look after the drains in the cultivation area.

Meanwhile, during the outreach, the Minister also listened to, and addressed, various concerns of the residents. One resident pointed out that after years of agitating to have the street in which she lives upgraded from a mud surface to asphalt, rice farmers have started using its surface to dry their paddy. She said they did so for the last two crops.

“They take over the whole street, and there is nowhere to walk. At one time they cut the electric wire and did not report it, and another time they cut the telephone wire and took off the internet. I was without internet for five days, and I have online classes,” she bemoaned.

This resident said she had approached the Whim/Bloomfield NDC questioning the use of the road by rice farmers to dry their paddy. “The NDC told me that in this area there is no drying floor for the farmers. I am simply asking if there are plans to have a drying floor for the rice farmers in this area to dry their paddy.”

The Agriculture Minister, acknowledging that there is no such facility in the community, said he would have his technical staff try to locate suitable land and build a drying flood for paddy with funds from the 2023 National Budget.

Another farmer said he was in need of improved swine breed, and asked for two animals. His request was granted, as the Minister committed the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), which is an arm of the Agriculture Ministry, to give the farmer one of the breed of animals he was requesting.

Several other requests were granted to farmers on the spot as the Minister reminded them of the importance the Peoples Progressive Party Administration is putting on agriculture. He also reminded them that while in Opposition, the previous Government had made a lot of promises to assist the farming community, including rice farmers, but after taking office, the then head of State, David Granger, had told rice farmers that rice is private business and had given them no support.

He also pointed out that even though the Coalition, before taking office, had also promised not to close any sugar estate, they did the opposite soon after taking office.

He promised to be back in the community early next year.

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Bank Of Saint Lucia Returns With ‘Own Your Home’ Showcase – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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Following a two-year hiatus, Bank of Saint Lucia is set to host the return of the signature ‘Own Your Home Showcase’ on Saturday November 19th 2022 at the Harbor Club, Rodney Bay.

The third instalment of the series is intended to connect prospective homeowners with key service providers and bank personnel with the objective of bringing them one step closer to the reality of owning their own home.

Bank of Saint Lucia recognizes that owning a home is one of the most significant investments an individual can make in their lifetime and the Bank is committed to providing the requisite guidance to potential homeowners.

Senior Manager – Retail Banking, Arleta Rate Mitchel indicated that: “The journey to home ownership to many is an intimidating process. As a home ownership banking partner, it is our responsibility to make it easier and to equip prospective homeowners with as much information as possible to make the best decisions for them and their families. This requires ongoing engagement regarding affordability and discussions on the available options and of course connecting future homeowners with reliable service providers in order to realize the dream of homeownership. ‘Own Your Home’ provides the forum to do just that, and we look forward to engaging, connecting and inspiring on the journey to home ownership.”

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‘Own Your Home’ will feature two components.

The showcase, which is open to the general public and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with an exhibition featuring service providers and professionals involved in the process of home ownership including contractors, architects, surveyors, lawyers, building suppliers, home security providers, green energy providers and others.

The closed-door seminar will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will feature key presentations from subject matter experts who are integrally involved in the mortgage loan process – lawyers, quantity surveyors, architects, green energy service providers and bankers. To register for the seminar interested future homeowners can visit the Bank’s website or social media pages. Seats are limited.

Following the hosting of the Own Your Home showcase, the event moves to the south of the island in February 2023 for the Own Your Home Showcase– ‘South Edition’.

SOURCE: Bank of Saint Lucia. Headline photo courtesy Tierra Mallorca (Unsplash.com)

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$6.2 Million Saint Lucia Flood Damage Estimate Expected To Increase – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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The estimated damage caused by the November 6 floods in Saint Lucia is expected to increase beyond the current $6.2 million.

“To date, for this Level II Disaster, we have damage and loss estimates of $6.2 million. This figure is expected to increase as teams continue to assess businesses, infrastructure, and other affected households,” Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre wrote Wednesday on Facebook.

Pierre, also Finance Minister, explained that with a complete assessment, the government would determine the next phase of assistance to the affected sectors.

And he again thanked the volunteers and teams responding to the needs of citizens at this time.

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On Tuesday, the Castries East MP convened an inter-agency Press Briefing to update the nation on the ongoing assessments from the flooding that devastated the island’s northern part.

He reiterated to the gathering that climate change is real and warned that Saint Lucia could face worse flooding.

But Pierre added that Saint Lucia would have to try its best to mitigate the effects of flooding, adverse weather, and other natural hazards.

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3 days to go: Team Ghana Loop Barbados

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

T-3. The FIFA World Cup tournament is within touching distance and the world will pause to zoom in to Qatar, the host of the first World Cup in the Middle East.

The world’s best players, coaches, referees and sporting technology will be on show for one month, it is sports’ very own Hollywood event.

One of the stars that will feature at the event is Ghana, also known as the “Black Stars”.

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The African representatives have qualified for their fourth FIFA World Cup, and have been placed in a very competitive group, one which some would refer to as the “group of death”.

The Black Stars will be seeking revenge against Uruguay who eliminated them in the quarterfinal in 2010 in very controversial fashion.

Ghana were on course to be the first African team to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup, but Luis Suarez had other plans.

After missing the party in 2018, Ghana will not only want to defeat Uruguay, but all others to prove that they deserve to be amongst the world’s best.

Country: Ghana

Capital: Accra

Population: 31.7 million

Confederation: Confederation of African Football (CAF)

Group: H

Professional League: Ghana Premier League

World Cup appearances: 4 (2022)

Qualification status: CAF playoff winner versus Nigeria

Key players: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Thomas Partey (Arsenal, England), Jordan Ayem (Crystal Palace, England), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Spain), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City)

Coach: Otto Addo (Ghanian/German)

Group mates: Portugal, South Korea, Uruguay

Predictions: An unpredictable group, where everyone has a chance, but I believe the “Black Stars” may have to battle for third spot with South Korea and look forward to the next World Cup in 2026.

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4 held by members of Lotto Scam Task Force in St Ann raid Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Crown motorcar also seized

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Vehicle seized during raid

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Four men were arrested by members of the Lotto Scam Task Force in St Ann on Wednesday.

The men were apprehended in a raid in the Exchange section of the parish.

One Toyota crown motor car was also seized.

The men Remar Renardo Brown, a 23-year old, unemployed man of Jackson Town Trelawny, Kemar Antonio Powell, a 26-year-old of Exchange Ocho Rios St. Ann.

Nicardo Dillian Skinner, a 34-year-old, Plummer of Top Town Clarks Town Trelawny and Exchange St.Ann, and Richardo Glatson Thorpe, a 19-year-old, unemployed man of Top Town, Clarks Town Trelawny and Exchange St Ann were all charged for possession of identity information.

They were booked to attend the St Anns parish Court.

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CABINET NOTES OF Wednesday 16 November 2022

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

HURST REPORTS ON CABINET OF Wednesday 16 November 2022

The weekly Cabinet meeting commenced at 10:30 am following prayers; one member was absent. The Cabinet held preliminary discussions on the Burna Boy concert to be held in December, 2022. Despite the presence of Government officials at the launch, there is no financial liability on the part of the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Creative Industries. Since May 2022, the Ministry of Creative Industries has endorsed 147 such events, without providing financial support to any.

The Cabinet invited the National Minimum Wage Commission upon the submission of its Report. The five members explained the theoretical underpinning and the economic methodologies utilized, in order to arrive at the two proposals submitted to the Cabinet. The Chairman pointed out that the current minimum wage stands at EC$8.20 per hour, assuming a 40-hour work-week (for a wage of $328.00 per week). The proposals from the Commission were to move to:
$8.90 per hour; and, ii. $10.00 per hour.

Following vigorous and lengthy debates in the Cabinet, a decision was taken to move the minimum wage to $9.00 per hour. That decision will be taken to the Parliament where it will be debated before becoming law.

The Cabinet made a decision, in keeping with the policy of the Gaston Browne administration, to promote youthful professionals to leadership positions. Effective January 1st, 2023, Carl Christopher will become the Executive Chairman of the Free Trade Zone. Another young professional will replace Senator Eustace “Teco” Lake in the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda who retires on December 31s, 2022. Another youth will be placed as the Chairman of the ABICE Board of Directors. The Gaston Browne Administration has been committed to providing youthful leaders with opportunities since winning office in 2014. Senator Shenella Govia was appointed to the Senate at 22 years and has performed marvelously. Honourable Maria Browne was elected to the House of Representatives at 26 years; and, several other youthful professionals were appointed to leadership roles within the governance system.
Effective January 1st, 2023, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will have a new Financial Secretary in the person of Mrs. Rasona Davis-Crump. She is a competent and experienced female who will become the country’s first-ever woman to hold this position. The Cabinet thanked Mr. Whitfield Harris for his outstanding service to his country and to the Ministry of Finance.
Negotiations are continuing among the Unions representing Public Servants with the expectation that there will be an agreement on the quantum of the increase which the negotiations will yield. The Cabinet is cognizant of the additional costs which an increase in wages, salaries and emoluments will have on Government’s revenue; therefore, the increase will be tempered by the additional cost for services and goods which the Government must also now absorb in an era when global inflation has plagued every country because of Covid-19 and the Russian/Ukrainian conflict. No decision has yet been made.
The Cabinet continues to negotiate with the LIAT court-appointed receiver to settle the severance payments owed to the former LIAT workers who resided in, and are citizens of, Antigua and Barbuda. Every effort will be made to pay a lump sum that will represent a final payment to all former LIAT Staff resident in Antigua and Barbuda. Last Christmas, the Gaston Browne Administration deposited 2 million Eastern Caribbean Dollars with the receiver, guaranteeing 50% of the amount owed to former employees of LIAT who are residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda; a significant portion remains with the receiver. However, the Cabinet is of the view that a better response is likely this time around.
6. The Potworks Dam, capable of holding 1,200 million gallons of water is still near-empty because of the long drought that may now be coming to an end. The APUA therefore relies 100% on its desalination water to reach homes, business and institutions in Antigua. While the R/O plants in Antigua produce more than 7 million gallons daily, and consumption at peak exceeds 8 million gallons, there are challenges in the distribution system because of old and broken pipes. The Cabinet continues to press APUA’s water manager to ensure that no community goes without water for any longer than two days.
The technical team undertaking the registration of lands in Barbuda reported that their work went well on the first day. Utilizing the most modern technology available to surveyors, the team has set itself three days to complete the necessary first phase of the geographical mapping of Barbuda. When the work is completed, every piece of land in Barbuda that has been leased will be shown on a cadastral map. The residents of Codrington who prefer to proceed without a certificate of land will be allowed to continue on the land which they have occupied for generations; those who wish to have a certificate of ownership will be allowed so to do for the consideration of $1.00, payable to the Treasury. The Privy Council ruled several months ago that all land that is not privately owned in the state of Antigua and Barbuda is the property of the Crown.
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda congratulated the National Swim Team that returned—from an OECS meet—victorious. For the very first time, the Antigua Team won many gold medals and proved to be superior to all the other teams from the OECS. The Cabinet applauds the coaches, teachers and parents who invested in the success of the athletes.
9. The Cabinet has again made arrangements for an Annual National Service of Thanksgiving to be held on the first Sunday of the New Year, or on January 1st, 2023.

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Government endorses Burna Boy’s Antigua concert but won’t be financing it

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

CABINET NOTES:

The Cabinet held preliminary discussions on the Burna Boy concert to be held in December, 2022.

Despite the presence of Government officials at the launch, there is no financial liability on the part of the Ministry of Tourism or the Ministry of Creative Industries.

Since May 2022, the Ministry of Creative Industries has endorsed 147 such events, without providing financial support to any.

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