Black Immigrant Daily News

Dear Editor,

They came in throngs, expecting the unexpected, but were not disappointed. They weren’t sure, but were more curious, anticipating what they were yearning for. The precedent was already created, and so they were hoping the rest would be routine, a matter of mere formality.

A jovial crowd, hustling and bustling, cheering as they went along, man, woman, boy, girl, child came running, shouting, waving gleefully, hoping to catch his eyes, wanting an acknowledgment. They wanted to touch him, some shyly shaking hands while others took delight in proudly pounding fists, firmly but lovingly. It was a bright and sunny day, a holiday, and Guyana wanted to relax and enjoy a nice and quiet day; but it wasn’t to be one of those serene days.

He came not to disturb the peace, but to provide, promote, and protect the policy, principle and philosophy of peace, progress, and prosperity.

Yes, “the people’s choice” came to meet and greet the community in his walkabout, grounding with the residents of Linden, and embracing all the eager ones who could not help hugging their idol, retaining fond memories for eons to come, so that the story will be forever told for generations to come. It was a ‘Kodak’ moment for many, who took pleasure in posing with this iconic figure, and having their pictures taken in order for this unforgettable day to be recorded permanently, so that they can beam, boast and brag about this accomplished feat.

Unlike his predecessor — who travelled with a large contingent; ensured that his heavily-financed visit was well announced upfront, so that there would be lavish preparation of food, drinks and entertainment; have hundreds of people encouraged and ordered to line in queues despite the hot sun and long waiting; have large placards, posters and decorations prominently displayed; have a barrage of Police and security personnel endlessly visible; have areas cordoned off to provide a false sense of security risk; have places conveniently looking spick and span — this unexpected visitor, who walked the streets like an ordinary citizen, did not come only to pose for pictures, kiss and pat babies, claim votes, stir trouble, fool the people, make false promises and then disappear. This colossal emblem of trust, hope and faith chose to allow the people to have their say; listened to their problems; let them air their grievances, complaints, issues and opinions; and then offered suggestions, ideas and recommendations in order to alleviate their concerns and provide resolutions unconditionally and freely.

He resolved some of their matters on the spot, redirected some to the correct source for action, and some cases needed more investigation and information.

The residents were frank and fair, and spoke their minds, happy to be given opportunity to speak without fear or favour; and they asked questions that were gladly answered. They heard what pleased their ears, and felt satisfied that this simple visitation was not in vain, but was significantly consequential.

They saw the humbleness in a fellow human being who willingly brought himself down to their level in order to mix and mingle, and not as someone aloof or important or official. His smile provided a warmth that made them feel reassured of his presence, and that any promise he made would be sincere. As he laughed and joked, they clutched more to him, and hung on longer to his company, while unfortunately preventing others from getting as close to him as they did.

Desirous of improving their quality of living, this highly influential figure stated his reason for visiting, “I’m just here throughout different communities today to come to you, to listen to you, and to see how we can work together; because what we want to do is uplift all of Guyana.” Politics was a foreign language on that day.

He continued without being aggressive, but having patience while valuing time, by interjecting, “I don’t have time to waste on nonsense, on stupid talk and division and stupidity; that’s not me.” Being a social worker was closer to home. He clearly came to the point with clarity, and related his objective: “All I want to hear about is how we bring this country together, how we can love each other, how we uplift each other, (and) how we uplift the communities and uplift the country.”

He showed empathy and understanding by admitting, “We know every community has different challenges. That is why today I am here to listen to you.” He wore the cap of the man in the street.

In the end, it was the residents who were overwhelmed with joy, and they did express their gratitude without any reservation. One such among those who had gathered conveyed his thanks and appreciation, while at the said time summing up the feelings of all by blurting out, “I am pleased and happy that you came by foot, and not by vehicle.”

Linden residents certainly were not ungrateful, not in any shape or form. They came, they saw, they spoke, they questioned, they asked; they were answered, they heard, and eventually they were conquered with the love, fellowship, and affection of the man who simply came to extend a helping hand and asked for nothing in return; the man who preaches and practises the unity of “One Guyana”; the People’s Proletarian President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

Yours respectfully,Jai Lall

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

The Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) mobile registration unit is helping to bring informal entities and operators into the formal security sector.

“We recognise that there may be some informality within the trade, and we are saying that the establishment of the mobile registration unit is an opportunity for persons to transition from informality to formality,” said the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Zavia Mayne.

“So those who are operating within the informal spaces, this is an opportunity for them to come, an opportunity for them to dialogue, and certainly, it is an opportunity to formalise their operations,” he noted.

Mayne was speaking at the mobile registration unit’s stop at Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Wednesday, October 12.

He said that the unit is bringing services closer to the people.

“That is what the mobile registration unit is all about – access. We want to improve registration, not just in terms of our security companies but also in terms of our private security guards, and the mobile registration unit allows us just that,” he pointed out.

Mr. Mayne said that with the rollout of the unit, the Ministry is able to get on the ground to see first-hand, not only what the subscription rate is like but also how the services are being administered and delivered.

The State Minister commended the efforts of the PSRA, noting that the number of persons and entities that came out to register for their licences was encouraging.

“I am very pleased. The numbers that have been communicated to me are very encouraging. The reviews are that this area has certainly justified the establishment of a mobile registration unit. The PSRA has rolled out several initiatives that are geared towards the improvement of our services, service delivery and overall efficiency of the authority,” he said.

Mr. Mayne added that the agency has made renewal of licences for companies and private security guards available online and recently established an office in Montego Bay, St. James, to make it easier for persons in western Jamaica to access services.

“Wherever you are in this country you had to go to Kingston to get your registration approved and authorised. In the modern dispensation, it’s a little awkward, so we decided to change that through the creation of the western offices and certainly, through the mobile registration unit,” he said.

The unit, which was launched in November last year, has already visited several areas across the island.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

News

The Tunapuna Police Station. File photo Angelo Marcelle

A 29-year-old Macoya man was robbed of his car early on Friday morning.

Police said the man was sitting in the driver’s seat of his red Kia Sportage on Gladioli Boulevard at around 12.20 am when two bandits approached him and announced a robbery.

The man got out of the car and the bandits got in and drove off.

The man called the police, who found the car in the carpark of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at around 1.23 am.

Tunapuna police and crime scene investigators towed the car to a police station.

In an unrelated incident, a 26-year-old Cunupia taxi driver was robbed of his car in St Joseph on Thursday afternoon.

Police said the driver picked up a man on Farm Road at around 2.10 pm. While he was driving, the passenger told the driver to stop for two other men at the side of the road.

The men pulled out guns and ordered the driver out of the car and they tied his hands with plastic tie straps before driving off with his car.

Passers-by helped the driver, who reported the robbery to the police.

The driver tracked his car to Hydraulic Road North, Caroni.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

Ongoing repairs to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) following last weekend’s collision have already racked up a bill of over $1 billion and according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, the company that owns the vessel will be held financially liable for the extensive works being carried out.

“It’s a billion and counting,” Edghill declared.

Asked about the company that owns the vessel being made to foot the repair bill, the Public Works Minister indicated that “…the Government of Guyana is very clear on this matter”.

In fact, he revealed that the Panamanian vessel – MV Trade Wind Passion – is currently being detained. “We’ve already done all the necessary legal paperwork. The ship is legally under arrest, because we’ve filed all the necessary paperwork,” he asserted.

During the retraction for marine traffic in the wee hours of Saturday, the fuel ship, which was transporting fuel to the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), crashed into the bridge. The damage to the critical structure was extensive with at least four spans and a pontoon affected.

At the time, the vessel was heading south and was the last of five vessels to cross through the bridge, which had to be out of commission over the weekend and opened on Tuesday to light vehicular traffic. A scheduled arrangement was subsequently put in place for vehicles carrying less than 18 tonnes as works continue on the bridge.

Giving an update on repairs to the bridge on Thursday, Minister Edghill was high in praise for the team working to get the structure back up and functional.

“As of this [Thursday] morning, while everybody is seeing traffic moving and flowing, they’re still working miracles below – changing out pontoons and doing all kinds of things while still facilitating the movement of people and goods to ensure that commerce and people keep moving. Those are things some engineers and technicians want the bridge to be closed to do. But with proper planning and putting heads together, we’ve been able to [open the bridge],” he related.

The Public Works Minister noted that only Thursday morning a repaired wrench was delivered by the contractor to the workers to be reinstalled as they prepare to resume retraction for marine traffic. According to Edghill, getting the bridge functional for vehicular traffic is just one aspect of the work that is being done.

“They have to get the bridge functional as well for marine traffic, because it must be able to do the retraction to allow for the passage of boats… We’re hoping to get our first retraction maybe [today] or Saturday and that is why it was important for us to get the wrench by [Thursday] morning so that it can be installed and tested … the rest of it. So, we may very well be able to have a retraction in another 24 to 36 hours,” he explained.

Minister Edghill further pointed out that while significant work has been conducted to get the bridge to a working stage, there was much more to be done. However, he could not give a timeline for these works to be completed and the DHB returned to normal operations.

“We’re working on everything to make that happen… It’s nowhere near the finish, but significantly advanced, great work is being done by the engineers and the contractors,” he stressed.

The Public Works Minister outlined that it was important to have the bridge reopened for vehicular traffic across the Demerara River, and even more important to restore retraction for the passage of traffic along the waterway.In fact, he pointed to the disruption to certain operations that this situation has caused such as garbage collection services.

“Getting garbage to the dump site [in Region Four – Demerara-Mahaica] from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was becoming a major crisis. In fact, one service provider sent me a notice that they may very well be putting in a claim; it cost them $3 million to get a pontoon to bring their trucks from Parika to Kingston,” Edghill disclosed.

Meanwhile, immediately following the collision, a Board of Inquiry (BoI) was set up by the government to look into the incident. According to the Minister, the BoI members started working in the wee hours of Sunday into late hours of the day. So far, they have taken statements and spoken to more than 35 individuals.

“They had seven days to compile their report and as of [Thursday], they are on schedule and I think I should be receiving that report soon,” Edghill told the media.

Following the incident, local authorities conducted drug and alcohol tests on the boat pilot and the results were negative. Reports that the crew was sleeping at the time of the accident had also been debunked by the Minister previously.

In the meantime, the Panamanian fuel ship remains in Port Georgetown pending the outcome of the investigation and the completion of repairs to the bridge.

Over the weekend, President Dr Irfaan Ali inspected works being done on the bridge and reiterated that efforts would be taken to revise guidelines used by vessels to traverse the opened Harbour Bridge during retraction.

“We also have to relook now at the guidelines. We have bigger ships coming in. We have faster vessels. And the bridge, really, is being nursed along at this stage in the bridge’s life. And we can’t every time there’s an impact – and this is one of the worst impacts we’ve ever had, when this happens then (it impacts) the fragility of the bridge, it needs continuous maintenance… But one of the things with the frequent hitting of the bridge is that it is actually devouring all our spare capacity. So, these are the challenges,” the Head of State said.

President Ali further indicated that Government would be expediting works on the new Demerara River Bridge so as to ease the burden that the current structure places on commuters.Back in May, a US$260 million contract for the new bridge across the Demerara River, which was awarded to a joint venture led by China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited, was signed.

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre four-lane high-span cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River and will feature a bicycle lane. It will also bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted.

Back in November 2021, Cabinet granted its no objection for the Chinese company to construct the bridge using a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) model. The bridge will land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on the eastern side, and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on the western side.

NewsAmericasNow.com