Guyana Focus
The truth is: there is little evidence that Guyanese are enjoying being independent. For most, independence has simply meant a government with a different face. Their lifestyles have been increasingly affected by the machinations of politicians and for much of the last 45 years, deteriorating social
conditions. They seem to have less freedom each day – the freedom to live peacefully, to choose, and to make their own decisions.
For the poor, independence has meant more suffering, more hardships, and lower living standards. Veiled attempts to help the poor, who account for more than one half of the population, have been more about politics than about people. In reality, if Independence Day were not a nationally observed holiday, most Guyanese would not even think about being independent as they struggle to survive one day at a time.
Yet for others, independence is merely symbolic, with no tangible benefits. Many were so badly scarred for a quarter of a century under the rule of the late President Forbes Burnham that all they can reflect on are their suffering in a supposedly independent Guyana. In reality, independence has been compromised to the extent that it has become meaningless, or simply a fallacy.
While the people have suffered, the concept of independence has had a "halo effect" on the politicians that run the country. They have had the power to make decisions that determine the fate of the people – whether or not it is in their best interest.
On the other hand, politicians in the opposition and well-placed individuals have shown pervasive disrespect for the country's sovereignty by persistently making insidious attempts to engage the assistance of foreign countries, institutions and individuals to influence outcomes in the country, or to attack the ruling government.
At the same time, foreign institutions and governments, whether through direct political influence by Guyanese nationals, or the desire to compromise the country's sovereignty have made subtle attempts to undermine reality in Guyana. For instance, over the past year alone, a myriad of reports by London-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), US-based Heritage Foundation, the US State Department, the local office of the World Bank, Paris-based Transparency International and the United Nations, among others, have deliberately put the country in bad light at a domestic and international level through questionable assessments.
To make matters worse, Guyana has been unable to break the ties that bind it to the very countries – Britain and the USA – which are largely responsible for its current state of affairs for the better part of its period of independence. The truth is, these countries continue to dictate the day-to-day operations of the nation in a subtle way – albeit to a lesser extent in recent years.
Arguably, interference has largely been a function of "financial" dependence, but more than often these countries have played the role of "judges" of fair play. Even CARICOM countries, which have worse internal problems, have interfered in Guyana's sovereignty on difficult political issues – exposing the inability of Guyanese politicians to resolve their own problems. The reality, however, is that foreign interference has not changed the order of chaos in the country.
Put proverbially, "people living in glass houses have been throwing stones" at an independent Guyana. Arguably, the current administration of almost 20 years is not without blame. It might have earned some of its criticisms because of its aggressive foreign policies which run counter to those of countries like the US and the UK; its questionable lack of transparency; its inability to curb corruption; the supposed arrogance of the country's President; and openness of its often antagonistic relationship with "big brother" and "big sister". Looked at another way, some of the apparent weaknesses can be viewed as a search for respect as a sovereign nation – or the ability to chose its own path.
Notwithstanding, Guyana has made significant strides economically – at least over the past 20 years – but not to the extent anticipated by its population. However, it remains divided on the political, social and racial fronts. These factors, combined with crime, corruption and narcotics trafficking, make life challenging for many Guyanese.
One of the challenges of independence has been high levels of criminal activity. There have been few crime-free periods since independence during which Guyanese could at least go to sleep without fear. Today, criminal activity has intensified to such an extent that criminals can operate freely in spite of government efforts to curtail crime. To be fair, crime rates have fallen in recent years but remain at intolerable levels. There is significant evidence that the motivation behind the escalation of crime is political – as has always been the case – but corruption and more importantly, the fact that the country has become a "narco" state are also major contributors.
Incidentally, Guyana's emergence as a major trans-shipment point for drugs is intricately connected to corruption, with strong suggestions official involvement. Although the pervasiveness of narcotics is only a decade-old phenomenon, the power that the country's drug lords wield is sufficient to upset its social order.
Corruption has become pervasive at all levels of society, a trend that has persisted since independence. High levels of bureaucracy and the lack of transparency in decision-making add to the perception of corruption, leaving the average Guyanese at the mercy of those who wield power.
During the first quarter century of independence, mismanagement and misallocation of resources ruined the economy. Racial tensions led to a massive exodus of qualified Guyanese. Civil liberties were eliminated; human and political rights were systematically eroded; the judicial system was compromised by political influence; press freedom was curtailed; travel restrictions were imposed; rights to assembly were undermined; and workers were harassed and victimized. The majority of the population faced incessant persecution. Ironically, the current administration continues to face allegations of human rights abuses, victimization, political interference, and abuse of power.
Up until the mid-1980s, foreign exchange scarcity and import restrictions led to a massive reduction of imports and the banning of essential foodstuff. Prices skyrocketed, inflation quadrupled, unemployment soared, and Guyanese were relegated to one of the poorest people in the world. Massive starvation and heightened criminal activity added to their woes. Their suffering was unparalleled with any other time in the country's history. These conditions took the meaning out of independence.
Although the return of a democratic government in 1992 provided Guyanese with some hope of independence, it was short lived. Political tensions with racial undertones returned five years later and have persisted since then. Plus, available opportunities are restricted to a small group of the population, making the poor poorer and contributing to a widening rich-poor gap. Positive signs of major infrastructural improvements have not been accompanied by commensurate economic activity for the benefit of the population at large.
After 45 years of independence, Guyanese are somewhat better off today but in absolute terms, way below their expectations.
on judicial reform
Georgetown — A 15-member multi-disciplinary team of lawyers has been assembled by New Perimeter to assist Guyana with a large-scale program to reform its judicial system. This is in response to a direct request from the Guyana Government for assistance. New Perimeter is DLA Piper's non-profit affiliate dedicated exclusively to global pro bono work.
Fifteen lawyers from 12 of DLA Piper's offices in the United States and United Kingdom, along with Washington D.C. Superior Court Judge Truman Morrison, participated in an innovative project to draft manuals and train Guyanese magistrates and prosecutors on criminal trial skills. This project is one component of Guyana's Justice Sector Modernization Program, in which the government has invested considerable resources over the past five years, with the support of multilateral institutions and lenders.
"We are proud to have assisted the Guyanese government in its ambitious efforts to modernize the country's justice system," said Kristen Abrams, International Pro Bono Counsel for New Perimeter, who helped lead the DLA Piper pro bono team.
"This project provided a unique opportunity for our lawyers to bring their diverse experience to bear in an interactive and collaborative environment with Guyanese magistrates and prosecutors that led to a tremendous exchange of ideas."
DLA Piper lawyers have been drafting comprehensive trial practice resource manuals for magistrates and prosecutors since the project was launched in January of this year. In late March, 13 of the DLA Piper lawyers spent a week in Guyana where they provided simulation-based workshops to Guyanese magistrates and prosecutors utilizing the information in the manuals.
Almost all of Guyana's magistrates benefitted from that training on advanced trial management skills, a new anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture law, and international best practices in bail setting. New Perimeter also trained more than 40 police prosecutors, prosecutors and senior investigators on such trial skills as presenting and cross-examining witnesses, introducing documents and physical evidence, and establishing chain of custody for physical evidence. This training was of particular importance for police prosecutors as they are responsible for handling a high percentage of Guyana's criminal prosecutions and have little preparation for it.
The New Perimeter team has donated nearly 2,000 hours to this pro bono initiative thus far and will continue to closely monitor justice sector reform efforts in Guyana.
Launched in 2005, New Perimeter is DLA Piper's non-profit affiliate dedicated exclusively to international pro bono work. DLA Piper attorneys are selected for New Perimeter projects on a competitive basis and work on cohesive and multi-disciplinary project teams during a multi-year commitment that typically includes spending time in-country as a key element of their assignments. Since New Perimeter's inception, DLA Piper lawyers have donated more than 50,000 attorney hours to New Perimeter projects.
Low budget flights on the way
Georgetown - Caribbean's Low Fares Airline, REDjet has assured customers that all systems are in place for its maiden flight from Barbados on May 10, 2011 marking the commencement of scheduled flights to and from Guyana.
The airline also gave assurance that the problems with its application in Trinidad do not affect its Guyana service in any way. REDjet's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Ian Burns, is confident that passengers will be thrilled by the new service to and from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The airline which will be operating with two MD-82 jet aircrafts will be offering one-way flights from as low as US9.99 plus taxes. It will initially fly four times a week from Guyana to Barbados, but plans to move to daily flights when other destinations are added. The airline intends to expand its operations to destinations across the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States. REDjet has a crew of 17 pilots to command its aircrafts.
The fare structure allows for 15 per cent of the seats on the 146-seater aircraft to be sold for US$9.99 plus taxes and once this 15% of the seats are bought up, prices will go up incrementally by US$10. Booking early would therefore result in cheaper fares. The average fare across routes is estimated at US$59 and could reach over US$99 if one books in the last week or two or if demand is strong and the lowest fares are sold out. The price quoted is just for the seat and commuters will have to pay extra charges for meals and checked in baggages.
Passengers will be allowed one carry-on bag and a handbag or laptop case, both weighing up to 10 kgs each as long as they fit in standard baggage sizers. The fee for checked in baggage starts at $10 for the first bag and between US$30 and US$60 for the second bag.
Nikki Kahn Pullitzer Prize 2011
Georgetown - Guyana-born photographer, Nikki Kahn, is among three Washington Post photographers who won Pulitzer Prize 2011 for breaking news photography out of earthquake ravaged Haiti.
Nikki Kahn joined the staff at The Washington Post in January 2005 after leaving Knight-Ridder Tribune Photo Service in Washington as a photographer and editor. She had also previously worked as a staff photographer at the Indianapolis Star and as an intern at the Washington Times, the News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska.
Nikki Kahn shared the prize with fellow photographers Carol Guzy and Ricky Carioti. The judges said their photos were an "up-close portrait of grief and desperation" following the catastrophic quake in January 2010.
"They are three exemplary photojournalists whose compassion comes through in their work," Executive Editor Marcus Brauchli said.
Kahn had traveled back to Haiti several times after the earthquake, and Carioti documented the aftermath seven months after the quake.
"I think the amazing thing was the opportunity to go back throughout the year and check up on the people I photographed on the first trip," Kahn said. "It was incredibly important to find the strength to go out and show the world what the Haitian people were going through."
Nikki was born in Georgetown, Guyana and had moved to Washington, D.C. where she pursued her studies at American University. There she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in visual media and art history in May 1996. She later attended Syracuse University and completed her Masters of Science degree in photography in May 2004, doing a project on AIDS in Guyana.
She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband Michel duCille who is a director of photography at the Washington Post.
The Pulitzer Prize honours distinguished examples of breaking news photography in black and white or colour, which may consist of a photograph or photographs, a sequence or an album, in print or online, or both.
The prize is valued US$ 10,000
Georgetown — A Chesney, Corentyne home and business place was riddled by machine gun fire last Wednesday night and the gunmen were suspected to be two men wanted by the police in neighbouring Suriname and Venezuela.
The wanted men, Maikel Poeran Gopi, who is a Guyanese by birth and Ricky Sardjoe of Venezuela, are said to be leaders of the 'Poeran' gang, which has been responsible for a series of serious crimes in Suriname.
Shabana Samad, 33, a member of the Neighbourhood Police, and attached to the Albion Police Station and her husband, Narine Deonarine, 38, an employee of Albion Estate, operate a shop in the two storey wood and concrete building which was hit by gunfire at around 11:00 pm.
When the gunshots died down they contacted the police who responded promptly. On checking the home the woman concluded that the men had soaked a mat with gasoline and set it alight on the front door. However, the fire did not spread because of sand in the mat. Several windows of the house were damaged and the walls pierced with bullet holes. A number of spent shells of 9mm calibre were retrieved from around the house and in the yard.
Six men are in police custody assisting with the investigations. Some women who are believed to have shared a liaison with the wanted men are also in custody.
Georgetown — A 47-year-old man, who is alleged to have raped his 15-year old neighbour of No 59 village, was released on $200,000 bail shortly after he was arrested for raping her.
According to reports the teenager was picked up by the accused in his car at around 8:00 am two Thursdays ago after he offered to drop her to the market. Instead he took her to a house at Line Path, Skeldon where he committed the act. He then dropped her off at the market. However, when the teen returned home her discomfort was soon noticed by relatives. After some persuasion the girl related what happened to her. The matter was reported and it was confirmed by more than one doctor that she had been raped.
The man was arrested but released on bail shortly after. He was described by residents of the area as a notorious character - a drug dealer and a back track operative.
Georgetown — Police are hunting two known men for shooting and injuring a cop who went to the assistance of Cambio dealer, Jennifer Mohamed two Saturdays ago.
Mrs. Mohamed left her car near Avenue of the Republic and was heading to Regent Street when four men on bicycles attacked her demanding a bag containing over $2 million and some documents which she handed over to them. Sergeant Ransford Liverpool, was shot when he came to her assistance.
Georgetown — President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Charles Da Silva, was chopped and robbed on the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara seawall by two men, one of whom was armed with a cutlass, last Thursday.
Da Silva was attacked at around 6:00 am while he was sitting on the seawall taking a break after his morning exercise. According to Kaieteur News (KN) Da Silva's assailant snatched his gold chain and attempted to escape but Da Silva grabbed him. At the same time a vehicle with two persons drove up and one of the occupants emerged and chopped Da Silva on the head with a cutlass.
The man who snatched his chain then entered the car with the others and they drove off. Da Silva was taken to a private hospital where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.
Georgetown — A 37-year-old father of five of Supenaam, Essequibo, is eluding police after his 12-year-old daughter reported he sexually assaulted her.
According to police the Pomona Secondary School student reported that her father woke her from her asleep at around 11:00 pm last Thursday and ordered her to make him a cup of tea. He then lured her to a dam and sexually assaulted her. The girl later confided in her 17-year-old sister who subsequently alerted the police. The 12-year-old and her three siblings lived with their father after their mother left the home due to an abusive relationship.
Georgetown — A post mortem examination performed on the remains of Industry, East Coast Demerara businessman, Bedi Ramjewan, who was shot in the chest, and beaten in the head with a helmet, revealed that he died from shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot. The post mortem was conducted last Friday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.
Ramjewan was cornered near his home last Wednesday by two men on a motorcycle shortly after he had left a commercial bank in the city. After leaving the bank, Ramjewan was heading home in his vehicle and had reached the junction of Crown Dam and the Railway Embankment, when two men on a motorcycle blocked his path. According to Kaieteur News (KN) an eyewitness who recalled seeing the two gunmen at the entrance to Crown Dam said one of the men was armed with a handgun.
It has been reported that three persons are in police custody. Investigators have reportedly also impounded a motorcycle that they suspect the gunmen used.
Ramjewan succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital an hour after taken there.
Georgetown — Two bandits who carried out a brazen attack on the Lahago's Super Centre in Montrose, East Coast Demerara last Friday were held and are in police custody.
The men entered the premises at around 1:00 pm and held up the cashier then grabbed the money from the money drawer. They also grabbed two phones and phone cards that were on the table then escaped on foot. The entire episode was reportedly recorded on security cameras located on the premises.
One of the men was captured by ranks of the Community Policing Group, public spirited citizens and police ranks as he was hiding in the bushes at the Montrose sea wall. At the time he had a .32 handgun and four matching rounds and $50,000 in his crotch.
A few hours later, the second bandit was held by the Lusignan Central Community Policing Group at La Bonne Intention on the foreshore. Both men are from Lower East Coast Demerara.
Georgetown — An East Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman was shot and his wife chopped when armed bandits invaded their home last Friday.
Ramdat Balkarran, 45, a businessman of Good Hope ECD, was shot in the chest while his wife Shireen, 40, was slashed above her right elbow during the attack. The couple run a large grocery shop which adjoins their home.
According to Kaieteur News (KN) the two bandits entered the home by removing several louver panes from a window in the lower flat of the building and cutting through the grill that was barring the window.
Shireen told KN that the two bandits, who she described as men in their early twenties, kicked down her bedroom door and demanded that the family hand over their valuables. Shireen was injured while resisting the men who were trying to tie her hands behind her back. Her husband was shot while in his bedroom.
African protests
Georgetown — Fellow Working People's Alliance (WPA) executive member, Professor David Hinds on Wednesday came to the defence of Tacuma Ogunseye who earlier last month called for massive street protests by African Guyanese to press for power sharing should the incumbent Peoples Progressive Party Civic wins the upcoming general election.
This was reported by demerarawaves.com.
Hinds claims that his political outlook has been shaped by Black nationalism and multiracialism and states that he struggled alongside several members of the governing party when they were in opposition in East Indian communities, expressing solidarity. He vowed to participate in the protests being called for by Ogunseye, arguing that African Guyanese have not been only marginalized but also subjected to internal colonization.
According to demerarawaves.com Hinds said "This PPP government is worse than anything Burnham ever dreamt of. They have not rigged elections. They have instead rigged the government, the treasury and the state of Guyana".
Ogunseye's call received widespread condemnation and criticism by the government and the opposition Alliance For Change (AFC). The main opposition Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) has also dissociated itself from Ogunseye's statement. Meanwhile the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is investigating Ogunseye's statements and is expressing concern about his appeal to ethnic solidarity by the predominantly African Guyanese security forces
Georgetown - Guyana's tourism sector got a major boost recently when the National Geographic Traveler, the world's most widely read travel magazine, included a journey to Guyana's interior in its 50 Trips of a Lifetime list.
The National Geographic identified 'Amerindian Guyana', a trip which is offered by Georgetown's Wilderness Explorers for inclusion in its prestigious list. 'Amerindian Guyana' is a 16-day tour, which focuses on the eco lodges run by the Amerindian communities at Caiman House at Yupukari Village, Maipaima Eco-Lodge at Nappi Village, Rewa Eco-Lodge, and Surama Eco-Lodge.
"This itinerary stands head and shoulders above tours offered in other tropical destinations because Guyana's Amerindians are so actively engaged in LCDS and rainforest conservation efforts," said Tony Thorne, Managing Director of Wilderness Explorers.
"English and American tourists are especially interested to learn how indigenous cultures are adapting to the changing environmental – and political – climate."
According to Kaieteur News (KN) the selection process was highly competitive, in search of the world's most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours.
"The outfitters we selected continue to find new ways travelers can connect with places and people," said senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed up the project.
"This recognition by the prestigious international National Geographic Traveler Magazine is an endorsement of the world class nature and quality of the visitors' experience, the Guyana tourism product and Guyana's largest inbound Tour Operator, Wilderness Explorers." said Manniram Prashad, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce.
"This particular itinerary/tour is a combination of thoughtfully crafted and packaged experiences that are ecologically and culturally sensitive to one of the most pristine and biologically diverse places on Earth. It is very encouraging that National Geographic Traveler is highlighting and promoting world class tour companies, travel experiences and destinations."
Kirk Smock, author of the Bradt Guide to Guyana said, "Congrats on the award and recognition. That's a huge reward and one that is deserved by Wilderness."
The Guyana Tourism Authority is excited and proud that National Geographic Traveler magazine has recognized Wilderness Explorer's 'AMERINDIAN GUYANA' tour as one of their top 50 Tours of a Lifetime for 2011." said Indranauth Haralsingh, Director, Guyana Tourism Authority.
Visits to the lodges have gone up over the years and are fairly well booked.
to select committee
Georgetown — A motion seeking to address election campaign financing in Guyana was debated in parliament last Thursday and sent to a select committee. The motion, moved by the Alliance For Change (AFC) had been languishing in the house since last October. However, the party is unhappy with the government's amendments.
The Political Parties Campaign Financing motion, which was moved by MP Sheila Holder, calls on the administration to present to the National Assembly relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the issue and to "curtail abuse of public resources by the incumbent leading up to and during the elections …"
Government Member of Parliament Manzoor Nadir in his presentation said while government supported the motion he believed the matter needed to be examined comprehensively within a special select committee. Several amendments to the motion were read including his proposed deletion of the clause calling for curtailing abuse of public resources. However, Holder in wrapping up the lively debate on the motion rejected the amendment saying that the clause was necessary.
Nadir had proposed the elimination of the entire clause to be replaced with one calling for the special select committee to examine the existing laws and regulations regarding electoral party expenses and campaign financing laws in other countries. A report out of the committee, he said, could be presented to the National Assembly before parliament ends in August.
if wage talks fail
Georgetown - The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) at its May Day rally last Sunday issued a strong warning that it will be upping the ante on government, even taking to the streets, over the coming months unless wage talks are fruitful.
The announcement was made at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue during the GTUC's presentation.
The fracture in the unions was even more evident this year when for the first time three separate rallies were held at the annual May Day event. The three-way split confirmed the increasing differences between the unions with the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) going their own ways.
Norris Witter, General Secretary of the GTUC and senior official, Lincoln Lewis joined in blasting the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic administration, noting that while they will not be telling people who to vote for in the coming elections, they will be advising Guyana who not to vote for. They advised workers to vote the incumbent Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) out of office at the upcoming general election.
The GTUC rally enjoyed the support of the main opposition, People's National Congress Reform, the Guyana Minibus Union, the Women's Advisory Committee and the Guyana Public Service Union, among others.
PNCR Leader Robert Corbin, Deputy Basil Williams, Presidential Candidate David Granger and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union, were also present at their rally.
Meanwhile President of the Guyana Teachers' Union, Colin Bynoe, said that the recent financial and non-salaried deal the union brokered for teachers will have a positive impact on the quality of education, and vowed to ignore those who have suggested that he has sold out to the government.
from his injuries
Georgetown — The prisoner from the New Amsterdam prisons who was injured during a fight in the prisons last Thursday succumbed to the injuries he suffered during the incident.
Sebastian Cleto, 24, of Wortmanville, Georgetown, died at the the Georgetown Public Hospital where he had to be transferred for treatment after he and fellow inmate, Andy Adams, 21, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice were assaulted by about three other prisoners after a misunderstanding in the penitentiary. According to reports the two men were attacked and badly beaten by the other gang who used pieces of wood and other implements in the assault.
Cleto and Adams were both rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where Adams was treated and sent away. Cleto, who became unconscious following an injury to the head, was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical condition and died there at around 6:00 am last Monday.
Police are investigating the incidents and murder charges are likely to be laid soon. The accused inmates are currently isolated from the general prison population.
Cleto and Adams were incarcerated for murdering Nizamudeen Khan, a security guard attached to a Rosignol sawmill on July 20, 2007.
Meanwhile Chris Rampersaud, another convicted prisoner was struck on the head with a piece of iron by fellow inmate and buddy in crime, Desmond Isaacs. They were taken to the New Amsterdam hospital where they were treated and sent away. The two are on remand for robbery under arms for which they were jointly charged. During the confrontation, prison officer Tony Lewis who rushed to separate the two men was also injured.
The police are investigating and charges are likely soon.
A number of inmates have died and/or were hospitalised at various prisons in the country from injuries sustained during their incarceration.
to begin soon
Georgetown - The Guyana Elections Commission's (GECOM) Claims and Objections exercise to finalise registration for voting could begin in about two weeks' time. This was told to demwaves.com last Friday.
The exercise, which was last scheduled to begin on April 4, was postponed indefinitely because the shipment of ink needed to print ID cards was delayed.
The shipment was expected by air but because transportation of ink by air is prohibited under international aviation regulations it had to be sent by sea leading to the delays, demerarawaves.com reported.
A contingency arrangement has been put in place to source some of the ink locally until the shipment arrives to allow GECOM to produce the cards.
The Claims and Objections period had been slated to run from April 4 to May 20. The exercise will allow those persons who were not registered during the last house-to-house registration exercise in 2008 to do so.
Meanwhile, demwaves.com reported that the Commission will soon announce the qualifying date for determining persons who would be 18 years or over, and eligible to be registered during the Claims and Objections exercise.
holders now mandatory
Georgetown - The deadline for account holders to comply with banking legislation which calls for all deposit account holders to provide proof of address and copies of identification expired on April 30, 2011.
Failure to comply would lead to accounts being frozen or becoming inactive but once the requisite documents are presented the account will normalize.
The legislation was instituted in an effort to minimize the possibility of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities. The new deadline of April 30 was final.
The US and other territories have blacklisted a number of countries that have not complied.
GAB Chairman, John Tracey, during a recent press conference at Republic Bank's New Market Street Headquarters, explained that Guyana had passed its own FIU legislation since 2009. However, two deadlines – May and December last year – have passed without the response from account holders being satisfactory.
John Alves, Republic Bank's CEO, had emphasised that this warning is final and there will be no extension. Banking operations in the city appeared normal by the deadline.