Les bandits de la base « Gran Grif » ont de nouveau perpétré un massacre sur la population de Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite dans la nuit du 10 décembre 2024. Sur des images terrifiantes qui font le tour des réseaux sociaux, des familles sont tuées, des corps d’enfants en bas âge gisent dans leur sang. Plusieurs personnes sont kidnappées par ces malfrats. La veille pourtant, la police avait annoncé la reprise du contrôle du commissariat de cette commune.
C’est une fin d’année horrifiante pour la population haïtienne qui ne demande que de la sécurité aux autorités malheureusement complices et/ou impuissantes.
Les dernières nouvelles sont les unes plus choquantes que les autres. Quand ce n’est pas un chef de gang qui décide d’exterminer des personnes âgées suite à des accusations de sorcellerie, quand ce n’est pas un groupe armé qui décide d’ouvrir le feu sur un minibus sur la route nationale numéro 2 faisant 5 morts et 8 blessés, quand ce n’est pas les bandits de Martissant qui ouvrent le feu sur un bus faisant un mort et des blessés, quand ce n’est pas le chef de gang « Bout ba » opérant à Mariani qui ouvre le feu sur des pirogues (bwa fouye) qui transportent des passagers sur la mer, quand ce n’est pas les bandits qui forcent les résidents des quartiers de Solineo, de Carrefour-Feuille, de Bas peu De chose (…) à abandonner leurs maisons, ce sont les bandits de « Gran Grif » qui massacrent une quinzaine de personnes issues de différentes familles dont des enfants en bas âge dans la zone de 14e.
Une population qui s’est réveillée en sursaut et qui n’avait plus d’autre choix que prendre la fuite pour échapper aux violences démesurées de ces gangs.
La Police et l’Armée demandent beaucoup plus de moyens pour combattre ces bandes criminelles qui détruisent les vies et les biens en toute quiétude, mais les dirigeants sont extrêmement occupés à s’occuper de tout sauf des intérêts de la population haïtienne.
Le mardi 10 décembre 2024, l’Office de Protection de la Citoyenne et du Citoyen (OPC), via une note de presse portant la signature du nouveau Protocteur, Me Jean Wilner Morin, a condamné le massacre de plus de 184 personnes âgées entre 60 à 80 ans. L’OPC n’a pas mis de temps pour exprimer son indignation et sa profonde tristesse suite à ce carnage ordonné par le chef de gang Mikanò, accusant ces personne d’avoir provoqué la maladie de son enfant. Cet acte est une violation flagrante des droits humains et un affront à la dignité humaine, a avancé l’OPC dans sa note.
C’est toute la nation haïtienne qui s’est montrée indignée suite à la nouvelle de ce drame survenu le week-end écoulé. D’autres pays comme la France et les États-Unis ont eux aussi exprimé leur sentiment de colère et de solidarité suite au massacre de 184 personnes âgées à Wharf Jérémie. Cet acte odieux a été motivé par des croyances superstitieuses infondées, perpétré malheureusement à l’aube de la célébration des 76 ans de la déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, déplore l’OPC.
L’institution étatique de défense des droits humains a tenu de rappeler que ces accusations de sorcellerie ne justifient en aucun cas la violence ou l’exécution sommaire.
« Les personnes âgées, qui ont tant contribué à la société, méritent respect et protection, et non d’être victimes de violences inacceptables », a-t-on lu dans la note de l’OPC qui, par la même veine appelle les autorités policières et judiciaires à agir rapidement et avec détermination pour identifier et traduire en justice les responsables de cet acte odieux.
L’OPC croit dur comme fer qu’il est impératif que des mesures soient prises pour garantir la sécurité des citoyens, en particulier des plus vulnérables. L’Office de la Protection de la Citoyenne et du Citoyen invite la communauté internationale à être attentionnée à cette situation alarmante en Haïti tout en soutenant les efforts qui visent à restaurer l’ordre public et la protection des droits fondamentaux des citoyens.
L’OPC dit rester déterminé à défendre les droits de tous et continuera d’appeler à la justice pour toutes les victimes d’actes de violence, a conclu la note.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall has again voiced concerns over attempts to delay the 2020 election fraud trial, highlighting what he believes are clear efforts by the defence, including Attorney Nigel Highes, to stall proceedings.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, Nandlall expressed frustration with the ongoing delays in the case, which has been pending for over four years.
The trial, which has seen various procedural matters addressed, is set to face another hurdle as the Acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, is expected to deliver a decision on December 30 regarding whether the trial will start afresh.
The case was called for oral submissions on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the key question of what constitutes restarting the trial was discussed.
The case has already suffered numerous delays, with evidence being presented and former presiding magistrate Leron Daly proceeding on sick leave. Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty has since taken over the case, which has led to the current dispute over how the trial should proceed.
The prosecution and defence are at odds over whether the trial should begin from scratch or whether the hearings can resume with the evidence already presented.
Nandlall, representing the prosecution, has argued that only the trial itself should be restarted, as only a small number of witnesses have testified thus far.
He contended that the defence’s insistence on restarting the entire process—re-reading the charges and having the defendants plead again—is merely a tactic to further delay the proceedings.
“The defence team is clearly trying to derail the trial,” Nandlall stated.
“They are afraid to go to trial because the evidence is overwhelming. Many of you witnessed the crimes first-hand, and the footage and statements are still available on social media. The defence doesn’t want these cases to proceed because they are aware of the strong evidence against them.”
Nandlall’s comments reflect the prosecution’s belief that the defence is deliberately obstructing the trial. He also emphasised the public’s keen interest in the case, which has become a matter of national importance. The public, he said, is anxiously awaiting the resolution of these cases.
The attorneys-at-law representing embattled Barbados Pride captain Raymon Reifer have written to Cricket West Indies (CWI) urging them to withdraw the charges against him because he cannot get a “fair and impartial hearing.”
In a letter addressed to CWI’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Lynford Inverary dated December 6, 2024, attorney Philip Nicholls, who, in association with King’s Counsel Sir Patterson Cheltenham, is acting on behalf of Reifer and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), raised serious concerns regarding how CWI had treated Reifer.
Reifer and Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell were handed Level 3 charges for their roles in last month’s CG United Super50 final, which was forfeited after they failed to be present for the toss.
In a statement released by CWI on Friday, it was announced that Campbell had been given a reduced four-match suspension after accepting the charges.
At the time, CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said Reifer had not yet responded to the charges.
He said the disciplinary committee would deal with the matter if Reifer did not respond.
“In your release, you again not so much as imply but state outright that Mr. Reifer has not responded to the charge leveled against him, which was the same charge for which Campbell has been sanctioned. This is not correct,” Nicholls maintained.
“In fact, given the additional comments attributed to your Director of Cricket on the matter, a reasonable reader of your press release, which appeared shortly after its release on social media including Facebook and the number one cricket site on the internet of ESPN Cricinfo, would conclude that as soon as you can get your hands on Mr. Reifer, a same or worse fate would befall him.”
Additionally, Nicholls argued that CWI only gave Reifer 12 hours to respond to a charge laid on November 24 at around 11:00 a.m., which only came to his attention on his return from Trinidad that morning, and he was leaving the island the next day.
He said that in doing so, CWI denied Reifer the opportunity to consult with the BCA or seek legal advice before a response within the demanded time.
Nicholls further took issue with the fact that while the charge against Reifer and Campbell had a recommended penalty of a ban for seven matches, the final sanction imposed on Campbell was a result of a plea agreement negotiated between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).
“My clients are naturally disappointed that you not only have seen fit to impose a sanction on Mr. Campbell but especially to announce it publicly, knowing full well that Mr. Reifer is contesting the validity of the charge.”
“What is worse is that the comments of Mr. Bascombe would now make that reasonable person conclude that Mr. Reifer awaits at least the same fate, but in all probability a lengthier ban, even though in the charge he is advised that he is entitled to a hearing if he disputes the charge,” Nicholls stated in the letter.
“In light of this clear prejudice against a fair and impartial hearing for my client, may I once again reiterate my call for the charge against Mr. Reifer to be withdrawn for the grounds outlined in my letter to you of December 3, 2024.
“I am sure that your attorneys will advise that even if there was no response the only two options presented to Mr. Reifer of guilty or not, the correct and sensible act would be to summon him to a hearing and note that he has pleaded not guilty,” he further added. (SportsMax)
A decision by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty to allow Adonika Aulder, the pregnant wife of Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, to leave the country for emergency medical treatment has ignited a legal dispute.
The ruling, made last Thursday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, is being challenged by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who argues that the magistrate exceeded her legal authority in granting the request.
Aulder and her husband are currently facing serious criminal charges.
According to Nandlall, a magistrate has no legal right to allow a defendant, who is released on bail or remanded, to leave the country.
During his Tuesday night commentary, Nandlall asserted that once a person is granted bail, they remain in the custody of the court, either through direct custody or by a surety.
He stressed that the only court with the authority to permit a defendant to leave the jurisdiction is the High Court, citing Guyana’s Constitution, which grants citizens freedom of movement.
“Only in exceptional cases, when a person is not on bail or remand and is free to go, can they be permitted to leave the country,” Nandlall explained.
“In this instance, the High Court had already ruled against granting permission for travel, making the magistrate’s decision problematic.”
The Attorney General further argued that the magistrate should have followed the High Court’s previous ruling on the matter, referencing the legal doctrine of stare decisis, which requires lower courts to adhere to the decisions of higher courts.
“The magistrate should not have entertained this application at all. She had no power to grant it, and even if she did, she should have followed the High Court’s decision,” Nandlall said.
“This ruling is in direct conflict with established legal principles, and it sets a dangerous precedent.”
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will conclude its 2024 season with the staging of the annual Terrence Ali National Open Championship from December 13-15 at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown, Georgetown.
President of the GBA Steve Ninvalle said the Open championship is the most prominent local event on the amateur boxing calendar of activities and fittingly brings to a conclusion a very successful and fruitful year for the discipline.
“Traditionally the championship has served as that bridge or conduit between the realms of amateur and professional, and while the advancement of the amateur game, both on the local and international circuit, has evolved in every facet, the importance of the event has duly followed suit.”
Ninvalle added that the tournament is an exhibition of Guyana’s best and offers a glimpse into the country’s present and immediate future in the amateur segment or possible professional ranks.
“Household names are established at this juncture, but more important from a developmental perspective, it is an exhibition in the association’s structural and refinement process of the pugilists’ respective skills given the pathway they would have undertaken from the nursery, novices, and intermediate stages.
“This is a pathway that has been established and built upon given its importance in the overall development of the pugilists, and we aim to strengthen this procedure to ensure that all fighters are properly equipped with the necessary tools so that they are prepared for the international rigours of an amateur career or the professional realm.”
The official weigh-in and medical evaluation exercise will take place on December 12 under the supervision of qualified experts, the GBA said.
A number of prominent gyms have confirmed their participation, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, New Amsterdam Academy, Rose Hall, Vergenoegen and Republicans.
Multi-talent Guyanese athlete Zion Hickerson made a strong impression at the prestigious Nine & under Little Mo International Tennis Tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Hickerson, also a promising footballer, advanced to the round of 16 before falling to American Max Sullivan.
He secured a convincing victory in his first match against Brazilian Benicio Assis with a score of 6-1, 6-2.
However, he faced a tough challenge in his second match, losing to American Max Sullivan with scores of 2-6, 1-6.
Despite the loss, Hickerson’s performance showcased his talent and potential on the international stage.
This tournament marked Zion’s first experience on clay courts, and he enjoyed the competition, noting that the level of play was higher than what he had encountered in Caribbean and local New York tournaments.
His father mentioned that while Zion needs to work on generating more pace on his first serve, he is committed to improving with the help of his coaches at Sheltez Tennis Club and National Tennis Academy.
The experience gained from competing against top young players from around the world will be invaluable for Hickerson’s development.
He will now turn his attention to football training with Atletico Madrid in 2025.
Zion’ tennis sojourn was supported by various organisations and sponsors, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport – Guyana, the Guyana Tennis Association, and several local businesses.
The finals of the different categories of the Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton tournament were held on Sunday evening at the Gymnasium.
Walking away with titles in the season-ending championship were Akili Haynes, Priyanna Ramdhani, Frank Waddell, Mishka Beharry, Leshaunte Berkley, Joanathan Debidin, Gabriel Felix, Menikshi Jaikisson, Gabrielle Felix, Ruel Rambiriche, Ehan Bulkan, Ethan Bulkan, Joel Rambirche and Anjaneysa Godette.
There were many notable improvements especially by the juniors, this was commendable as announced by the Guyana Badminton Association.
On Saturday the quarter-finals and semi-finals were held and the following matches were played:
The results of Day Two are as follows:
Quarter and Semi-Finals – Day 2 Matches – Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Under 17 Boys Doubles Finals – Ruel Rambiriche/Gabriel Felix vs. Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan 21-12,21-14
The winners of the categories are:
UNDER 13 – MIXED DOUBLES
2nd Christopher Harrison & Anyha Hassan
1st Joel Rambirche & Anjaneysa Godette
UNDER 15 – BOYS DOUBLES
3RD Nathan Mohalall & Anand Persaud
2nd Mohamed Farouk & Joel Rambiriche
1st Ehan Bulkan & Ethan Bulkan
UNDER 17 – BOYS DOUBLES
3RD Nikolas Pollard & Avinash Ramnarine
3rd Christopher Jordan & Ronit Gulchand
2nd Egan Bulkan & Ethan Bulkan
1st Ruel Rambiriche & Gabriel Felix
UNDER 17 – GIRLS DOUBLES
2nd Nevaeh Eastman & Malia Haley
1st Menikshi Jaikisson & Gabrielle Felix
UNDER 17 – MIXED DOUBLES
3RD Nikolas Pollard & Harshini Muralidharan
3rd Ronit Gulchand & Menikshi Jaikissoon
2nd Ruel Rambiriche & Gabrielle Felix
1st Gabriel Felix & Mishka Beharry
UNDER 19 – BOYS DOUBLES
3rd Gabriel Felix & Jonathan Robinson
3rd Percival Chester & Ronit Gulchand
2nd Vishal Gopaul & Ruel Rambiriche
1st Frank Waddell & Joanathan Debidin
UNDER 19 – GIRLS DOUBLES
3rd Ashley Forde & Harshini Muralidharan
2nd Nevaeh Eastman & Malia Haley
1st Mishak Beharry & Leshaunte Berkley
UNDER 19 – MIXED DOUBLES
3rd Vishal Gopaul & Menikshi Jaikisson
3rd Haresh Persaud & Malia Haley
2nd Joanathan Debidin & Leshaunte Berkley
1st Frank Waddell & Mishka Beharry
WOMEN’S SINGLES
3rd Asiyah Eatsman
3rd Menikshi Jaikisson
2nd Mishka Beharry
1st Priyanna Ramdhani
MEN SINGLES
3rdNkosi Beaton
3rd Avinash Odit
2nd Tyrese Jeffrey
1st Akili Haynes
Frank Waddell (right) was rewarded for his outstanding performance in 2024. He received his accolades from Chet Bowling
The presentation followed the finals and the medals and cash prizes were presented by Kareem Munroe of Massy Distribution (Blue Water), Ayanna Watson of SOL Guyana and Chet Bowling of Amaila Car Rentals.
The GBA’s most outstanding performance for 2024 was awarded to Frank Waddell, who received the Perpetual trophy and a gift voucher presented to him by Bowling.
More than 33,000 public servants and members of the Disciplined Services are set to receive a substantial 10% retroactive salary increase, which will be paid out before the end of December 2024.
This landmark increase, the largest of its kind, will see approximately $7 billion placed into the hands of public servants across the country.
Senior Minister with responsibility for finance Dr Ashni Singh, in an exclusive interview with the News Room, spoke at length on the increase on Tuesday, hours after it was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, stressing that the salary boost reflects the PPP/C government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the nation’s workforce.
Dr Singh also noted that, when compounded, the salary increases for the years 2021 to 2025 amount to an impressive 46%. This, he pointed out, does not include several other government initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of citizens, such as affordable housing and extensive infrastructure development.
Minister Singh further noted that teachers have already benefitted from a multi-year agreement with the government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union, signed in August 2024.
The three-year agreement includes a 10% increase for 2024, an 8% increase for 2025 which is similar to what all other public servants will receive.
But it goes further and already assures of a 9% increase for 2026, along with various non-salary benefits.
In addition to the teachers’ agreement, Dr Singh shared with the News Room that the government was happy to have successfully negotiate two similar agreements with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the unions representing workers at the University of Guyana.
He described the deal with the GPSU as “historic”, marking the first-ever multi-year agreement concluded by any government with the union in recent memory.
“I think it’s well-known that we have for a very long time tried to conclude multi-year agreements with the major unions representing public sector employees,” Dr Singh commented.
“The conclusion of a multi-year agreement with the GPSU is a truly historic development because it is something that has not been achieved before,” he added.
Dr Singh also highlighted the active engagement between President Ali’s government and major trade union representatives, noting the government’s proactive stance in increasing the pay and benefits of public sector employees.
He added that this move is a step towards improving the conditions of service for the working people of Guyana.
Discussions are currently ongoing with other agencies and unions to secure similar agreements, Dr Singh revealed.
Additional Benefits for Public Sector Workers
Beyond the 10% salary increase, the multi-year agreements contain several key features aimed at further benefiting public sector employees:
Qualification Allowances: Starting January 2025, public servants with higher academic qualifications will receive new monthly allowances. For instance, those holding an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification will receive $15,000 per month. A Master’s Degree will entitle holders to $22,000 monthly, while those with a Doctoral degree will receive $32,000 each month.
“This reflects our government’s recognition of the importance of attracting and retaining qualified people in the public service,” Dr Singh said.
Debunching of Salary Scales: A significant change to salary structures will allow employees in the first six salary scales (GS1 to GS6) to be adjusted based on their years of service. After four years in a specific grade, employees will be moved to the mid-point of their scale, and after eight years, to the maximum of that scale. Dr Singh explained, “This acknowledges and rewards both longevity of service and experience.”
Allowance Adjustments: Various allowances, including travelling and hinterland allowances, will also be revised as part of the multi-year agreements.
Scholarships and Duty-Free Concessions: The government has committed to providing at least 100 scholarships to GPSU members annually, further promoting professional development. Additionally, 100 duty-free concessions will be granted each year, particularly aimed at experienced nurses, to make the public sector more attractive and retain skilled professionals.
“This initiative means that 100 experienced nurses will be able to own their own vehicles every year,” Dr Singh said.
These measures, Dr Singh noted, are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the public sector’s working conditions, increase employee satisfaction, and ensure that Guyana continues to attract and retain the best talent in its public service.
The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will come alive on December 28 as a highly anticipated boxing card promises an electrifying night of action.
Headlining the post-Boxing Day spectacle is USA-based Elton Dharry, who aims to extend his impressive winning streak in a bantamweight bout against Colombia’s Randy Ramirez.
The clash serves as a critical tune-up for Dharry, who is on the brink of a world title shot in 2025.
Olympian Keevin ‘Lightning’ Allicock, one of the brightest talents in local boxing, takes center stage in the main supporting bout.
Known for his speed and precision, Allicock will face Dexter Wray in a battle that promises fireworks.
In other professional match-ups, Dillon Charles squares off against Anson Green, while Kevin Isaacs will trade punches with Julian Clarke.
The event, co-promoted by Dharry in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the local boxing board, will also feature four amateur fights, setting the stage for the professional bouts.
Bell time is set for 19:00h, with tickets priced at G$4,000 for floor seats and $3,000 for the stands.
Boxing enthusiasts can expect an action-packed evening, celebrating both rising stars and seasoned contenders in the sport.
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The top performers of the tournament was rewarded for his outstanding performance in 2024. He received his accolades from Chet Bowling </p>
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Frank Waddell (right) was rewarded for his outstanding performance in 2024. He received his accolades from Chet Bowling