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Principal Legal Advisor at the Attorney General Chambers Ronetta Sargent

Principal Legal Advisor at the Attorney General Chambers, Ronetta Sargent has firmly rejected allegations of constitutional rights violations during a police search at 86 BB Eccles, the family home of social media activist Melissa Atwell, on September 17, asserting that the operation was conducted lawfully based on reasonable suspicion of narcotics offences.

In a letter addressed to Darren Wade, the attorney representing Atwell with seven others, Sargent explained that a magistrate at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates Court issued a search warrant based on reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence against the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substance Control Act.

She stated that police had reason to believe that evidence of the commission of an offence could be found at the premises.

Sargent detailed that the police executed the warrant between 16:00 hrs and 16:50 hrs on the same day, adhering strictly to legal protocols.

She highlighted that the lead officer on the scene specifically asked the individual identifying herself as “Debbie,” the main occupant, whether she was satisfied with the conduct of the officers during the search.

Debbie is the mother of Atwell. She affirmed that she was satisfied, and this interaction, along with much of the warrant’s execution, was captured on video.

An original copy of the search warrant was left with her for reference.

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The Principal Legal Adviser emphasised that investigations regarding the matter are ongoing and that any claims of unlawful conduct are strenuously denied.

She reassured that the police had no prior knowledge of “Debbie” or her connections, stressing that such information would have been immaterial to the case at hand.

Sargent reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to performing its statutory duties without fear or favour, ensuring compliance with the law and the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

She said that any potential legal actions taken against the police would be robustly defended and included a copy of the search warrant in his response.

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Bassarath vacates CWI VP office; new VP to be elected in September

Of his re-election Azim Bassarath said, “I’m excited to return to my duties for the good of West Indies cricket, working alongside my dedicated colleagues at Cricket West Indies. Since March of 2023 when Dr. Shallow took over, we made great strides in the most popular format of the game- T20 and we are determined to continue making these strides in the other two international formats. I have committed and remain committed to serving with integrity and respect for the process, while upholding the best governance practices. This vote of confidence signals that we can move forward with the business of cricket and deliver the results shareholders and fans across the region and around the world are eager to see, under the leadership of Dr. Kishore Shallow.”

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The award

Quai, however, isn’t a large-scale operation. Naiya described it as both a passion project and a labour of love.

The chocolates are handcrafted and made in micro batches with cocoa sourced directly from the Blue Flame Womens’ Group in Hosororo Hill, Region One (Barima- Waini). This group helps to empower women of the community through training and avenues to earn.

The emphasis placed on using locally-produced cocoa beans is complemented by choice packaging. From sloths to jaguars and birds, each box showcases animals indigenous to Guyana and features a golden map of Guyana.

What’s next for Quai Craft Chocolate?

Having placed in the regional competition, Quai Craft Chocolate can enter the global competition later this year.

Outside of that possible venture, Naiya said the focus remains on producing top- tier chocolate.

“The plan is to keep creating delicious chocolates, with inspired flavours that people enjoy and maintain our premium quality that people know and expect,” she said.

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Aubrey Norton

“They’ve elevated the number from 400 to 1,500, and at one point claimed it was 40,000. If you pick a number to tell a lie, you have to at least stick with it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting.

He further elaborated on the political context of the 2000s, alleging that the PNC and AFC supported criminal elements during that time.

“These parties were politically backing a group of bandits who escaped from prison, referring to them as ‘freedom fighters’ while they terrorized communities,” Jagdeo reminded.

In addressing why a commission was not launched during the previous administration of David Granger, Jagdeo noted that Granger had promised to investigate but failed to follow through.

“He knew that a commission would reveal the culpability of some of his supporters. He conducted numerous inquiries into other matters, but this one was sidelined,” he said.

Jagdeo indicated that the terms of reference for the proposed inquiry are currently being drafted, with President Irfaan Ali expected to make an announcement soon.

“We will get to the bottom of this. The public deserves to know the truth,” Jagdeo declared.

He also condemned the opposition’s attempts to revive racial tensions, stating, “They are trying to bring back the narrative of 1,500 young Black men being killed, which has been disproven time and again. It’s a shameful tactic to perpetuate division.”

As discussions surrounding the Commission of Inquiry progress, the government is committed to addressing the historical grievances associated with this dark chapter in Guyana’s history, aiming for transparency and accountability.

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