SECURITY FORCES in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were last night engaged in round-the-clock cooperation with United States authorities probing a terrorist bombing plot at JFK International Airport in New York involving four West Indians. The quartet of alleged bomb plotters, said by United States Justice Department officials to have "links with al Qaeda", have been identified as Russell Defreitas, Guyanese-born American citizen, Abdul Kadir, a former parliamentarian in Guyana, Kareem Ibrahim, of Trinidad, and Tobago and Abdul Nur, of Guyana.
Beyond confirming cooperation with United States authorities and the arrests of Kadir and Ibrahim, both Police Commissioners, Henry Greene of Guyana and Trevor Paul of Trinidad and Tobago, said they could not provide details at this time of the alleged criminal offences of those now in custody.
In a brief statement, the Guyana Government said it was in possession of "the shocking news" of the reported involvement of three Guyanese in the bombing plot. As a partner in the global fight against terrorism, it said, Guyana would "cooperate fully"in the investigations under way. Intelligence personnel in the United States were successful in foiling the massive bombing plot with the collaboration of an informant of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who had been unsuspectingly recruited by Defreitas. The FBI agent was able to produce secretly taped conversations he had with Defreitas, the alleged mastermind of the attack.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Terror cell's 'airport attack plan'.
Federal authorities say they have broken up a suspected Muslim terrorist cell planning a "chilling" attack to destroy John F. Kennedy International Airport. They say the plot was intended to kill thousands of people and trigger an economic catastrophe by blowing up a jet fuel artery that runs through populous residential New York neighbourhoods.
Three men, one of them a former member of Guyana's parliament, were arrested and one was being sought in Trinidad as part of a plot that authorities said they had been tracked for more than a year and was foiled in the planning stages. "The devastation that would be caused had this plot succeeded is just unthinkable," US Attorney Roslynn Mauskopf said at a news conference, calling it "one of the most chilling plots imaginable".
In an indictment charging the four men, one of them is quoted as saying the foiled plot would "cause greater destruction than in the September 11 attacks", destroying the airport, killing several thousand people and destroying parts of New York's borough of Queens, where the line runs underground. One of the suspects, Russell Defreitas, a US citizen from the South American country of Guyana and former JFK air cargo employee, said the airport named for the assassinated president was targeted because it is a symbol that would put "the whole country in mourning". "It's like you can kill the man twice," said Defreitas, 63, who first hatched his plan more than a decade ago when he worked as a cargo handler for a service company, according to the indictment. Authorities said the men were motivated by hatred toward the US, Israel and the West. Despite their efforts, the men never obtained any explosives, authorities said.
Defreitas was charged in federal court in Brooklyn, where he was held pending a bail hearing on Wednesday. Two other men, Abdul Kadir of Guyana and Kareem Ibrahim of Trinidad, were in custody in Trinidad, a Caribbean island. A fourth man, Abdel Nur of Guyana, was still being sought in Trinidad. Trevor Paul, the top police official in Trinidad and Tobago, said Kadir and Ibrahim would likely be extradited to the US after court hearings in Trinidad.
ONE TIME A GUYANESE MAKE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES...AND IT'S ALL TO DO WITH TRYING TO BLOW UP JFK !?!
Three men, one of them a former member of Guyana's parliament, were arrested and one was being sought in Trinidad as part of a plot that authorities said they had been tracked for more than a year and was foiled in the planning stages. "The devastation that would be caused had this plot succeeded is just unthinkable," US Attorney Roslynn Mauskopf said at a news conference, calling it "one of the most chilling plots imaginable".
In an indictment charging the four men, one of them is quoted as saying the foiled plot would "cause greater destruction than in the September 11 attacks", destroying the airport, killing several thousand people and destroying parts of New York's borough of Queens, where the line runs underground. One of the suspects, Russell Defreitas, a US citizen from the South American country of Guyana and former JFK air cargo employee, said the airport named for the assassinated president was targeted because it is a symbol that would put "the whole country in mourning". "It's like you can kill the man twice," said Defreitas, 63, who first hatched his plan more than a decade ago when he worked as a cargo handler for a service company, according to the indictment. Authorities said the men were motivated by hatred toward the US, Israel and the West. Despite their efforts, the men never obtained any explosives, authorities said.
Defreitas was charged in federal court in Brooklyn, where he was held pending a bail hearing on Wednesday. Two other men, Abdul Kadir of Guyana and Kareem Ibrahim of Trinidad, were in custody in Trinidad, a Caribbean island. A fourth man, Abdel Nur of Guyana, was still being sought in Trinidad. Trevor Paul, the top police official in Trinidad and Tobago, said Kadir and Ibrahim would likely be extradited to the US after court hearings in Trinidad.
ONE TIME A GUYANESE MAKE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES...AND IT'S ALL TO DO WITH TRYING TO BLOW UP JFK !?!
Three held over JFK airport plot.
Three people were arrested and one other was being sought in connection to a plan to set off explosives at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, officials said. The plot, which never got past the planning stages, did not involve aeroplanes or passenger terminals, according to the officials. The gang was not thought to have got hold of any explosives.
The arrests were made in connection with a plan to set off explosives in a fuel line that feeds John F Kennedy International Airport and runs through residential areas, officials close to the investigation said. The pipeline takes fuel from a depot in Linden, New Jersey, to the airport. Other lines service LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
The suspects in New York are believed to include a Guyanese man who used to work at the airport and was arrested in New York City. Two other suspects were apprehended in Trinidad. Investigators were seeking a fourth suspect in Trinidad. The plotters are believed to have conducted surveillance on giant jet fuel tanks at JFK and the pipeline. They had taken surveillance video of the targets back to Trinidad to review, an official said.
The arrests mark the latest in a series of alleged homegrown terrorism plots targeting high-profile American landmarks.
A year ago, seven men were arrested in what officials called the early stages of a plot to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago and destroy FBI offices and other buildings. A month later, authorities broke up a plot to bomb underwater New York City train tunnels to flood lower Manhattan. And six people were arrested a month ago in an alleged plot to unleash a bloody rampage on Fort Dix in New Jersey.
The arrests were made in connection with a plan to set off explosives in a fuel line that feeds John F Kennedy International Airport and runs through residential areas, officials close to the investigation said. The pipeline takes fuel from a depot in Linden, New Jersey, to the airport. Other lines service LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
The suspects in New York are believed to include a Guyanese man who used to work at the airport and was arrested in New York City. Two other suspects were apprehended in Trinidad. Investigators were seeking a fourth suspect in Trinidad. The plotters are believed to have conducted surveillance on giant jet fuel tanks at JFK and the pipeline. They had taken surveillance video of the targets back to Trinidad to review, an official said.
The arrests mark the latest in a series of alleged homegrown terrorism plots targeting high-profile American landmarks.
A year ago, seven men were arrested in what officials called the early stages of a plot to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago and destroy FBI offices and other buildings. A month later, authorities broke up a plot to bomb underwater New York City train tunnels to flood lower Manhattan. And six people were arrested a month ago in an alleged plot to unleash a bloody rampage on Fort Dix in New Jersey.
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
41st Independence celebration funday.
ON MONDAY May 28th, the 41st Independence celebration fun day took place at Crystal Palace in South London, UK.
The temperature was 48F. It rained non-stop all the previous day and night and continued throughout the day. The winds at times seemed to be hurricane force. They were certainly strong enough to blow over the display stands until they were anchored down with all the wonderful food and merchandise on sale.In spite of this inclement weather, the show had to go on and, true to form the organisers and volunteers were setting up for the day of fun by 6 am.
The patrons started to arrive at 11 am and in spite of the weather there was a reasonable turnout.One lady told me all she wanted to do was stay in the warmth of her home but, when she thought of the dedication and hard work of the organisers she had to come out and support their efforts. I was very touched by this as I feel this sentiment was shared by many of the people who attended.
The planned events took place in this wintry weather with the children taking part in rain coats instead of a nice shorts and T shirts. A great day was had by all who attended. While Guyanese people can come out in this weather to share and enjoy their diversity, the organisers can stand up, take a bow and be so proud of their achievements.
So, a big thank you to the organisers, a thank you to “Michael” who provided the music free of charge for the Guyana Tourist promotion stall but, most of all, thank you the Guyanese people and supporters who showed the great love and pride held for their country time after time. Without them, the show would never go on.
Guyana has so much to offer -- the diversity of food, music, dance and the list goes on. I continue to experience and enjoy all.
PATSY DOWNEY
IRISH
Well done Aunty Patsy. You even beat John Mair to it...hahaha.
The temperature was 48F. It rained non-stop all the previous day and night and continued throughout the day. The winds at times seemed to be hurricane force. They were certainly strong enough to blow over the display stands until they were anchored down with all the wonderful food and merchandise on sale.In spite of this inclement weather, the show had to go on and, true to form the organisers and volunteers were setting up for the day of fun by 6 am.
The patrons started to arrive at 11 am and in spite of the weather there was a reasonable turnout.One lady told me all she wanted to do was stay in the warmth of her home but, when she thought of the dedication and hard work of the organisers she had to come out and support their efforts. I was very touched by this as I feel this sentiment was shared by many of the people who attended.
The planned events took place in this wintry weather with the children taking part in rain coats instead of a nice shorts and T shirts. A great day was had by all who attended. While Guyanese people can come out in this weather to share and enjoy their diversity, the organisers can stand up, take a bow and be so proud of their achievements.
So, a big thank you to the organisers, a thank you to “Michael” who provided the music free of charge for the Guyana Tourist promotion stall but, most of all, thank you the Guyanese people and supporters who showed the great love and pride held for their country time after time. Without them, the show would never go on.
Guyana has so much to offer -- the diversity of food, music, dance and the list goes on. I continue to experience and enjoy all.
PATSY DOWNEY
IRISH
Well done Aunty Patsy. You even beat John Mair to it...hahaha.
UK Minister of Culture calls on President.
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday received a courtesy call from Guyanese Minister of Culture in the British Parliament, David Lammy, at his official State House residence. Mr. Lammy is on an official four-day visit to Guyana, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The agency reported that the minister, who has known President Jagdeo for several years, noted that Guyana has always been near his heart and this has prompted him to engage President Jagdeo in several discussions on ways he can represent Guyana in the UK. “Guyana matters to me and my family and it was good to see the President again and to talk about this country that we all love,” Minister Lammy said.
GINA said that at the completion of his official visit to Guyana, Lammy, who is accompanied by his wife Nicola, will travel to Venezuela to discuss official matters pertaining to the United Kingdom.
There they go again...leaving me out.
Boo Hoo Hoo !?!
The agency reported that the minister, who has known President Jagdeo for several years, noted that Guyana has always been near his heart and this has prompted him to engage President Jagdeo in several discussions on ways he can represent Guyana in the UK. “Guyana matters to me and my family and it was good to see the President again and to talk about this country that we all love,” Minister Lammy said.
GINA said that at the completion of his official visit to Guyana, Lammy, who is accompanied by his wife Nicola, will travel to Venezuela to discuss official matters pertaining to the United Kingdom.
There they go again...leaving me out.
Boo Hoo Hoo !?!
Two dismissed as airport management moves against corruption.
Guyana Chronicle
MANAGEMENT of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation said yesterday that irregular activities and other forms of corruption will not be tolerated. All such reports should be immediately forwarded to Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation or the Police for necessary investigation and action,”it advised the public in a release. The release said the airport management recently dismissed two persons following investigations into reported irregularities. It said: “On May 15, an employee from a private security agency demanded money from a passenger who was carrying frozen fish in his suitcase.
The person complained to another security officer and the allegation was immediately investigated and found to be true. The money was retrieved and returned to the passenger before the flight departed Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The services of the guilty employee were terminated with immediate effect.
In a separate incident, an employee of a ground handling company was also dismissed for demanding money from an arriving passenger.”
The airport management can be contacted at:
Airport Operations Manager – 261-2038 or mskhan@cajairport.gy.com
Deputy Manager Airport Operations – 261-2300 or akelmann@cjairport.gy.com
Airport Duty Officer 261-2281 or 624-7022 (available 24 hours)
Ooooo...now we're getting somewhere !!!
MANAGEMENT of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation said yesterday that irregular activities and other forms of corruption will not be tolerated. All such reports should be immediately forwarded to Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation or the Police for necessary investigation and action,”it advised the public in a release. The release said the airport management recently dismissed two persons following investigations into reported irregularities. It said: “On May 15, an employee from a private security agency demanded money from a passenger who was carrying frozen fish in his suitcase.
The person complained to another security officer and the allegation was immediately investigated and found to be true. The money was retrieved and returned to the passenger before the flight departed Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The services of the guilty employee were terminated with immediate effect.
In a separate incident, an employee of a ground handling company was also dismissed for demanding money from an arriving passenger.”
The airport management can be contacted at:
Airport Operations Manager – 261-2038 or mskhan@cajairport.gy.com
Deputy Manager Airport Operations – 261-2300 or akelmann@cjairport.gy.com
Airport Duty Officer 261-2281 or 624-7022 (available 24 hours)
Ooooo...now we're getting somewhere !!!
FLOOD WATCH ON !
Guyana Chronicle
CHAIRMAN of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Mr. Ravi Narine yesterday reported a half-inch drop in the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) as authorities continued a close flood watch in the current rainy season. In an invited comment, he said that at 16:30h yesterday, there was a half-inch drop in the water level in the EDWC, with the average level varying from 57.8 inches to about 55.2 inches in various sections of the conservancy. He said the average water level throughout the conservancy yesterday afternoon was 56.87 inches. Narine also assured that “at this point in time, there is no need to discharge water from the conservancy through the Maduni”, adding that all water from the conservancy continues to be discharged through the Demerara River.
President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday expressed concern at the alarming rise in the water level in the conservancy, and called on all Guyanese to keep a very close watch and take all necessary flood precautions during this rainy season. The President noted that at the start of the rainy season, water in the conservancy was kept at a very low level – somewhere around 55 inches (GD) - since heavy rainfall was expected. The water level by Monday had risen to 58GD and President Jagdeo told reporters this level in the conservancy is “starting to worry us significantly”. We were expecting heavy rainfall so we kept the conservancy level very low but we were criticised for keeping the conservancy so low; people said that the dam would cave in if we keep the conservancy so low - somewhere around 55 GD (but) we are already at 58 GD and that is getting to a level where it is starting to worry us significantly,” the President said.
Narine yesterday assured that “round-the-clock” inspection of the conservancy dam was ongoing by more than 100 persons, and the integrity of the dam seemed to be “intact”. He also noted that some 20,000 sandbags had been deployed and stockpiled as part of a contingency plan to shore up the dam in case of any emergency. Narine also pointed out that the water level is still high in the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas, especially Moraikabai. A technical team flew over the dam Monday and President Jagdeo said a “close watch” was being kept over the conservancy.
Persistent rains that began last week and the forecast for continued heavy downpours have triggered a close flood watch along the coast, and Mr. Jagdeo indicated that this state of heightened alertness has further increased with the rise in the water level at the conservancy.
We have experienced unusual amounts of rainfall over the past several days (and) for the past ten days or so, we have an aggregate amount - when you look at all the stations in the hinterland and here on the coast - of about 100 inches of rainfall,” he said. We are very concerned about the possibility of flooding in many areas; we have already seen, in many of the coastal villages, accumulation of water,” he said. However, this water seems to be running off as the tide changes and we have most of the kokers operational, so we have had a fairly decent flow-off from the coastal villages with the exception of some persistently problematic areas, ” the President said. We have already started experiencing difficulties in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas…where the water levels have increased significantly in the rivers as the water comes from the backlands running to the coast. And this is leading to some problems of flooding in some of these riverain areas.” We expect this to worsen, frankly speaking, because the rain is still falling in the hinterland areas and that water has to find its way out to the Atlantic,” he said.
President Jagdeo said he has since asked the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to go out into the affected communities and prepare a report for him so that the government can decide if other types of interventions are needed, outside of the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) interventions that were made. I would urge people to take all necessary precautions because with that volume of water flowing down the rivers, it could overtop some of the embankments that we have along the sides of the rivers.” While acknowledging that he is pleased with the empoldering work that was done, President Jagdeo said even this might not be enough if the water levels continue to rise. He assured that committed efforts are being made to manage the accumulation of water and keep the system working effectively. President Jagdeo noted that while the coast has been fairly dry and there has been a fairly decent flow-off of water from the coastal villages, his “biggest worry” at the moment is the hinterland areas. We have a significant amount of rain falling to the south of the city and while many people say they are not seeing the rains…that is because the rain is falling in the deep hinterland areas.” Unfortunately, that water has to run down through the rivers down to the sea and has to pass through many riverain areas. So what we are experiencing now is some difficulties in places like Lethem where the Takutu River is swollen and in Moraikabai were there are problems with high water,” the President said.
He also urged persons to refrain from tampering with flood-control structures, as was done with some parts of the Crown Dam.
CHAIRMAN of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Mr. Ravi Narine yesterday reported a half-inch drop in the water level in the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) as authorities continued a close flood watch in the current rainy season. In an invited comment, he said that at 16:30h yesterday, there was a half-inch drop in the water level in the EDWC, with the average level varying from 57.8 inches to about 55.2 inches in various sections of the conservancy. He said the average water level throughout the conservancy yesterday afternoon was 56.87 inches. Narine also assured that “at this point in time, there is no need to discharge water from the conservancy through the Maduni”, adding that all water from the conservancy continues to be discharged through the Demerara River.
President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday expressed concern at the alarming rise in the water level in the conservancy, and called on all Guyanese to keep a very close watch and take all necessary flood precautions during this rainy season. The President noted that at the start of the rainy season, water in the conservancy was kept at a very low level – somewhere around 55 inches (GD) - since heavy rainfall was expected. The water level by Monday had risen to 58GD and President Jagdeo told reporters this level in the conservancy is “starting to worry us significantly”. We were expecting heavy rainfall so we kept the conservancy level very low but we were criticised for keeping the conservancy so low; people said that the dam would cave in if we keep the conservancy so low - somewhere around 55 GD (but) we are already at 58 GD and that is getting to a level where it is starting to worry us significantly,” the President said.
Narine yesterday assured that “round-the-clock” inspection of the conservancy dam was ongoing by more than 100 persons, and the integrity of the dam seemed to be “intact”. He also noted that some 20,000 sandbags had been deployed and stockpiled as part of a contingency plan to shore up the dam in case of any emergency. Narine also pointed out that the water level is still high in the upper reaches of the Mahaica and Mahaicony areas, especially Moraikabai. A technical team flew over the dam Monday and President Jagdeo said a “close watch” was being kept over the conservancy.
Persistent rains that began last week and the forecast for continued heavy downpours have triggered a close flood watch along the coast, and Mr. Jagdeo indicated that this state of heightened alertness has further increased with the rise in the water level at the conservancy.
We have experienced unusual amounts of rainfall over the past several days (and) for the past ten days or so, we have an aggregate amount - when you look at all the stations in the hinterland and here on the coast - of about 100 inches of rainfall,” he said. We are very concerned about the possibility of flooding in many areas; we have already seen, in many of the coastal villages, accumulation of water,” he said. However, this water seems to be running off as the tide changes and we have most of the kokers operational, so we have had a fairly decent flow-off from the coastal villages with the exception of some persistently problematic areas, ” the President said. We have already started experiencing difficulties in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary areas…where the water levels have increased significantly in the rivers as the water comes from the backlands running to the coast. And this is leading to some problems of flooding in some of these riverain areas.” We expect this to worsen, frankly speaking, because the rain is still falling in the hinterland areas and that water has to find its way out to the Atlantic,” he said.
President Jagdeo said he has since asked the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to go out into the affected communities and prepare a report for him so that the government can decide if other types of interventions are needed, outside of the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) interventions that were made. I would urge people to take all necessary precautions because with that volume of water flowing down the rivers, it could overtop some of the embankments that we have along the sides of the rivers.” While acknowledging that he is pleased with the empoldering work that was done, President Jagdeo said even this might not be enough if the water levels continue to rise. He assured that committed efforts are being made to manage the accumulation of water and keep the system working effectively. President Jagdeo noted that while the coast has been fairly dry and there has been a fairly decent flow-off of water from the coastal villages, his “biggest worry” at the moment is the hinterland areas. We have a significant amount of rain falling to the south of the city and while many people say they are not seeing the rains…that is because the rain is falling in the deep hinterland areas.” Unfortunately, that water has to run down through the rivers down to the sea and has to pass through many riverain areas. So what we are experiencing now is some difficulties in places like Lethem where the Takutu River is swollen and in Moraikabai were there are problems with high water,” the President said.
He also urged persons to refrain from tampering with flood-control structures, as was done with some parts of the Crown Dam.
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