Phony Toni Braxton

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: What was supposed to be a glamorous stage performance by six-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Toni Braxton ended in a disastrous event in Suriname in the small hours of Saturday morning with angry patrons in the stands shouting for their money to be refunded.

Minutes after the artiste entered the stage in a packed Anthony Nesty Indoor Stadium, patrons realized that they were conned by show promoter Angel Ventura from ‘Events 4 Suriname’, an entertainment bureau operating here.

Security had to rescue US entertainer Trina Johnson, who was allegedly hired to do an imitation of Toni Braxton from the stage and whisked her away in a limousine. During her second song, people started throwing bottles and other missiles to the podium, while some were screaming that this was a hoax and a rip-off.

Subsequently, chaos broke out with angry patrons looting the bars in the stadium, while others rushed for the gates. Part of the stunned crowd just stood there in disbelief, looking at a by then empty stage.

“This is not happening; I can’t believe this,” a female patron said in disbelief, while her companion was tugging at her arm to leave the venue.

“At least this will compensate for my loss,” a man shouted running away from a bar where he grabbed two bottles of whiskey from the shelves.

Meanwhile, police have started a criminal investigation into the case, after scores of disgruntled patrons filed complaints alleging fraud, police spokesman under-inspector Humphrey Naarden said in an invited comment.

So far, no arrest has been made, since Angel Ventura, allegedly from the US Virgin Islands, and his assistant Signet Samson, disappeared after the concert, without paying several local sponsors, organizations, stage managers and artistes who performed support acts.

However, Trina Johnson was questioned by police, but since she could produce a contract stating that she would perform an imitation act she was subsequently released. Also, local assistants during the show were questioned. Tickets for the concert were sold for US$20 and US$25 while VIP-tickets were costing US$55.

Days before the concert people were already skeptical since there was no press conference as usual when popular entertainers arrive in Suriname. The organizer claimed that Toni Braxton was too tired from the flight to do interviews. During an interview, however, Trina Johnson, claiming to be Braxton’s manager, disclosed that the singer was very excited to perform in Suriname.

People were therefore shocked to witness Johnson performing the Toni Braxton act.

Meanwhile the concert has been dubbed the ‘Phony Toni’ show. The promotion campaign, including a TV ad portraying the real Toni Braxton saying that she is coming to Suriname, made people believe that the genuine R&B singer was coming to Paramaribo.

“This is a clear cut case of fraud,” said police spokesman Naarden.

Impersonating someone else with the intent to pilfer something, whether it is money, a good or service from another individual, according to Article 386 of the Surinamese Criminal Code is a criminal offense with a maximum jail term of three years.

Since several of the suspects are foreigners, border crossings would be alerted to be on the look-out. source

Benshop is displaying attention seeking behaviour

Mr. Mark Benschop was arrested at Blairmont for obstruction of traffic and was subsequently released. According to reports he had been charged and would have to appear in court. In addition, the police at Blairmont while they allowed Benschop to go, impounded his vehicle.

Benschop was detained while traveling back to the city for what he described as his non-refusal to pay an exorbitant fee to cross the Berbice Bridge. Haha haha Hahaha gosh man like he like freeness or he think people with political affiliations get to joy ride the bridge for free.

But reports are that Benschop left his vehicle parked in an area close to the bridge where there is a flow of vehicular traffic. This was reportedly after he refused to pay the toll and subsequently boarded another vehicle.

Okay according to reports the story goes like this - Benschop arrived at the bridge’s toll booth some time between 8.30 and 8.45 am and he was informed that the toll for his vehicle was $7,000. However, Benschop said, the price list at the booth identified the toll for a vehicle such as his as $4,000. hmmm

“I decided to use the ferry instead since it was specified that only trucks would be allowed to continue using the service… the description on my vehicle’s registration clearly states that it is a pick-up truck but I was denied entry to the ferry,” Benschop explained.
Benschop then decided to return to the bridge and was subsequently told that the toll was $13,600. “I couldn’t understand how this was so because only minutes before the booth attendant had said that the cost to cross was $7,000,” Benschop said. haha Mr. Benschop's car probably grew a few inches or kilograms.

According to Samaroo, many citizens drive goods transporting vehicles as a “luxury item” and are only realizing the grouping of such vehicles when faced with the toll. In the first instance when Benschop would have been charged $7,000, the CEO explained, he would have been undercharged due to human error.

But in all honesty he is driving around town in a swooped up/ pimped out truck lately. Which in my mind spells nothing but trouble. According to Samaroo who phrased it politely , cars are deemed Luxury items.

So I understand why the attendant therefore saw it fit to price the item accordingly. hhahah I just keeping it real.

Transformer Reappears...

The vanishing transformer which was reported missing from the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) was found installed at the New Mall that was opened last December at the corner of Wellington and Regent streets and was subsequently removed.

And the owner of the mall Mr.Ganesh Ramlall, was MIA and couldn't be reached.

The police source said that Ramlall indicated that he had wanted a transformer to purchase and a man had told him he could get one for him. The man subsequently delivered the transformer. "Is why this so called prominent business never sit down to think where in the world this man sourcing his transformers from." hahahha

If you ask me though this Ramlall sounded suspect from day one. But I am not going to get into that now.

The Old (GT&T) and The Restless (Digicel)

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) says its promotions battle with DIGICEL is being contested on an uneven playing field and that the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) showed bias against GT&T according to reports in the news papers.

According to the Stabroek news article last week which I thought was nicely written and not omitting important facts such as .. "And while GT&T Chief Executive Officer Joe Singh is careful to avoid the creation of a nexus between the ongoing monopoly talks between GT&T and government, it is clear that the pending outcome of those discourses has added to the condition of ‘bad blood’ in the telecommunications sector. Government has made no secret of its wish that the GT&T monopoly of the country’s international telecommunications service come to an end – an inevitability which GT&T has long accepted - though critics have taken unkindly to the often public and vitriolic manner in which the administration has prosecuted its concern. DIGICEL, perhaps understandably, has been far from indifferent to the prevailing environment and to the ongoing monopoly talks and has made public its own keenness to see the monopoly come to an end."

At the core of Singh’s argument is the view that GT&T “deserves better” hahahahha. What a cry baby, this is what happens when a company is use to being spoon fed for decades.... they get spoiled rotten. deal with it. Now GT&T is getting competition, so they need to up their services and be fair. Stop complaining and fretting like some old hags.

I just being honest, I have to admit although I am criticizing GT&T, I am and have always been a loyal and dedicated customer. So GT&T reps please don't say that I am being bias too. My bill is now half what it use to be before the Digicel invasion, thanks GT&T I love you guys...... by the way I have to call y'all out on all this copy cat games y'all playing, try be original. Copying promos that Digicel does just makes you look weak, lacking in creativity and worst of all sleazy.

Weather Updates for GT ( Rain, Rain and more Blasted Rain)

Current conditions as of 11:30 am GYT

* Mostly Cloudy (no shit)
Feels Like: 95°
Barometer: 29.85 in and falling
Humidity: 70%
Visibility: 6.21 mi
Dewpoint: 75°
Wind: NE 5 mph
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset:5:40 pm
Temperature: 86°
High: 84° Low: 73°

Extended Forecast (Today - Tuesday 16th)
Scattered T-storms (everyday)
Highs: 84°- 86°
Lows: 72°- 74°
source

Considering the state of most of the streets in Guyana, I took it upon myself to become weather adviser for the month of December. Don't be fooled by the sunshine today, the clouds will appear later this afternoon/evening with a vengeance. So make sure to walk with yah rubber dinkies or at least an umbrella. For all those ladies out there trying to look cute, please don't try and wear your fancy shoe that yah buy on Regent street because y'all damn well and know the shoe will loose up before month end with all this water.

A Hot Mess -Teacher molesting a pupil

A 24- year- old teacher of Cotton Field Secondary School, Essequibo was yesterday granted bail in the sum of $ 200,000 when he appeared in court charged with carnal knowledge of a 16- year- old female student of the school. Mr.Steven Anthony, appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Anna Regina Magistrates’ Court to hear his charge of carnal knowledge. Attorney at law, Mr. Haimraj Rajkumar, represented the accused, successfully secured bail. The accused was arrested last Friday by police and placed in custody pending investigations into allegations that he sexually molested a female student. And to add insult to injury the blasted teacher is married and is the father of an infant... what a hot mess. source

Airport VIP Lounge Action... Gerry

Captain Gerry Gouveia, Managing Director of the Roraima Group of Companies,
and apparently drug enforcement officer has called on the government to clarify a recent charge that drugs and people may have been smuggled through the VIP and Executive Lounge facilities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA).

At his post- Cabinet news briefing last week, Dr.Roger Luncheon, Cabinet Secretary said that there had been reports of non-conformity with the established rules governing the use of the facilities over a period of time which may have resulted in “ events that impinge on security, Custom and Immigration operations.” He added that a report pointed out that there may be a lack of cohesion in the roles played by those law en forcement officials, resulting in some amount of exploitation.

At a news briefing yesterday, Gouveia (jack of all trades) whose consortium operates the Roraima Executive Lounge at the CJIA, said the statement had created a measure of unease among the various service providers at the airport and prompted his call for more clarity on the Cabinet secretary’s statement.

“ Accordingly, and apart from calling on Dr. Luncheon to issue an appropriate clarification on this matter immediately, the management of the Roraima Group wishes to state publicly that all persons utilizing the Roraima Executive Lounge are, as a matter of course, subjected to the various security routines and procedures that apply to anyone using the airport.”Jack of all Trades said that it was incumbent on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the claim and to apply the necessary corrective security measures. source

Otis aka Otisha - HIV/AIDS advocate...

This is an interesting article I came across recently, another popular blog site also posted the article a few days back. But maybe GHARP and other health agencies should use actual people in our community to spread the word about HIV/AIDS prevention and prevalence. "But i mad that Otisha said that business is booming, he got me thinking what our society up to."

I first met Otisha, a tall Afro-Guyanese transvestite prostitute in 2003 when I reported on HIV and Aids in Guyana and Barbados.Back then, the Caribbean had the second highest rate of infection in the world.

The prevalence among female sex workers in Guyana was 27% and 21% for men who have sex with men. Five years later, Otisha is still a commercial sex worker and business is booming for him."I go with lots of clients," said Otisha, who has himself managed to avoid contracting HIV.

When I last visited, men were paying extra money to have unprotected sex.

"You do have some men who pay that type of money to have sex but I'm not going to have unprotected sex," said Otisha.

Government support for HIV and Aids sufferers has improved dramatically in Guyana in the past five years.
"They are promoting more Aids programmes on national television and promoting the use of condoms," said Otisha.

"In 2003/2004 our prevalence was approximately 2.4%. At the end of 2006 we conducted another survey, so we estimate in Guyana, right now our prevalence is about 1.55%," said Dr Singh.

The infection rate among female sex workers has also dropped significantly in recent years.
"There has been a lot of work going on to educate the general public - mass media campaigns, a lot of print media and education material," added Dr Singh

According to the National Aids Programme, about 5,000 people are now in a free treatment and care programme.

"I want to live, so that's why I dress and look fancy and you can't even tell that I have HIV," she said.
However, one of the biggest obstacles for the Guyanese government is how to stop further infections.

HIV is still the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 20 and 49, and the infection rate among commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men remains extremely high. source, source / (audio here)

By Emma Joseph
BBC World Service

GRA on Nigels Supermarket ass....

LAWD GOD, Christmas comes but once a year, so GRA got to ensure they make the best and MOST of it. The GRA received orders from the Office of the Auditor General to conduct a THOROUGH search of one of Nigel's containers. People ain't like see a black man progressing honestly in this country. They are so adamant about this search that officials will search one container per day ..... damn like some body leak some information to them or what. The only grudge I hold against Nigel is his blasted " Sale Aisle" he should realize he not doing use a favor by selling us expired goods. Damn man, give the goods to the Salvation Army or Food For The Poor , a soup kitchen or some other help oriented organization, a few days before they expire. Just a hint of advise to you before Food and Drug Department pull him in for this.

History - CNN "Jonestown"

The Peoples Temple survivors took a big step last Tuesday toward healing from the unfathomable mass suicide in Guyana 30 years ago.

About 50 survivors and their families gathered at the Evergreen Cemetery in East Oakland to remember the horrors of Nov. 18, 1978, and dedicate a memorial in honor of those who died.

"This memorial says evil did not win," said Jynona Norwood, a Los Angeles minister who lost 27 family members in the Jonestown tragedy and who spoke at last Tuesday's service. "Even though they're dead, this monument means their cries will be heard from beyond the grave. This will be their final resting place. Justice will be served."

Since the early 1980s, Norwood has been raising money and planning the Jonestown monument. When it is completed, it will consist of seven 7-foot-tall granite panels inscribed with the names of more than 900 people who died in the mass suicide in Guyana. The name of Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones will be left off the memorial.

Two of the simple, monolithic panels were unveiled last Tuesday. Organizers hope all seven panels will be finished by next year's Jonestown anniversary, although they still need to raise funds to finish paying for the $100,000 project.

Six of the panels will be identical black rectangles, and the seventh will be an 8-foot-tall red panel, reserved for the names of the 305 children who died at Jonestown.

When they're finished, the panels will be erected on a shady hillside overlooking the city, with the bay and San Francisco beyond. The monument will be near a mass grave at Evergreen where more than 400 Jonestown victims are buried.

On Tuesday, mourners tossed red carnations on the shiny black granite and moved their fingers over the names. Some wept, while others prayed or hugged their families.

At the service, survivors described the charm and hypnotic lure of Jones, and how he promised his followers a utopia free of racism and sexism. But over time, the encampment 250 miles from Georgetown in the Guyana jungle became a concentration camp, they said, with forced labor, beatings and death threats for those who tried to leave.

Survivors have a responsibility to share their stories to prevent a similar horror in the future, he said.

"We now have the opportunity to think for ourselves, and we can be aware of toxic, abusive relationships," he said. "We have to train our children to think for themselves."

Charles Krause, a reporter for the Washington Post who was on a nearby airstrip when Peoples Temple guards opened fire, killing five, also spoke about the importance of remembrance.

"We still need to learn the lessons of Jonestown," said Krause, who was shot at the airstrip attack. "We can all be deceived and betrayed, on a personal level, as a country, as a community. We need to be careful and mindful of that." source

Navy Ship in Guyana (Med assistance in exchange for ???)

The US Navy Ship ( U S N S ) U S S Kearsarge docked in Guyana on Sunday it will be providing medical and dental care to adults and children in Region One, while Regions Three and Four will benefit from construction projects.

The opening ceremony was held at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre, U. S. Ambassador to Guyana, John Jones, said that during the planning stages, the challenges encountered during the last visit by the USNS Comfort were taken into consideration, but the importance of the relationship with the Guyanese people was the deciding factor in ensuring the project continued. (really, something is still telling me that the US is getting something out of this exchange). He added that during that visit, more than 10,000 persons were treated and there was a high level of commitment for the project.

The USS Kearsarge will maneuver along the coast to allow for easy offloading of supplies and equipment, and to facilitate those getting on board. The mission commenced yesterday and will conclude November 22. The team will be providing medical care at the Mabaruma Learning Resource Centre, the Santa Rosa District Hospital and the Port Kaituma Secondary School.

Commander Frank Ponds ( i listened to the interview he gave reporters this week and i am suspect about this guy- but kudos to what they are doing they are helping the sick) pointed out that the Continuing Promise team comprises 1,500 members, who are just as committed as they were at the start of the mission in August. He noted that Guyana is the last stop before the team returns to the United States, having visited Nicaragua, Columbia, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago.

A list of persons requiring surgeries, which was chosen from patients at the clinics, has already been compiled by the ministry.

Others who require surgeries can also be added to the list while open clinics will be conducted at the venues.

The USS Kearsarge mission was initiated in recognition of the shared history and close relationship between the United States and its hemispheric neighbours. Part of the ‘ Continuing Promise’ mission is to enhance collaboration and coordination between governments, health service providers and military personnel.

Source: Guyana Times

Clowns caught in GuySuco heist

Yesterday the vagabonds/clowns who tried to rob GuySuco were refused bail after they appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with multiple counts of robbery under arms for the $ 17M GuySuCo payroll heist last Thursday. Robert Darr, Lloyd Johnson, Aldren Adonis and Paul Stephenson, Dennis ‘ Anaconda’ Williams and Alfred Todd, were also charged with the GuySuCo payroll robbery.Police said that the men robbed Moud Naraine of $ 17.2 M property of GuySuCo Estate, along with six .38 live rounds valuing $ 20,000, property of GEB ( Guyana Employment Bureau) Security. They are also accused (we know they did it) of robbing two GEB security guards of one shot gun and twelve gauge cartridges. I know if I was one of the GuySuco workers who almost lost their hard earned salary, I would have been on the scene were they were apprehended ready to give them a good ass whopping myself.

Attorney- at- law, Steven Lewis, representing Darr, made an application for bail, noting that it is not sufficient for the prosecution to object to bail, since there is no evidence produced by the prosecution to show that his client will not return to face trial. He noted that it is a speculation on the part of the prosecution to say that his client will not return.

Defence counsel, James Bond, representing Johnson (oh lawd he always representing these hardened criminals) , stated that his client is innocent until proven guilty and also asked for bail be granted. (This line is so cliche, this is what all guilty people say to try and get off)... hahah

Contrary to reports ....Byron Lee is still Alive !!

Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 11:46:48 PM
Subject: Byron's daughter says he's still alive

BYRON LEE IS STILL ALIVE
but fighting for every breath...please send your LOVE and HOPE and prayers...
See Deanna Lee's message below... R.

"My Dad is very much alive. Since this morning we all have been bombarded with e-mails, calls, faxes, etc. re a rumour which started in Canada that my Dad passed away at 4am today. This news is also now being circulated in the USA.Not true. Please circulate this mail to everyone that he is very much ALIVE and is bravely fighting to his very last breath.My Dad lived his whole life as a warrior and based on his current mental strength and willpower, intends to die as one too."
Please keep him in your prayers and continue to send him much love and hope!
Thanks again,
Deanna Lee

We at GT Keepreal apologize for the incorrect publication and encourage family and friends not to give up hope.

Respectfully
Mu Mu and Sugar City

Byron Lee Passes

Bandleader of the world renown 'Byron Lee & the Dragonaires', Byron Aloysius St. Elmo Lee died at the age of 73 on Wednesday night, after a two year battle with cancer. Lee was being treated for transitional cell cancer in Miami, Florida and returned to Jamaica by air ambulance on Saturday. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago.

Byron Lee OD born 27 June 1935, Christiana, Manchester, Jamaica he was also honoured with the 'National Honour of Order of Jamaica' (for his outstanding service to the music industry) only two days earlier before his passing away at University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica.

We at GT Keep Real extend our condolences to his friends and family in this time of bereavement.

Source

David de Caires passes at age 70

The Editor-in-Chief of the Stabroek News, David de Caires passed away this morning in Barbados where he had gone for medical evaluation. The 70 year old had suffered a heart attack in August and had been hospitalized in Guyana for several days before being flown to Trinidad. He returned to Guyana and had proceeded to Barbados last week for a further medical assessment.

We at GT Keep Real extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

Source: Stabroek News

Drug Bust againnnnnn......

Police have detained an officer from the Central Immigration Department after a quantity of drugs was found on the person of one of her relatives at her Laing Avenue address. Police say they recovered more than 160 packets of marijuana (damn they getting busted for mary j and not even the high value stuff, like white dust, what a stupid bunch) and are looking for a male occupant of the house who managed to run away just as the search was about to be conducted. According to reports, the police, acting on information, raided the Laing Avenue property on Wednesday night. The ranks found two women in the house, including the immigration rank and the drug was found on one of them.

Source: Kaieteur News

Diwali In Alexander Village ( Village Terror)

Passing through Alexander Village tuesday night was like going through a battle zone. Residence have complained for years and every year it is the same thing, police are on site with road barricades but when all is said and done they still can't control the jubilant diwali celebrators (vagabonds). I am serious, it is a mess. check out Kaieteur News Papers they have a picture of an over turned car. Apparently someone thought it would be funny to throw an explosive substance (a squib or fireworks) into a car. Hmmmmm this is taking the meaning of "the festival of lights" a bit too far. Word on the street is that about 19 persons were arrested tuesday night, in that area. I know if I was living in that area I will make sure to be friendly to all my neighbors, you never know what they will do to your car or house once diwali comes around.. hahah

Gantry breaks in Rosignol

Now if the usual wait in line for the ferry isn't enough torture, imagine having to endure an actual technical mishap, like say the gantry having to be fixed. lol lol It is true we all know the crossing is a damn nuisance. Lawd I can just imagine thousands of angry people stampeding trying to get home. Government better hurry up and finish that blasted bridge, it would probably be more economical in the long run to build a bridge and generate revenue from it, just like the DHB. Damn hurry up already.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence has been prevalent for decades in Guyana, but now it has managed to manifest itself to another level- evolving from a bruise there and a cut here, to actual murder. Daily we are reminded of this in the newspapers of "boyfriend killing spouse, husband kills wife and then commits suicide". This is simply not acceptable, the way we perceive women in our society is embedded in our culture and this issue needs to be highlighted and addressed. Anjanie Mahdoo appears to be the most recent victim of domestic violence, police have identified her boyfriend as their main suspect.

Yongster sent to Jail..

A seventeen year old was charged for 12 offenses on Monday - Theon Smith appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and charged with 12 counts of robbery, escaping from lawful custody, attempting to commit a felony and breaking and entering. On Thursday August 4 in Georgetown, Smith broke and entered the office of Dr Abraham and stole $ 6000 cash from Ravena Sarju. The prosecutor in the matter stated that on the day in question Sarju was at her workplace when the defendant went into the office through a window and stole the cash. At the time Sarju was in the office and upon seeing the defendant, she hid.
Smith also robbed Vineta Ramchand, armed with a gun, of a quantity of cash on August 8.

On Saturday August 16 in Georgetown, armed with a gun, he robbed Jenelle Andrews of a laptop among other items totaling $ 331,000.

On Monday September 29, also in Georgetown, armed with a knife, Smith robbed Nicola Persaud of seven gold rings valued $ 285,000, one gold chain valued $ 30,000, one gold band valued $ 20,000, and $ 17,000 in cash, all totalling $ 352,000.

It was also stated on Wednesday September 10 in Georgetown, being armed with a knife he robbed Sonia Jupiter of a quantity of items totalling $ 210,000.

He also robbed Shontel Deping, Natasha Nandlall , Nikita Husein, Molly Jeffer, Shellon August, Shannon McLennon, Condina Chesney and Tiffany Johnson.

He was sentenced to two years for escaping lawful custody and four years for attempting to commit a felony, in addition to the sentences for the robbery charges.The sentences totalled 61 years, but will run concurrently, so Smith will be imprisoned for only 15 years.

Jesus....... this long list and he is only 17 years old. This tells us a lot about the society we are living in. Still a teenager and he has a criminal sheet as long as some people's resume. Although I do feel people need to be punished for their actions, sending this teen into prison will not put an end to this country's increasing teenage crime dilemma. He needs rehabilitation, the society has a large role to play in this. If you send this youngster to prison with hardened criminals that is all he will know when he gets out. A young boy who will soon be brained washed.

With this increase in teen crimes Guyana should look into establishing an institution that will foster their growth, teach them a trade and offer them alternatives which would make it possible for them to contribute positively towards our society's development.