British refuse to validate Caribbean Security Institute

Jul 26, 2010 News

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Ursulla Ramdayal

The British Security oversight body has refused to allow the Caribbean Security Institute to be validated in the United Kingdom. According to information received by this newspaper, the regional body has intimidated the British to the point where they have refused to allow the Institute entry into their certification programme. This was done despite previous correspondence that indicated that the Caribbean Security Institute would be allowed entry into the programme.
The CSI is a body set up to train persons who wish to work or are working in the security sector, about the methodology of the system in the region. It was set up by a Guyanese and has links around the world with trainers being taken from international security organisations.
Kaieteur News has learnt that after the regional body sent in their documentation based on the initial notification by the British of acceptance into the programme, the response afterwards was one of refusal.
The CSI told this newspaper that the British wanted members that would advance their position in the region, and CSI was not prepared to do that. In fact, CSI’s position stated clearly to the British that their foremost priority was for Caribbean integration, and this effectively told the British that this stance would prevent them from being able to install itself in the Caribbean.  The CSI is the only security training body outside of the developed world. Additionally, the CSI is the only body that has reciprocal arrangements with other bodies. This reciprocity means that any security body can validate another from a different region after evaluation and examination.
The British, after their examination of the CSI credentials, found that that CSI was on the same level, and in some respects, stronger in their training modules than they were. This was viewed as a threat to the British.
Then there was the other political issue between the British and Guyana, which has already been ventilated in the local press during last year, when British funding was withdrawn from the Security Sector Reform programme.
The third reason for the refusal was the fact that the British had asked that the CSI use the British Security training programmes in their system. This was refused since the CSI saw immediately that the cost of the British courses were prohibitive to Caribbean people. Additionally, the courses were not relevant to the region.
The CSI was told that if the UK had validated the Institute, the CSI would further consolidate itself in the region and in the UK also, and they could not allow that. So they decided to block the entry of the CSI into British security training.
What the British had actually asked the CSI, was to set itself up as a training satellite but the CSI could only use about 25% of what they had to offer, this was another reason for the refusal. Because the CSI did not do the bidding of the British, they were not allowed in.

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PNCR gearing to commemorate Burnham’s 25th death anniversary

As the 25th death anniversary of the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham draws closer, the party that he founded- the Peoples National Congress-says that planning activities are in full swing to commemorate the late President.
“The Central Executive Committee of our Party, in keeping with its decision that this year’s observances will spread over the entire month of August and would be countrywide in scope, has finalised the programme of activities for these observances.”
The party’s General Secretary, Oscar Clarke recently told media operatives that preparations are now in full swing for the month of activities to celebrate the life and legacy of Burnham.
He said that the month of activities will commence with an exhibition of speeches, biographical material and a photographic gallery depicting his life and legacy.
He said that with the permission of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) the exhibition will be showcased at their Emancipation Festival at the National Park on 1st and 2nd August 2010.
Visitors to the exhibition, he said, will be able to receive biographical notes and other materials on the life and legacy of L.F.S. Burnham.
On August six, the programme will feature the official commemoration of the 25th death anniversary with a floral tribute ceremony at the Mausoleum; Seven Ponds, Place of Heroes in the Botanical Gardens.
The Chairman of the proceedings will be Party Vice-Chairman, Dr. George Norton.
Wreaths would be laid by the relatives of the late Forbes Burnham, officials of the party and its organs, and representatives of organisations and individuals.

The main event to launch the month of activities he said would be held at the Headquarters of the National Congress of Women (NCW).
The main speaker on that occasion would be the Chairman of the Party, Bishwaishwar “Cammie” Ramsaroop, and the programme would include a number of cultural items.
Other activities he said include, a cocktail reception on Thursday 12 August 2010; a symposium by the Burnham Foundation on Friday 13 August 2010; a cavalcade of sport at the McKenzie Sports Club Ground on Sunday 15 August 2010; an Intra-Regional Debating Competition in Region Four; a celebration of the life and legacy of L.F.S. Burnham at the Square of the Revolution on Friday 27 August 2010 and a Gala Concert at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday 29 August 2010.
Clarke said also that in addition, there will also be religious observances that would be held by the party’s regional structures throughout Guyana, as well as special features on the party’s Nation Watch programmes on HBTV Channel 9 throughout the month.
He said that Burnham played a significant role in the political social and economic development of Guyana.
“It was under his leadership that Guyana attained political independence and Republican status. It was under his leadership, in collaboration with other Caribbean leaders, that CARICOM was initiated and developed…It was under his leadership that CARIFESTA became a reality….and, it was also under his leadership that many of the significant infrastructural developments in Guyana materialised.”
He drew reference to the MMA Scheme, the expansion of the Black Bush Polder and the Tapacuma Drainage and Irrigation schemes; the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Canje Bridge; the entire network of Coastal roads from Corentyne to Essequibo; and, the National Cultural Center, to name just a few.
Clarke emphasised that it was under the leadership of Forbes Burnham that education was made free for Guyanese from Nursery to University.
“President’s College was built and initiated and the Guyana National Service was established…During the month of August, the PNCR will remind the nation of his many accomplishments.”
He recalled that two years ago, on a motion by the Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, the National Assembly of the Parliament acknowledged Burnham’s many achievements and placed on record his contribution to Guyana’s development.
Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham was the leader of Guyana from 1964 until his death: as the Prime Minister from 1964 to 1980 and as Executive President from 1980 to 1985.

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