Rice miller charged for resisting arrest, threatening workers

– charges stemmed from blocking entrance to aerodrome

An Essequibo rice miller was on Tuesday slapped with at least ten charges when he appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.
Wazeer Hussein was reportedly charged with resisting arrest, threatening behaviour and obstructing officials of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission from carrying out their duties.

He reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him and was granted bail in the sum of $5000 on each charge.
The charges stemmed after he reportedly blocked the entrance to the Hampton Court Aerodrome, Essequibo Coast on several occasions.
Hussein is claiming ownership of the plot of land that is used to gain access to the aerodrome, but according to a document seen by Guyana Times, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) had informed the businessman that the plot of land was owned by the State and as such, ordered that he give up possession of the reserve immediately.
The notice also stated that failure to comply will result in legal action being brought against him by the Commission. This publication was told that Hussein has claimed ownership of the land for quite some time now, but only recently, he started to block the main access route to the facility which is supposed to be accessible on a 24-hour basis in case of emergencies.
On Friday, this newspaper understands, Hussein placed pieces of lumber, old iron and other items at the main entrance to prevent persons from using the access road in and out of the aerodrome.
On the same day, Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott was visiting the region, along with a team from the Ministry of the Presidency, and they too were blocked from using the access road. After an intervention by the Police and the relevant authorities, the entrance was cleared.
It was a similar situation on Saturday, when an ambulance carrying a sickly baby was blocked from entering the aerodrome. The baby was transferred from the Suddie Hospital to the Georgetown Public Hospital owing to his medical condition.
Based on reports received, the ambulance had to use another route to get the baby to the waiting aircraft. This matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the GL&SC prompting a visit by its officers.
According to reports, after the officers spoke with Hussein, he refused to allow the entrance to the aerodrome to become accessible and as such, the Police were summoned to the area.
Although the Police instructed him to remove the materials, he again bluntly refused and threatened the officers and workers of the aerodrome. Sergeant Parris, who was on the scene, had refused to arrest the man on the fact he made use of threatening language to several persons.
However, the situation got out of control thus causing G Division Commander, Superintendent K Pareshram to visit the site.
After assessing the situation, Pareshram had Hussein arrested and charged.