Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-14-2020

SATURDAY 14th March, 2020

No. 105939

Coalition heads to victory

... as Region Four votes 02 finally declared PAGE

Taskforce set-up to tackle COVID-1909 PAGE

… President establishes ministerial taskforce to address Coronavirus –– says measures have been put in place to prevent the virus from spreading

PAGE

03

President David Granger, on Friday, convened a meeting to coordinate government’s action plan in response to COVID-19 presence in Guyana. Guyana recorded its first imported case on Wednesday. The victim died at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Guyana/Suriname ferry service GBTI waives ATM and GTUC flays observers, suspended indefinitely 10 Point of Sale fees 14 int’l community 19 PAGE

... as Suriname records first COVID-19 case

PAGE

–– encourages use of ATMS & Points of Sale as COVID 19 preventative measure

PAGE

for ‘meddling’ in Guyana’s affairs

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Coalition heads to victory ... as Region Four votes finally declared AFTER more than a week of confrontations and legal actions, the votes for District Four for the General and Regional Elections were finally declared by the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo on Friday night, amid heavy police presence at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) High Street, Kingston Headquarters.

According to the declaration, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) secured the highest number of votes in both the General and Regional Elections followed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In the General Elections, APNU+AFC secured 136, 057 votes in District 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), while the PPP/C raked in 77, 231 votes. A New United Guyana (ANUG) secured the third largest number of votes with 1,387 votes, followed by Change Guyana with 919 votes; Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) with 761 votes and The Citizenship Initiative, 463 votes.

The People’s Republic Party got 389 votes and The New Movement (TNM) 128 votes while the United Republican Party only managed to rake in 90 votes.

Meanwhile, in the Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC secured 130, 289 votes while the PPP/C raked in 74, 877 votes.

Change Guyana received 914 votes while 752 votes were cast in favor of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP); 401 in favor of the People’s Republic Party; 125 in favor of the Victory of the People Party and 98 votes in favor of the United Republican Party.

Notably, the votes declared by Mingo vary from his initial declaration, which has since been nullified by the High Court over breach of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03. In initial declaration, Mingo had indicated that the APNU+AFC secured 136, 458 votes in the General Elections and the PPP/C 77, 329.

In the case of the Regional Elections, it was indicated that the APNU+AFC had secured 136, 335 votes and the PPP/C 77,

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander 258 votes. It is not sure what may be the cause for the variation in votes.

Nonetheless, the Returning Officer made significant headways in tabulating the Statements of Poll (SOPs) for his Electoral District on Friday after Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire offered clarity on what was required during the tabulation process.

Since the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the tabulation process for Region 4 was marred with a series of events, from the Returning Officer and his staff falling sick, to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic storming the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) command center, to an injunction barring the declaration of the results and subsequently, a series of objections.

Last Wednesday, the Chief Justice invalidated the March 5 declaration made

by Mingo after it was found that he had tabulated the SOPs in the absence of persons entitled to be present as outlined in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. But one day after she handed down her ruling, the process was again suspended following a series of objections on Thursday, and Contempt of Court proceedings were later filed by the PPP/C through a private citizen. However, there was breakthrough in the process on Friday afternoon after the matter was again addressed by the Chief Justice.

Moments after the declaration of the results was made by Mingo at See page 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

President establishes task force to address coronavirus

3

–– says measures put in place to prevent virus from spreading WITH Guyana recording its first case of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-2019), government has taken measures to ensure that the virus does not spread, and one of those recent measures is the establishment of a ministerial task force.

The task force, which was established by President David Granger, is headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and includes Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, President Granger had convened a meeting of ministers on Friday to better coordinate government’s action plan in response to the presence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Guyana. President Granger said the briefing is a follow-up to one held on January 28, 2020 by officials of the Ministry of Public Health and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) on COVID-19. The team

had briefed Cabinet on Guyana’s preparedness to deal with any case of the Novel Coronavirus, which at that time was centred in China.

The team of medical professionals, which included Dr Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Karen Boyle-Campbell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Ms. Collette Adams, Permanent Secretary, MoPH; Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Director of Medical and Professional Services, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Dr. Tracey Bovell, Mass Casualty Specialist at GPHC, as well as Dr. William Adu-Krow, PAHO-WHO’s Country Representative in Guyana, provided an insight to the rise of the Novel Coronavirus.

Guyana confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wu-

President David Granger engaging ministers of government on Friday (MoTP photo) han, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

The President said since then, measures have been put in place to prevent the risk of the virus spreading.

President Granger urged all Guyanese to remain calm and to implement all advisories issued by the authorities

pertaining to personal hygiene and social distancing.

“Screening remains in place for those persons arriving from high-risk countries.

Seven countries – Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Brazil, French Guiana, Panama, St. Vincent and the United States of America – have been added to the list of eight (People’s Republic of China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Iran) that was previously made public,” said President Granger in a statement on Wednesday.

The President also advised against public gatherings and non-essential trav-

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence makes a point during her discussions with other government ministers and President David Granger (MoTP photo)

el, and encouraged agencies to sensitise key personnel at all air and seaports so that they could be alert.

In the event of a suspected case reaching the shores of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health has designated three quarantine facilities and will be identifying more, said President Granger.

These facilities are expected to be efficient because Guyana already has the capacity to test for COVID-19, thanks to training provided by the Pan American Health Organisation.

Despite the preparatory work, government has started to assess the readiness of health facilities to meet the anticipated increase in demand of services and will continue to fill existing gaps by providing additional supplies and equipment through the public health ministry. As it is now, President Granger said the public health ministry has enough personal protective equipment in the country for health facilities and it also has adequate stores of respiratory medicine for the next three months.

“These efforts are supported by a communications campaign to keep the population updated on the

virus and its impacts and oversight provided by the Health Emergency Operations Centre. The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated to provide sector-wide support,” he said.

As a safeguard, the Ministry of Public Health has urged the public to adhere to infection prevention and control measures such as maintaining a distance of at least one metre from persons who are coughing or sneezing; performing hand hygiene frequently by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using a hand sanitiser; covering mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing; and avoiding touching your face.

In encouraging the public to practise these measures and staying calm, President Granger said: “I use this opportunity to appeal to the public to remain calm and to implement all the advisories relating to personal hygiene, social distancing and overall infection prevention and control.

The Government of Guyana will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health challenge.”

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus (BBC) US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to help handle the growing outbreak of coronavirus.

The declaration - “two very big words”, according to Mr Trump - allows the federal government to tap up to $50bn (£40bn) in emergency relief funds.

The move loosens regulations on the provision of healthcare and could speed up testing - the slow pace of which has been criticised widely.

There are 1,701 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the US, and 40 deaths.

Several US states have taken measures to stem the inflation rate, including banning large gatherings, sporting events and closing schools.

The virus originated in China last December, but Europe is now the “epicentre” of the global pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization said on Friday, as several European countries reported steep rises in infections and deaths.

Italy has recorded its highest daily toll yet - 250 over the

past 24 hours, taking the total to 1,266, with 17,660 infections overall.

Mr Trump’s administration has come under recent scrutiny over its failure to provide Americans with widespread coronavirus testing.

Democrats in Congress and heavily-affected states had been urging Mr Trump to issue the order, which will also allow more people to qualify for government health insurance.

What did Mr Trump announce?

The decision on the state of emergency was announced

by Mr Trump in a live address from the White House Rose Garden.

Urged again to explain why he hasn’t taken a coronavirus test following reports that he has been in the company of people who have tested positive recently, Mr Trump said he had no symptoms and there was no need for a test.

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began a 14-day self-isolation period on Friday after his wife tested positive.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsanaro has tested negative, despite one of his top aides falling sick recently. Both men had recently met US officials including President Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence.

Urged again to explain why he hasn’t taken a coronavirus test following reports that he has been in the company of people who have tested positive recently, Mr Trump said he had no symptoms and there was no need for a test.

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began a 14-day

Saturday, March 14, 08:30hrs - 10:00hrs

President Trump says the measures will make it possible to defeat the virus self-isolation period on Friday after his wife tested positive.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsanaro has tested negative, despite one of his top aides falling sick recently. Both men had recently met US officials including President Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence.

President Trump’s travel ban on 26 European countries, which was met with anger and confusion. this week, will go into effect on Friday at midnight EDT (04:00 GMT on Saturday).

WHAT IS A NATIONAL EMERGENCY? The 1988 Stafford Act gives the president alone the ability to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) to co-ordinate a national response to “natural catastrophes” within the US. Donald Trump said “national emergency” were two very big words, but the declaration sounds more dramatic than it is. says the BBC’s Anthony Zurcher.

There are currently more than 30 national emergencies in effect. Mr Trump has declared several national emergencies in his presidency, including one last year to redirect military funds to build a southern border wall to prevent illegal immigration.

He has also issued the order to deal with wildfires in California and flooding in the Midwest.

It marks the first use of the order to fight a pandemic since President Barack Obama issued one to fight the swine flu virus.

President Bill Clinton issued a national emergency to pay for efforts to stop the spread of West Nile virus in the US northeast.

11-03-2020

02 05 10 13 16 21 06

13-03-2020

M

07 08 10 17 18 01 04 08 10 17 13 16 22 24 26

174

359

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Muslims willing to assist with coronavirus fight – Ummah T&T (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) The Muslim community says it is willing to assist with the coronavirus fight in this country, following a meeting of the major groups in the Ummah T&T Muslim Federation, last night.

Federation chairman, Imam Rasheed Karim, told Guardian Media today that one of the first things they intend to do is host a medical clinic on Sunday 29 March 2020, for the general public.

“The general public—especially women—will be able to access testing for the coronavirus, as well as for diabetes, hypertension and other illnesses,” the Imam told us, “at the

Medical Clinic we’re hosting at the Felicity Diplomatic Centre on that day. All men, women and children who come will be tested.”

Imam Karim said the Muslim Community will soon issue proper fatwahs (laws) which will guide Muslims as to how they should operate during this period of concern over COVID-19 in T&T, once they get the necessary information from the authorities.

“According to hadiths from the The Prophet, if there is a disease in your community, you should not leave it for fear of spreading that disease to others,” he explains. “Also, if you know there is a disease in a community, you should not enter that community.”

The Ummah T&T chairman observes that the announcement of this country’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 has come 14 days after T&T Carnival has ended. He is concerned citizens did not take the global health threat as seriously as they should have.

The Imam says given the 14 day incubation period for the virus, T&T may find itself in a situation it may not be able to cope with, just about to emerge.

He is recommending that regional and borough corporations in the country take the initiative to share information to their respective burgesses, in order to allay fears they may have about COVID-19.

Chairman of Ummah T&T, Imam Rasheed Karim, says Muslims are willing to help in the COVID-19 fight.

6 MORE CASES: Father Of Patient 0 Among At Least Kingston’s Mayor Two Local Transmissions As COVID Starts To Spread Condemns Overnight Price Hikes (JAMAICA GLEANER) Mayor of Kingston, Senator Delroy Williams, is demanding that merchants, particularly those in the Corporate Area, cease and desist from price gouging and marrying of Lysol and other disinfectant products in the wake of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus (COVID- 19) in Jamaica.

“I was informed that wholesale and retail operators across the city are doubling and in some case tripling

Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams - File photo their prices for supplies such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitisers, and hydrogen peroxide among others,” Williams said in a statement.

“These unethical and selfish acts will simply not be tolerated and I am appealing to those who are guilty of such doings to cease and desist with immediate effect,” he added.

Chiding the practice, Williams said that these persons should recoginse that providing the public with cost effective products will help to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The existence of a global pandemic such as the novel coronavirus should not be the occasion for profiteering from the distress of the population and can worsen the existing situation,” the mayor stated.

The mayor is also calling for the Bureau of Standards and the Consumer Affairs Commission to intervene.

(JAMAICA GLEANER) Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness last night confirmed six new cases of the novel coronavirus, including its first evidence of local transmission.

The cases, which bring to eight the number of confirmed cases here, include two men, aged 63 and 67, who came into the island on March 7 from Trinidad, having travelled from Malaysia by way of Dubai and London. They presented at hospital on March 11, the ministry said.

Another man aged 36 who travelled from Manchester, England. was taken to hospital from his hotel via ambulance on March 11. A 31-yearold Jamaican overseas ship worker, who came in from the Canary Islands via Portugal and Miami, arrived in the island on February 25 and presented to hospital with symptoms on March 10.

The 58-year-old father of the first confirmed COVID-11 person, the so-called Patient 0, was discovered at home on March 11. And another woman, 34, a close contact with Patient 0, is also positive.

The local retail and distribution trade has given the assurance that it has up to three months’ supply of basic foods and other essentials in storage, the Jamaican Government has announced.

The declaration comes amid rising concern about the impact of the novel coronavirus, which has triggered a shutdown of Jamaica’s public-school system and other educational institutions and “panic-buying” of food and sanitising agents.

“There is no need to panic. Inventories remain strong,” said Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, echoing the

message the Holness administration sought to convey during separate Jamaica House press conferences yesterday.

Andrew Holness, the prime minister, announced that starting today, all early childhood institutions, primary and high schools, the HEART Trust/National Service Agency, and the HOPE training programme will be closed for 14 days “in the first instance” The closures will be reviewed after 10 days and a decision taken on whether they will be extended.

The shutdown has triggered a review of the schedule for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams. Dr Grace McLean, permanent secretary in the education ministry, told journalists that the ministry has the capacity to postpone the assessment and to “make a determination later, depending on the number of days the students are going to be out”.

“We are committed, however, to ensuring that whatever happens, that the students will get an opportunity to sit [the exam], and in cases where they are not able to sit all three sets of papers … we have their grade five assessments, and that can be utilised in this specific case.”

Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith announced, too, that the Jamaican consulate general in New York City would be closed for five days, starting Monday. The office serves the largest diaspora community in the United States.

The consular section of the Jamaican missions in Washington, DC, and London in the United Kingdom, will also be closed next week, Johnson

Smith said.

“The Government will monitor the situation and determine whether it should be extended,” she disclosed.

“This is a precautionary measure to protect persons from spreading the coronavirus by limiting [Jamaican] nationals having to gather for access to services and to transit to our relevant missions.”

POSTPONE NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL Johnson Smith said that overseas employees have been alerted to the Government’s restriction on travel and urged Jamaicans in the diaspora to postpone non-essential travel to the homeland.

“All staff have been advised that no travel will be approved at this time for non-essential purposes until further notice,” she said.

Junior Minister for Industry and Commerce Floyd Green said the Government was aware that there has been some “panic-buying” of sanitising agents.

However, Green gave the assurance that there are sufficient materials in the island to make sanitisers and said the two local producers have indicated that they would be increasing production.

“They have committed to go from an eight-hour workday to a 12-hour workday so that they can have enough out there,” he told journalists.

He noted also that sufficient alternatives such as bleach and anti-bacterial soaps were readily available and said that the Consumer Affairs Commission would be directed to “put out some of these alternatives to the marketplace”.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

The role of the Observer Groups THE General Elections (Observers) Act provides stipulations for the presence of observers at elections. Section 3 (1) states that the President may, after consultation with the Chairman of the Elections Commission, invite persons from outside Guyana to visit Guyana for the purpose of observing the democratic processes of the State as enshrined in the Constitution, and more specifically, the conduct of any election.

Subsection Two states that the name of any person so invited shall be published in the Gazette and he shall be issued with an identity card by the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

Section 4 (1) and (2) confer the rights of the observers. Subsection 1 states that “an observer may scrutinise the official list of electors, enter polling places and places appointed for the counting of votes, and seek information from the Chairman of the Elections Commission, the Chief Elections Officer and other election officers. Subsection 2 states that “An observer shall have the right to obtain from the Chairman of the Elections Commission, a copy of the official list of electors from one or more polling divisions and of any written law governing or regulating any election.” Finally, subsection 3 states that “The Chairman of the Elections Commission, the Chief Elections Officer and

other election officers, shall comply with any reasonable request made by the observers in the performance of their functions.

The recent March 2 Regional and General Elections opened up Guyana’s democracy to intense international scrutiny. Under the microscope of the ABCE countries, The European Union, the Organisation of American States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth and The Carter Center. The local observation groups included the Guyana Public Service Union, Ebenezer Congregational Church Foundation, AMCHAM Guyana, Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Canadian High Commission, Cuffy 250, The Bar Association, Transparency Institute Guyana, US Embassy, British High Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission and Youth Challenge Guyana. In total, there were 18 international and local observer groups who “observed” Guyana’s most hotly-contested elections.

As polls closed on Monday 2 March, the day seemed to have gone off rather successfully. There were no major reports of electors having any difficultly in being able to cast their votes at the 2339 polling stations in the 10 electoral districts in Guyana. Following the close of polls, there were a number of conferences convened by Observer Groups where they stated their opinion on what they had observed throughout the day. Their com-

ments were largely in the positive and some brief recommendations for electronic voting and changes to electoral laws were made.

Their preliminary conclusions, at that point, were that elections had gone well and were ‘free’ and ‘fair’.

By Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th March, counting and declaration had been completed in all Regions, save for Region Four, the most populous electoral district.

After the invasion of the Guyana Elections Commission on the night and morning of those days, the subsequent declaration of the Region Four results on Thursday, March 5

by GECOM was blocked by an injunction filed by the opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic. As proverbial and literal hell broke loose at GECOM, confusion began to spread and it was at that point that ill-timed, ill-informed and potentially incendiary comments were made by several observer groups.

As events continued to unfold at breakneck speed over the last week, there have been numerous press conferences, comments and statements issued by many observer groups. In general, there is a strong message being sent that Guyana must comply with its constitutional obligations to provide free, fair and credible elections. That being said, the privilege of being invited into our sovereign nation and being allowed to ob-

serve our internal processes is exactly that, a privilege. Without understanding the intricate complexities of Guyanese politics, one might easily do more harm than good when commenting on matters with which one is unfamiliar. Guyanese, more than anyone else involved, want the democratic process to be concluded and a duly-elected leader sworn in after a fair and transparent elections process.

Although Guyana is a young democracy, right-minded Guyanese are more than capable of creating and instituting laws, systems, processes and other reformative actions for the betterment of the system and the people of Guyana. Following the barrage of strongly-worded statements released by observer groups in recent days, Guyanese are now questioning whether their presence has actually helped or hindered us as we sought to exercise our democratic right and undertake our constitutional obligations. What’s more, the elevated status attributed to these groups by some local observer groups and citizens is most disappointing.

It is frightening that some would allow the Guyanese narrative to be dictated by outside organisations and the ABCE band of nations who are already deeply involved in Guyana’s politics and who have their own vested interests in the manifestation of certain outcomes in Guyana.

PPP attacks on GECOM’S chairperson is blatantly sexist Dear Editor, I’VE been watching the PPP’s attacks on the female head of GECOM, shortly after her appointment! I’ve written several letters to the press, prior to the elections, which highlighted this fact! I believe the objective of the PPP was to project Madame Justice Claudette Singh as incompetent and incapable of carrying out the functions of her office.

I exposed this plot a while now! However, the attacks were ramped up to the maximum last Thursday when the PPP and their friends invaded GECOM. The PPP hoped that by creating the chaos at GECOM’s office, last week, their narrative would be perfectly com-

pleted. So, they stormed GECOM’S office, kicked on the door of the chairperson, created a ruckus and some even made threatening remarks. Clearly, the chairperson’s security was compromised.

This is not normal behavior! This is not regular political protest! This was a continuing and elevated attack on a woman in authority! Earlier, I called out these attacks as sexist, as I have never seen such attacks perpetrated against any of the men who once chaired GECOM! I strongly denounce the PPP attack on Justice Claudette Singh and urge all right-thinking Guyanese to do so.

Where are the many women’s organisations! This is not a political issue, it is an issue of open bigotry and sexism! I am appalled that

to date, there has not been sufficient forceful condemnation of the actions by those who continue to engage in these dastardly attacks that put the life of Justice Claudette Singh at risk! Where are the usually vociferous ones; PSC, ABC, etal! I am disgusted! We speak of equality and women’s rights but yet, watch in silence, or seem to be complicit as the hate and venom of some are unleashed against a woman! I don’t know Justice Claudette Singh, I’ve never met her but I feel compelled to speak up on her behalf. I also call on the Ethnic Relations Commission to monitor the actions of the attackers, whose actions I deem highly intimidating. I applaud Justice Singh for her strength and fortitude, she refuses to bend to the pressures, insults and assault

unleashed by men and their female gang members! This is a sad reality, a reality I have been pointing out for too long now! Last week it has come full circle! There has to be a more civil way to express disagreement! In 1997 when the said Justice Claudette Singh ruled in the elections petition and allowed the very PPP to remain in office after those elections were declared null and void, the PPP did not treat her this way. They were celebrating the fact that the “Doctrine of Necessity” was employed. What do they expect from Justice Singh today!

I pray good sense prevail.

Regards Lurlene Nestor

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Beware the Ides of March Dear Editor, THIS letter is being dictated in the midst of uncertainty as we await the results of our 2020 elections.

It is also written as we approach the proverbial ‘Ides of March.’

This was a time in the Roman calendar that the Mighty Julius Caesar ignored warnings to stay indoors. He ventured out and this led to a well-known tragedy in history. I liken our political leaders to the Mighty Caesar and this open letter is an appeal for them to stay indoors, avoid provocative language and instead seek enlightenment through prayers and fasting. I was around for the entire week and spoke with people of every race, age and creed.

Without exception, they are all anxious for a settlement so that they can get on with their lives.

In other words, an appeal to our leaders to ‘MEND, NOT REND.’ Our leaders ought to be reminded that a consistent feature observable in every continent has been an attitude of arrogance and stubbornness by political parties.

Their policies, not consistent with their immediate and long-term interest.

One author observed “Mankind it seems, makes a poorer performance of government

than an almost any other human activity.”

With all information available to leaders, in an out of office, we can properly quote the old folks who say “common sense is not so common.”

If our leaders representing our social and political divide wish to honour our Amerindian brothers and sisters, the slaves who suffered the worst form of brutality in modern history and indentured labourers who were exploited by the plantocracy, we must demand our leaders who purport to speak for these descendants to sit and talk and no matter how long it takes, to find a modus vivendi.

Our young and old leaders and those led must know that history has a puckish way of repeating itself. We need to have the good sense to learn from the horrors of earlier experiences. A few days ago, we note painfully, the attack on innocent school children in a bus. This month marks the anniversary of a similar occurrence when activists of a certain political party threw a bomb in a school bus on the lower East Coast Demerara, which killed little Godfrey Teixeira, injuring the D’aguiars’, Pierres’ and the Dodds’ children.

This attack on the school bus caused much outrage. History must tell them that well-meaning as outsiders may be if we are to make our Golden Arrowhead meaningful.

These outsiders or observers, or what have you, can do little to be a real bridge over troubled water because they do not know all of our history.

I noticed the battalion of observers, some who don’t understand our culture and the tricks of the trade feel duty bound to speak.

We have the five CARICOM Heads of Government who arrived on Wednesday afternoon; as a courtesy we must welcome them.

It is not the first effort by CARICOM leaders to try to calm the troubled waters of Guyana.

In the 1960s, the late Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Eric Williams, hosted separate meetings with the leadership of the United Force, People’s Progressive Party and the People’s National Congress.

As a member of the PNC Delegation, we all returned home empty-handed. No one was willing to budge.

When a similar situation occurred during an Independence Conference in London, one of our leaders invited the Representative of Her Gracious Majesty Government in England to break the deadlock stating that he had ‘great faith and confidence in the British sense of fair play and justice.’

When the British made the recommendations, not pleasing to one side, all hell broke loose in Guyana. Lesson - Outside forces may help but ultimately, we

The International Community is afraid of Guyana’s rising economic and geopolitical power Dear Editor, MAY I remind all of us that slavery and indentured servitude ended as recently 70 years ago in Guyana.

Our people were brought to the shores of this country we now call Guyana by the ancestors of the very international observers who are now trying their best to foster instability by meddling in our electoral process using partisan postures and language. It is said that the governments of former colonial powers have no friends, just interests. If we stopped to consider the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Grenada, the colonisation of Africa, India, Central, South and Latin America and other places where the European and North American

governments supported a political regime and regime change, only to subvert and overthrow said regime. This is after empowering the regime with finances, weapons and other resources working to fuel societal instability by widening the gap between the rich and impoverished, fuelling discord between social groups much like they are attempting to do right now in Guyana between supporters of the coalition and Peoples Progressive Party. These said powers then used the instability they helped create as the basis for their governments to say we need to stop this, let us intervene, we are here to save you.

My Guyanese people, Guyana is a powerful nation. More powerful than we have ever been in the entire history of this

must navigate through the storms and tempest.

LET US LEARN TO MEND, NOT REND. It is a sad reflection on us as a nation that we seem unable to learn from our own history and that of others.

I listened with amusement and amazement when we are threatened by local representatives of big nations and their Guyanese surrogates and un-emancipated political and business leaders. The great nations, whether it be Russia, US, China, UK or European, their interest have always been with the wider geo-political landscape.

It is this policy which explains interventions in the Philippines, the Far East, Vietnam and nearer home, Grenada. The key to unlock the door to progress and prosperity is in the hands of our local leaders and no one else. We do not need partisan politics, but a movement to release the creative energies of all the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, so that, for example, when we discuss the development of our resources, the global giants of industry must know that they are bargaining on behalf of one hundred per cent of Guyanese.

We mend and not rend.

Regards, Hamilton Green

country. Our petroleum wealth not only means improved living standards for our people, but it also means that we are now one of the most powerful and influential nations anywhere in the world. Because of the vast wealth associated with our petroleum resources, we can significantly influence the international financial markets, geopolitical decision-making, the global economy, and the international petroleum industry. We can easily influence the price of crude oil for example.

Regardless of the political party you support, I call on you to support ONE GUYANA! Regards, R. Small

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

African Guyanese reject the recolonisation of Afro Guyanese in PPP Guyana under claims of upholding democracy reject ACDA’s statement Dear Editor, The interventionalist stand taken by elements of the diplomatic community and some foreign observers that is preventing GECOM from completing its work is an attempt at controlling the electoral process of an independent country, the subversion of Guyana’s judicial process and undermining its democracy.

We African Guyanese reject the dictates of our former colonial power the UK, and its kit and kin the USA, Canada and the EU, who seem to think that they have the right to meddle in our electoral process as they see fit, ignore the rule of law and cast aside when they feel like the judgements of our courts.

All these powers, who enslaved Africans, are guilty of the worst atrocities against mankind and have done nothing to compensate the victims for that injustice. If we accept this arbitrary intervention in our internal affairs, Guyana is, in effect, conceding that its sovereignty and independence are the preserve of others.

This peculiar recolonisation effort

is displayed in the relentless attempts of some ambassadors to keep African Guyanese under the control of foreign sovereigns. This view is evidenced by the known fact that one of the vocal ambassadors in Guyana is seen regularly and intimately in the company of known opposition activists and another was found aiding the departure of Charandass, who moved to oust the APNU+AFC Government from power.

ACDA views their present positions as an extension of their disregard for the sovereignty of Guyana and as a cloak to hide their partisian disposition towards people of African descent. ACDA therefore calls on the foreign emissaries and other electoral observers to act as impartial electoral observers – see and report.

Their grand conspiracy is being revealed by their attempts to direct the work of GECOM in violation of their observer status, the constitution and the ruling of the court that upheld the right of the regional officer to decide on the method to be used in the tabulation of the Region Four results.

The CJ Order number 89 states as

follows: “It would be for the RO and or Deputy RO to decide whether in the interest of transparency the addition process should be re-started or continued from where it was left off. It would also be for these functionaries to determine the best methods of tabulating the SOPs. Again, it cannot be for the persons present to dictate how this should be conducted, though one would expect that the RO would act reasonably in ensuring a process that allows persons to observe what is being tabulated and how. This is especially so given the varying methods of addition of the votes from the SOPs as disclosed in Ms. Myers’ affidavit.”

Given this clear ruling, why are the representatives of foreign powers pressing GECOM to do otherwise?

While we African-Guyanese are open to a satisfactory conclusion of the electoral process, we are conscious of the lessons of history: and will not be willing participants in our own demise. Neither do we ask the same of others.

Regards, ACDA

Allow the official process to be finished Dear Editor, The Justice For All Party is one of the six parties in the coalition.

We do believe in democracy and will not stand for misconduct by any party. This is why we waited for the official count to be completed.

It is absolutely essential that there be transparency in the process that GECOM is engaging in – a process that will finally determine the President and leadership of this country.

We have to respect the fact that a court order has been issued. We have to accept also that the court order empowers the RO to utilise a methodology of his choice. There seems

to be widespread discontent and disapproval of what is being done correctly as guided by our CJ, it is blatant contempt for the rule of law and for the Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire.

We the JFAP appeal passionately to all involved, that we allow the legal understanding as sanctioned by our courts to be unhindered. In addition, there is also contempt for the leadership of GECOM because it is headed by a woman. Sunday March 8 had marked International Women’s Day; a day put aside for the recognition of women, their abilities, their efforts, there strengths and necessary skills for

the development of the world in which we live in. It would appear that, that day and its significance are lost on those who have in no way indicated the need to extend the necessary respect to the honorable citizen Retired Chief Justice, Claudette Singh. We therefore call upon all parties to allow the official process to be finished. We call upon the people to remain calm and await the results.

We all should accept the results from GECOM as final.

Regards, Chandranarine Sharma Leader of JFAP

WPA saddened at passing of Denys Vaughn-Cooke Dear Editor, The executive committee and members of the WPA are surprised and shocked by news of the passing of longstanding-member, Denys Vaughn-Cooke, which occurred on the morning, March 10, 2020 in the USA. While we knew he was ailing for some time, the news of his passing is devastating. Denys’ rela-

tionship with WPA is rooted in his years of association with a number of its senior members prior to the formation of the party, his membership of the WPA Support Group in the Washington DC Metropolitan area in the USA and the tremendous financial and other support he gave to the party in its struggle at the national and international levels. He will be remembered as an unwavering fighter for the unity

of the working people in Guyana and the diaspora. Collectively we mourn his passing at this crisis point in the nation.

To his family and relatives, WPA offers his condolences and thank you for sharing this wonderful son of Guyana with our party and Guyana at large.

Regards, WPA Executive

on recolonisation

Dear Editor, THE Demerara Waves published story of March 13, 2020, entitled ‘ACDA call on Western Nations to Stop Recolonization, Intervention in Guyana’s Electoral Process’, is a manufactured controversy and is designed to obfuscate from the real issue of electoral fraud in Guyana at this time.

The laws of Guyana, Section 4 (1) and (3) of the General Elections (Observers) Act, provide for electoral observer missions. It should be noted that also present in Guyana were the CARICOM, OAS and Commonwealth electoral observer missions, and their stance in the drama that has played out so far in our country is no different from that of the Western Nations.

The tone and content of ACDA’s missive is highly suspect, since they have made accusations about recolonization and have stoked fear among people. We find the statement – “We the African Guyanese reject the dictates of our former colonial power the UK, and its kit and kin the USA, Canada and the EU who seem to think that they have the right to meddle in our electoral process as they see fit, ignore the rule of law and cast aside when they feel like the judgments of the courts” – misplaced, misguided and misconstrued and have no basis in fact.

Even the analysis of a novice will find the statement a presumptuous departure from what can be considered as current affairs.

The vast majority of Guyanese, including large sections of the Afro-Guyanese population and, in addition, significant numbers of persons who voted for APNU+AFC, do not accept that any of the electoral observer missions were meddling in Guyana’s election process or were ignoring the rule of law in Guyana. No spin doctoring will change the issue at hand, which remains the defense of democracy, rejecting electoral fraud and standing for principles and international best-practices as it relates to free, fair and credible elections. We reject the interjection of race at this time and to stoke the flames of hatred amongst our people.

It is not just abominable, but it is a shameless excuse for the hijacking of democracy and the imposition of a dictatorship in Guyana. ACDA is shameless in finding a reprehensible excuse, in the face of condemnation from across the world, through the various organizations representing the various regions of the world, not just from the ABCE countries. About 80 international organizations have also condemned what is taking place.

That said, far from it, most Guyanese felt assured with the presence of the election observer missions, which have played a positive role in the past ensuring free and fair elections in Guyana, and which they are trying to do now.

ACDA did not find anything wrong with the presence of these same observer missions in 2015. We recall that in 2014 when the former PPP/C government prorogued Parliament, it was APNU and AFC that called on the ABCE countries to sanction the PPP/C Government.

ACDA did not think it wrong to call on these countries to sanction the PPP/C Government. When these countries took a position that the former PPP/C government should end the prorogation, ACDA found this a proper action.

ACDA did not find those actions as recolonization or interference in Guyana’s affairs. It is clear to us that ACDA is not protecting the interest of the Afro-Guyanese people or that of the Guyanese people.

By no means is ACDA the mouthpiece of all Afro-Guyanese.

The PPP/C speaks for all Guyanese, at all levels – given that the PPP/C has support among significant sections of the Afro-Guyanese people and has Afro-Guyanese in its leadership levels.

Regards Brigadier Mark Phillips Bishop Juan Edghill Joseph Hamilton Odinga Lumumba Gillian Burton

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

APNU+AFC alarmed

by OAS statement … questions objectivity of Bruce Golding

THE APNU+AFC Coalition said it has taken note of the statement issued on Friday by the Organization of American States Observer Mission to Guyana and that it is alarmed by the missive.

“The APNU+AFC is alarmed by what purports to be a wholly partisan statement which fails to take into account the provisions and procedures set out in the laws of Guyana and the ruling of the Chief Justice as to the methodology to be employed for the tabulation of votes,” the coalition said in its statement.

It said too that the head of the mission former Jamaica Prime Minister Mr. Bruce Golding who left office mired in controversy has found himself in another controversy

Leader of the OAS Observer Mission Bruce Golding as leader of the OAS delegation to observe the Guyana 2020 elections.

“Prior to his arrival in Guyana, Mr.

Goulding had admitted that he is a close personal friend of Leader of the Opposition Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and other leading members of the People’s Progressive Party. Mr. Golding is also an avowed self-confessed house guest of Mr. Jagdeo at his seaside mansion,” the coalition said.

The coalition said the Government of Guyana took Mr. Golding at his word that notwithstanding his intimate relations with the political opposition he could and would remain impartial.

“Recent statements and action by the OAS Observer mission now leave many to question whether or not the PPP managed to compromise him and his colleagues,” the statement concluded.

GNBS urges media house, advertising agencies to use metric system –– reminds that the use of the metric system in Guyana is law THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) reminded media operatives and advertising agents that the International System of Units (SI) was instituted as the legal system of measurement in Guyana, the agency said in a press release.

It said that Guyana’s Weights and Measures Act of 1981, Section Three, states that, “the International System (SI) of Units shall have legal force and validity in Guyana.”

“This was given effect by Ministerial Order on January 01, 2001, making the SI the only legal system of measurement in Guyana (Official Gazette - January 27, 2001).

Therefore, using metric measures is the law,” the release said.

“As the metric system is a decimal system of weights and measures, it is easy to convert between units simply by multiplying or dividing by 10, 100, 1000. This makes using the metric system very easy! The metric system is a worldwide standard. Unlike some non-metric measurements, which can vary even between countries, metric measurements are set by international agreement and therefore are the same wherever you happen to be. The metric system is set to prevail as the only measurement system used throughout the world, so those who do not use it or continue to use non-metric units will be left behind the global economy,” the release said.

The GNBS said it has observed that some media houses and advertising agencies are making the effort to use the SI (metric) system in their media reporting and advertising. “We wish to congratulate these stakeholders for being leaders in promoting the use of the SI units in Guyana,” the GNBS said in the release.

The GNBS pointed out however, that notwithstanding this, still, there are other mass information providers, which have not yet embraced the use of the SI (metric) units and following the International Standard in writing calendar date and time. “If your agency is amongst this group, the GNBS urges you and your team to discontinue the sharing of information using an imperial system of measurement (pounds, ounces, yards, feet, pints, gallons, acres, etc.) and commence using the correct format in expressing calendar date and time reporting,” the release said.

It said that there is no doubt that media houses, and advertising agencies are very influential in changing the behaviours of citizens through information published and noted that there must be renewed and dedicated efforts to use the SI (metric) system of measurements in mass communication.

“The GNBS stands ready to provide the necessary information and training in this regard. If basic information or training is needed, please give the GNBS a call,” the GNBS said.

LTW and Linden’s 50th celebrations cancelled

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Mayor and Town Council has made a decision to cancel all Linden Town Week activities slated for April-May 2020, in light of the recent concerns relating to the COVID-19 disease that had one recorded case in Guyana.

In addition, the Regional Democratic Council and the Regional Commemorative Committee have also taken a decision to cancel all planned activities that were slated for the last week in March in recognition of Linden’s 50th anniversary. This includes the Linden Mashramani celebrations.

This was relayed by regional officials including Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell; Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon; and Regional Health Officer, Pansy Armstrong, at a press briefing on Friday.

Mayor Arrindell said the decision taken to cancel LTW is a proactive one and the council was advised by the Ministry of Communities to cancel all community- based activities that will allow for large public gatherings. This is in keeping with President David Granger’s message to only allow for large gatherings if it is absoLinden Mayor lutely necessary.

Waneka Arrindell Arindell said however, that something special will be held on Linden’s 50th birthday, through the media, which will be sometime in April. The situation; however, will be monitored and residents will be kept abreast if changes are made.

Regional Health Officer, Pansy Armstrong, took the opportunity to inform residents of the nature of the virus and how best they can take precautionary measures. She encouraged them not to panic but to remain calm during this time and to desist from public gatherings.

REO Gordon also related that self-quarantine is important and that stakeholders have put measures in place for any patient experiencing symptoms at home to be monitored and treated at home. If there is need to come to the hospital, he said isolation rooms will be set up to at the Linden Hospital Complex, the Upper Demerara Hospital and the Kwakwani Hospital, to monitor those patients.

In keeping with the Ministry of Education’s circular that all schools will be closed from Monday, March 16, the officials said this mandate will be followed in Region 10 as well.

On Wednesday, the first meeting consisting of a multi-disciplinary team was held to discuss ways in which the public health crises can be monitored on a regional level.

Linden is being deemed a hot spot since it is the gateway to many interior locations that share border with Brazil where the virus has been discovered.

In addition, since many Lindeners already experience respiratory illnesses because of being exposed to bauxite mining, residents will be more prone to the virus.

On Thursday, residents were in panic mode, purchasing all the necessary hygienic items as they followed precautionary measures to counter the virus.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

FAO prioritises staff wellbeing in fight against coronavirus

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has over the last five weeks implemented a series of precautionary measures to protect its employees and their families against the threat of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

These measures have been implemented in accordance with guidelines and protocols set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Italian authorities.

The latest measure, taken by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, is teleworking from home himself this week. This follows an announcement by the Vatican that one of its employees who participated in a conference organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life from 26 to 28 February in Rome has tested positive for COVID 19. In

line with WHO protocols, Director General Qu and seven FAO colleagues who attended the conference on 28 February, will work from home for the remaining five days of the 14-day period, until 14 March.

They will monitor their health and take temperature daily with the support of the FAO Medical Service.

FAO has been proactively monitoring and responding to the evolving situation for weeks. Since the beginning of February, guidelines have been in place enabling employees to telework from home for a 14-day period upon returning from regions of high novel coronavirus risks, as defined by the WHO and Italian authorities.

When widespread outbreaks occurred in Italy two weeks ago - FAO is headquartered in Rome - a taskforce, convened by Qu on 29 January2020, and

coordinated by a Deputy Director General, kicked into action immediately, liaising with Italian authorities and other Rome-based UN entities closely, and meeting daily to assess the situation and develop precautionary measures.

For example, the Organization conducted daily temperature screenings of about 1,000 participants attending an international biodiversity experts conference at its headquarters for over a week in late February. With the support of the Italian Red Cross, the screenings were extended to cover all employees and visitors, and were made mandatory for all last week. To date, no incidents of concern have been recorded.

At the same time, FAO has been progressively postponing or cancelling large gatherings scheduled for late February and the month

Guyana/Suriname ferry service suspended indefinitely ... as Suriname records first COVID-19 case

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has over the last five weeks implemented a series of precautionary measures to protect its employees and their families against the threat of the novel coronavirus disease of March - meetings, workshops, training, group visits, fairs, exhibitions and film screenings. The planned observance of the International Women’s Day last Friday was turned into a virtual one, with no live audience but people following it on webcast.

FAO employees have been encouraged to maintain social distance in the office, lifts, cafeterias and other common areas. Seating in the cafeteria has been reduced and the hours extended. Vendors and service providers have been advised to adopt precautionary measures. Guidance was given

to FAO offices around the world to review all travel plans and limit travel to the most essential and safe. Following closure of all schools in Italy last week, employees who were parents were able to choose to work from home. The option was also made available to expectant mothers. All the measures were developed with constant engagement with staff representatives.

FAO also reviewed its business continuity arrangements and following successful pilots last week, has implemented a teleworking by rotation plan. Subse-

quently, FAO activated its business continuity plan, deploying only skeleton staff at its headquarters.

Other employees will work from home, ensuring delivery of services and smooth functioning of the Organization.

As the COVID-19 situations continue to evolve in Italy and around the world, FAO remains vigilant, with its Crisis Management Team working around the clock assessing risks and adjusting measures. FAO holds the wellbeing of all its employees paramount. (FAO)

Lethem man dies in mining-related accident Guyana/Suriname ferry terminal at Molson Creek THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has announced that the Canawaima Ferry Service on the Corentyne will be suspended from Saturday, March 14, 2020 until further notice.

The decision was made by the Surinamese authorities to close all ports of entry after the country recorded its first case of the novel Coronavirus.

The Management of the Guyana/ Suriname Ferry Service sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused at

this time. For more information, persons can contact the entity on 339-2744.

A report in Suriname’s De Ware Tijd online news entity says Vice-President, Ashwin Adhin, announced today that the first positive case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been registered in the neighbouring country. It concerns a person who travelled from the Netherlands to Suriname on Wednesday.

The VP also announced on Friday afternoon that the Surinamese airspace will be closed at midnight.

A 27-year-old Lethem man died on Thursday, after a tree fell into the mining pit he and others were working in at Kumung Backdam, Region Seven.

According to reports, Carlson Moses, and another man went to visit a friend at another mining camp and later, he decided to ‘jet’ in a mining pit at the area.

Reports are that the man was attempting to remove a tree while ‘jetting’ and the tree subsequently fell and pinned him and another man, one Malick Durant.

The operation was halted and the workers rendered assistance to get the branch off of the men. When it was removed, the men observed a wound at the back of Moses’ head, while Durant complained of back pains.

Both men were picked up and rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital where Moses was pronounced dead on arrival.

Durant was admitted a patient at the hospital.

The incident is under investigation by the authorities.

DEAD: Carlson Moses

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Gov’t closes schools for two weeks over Coronavirus

FOLLOWING backlash from an initial statement that public schools would remain open despite the discovery of Guyana’s first reported case of the Covid-19 virus, the Ministry of Education (MoE), on Friday, issued a new statement informing that public schools will be closed for two weeks, commencing from Monday, March 16.

That, however, was not enough for some parents who are still calling for specifics on what exactly the MoE plan of action is, particularly as it pertains to students slated to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which is scheduled for April 8 – 9.

In the statement, the ministry noted that, “the decision [to close schools] will be reassessed during this period and further guidance will be

provided”. Notwithstanding the other concerns, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Brushell Blackman, said the statement issued was all the ministry would say on the matter at this point in time.

He directed further queries to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King.

Efforts made to contact King by telephone proved futile.

Some hailed the move by the MoE to close the schools for the two weeks, as the country waits to see how developments on the spread of the virus unfold.

“Great move MoE, prevention is better than cure,” Sara Persaud commended under the ministry’s post of the statement on their Facebook page. Also commending the move was Althea Scipio who said: “Thank you for this. The ministry has our children’s health and safety

at heart.”

However while most of those sharing their views applauded the move, there were those who did not agree.

“I don’t think at this point in time that it’s necessary.

Keeping children home only proves to slow the virus from its spread. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has an incubation period of between 14-21 days. How long do we plan to shut the school’s down? For the two weeks the schools are shut down, undoubtedly there will be more cases of the virus arising,” reasoned father, Seon Tugwell, from Essequibo, who has two children including a four year old in nursery school.

A mother of two from the West Coast Demerara, with children in grades nine and six respectively, just wants to know what is the MoE’s plan for the grade six students and

Frequent washing of hands has been advised as a way of preventing the spread of the coronavirus

Public schools will be closed for two weeks from Monday the NGSA. “They should have thought it through and give parents some sort of clarity, because now we just sitting here uncertain. These teachers and students worked overtime to prepare for this exams and now it will be a setback,” she said.

She suggested that: “They should have at least closed school for the other classes and let grade six go out to school, while practicing the proper hygiene process.” In an initial statement on Thursday, the MoE had put forth a checklist for teachers and staff to plan and prepare as a cautionary measure against preventing the spread of the virus, which has been sweeping across the globe in a World Health Organisation (WHO)-classified pandemic.

Measures included calling on teachers and staff to “ensure soap and safe water

is available at age-appropriate hand washing stations”, “place hand sanitisers in toilets, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible”, “clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects in the classroom” and to “use sodium hypochlorite at 0.5 per cent (equivalent 5000ppm) for disinfecting surfaces and 70 per cent ethyl alcohol for disinfection of small items, and ensure appropriate equipment for cleaning staff,” among other actions. Parents however, were quick to take the ministry to task and questioned the lack of information on what resources the ministry would be providing towards the advised measures.

“This advisory is well written and clear [but] I have many questions. Will the MoE be providing these supplies for the schools and will there be collaboration with

health workers where they will be dispatched to schools to help facilitate this strategy? Or will teachers now have to do this along with regular work?” mother of two, Flemlym Ragobeer, had questioned.

A commenter, who claimed to be a primary school teacher, noted that teachers may face difficulties in getting some of the smaller students to comply with some of the directives. “I’m a primary school teacher, how are we getting these children to follow all of these health tips especially the smaller ones.

These children would never follow these tips. We deal with a large amount of children every day from near and far, we don’t know who these children associate with away from school,” she reasoned.

Several persons called for the ministry to close the schools.

Rice harvesting commences in Region Two

RICE harvesting has commenced in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region and from all indications, farmers are expecting a bumper harvest.

Harvesting has commenced in the south of the coast in villages such as Aberdeen, Golden Fleece, Perseverance, Colombia and Affiance. When this newspaper visited several backdams, rice farmers were busy harvesting. Harvesters were in fields with tractors and trucks waiting to transport the harvest.

Farmers are utilising the hot sunny weather conditions which are favourable for them. Several dams leading to rice lands

were also upgraded by the Region Two Administration, creating better farm-to-market access roads.

Farmers related that the prices for a bag of paddy have not been decided but popular rice mills are accepting their paddy.

“We don’t know the price as yet, we carrying it to mills that are accepting, that is, normal but we are hoping that we get more than last year,” farmer, Deleep Persaud said.

Persaud related that last year he received $2,800 for a bag of paddy. Persaud has been into rice cultivation for some 25 years.

Minister Holder had said Region Two

A harvester in a rice field at Golden Fleece

Ripen fields in Region Two is the third-largest rice-producing region cultivating 12,690 acres benefitted from the in Guyana, producing 14 per cent of paddy assistance during the first crop of 2019. production annually. In 2019, 2,400 farmers During the second crop of 2019, dams cultivated 63,812 acres over the two crop- and meres were sprayed to control the ping seasons, producing 2.3M bags of rice spread of paddy bugs. The GRDB has spent and 146,454 tonnes of paddy.

GYD$8.3M in the National Paddy Bug EradHe has noted that the yields per acres ication Programme in 2019. have also moved from an average of 28 bags “Under the decentralisation of the per acre to 37 bags or from 4.5 tonnes per seed paddy production, the programme, hectare to 5.7 tonnes per hectare.

24 acres were sown to produce quality Minister Holder, in an earlier interview seed paddy by farmers, the project aimed with the Guyana Chronicle, had explained at producing 840 bags of seed paddy, that the Guyana Rice Development Board this is an important initiative as we aim (GRDB) conducted paddy bug control activi- for a more sustainable rice industry, the ties in Region Two in 2019, assisting farmers programme will save farmers $756,000 with the control of paddy bugs. in transportation and handling cost,” Six hundred and fifty-seven farmers minister said.

12

GTA urges persons to be flexible and take precautions in daily travels –– amidst the news of the first recorded case of coronavirus in Guyana WITH the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the coronavirus a pandemic and Guyana recording its first case of the virus on March 11, 2020, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is advising all travellers and locals to be alert and take the necessary precautions to help combat COVID-19.

“This is uncharted territory for Guyana’s travel and tourism sector, and the situation is changing daily.

Based on the global response from the travel and tourism sector, the Guyana Tourism Authority has learned that tourism businesses that are flexible and able to make decisions and changes quickly to their cancellation policies, are increasing their resiliency and that of their partners,” said a press release from the GTA. “We recommend postponing when feasible,” explained Brian T. Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority. “If your guests and clients want to cancel completely, be flexible and allow them the opportunity to postpone their departures. Our local lodges, hotels and airlines need to be flexible with tour operators and work with them. As this is a fluid situation, we strongly encourage the sector to be more lenient with cancellation policies and temporarily modify them as necessary to accommodate changing travel plans.”

The authority also recommends reminding guests, clients, and team members that their safety and security remain our sector’s highest priority. In response to the coronavirus, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene and taking additional measures, in consultation with global and local public health authorities, to make cleaning and hygiene protocols even more rigorous is paramount.

“If someone is suspected as having the coronavirus, do not visit any healthcare facility. Instead make an urgent report to the Ministry of Public Health via telephone number (592)227-4986 Ext# 215 between 08:00-16:30h or (592)624-3067 between 16:3020:00h, and a team will be dispatched to the suspected person’s home. This will avoid exposing others to the virus if indeed someone is infected,” GTA said in the release.

The Guyana Tourism Authority said it will continue to monitor the situation and reliable sources closely and make informed and evidence-based decisions accordingly, and encouraged travellers and the travel and tourism sector to do the same.

Mason in court for smuggling ‘ganja’ into prison A 31-year-old Esaun Rose of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, was, on Friday, arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of introducing narcotics into prison.

The charge alleged that, Rose on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Camp Street, Georgetown, introduced a narcotic, specifically cannabis, into the Georgetown Prison.

When the charge was read to Rose he pleaded not guilty.

According to the report, on the day in question, ranks from the Brickdam Police Station and Georgetown Prison were on duty at Camp Street. At the time, Rose arrived to deliver toiletries for a remand prisoner. The toiletries were searched by a female prison officer who observed holes to be at the end of 6 blue soaps. The prison officer brought it to the attention of the police, who slashed each soap in the presence of her and Rose. Several small, plastic-wrapped parcels which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found.

The police cautioned the defendant and then arrested him.

He was subsequently charged. The substance amounted to 47grammes, and was placed into evidence.

Magistrate Daly granted Rose $50,000 bail and adjourned the matter to Friday, May 8, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Three years jail, $5M fine for women who released sex tape of Teresa JANNEL William of North Ruimveldt and Melissa Pestano of Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, were, on Friday, jailed for three years and fined $5M by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, for a ‘cyber bullying’ charge.

The charge alleged that, between Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21, 2020, in Georgetown, both Jannel William and Melissa Pestano used a cellphone to publish or transmit electronic data of Teresa Pollard that is obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious or indecent with intent to humiliate, harass or cause emotional distress to the said person.

Both Jannel William and Melissa Pestano pleaded guilty to the charge According to the facts presented to the court by the prosecutor, the defendants and the victim are known to each other and would have shared close rela-

tions with each other as friends. During the month of January, the defendants had a conversation between themselves whereby, William told Pestano, who is her sister-in-law, that her brother, Jamal Holland, was having an affair with Pollard. Pestano confronted her fiancé Holland, who admitted to having an affair with Pollard. In retaliation, the couple plotted to have revenge on Pollard. The plan entailed that, Holland would have sex with Pollard and Pestano would catch them in the act.

On January 20, 2020, Holland took Pollard to a city hotel where they had sex. About 10 minutes later, Pestano barged into the room and ‘captured’ the sexual act of Pollard and Holland using her cellular phone. Pestano sent the video to Williams who subsequently shared it to several other persons.

Thereafter, the video went viral on social media. Consequentially, an inves-

tigation was conducted and statements were taken from the victim along with Holland and the defendants (Jannel William and Melissa Pestano). The allegations were put to the defendants and they were arrested.

The prosecutor informed the court of the penalty for the cyber-crime act.

It was mentioned that the defendants would be liable to a fine of $5M and three years’ imprisonment. Melissa Pestano, in tears, made an attempt to justify her act. She mentioned to the court that she and the victim shared a friendship of eight years. She further mentioned that she had recognised the victim to be her sister and not just her friend.

Pestano relayed to the court that since she had such close relation with Pollard, she felt betrayed at the time of the incident, which caused her to commit the act.

Ogle teen accused of stealing $300,000 from employer AN 18-year-old girl of Area ‘E’ Ogle, East Coast Demerara was, on Friday, granted $15,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of larceny by clerk or servant.

The charge alleged that, Shivanie Aafeeza Sugrim, between October 16, 2019 and October 17, 2019, at David Street, Kitty, being employed as a clerk or servant by Zaheed Hoosein, stole the sum of $300,000 by virtue of a Citizen’s Bank Cheque, property of Zaheed Hoosein, her employer. Sugrim pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the report, Sugrim was employed by Hoosein as an accountant. Among her duties was issuing payments to persons who provide their services to

the company by way of cheque. On October 16, 2019, Hoosein allegedly signed several blank cheques and relinquished them to Sugrim to insert the respected amount and issue to the payee. Sugrim then used the opportunity and allegedly stole Scotia Bank Cheque #000367, inserting the sum of $300,000, which she encashed. Sugrim was arrested and interviewed, after which she lodged $200,000 as restitution. However, no further payment was made which led to Sugrim being charged.

Sugrim was ordered to repay Hoosein and was warned to desist from her unlawful act.

The matter was adjourned to Friday, March 20, 2020, for a settlement to be made in regards to Sugrim’s repayment to Hoosein.

Three years for man who threw hot water on woman FORTY-seven-year-old Raule Thomas of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was, on Friday, sentenced to three years in prison by Magistrate Leron Daly on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The charge alleged that, on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Thomas unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on a 25-year-old woman. Thomas admitted to the charge.

The facts presented to the court

by the police stated that on the day in question at about 20:00 hours, the complainant informed the defendant that she had intentions of going out.

This led to Thomas accusing the woman, which resulted in a heated argument. Thomas, being filled with rage, threw a pot of hot water on the woman’s body thus causing her second degree burns. Thomas furthered his act by placing a weapon to the woman’s side. The woman later sought medical attention and Thomas was subsequently arrested and charged.

The prosecutor relayed to the

court that the defendant, in trying to justify his act, claimed that the woman attempted to stab him in his legs. This claim was placed in a caution statement which, according to the prosecutor, is not supported by a medical. Thomas, in his defence, told the court that the act he committed was not purposeful but, an accident and that he was indeed stabbed in the left foot by the virtual complainant.

Magistrate Daly, after hearing the case, sentenced Thomas to three years in prison.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Chief Justice urges display of SOPs during tabulation of Region Four votes

CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, on Friday, said the Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, must produce the statements of poll (SOPs) during the tabulation of votes for his electoral district, as she offered greater clarity to her March 11 judgment.

“The statement of poll has to be shown,” Justice George-Wiltshire said. At the time, the Chief Justice was hearing a contempt of court case brought against the returning officer by a pri-

major objection from agents attached to some political parties. The disagreement later resulted in the tabulation process being suspended for the day, and Holladar moving to file Contempt of Court proceedings on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

Appearing on behalf of the returning officer, who was present in the court, in association with Attorney-at-Law Robin Hunte, Senior Counsel Neil Boston told the Chief Justice that his client has been adhering to the orders of the High Court despite attempts to derail the process by some. But in responding to a series of questions posed by Justice George-Wiltshire, Boston explained that the returning officer had placed the contents of the SOPs and the polling station number on a screen for the duly-appointed candidates and observers to view.

“If it is that you are getting it from this document [the SOP], why you just can’t show the document,” the Chief Justice questioned, while making it clear that the returning officer must

Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh vate citizen – Reeaz Holladar – over an alleged failure to adhere to the orders handed down by the High Court on March 11, 2020.

While the tabulation process, in keeping with an order of the High Court, recommenced at 11:00hrs on Thursday last, the returning officer resorted to the use of a spreadsheet for the tabulation of the votes in the reported absence of the SOPs – a move which resulted in

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo produce the SOPs during the tabulation process.

Even as Boston sought to interject, the Chief Justice further added, “I don’t see… what is the difficulty in producing the document.”

While making it clear that it is not for the representatives from the various political parties and observers to disrupt the process by raising concerns after concerns, Justice George-Wilshire said they are entitled to view the SOPs in accordance with the

Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03.

“They want and are entitled to see it [the SOPs] because Section 84 (1) says that the tabulation is to be done from the statements of poll in the presence of persons [entitled to be there],” Justice George-Wiltshire said.

She noted that the method of tabulation, be it, the use of a pencil and ruler or spreadsheet, ought to be determined by the returning officer and not the persons entitled to be there.

It was noted that party agents can make note of their concerns and at the end of the process, formally request a recount or challenge the results of the elections by way of an election petition.

The Chief Justice offered greater clarity on her ruling after GECOM and Holladar’s representatives failed to come to an agreement during a brief adjournment of the case on Friday.

Prior the brief adjournment of the case, the Chief Justice reminded the parties involved that during her ruling she had indicated that all and sundry ought to be “reasonable” in the execution of the exercise. She noted that the tabulation of the results was being dragged out and time wasted even as the country awaits the final results for the March 2 General

Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh leaving the High Court in the presence of GECOM’s Attorneys-at-Law – Senior Counsel Neil Boston (left) and Attorney Robin Hunte (right) (Photos by Adrian Narine) and Regional Elections.

“We have a nation awaiting; and this is a lot of posturing and grandstanding on all sides. Why can’t we just get on with it,” she questioned.

Meanwhile, outside of the courtroom, Boston assured journalists that going forward, the SOPs will be used to tabulate the votes for each list of candidates, who had contested the general and regional elections in District Four. “It is going to happen,” he assured journalists, explaining that the actual SOPs will be displayed on a screen

in addition to the station number.

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, who had intervened following Thursday’s objections, said she was pleased with clarification offered by the Chief Justice, and will ensure that the returning officer complies with the ruling of the High Court.

“It was a consensual agreement that the [SOPs will be displayed] and if there is a discrepancy to be addressed, we will go through with the

count until the end, and…it will be addressed at the end.

If it cannot be addressed, then we will move to a recount,” Justice (Ret’d) Singh explained.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, Holladar’s legal representative, said he was pleased with the clarification by the Chief Justice, even as he underscored the importance for transparency in the tabulation of the votes from the SOPs for the more than 800 polling stations in District Four.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Kim Lucas new Guyana Honorary Consul in St Maarten

FORMER Guyanese journalist, Kim Lucas, a deputy principal for the academic section of St Maarten Academy, is Guyana’s new

Honorary Consul to St Maarten.

“I am humbled and at the same time proud that my country has chosen me

to become their representative in St Maarten. This gives me the opportunity to serve the Government of Guyana although not living

in Guyana at this time,” Lucas was quoted in a St MarteenNews.com article.

“That dream of being a patriotic Guyanese when I left these shores some 16 years ago is being realised,” she added.

Asked about her expectations on her new appointment, Lucas responded that she did not expect much, but pointed out that she plans “to represent all Guyanese living on St Maarten in a fair and unbiased manner,” adding that she is there to serve and to do as much as possible to assist the Guyanese diaspora living in St Maarten, the article stated.

According to her, the screening process was very stringent where they conducted an investigation into her background both by

the Guyana and St Maarten administration. She, however, did not explain how the process was done and did not know about it until after she had received her commission.

Lucas, who is married, said apparently her husband was aware of the process, which began in October last year and concluded on January 29, 2020, because after it was completed, he told her he had received a call and had been questioned, the article further stated.

Lucas succeeds former Honorary Consul, Cleveland Beresford, who resigned from his position last year due to illness. She has expressed her gratitude to Beresford with whom she has had the privilege of working closely with.

Lucas is expected in

Kim Lucas – Guyana’s new Honorary Consul to St Maarten Guyana during the Easter vacation when she will receive formal training in relation to her new duties and will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, the article stated. Lucas, a mother of one, began her career as a journalist at the Guyana Chronicle.

She also worked at the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News.

-

GBTI waives ATM and Point of Sale fees –– encourages use of ATMS & Points of Sale as COVID 19 preventative measure GBTI has notified customers of the bank’s waiver of fees related to the use of its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale service for the remainder of the month.

The bank, in a release, said it was aware of concerns in every quarter about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

“We are concerned about the safety and protection of you our valued customers as well as the safety and protection of our staff.

“We have taken a number of steps to protect persons visiting our various branches and our staff, with the aim of preventing and or reducing transmission of the disease. Among these measures are the provision of hand sanitisers and wipes,” the release said.

As an added measure, the bank has taken the decision to waive all fees related to the use of local

debit cards at ATMs and point of sales for the rest of this month.

It is also encouraging online customers to utilise the platform for basic transfers, bill payments and balance checks during this time.

“Our branch staff remain ready to assist you while providing the option to use the ATM and point of sale whenever

possible.

We will continue to monitor and review the situation over the next few weeks and advise of any changes.

We encourage you to adhere to all health and safety measures outlined by the Ministry of Public Health and PAHO/ WHO to help safeguard all of us: our families and workplaces.”

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

‘We’re giving back to the common man’ –– private businesses ‘step up’ to distribute free sanitation products

By Naomi Parris IN light of confirmation of a coronavirus case here, pharmacies and supermarkets have experienced an influx of customers purchasing hand sanitisers, face masks, and vitamin C supplements and many of them have hiked their prices for some of these products.

Despite condemnation by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCCA), some stores and supermarkets have doubled or even tripled their prices for the said products which have caused a blow to the pockets of the common man.

In light of this, some private businesses, like Sheriff Security, have taken up the mantle to

assist the common man in whatever way they can.

Dave Choonillal, a manager of Sheriff Security, told the Guyana Chronicle that the company decided to assist the common man since many businesses either have sold out or have raised the prices of sanitation products to an unscrupulous amount.

Choonillal explained to this publication that the company was, at first, unable to purchase face masks in bulk because of the limited amount available in stores.

This, he noted, raised a concern of how the common man, who may not have access to various sanitary products, are getting by. As such, when face masks became available, the company decided to distribute same to the general public free of cost.

CXC monitoring COVID-19 developments in the Region –– to update the public on positions arrived at regarding examinations THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) said it took note of the developments concerning COVID-19 in general, and its impact on the CARICOM Region in particular, with a view to arriving at a consensus on the administration of the regional examinations.

CXC noted that it had convened a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Education to discuss the administration of the regional examinations and the respective national protocols.

A press release from CXC said the council presented and discussed various scenarios as it relates to the administration of its examinations and said that it will continue to work with the governments of the various territories to arrive at a regional consensus and will update the public accordingly.

“Rest assured that as the management and staff of the council continue to monitor the emerging situation, our first priority is the health and well-being of all our stakeholders,” it said.

“We actually went out as a company to purchase mask for our workers. We initially tried to get mask for our clients as well because they are a priority but we were denied to purchase mask in bulk and with that it raised some eyebrows to the fact this is an epidemic

that is spreading and how can the common man get access,” Chonillal stated.

He added that in the coming days when more sanitation products become available, the company will make same available to the general public.

However, it was noted

that face masks are not 100 per cent effective but persons are advised to not to wear them for more than one day. Persons are also advised to wash their hands regularly.

It is also advised that persons avoid large gatherings and keep at least two metres to o.5 metres

from each other.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health has established a hotline that will provide information on the coronavirus.

Members of the public can call 227-4986 ext. 215 or 624 3067 for information and assistance.

16

Coalition heads ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

From page 2

around 23:00hrs on Friday, Elections Commissioner Vincent Alexander expressed satisfaction that the process had finally ended, and was conducted in the presence of party agents and observers as prescribed by the law.

In an earlier interview with the press that night outside of GECOM’s Headquarters, where the tabulation had been moved to, Alexander said the process was being done in keeping with the ruling of the High Court.

“The procedure is that they are putting up the Statements of Poll on a screen and a GECOM officer is reading out the numbers and that’s the process,” he explained on Friday night.

Earlier in the day, Chief Justice had explained that the Statements of Poll had to be displayed during the tabulation process in keeping with Section 85 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03.

Representatives from the PPP/C and a number of smaller parties have alleged that though the process appeared more transparent that it had been earlier and days gone by, not all of the SOPs appeared legitimate.

“Since I have been in there, I have not heard any discrepancy raised, that does not mean there

is no discrepancy,” Alexander said in response to a question put to him about discrepancies being raised by some party agents.

Alexander said based on his knowledge, the

remaining three copies. I don’t know if you would call it photocopied in that sense,” he reasoned.

Questioned whether the SOPs displayed on the screen were clear, Alexan-

the PPP nominated Commissioners, Alexander said there has been no violation of the electoral laws. “As I understand it, there is an obligation to do a tabulation in the view of the

The Declaration made by Region 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo for the General Elections, District 4

GECOM Commissioner Robeson Benn original SOPs were being used while shutting down claims of photocopied SOPs being used.

“I don’t know about photocopied SOPs being used for this reason, SOPs came in books of four. One would have written on the first copy, and that would have printed through to the

der responded in the affirmative but said that they could have been clearer.

“When I said could be clearer, I am not seeing alteration. What I am seeing, is not the clearest of images but it is a question of technology,” he further clarified.

Contrary to reports by

Presidential Candidate of the Justice and Liberty Party (JLP) Lenox Shuman

persons who are entitled to be there, to the extent to which one throws up a screen, and the numbers they put up there, at the end, the summation, represent that tabulation,” he posited.

However, he explained that if party agents have concerns over discrepancies, they could make note of them and at the end of the tabulation when the declaration is made, formally request a recount of the votes.

But although the SOPs were being produced during the tabulation process in accordance with the High Court ruling, PPP/C nominated Elections Commissioner Robeson Benn said the opposition will challenge the results. According to him, the opposition parties will likely request a recount.

Outside of the GECOM headquarters, pockets of APNU+AFC supporters gathered at different streets as they awaited news of the declaration.

The Declaration made by Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, for the Regional Elections, District 4

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Coronavirus: Why is the UK not shutting schools like other countries?

MANY countries are taking tough measures to crack down on the spread of coronavirus, including school closures, an end to mass gatherings and severe travel restrictions. But the UK has adopted relatively modest control measures.

The differences can be partly explained by the fact some of these countries are further into their epidemics.

But it’s clear the UK has adopted a more nuanced approach.

Computer simulations indicate the UK is in the early stages of its epidemic which is expected to rise sharply in four weeks and peak in 10 and 14 weeks’ time.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, and chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty have made the judgement call that it is too soon to impose severe restrictions at this stage.

Such restrictions might last several months and risk “self-isolation fatigue”, with people leaving their homes just as the epidemic was at its height. The elderly are particularly at risk of developing severe symptoms. But many of them are already isolated.

Cutting them off from their communities at this stage, when the risks are still relatively low, would create unnecessary difficulties for them.

Sir Patrick and Prof Whit-

ty have also advised against the suspension of mass gatherings. Again, their computer models indicate this would be less effective and more disruptive than the measures they have recommended: hand washing and asking people to self-isolate if they show symptoms of the disease.

It’s the same with school closures. While Ireland, France and Denmark are among a host of northern European countries to shut schools, for the moment at least they remain open in the UK. Closing schools is effective for controlling serious flu epidemics, but Covid-19

Architects of the UK’s “nuanced” approach: Sir Patrick Vallance (left) and Prof Chris Whitty (left) (BBC photo) These measures, if correctly implemented, could cut the peak of cases by 20%, says Sir Patrick.

“People are very much more likely to catch the virus from a family member or a friend somewhere in a small space rather than a big space [such as a sporting stadium],” he said.

seems to affect children less.

There’s still a risk, though, they could transmit it to their parents and grandparents.

In addition, school closures would take many much needed NHS staff away from their jobs while they look after their children.

The British strategy is to delay the onset of the

peak of the disease until the summer months, when the NHS is under less pressure, and to spread the peak of the epidemic to make treatment more manageable. The aim has also been to manage the spread of the infection so that the population builds up some immunity to the virus should it return in successive years.

Efforts to stamp it out too quickly risk leading to the epidemic returning, perhaps during the winter, once the extreme measures have been lifted. This would be a time when the health service was again under pressure.

It is important to stress that this strategy has been drawn up based on evidence and input from many of the world’s leading scientists and doctors, many of whom have been involved in controlling the spread of the virus in China and Singapore. And it is notable that no scientists have spoken out against the UK government’s approach.

There are undoubtedly some who do disagree with the strategy. But there is an acceptance by such critics that Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty are the ones in the hot seat, having to make the biggest calls they have made in their professional lives.

So the science community is prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and not speak out, for now at least.

(BBC)

Brazil’s Bolsonaro says he tested negative for coronavirus (AL JAZEERA) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative for coronavirus, according to a post on his Facebook page on Friday.

The post came after a prominent Brazilian newspaper reported that the Brazilian leader had tested positive without citing its source.

Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, also told Fox News that “the test is negative”.

Bolsonaro had been tested after his communications secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, was diagnosed with the coronavirus on Thursday following a trip to Florida where both met Brazil’s President Jair US President Donald Bolsonaro during a cerTrump and Vice Pres- emony at the Planalto ident Mike Pence. The Palace in Brasilia, Brazil news of Wajngarten’s di- [File: Adriano Machado/ agnosis raised questions Reuters] about whether Trump and Pence were being tested.

The White House said on Thursday neither Trump nor Pence had been tested for COVID-19 because they were not showing symptoms and had limited interactions with the Brazilian aide.

Trump said he was not concerned following reports the Brazilian aide had tested positive for the virus.

Bolsonaro appeared on social media late on Thursday wearing a mask.

The Brazilian president, like Trump, has been accused of downplaying the threat of the virus.

Earlier this month, Bolsonaro said turmoil in the financial markets was a result of “fantasy” and did not represent a crisis.

The novel coronavirus has infected 132,000 people and killed more than 4,900 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

About 68,000 patients have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

Green Climate Fund approves $119M climate resilient project for Cuba THE Board of the Green Climate Fund today approved a $119 million disbursement for a FAO co-designed project to boost the resilience to climate change of vulnerable rural communities in Cuba.

The Green Climate Fund will contribute $38.2 million, while the Government of Cuba provides $81.7 million in co-financing for the project, which is expected to help 240 000 people. Announced today by the Fund’s board meeting in Geneva, this is the first project in Cuba to be supported by the Green Climate Fund.

The seven-year project aims to mitigate around 2.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions while working with 52 000 family farmers - almost half of them women - and introducing agroforestry practices on 35 000 hectares.

The project titled “Increased climate resilience of rural households and communities through the rehabilitation of productive agroforestry landscapes in selected localities of the Republic of Cuba (IRES-Cuba)” was designed by Cuba’s Agriculture Ministry

with FAO’s help in a process coordinated with local populations, civil society and other stakeholders.

The IRES project, which targets food and nutrition security as well as ways to boost the resilience and stability of local food production systems, employment and access to water, will be implemented in seven of the municipalities deemed most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

“IRES will restore productive landscapes to preserve ecosystem services through the use of innovative methods and financial incentives,” said Maury Hechavarría Bermúdez, Vice-Minister of Cuba’s Agriculture Ministry. It represents a significant initiative in Cuba’s plan to address climate change, known as Tarea Vida (Life Task).

“The project is designed to foster the development of inclusive, sustainable and resilient food systems, strengthen the conservation of natural resources, help the agriculture sector adapt to climate change and to improve the resilience of local livelihoods in managing risks,” said Marcelo Resende, FAO

Representative to Cuba.

CONTRIBUTING TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE New agroforestry and sylvopastoral approaches will be introduced on more than 35 000 hectares in ways that will improve water infiltration and retention in soils, combating erosion and allowing for greater productivity and sustainability in local agricultural ecosystems.

The Government of Cuba and FAO will work with smallholders to change their traditional intensive farming methods into more climate-resilient production techniques.

The experience will serve as a pilot project that can eventually be scaled up around the country. The process will also offer a way to provide technical capacity-building assistance for the design of new government incentives to foster broader efforts to adapt to climate change.

“This project is especially welcome as it is the first such initiative in a Small Island Developing State, for which climate change is a significant long-term challenge,”

said Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, Climate and Natural Resources.

FAO AND THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND IRES is the fourth initiative designed by FAO in the Latin America and Caribbean region that has won approval from the Green Climate Fund.

PROEZA in Paraguay channels $90 million to benefit 17 000 households. RECLIMA, in El Salvador, is a $127 million initiative expected to support 225 000 people. A $63.3 million project in Chile aims to add 25 000 hectares of forest cover in six regions of the country.

Including projects in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal and Pakistan, FAO now leads Green Climate Fund-approved projects with $426.6 million in funding, about half of which come directly from the fund. FAO is also working closely with member states around the world to strengthen their institutional capacity to develop projects the Fund can approve.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Int’l observer missions issue more statements … call for transparency in tabulation of Region Four results

THE international observer missions from the Commonwealth, the European Union, and The Carter Center, on Friday, encouraged all stakeholders in Guyana’s electoral process to use all available means to conclude the process in a transparent manner.

In a statement issued on Friday, the international election observation missions in Guyana noted that they are “deeply concerned about the continued lack of transparency in the ascertainment of results for Region Four.”

The missions, in a joint statement, said that the orders of Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, on March 11, were not followed. The missions stated that the tabulation process did not resume on March 12 as mandated by the court.

“When the tabulation process was resumed on March 13, 2020, it was not in line with the judgement, which required public tabu-

lation as a safeguard and a measure for promoting transparency and accountability,” the missions said.

It was noted that the Chief Justice subsequently reasserted that the actual Statements of Poll (SOPs) have to be displayed in tabulation process for Region Four.

“The orders issued with the judgement should be complied with, and the tabulation process conducted and concluded accordingly.

Unless and until this is done in Region Four, the election results cannot be considered credible,” the bodies said.

They urged all the political parties involved, to adhere to the codes of conduct they signed and to do their utmost to ensure that a peaceful environment is maintained.

Meanwhile, the OAS Observer mission has withdrawn from Guyana.

The mission said that the returning officer for Region

Four did not undertake his role in the “the required standard of fairness and transparency.”

The Chief Justice’s ruling, handed down on March 11, required the returning officer or deputy returning officer to determine the best method of tabulating the statements of poll and included the expectation “that the returning officer would act reasonably in ensuring a process that allows persons to observe what is being tabulated and how.”

The body noted that the RO continued to ascertain the votes cast for each party list without affording the duly-authorised candidates and counting agents an opportunity to see the SOPs, in order to compare them with the copies in their possession.

“Such a process could have been easily facilitated using the same technology which allows the tabulation to be displayed,” the body said.

The mission alluded to

GTUC flays observers, int’l community for ‘meddling’ in Guyana’s affairs … says these bodies have shown contempt for CJ’s ruling and GECOM THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said it is deeply concerned by the statement made by Mr. Alexander Matus, Deputy Head of the European Union (EU) Observers Mission, demanding that District Four Returning Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), hand over legal documents (Statements of Poll) to him.

In a strongly-worded statement, the GTUC reminds Mr. Matus that the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is a sovereign nation and the relationship between Guyana and the EU is one governed by diplomatic engagement under the Geneva Conventions. The union added that GECOM is an autonomous constitutional body, solely responsible for general, regional and local elections in Guyana.

According to the GTUC, on March 11, 2020, the High Court of Guyana ruled reinforcing GECOM’s independence and reminded all that observers, domestic and international, have no statutory right over GECOM as an entity and any of its officers with particular reference to the returning officer who is not answerable to forces external to GECOM. “The boldness of Mr. Matus’ contempt for the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, the ruling of the High Court, and people of Guyana places his goodwill and agenda into question. It raises questions regarding the continued role and ability of cer-

tain international organisations/countries or more particularly, their representatives entrusted to observe and report on the Guyana elections into question.” “Mr. Matus and others who have communicated with similar impropriety know their limitations in a sovereign nation forbid them interfering, much less dictating to and demanding from our institutions of governance. Being an invited observer and having an interest in our electoral processes does not provide him or any other additional privileges to interfere,” GTUC said.

According to the GTUC, opportunity is taken to bring to the attention of Assistant Secretary (ag) for U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mr. Michael Kozak, that the Guyana elections has not yet been pronounced on by GECOM which is the statutory body vested with the authority to so do. The union said Guyanese are mindful that the Western World has had and in some instances are, undergoing similar challenges which were resolved with due process and without external interference.

As a small developing sovereign nation, we ask for and are entitled to no less.

“We also ask for some respect be accorded to our CARICOM relationship since said body has demonstrated a respectful oversight interest,” the statement concluded.

the controversial SOPs published by the PPP/Civic, on its website, which that party claims were given to its polling agents after the ballots were counted at each polling station on the night of the elections. The mission said the SOPs from the PPP produce a result that is “vastly different from that being declared by the returning officer and would have a de-

cisive effect on the outcome of the national elections.”

The OAS Election Observer Mission said it was pleased to have declared that the March 2 poll was, in almost all respects, well executed. It noted that the subsequent tabulation of the statements of poll in the other nine regions was carried out in compliance with the law and no dispute has arisen

in relation to the declaration of results.

The mission noted that the legitimacy of any government that is installed in the circumstances will be open to question. It said this would be a terrible blow to the country’s democracy.

The Chief of Mission will prepare his report for submission to the Secretary General.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

Bartica forms task force to tackle coronavirus

A REGIONAL task force led by regional health officials and consisting of officers from various agencies was formed on Thursday last in the township of Bartica.

The taskforce will

guard the town against the impending threat of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, following confirmation of a case here on Wednesday.

Heading the task force is Regional Health Officer,

Head of the task force, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala

Dr. Edward Sagala, with the support of Deputy Regional Health Officer, Dr. Julian Clementson; Bartica Hospital Superintendent, Dr. Gillian Jardine; Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford; and Regional Executive Offi-

cer, Kerwin Ward, among others.

The Ministry of Public Health has been sensitising persons on how to protect themselves against the deadly virus.

The work of the task force will be to draft strat-

tion of proper washing of hands on a regular basis, as strategies to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Regional health officials and others will be deployed to various parts of the region to ensure awareness and prepara-

institutions have also been keeping the public informed through various social media platforms on what measures they need to take to protect themselves.

Over the past two days, there has been a rush to

The task force formed in Bartica to keep the coronavirus at bay egies for public awareness and for response protocols for the Bartica Hospital and all other hospitals, health centres and health posts across the Cuyuni Mazaruni Region, Region Seven.

Dr. Sagala stressed the importance of immediate health education, health promotion and the promo-

tions are put in place to keep the virus at bay.

Health facilities across the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region consist of one regional hospital at Bartica, one district hospital at Kamarang Village, two health centres and 26 health posts.

The Ministry of Public Health, PAHO/WHO and other authentic health

get face masks, sanitisers, bleach, Lysol and other disinfectants for individuals and households.

It was reported that many of these items are sold out in the local stores; however, homemade remedies are being used to make sanitisers and other cleansing items to keep away the virus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 14, 2020

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2020

England-Sri Lanka Test series postponed

Captain Joe Root leads the players off after the warm-up tour match was abandoned.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(SATURDAY MARCH 14, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Bangladesh won 3-0 (2) Tamin Iqbal & Liton Das (BANG)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many teams have now played ODIs? (2) How many teams have now contested T20 Internationals?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Enough Love Race 2 Legion Storm Race 3 Conquistador Race 4 Outplay Race 5 Teletype Race 6 Bongga Race 7 Awesome Debate Race 8 Kept True Race 9 Honey Money South Africa Racing Tips

(BBC) - England’s Test series against Sri Lanka has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

All players and staff will return to the UK as soon as possible following the decision which has been taken in “unprecedented times”.

“The physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount,” said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement.

The two-Test series was due to begin in Galle on Thursday, March 19.

“We would like to thank our colleagues at Sri Lanka Cricket for their outstanding support and assistance throughout this situation,” the statement added.

“We look forward to returning to Sri Lanka in the near future to fulfil this important Test series.”

England’s four-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI side was abandoned yesterday, with the second day’s play already under way.

All-rounder Ben Stokes had withdrawn from

Turffontein 08:30 hrs Cornish Pomodoro 09:05 hrs Pomander 09:45 hrs Mardi Gras 10:20 hrs Danciong Queen 10:55 hrs Seville Orange 11:30 hrs Eppagilia English Racing Tips Kempton 09:00 hrs Fidelio Vallis 09:30 hrs On The Slopes

the squad to undergo abdominal tests - but team management said it was not linked to any coronavirus concerns.

Play was halted with the President’s XI 150-3 in reply to England’s 463 all out.

The decision comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide.

The ECB’s decision comes after it was announced the start of the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been delayed from March 29 to April 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the move was a “precautionary measure” - while India’s one-day international series against South Africa was also postponed yesterday, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was shortened.

Scotland’s one-day international series against the United States and the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to take place in Florida in April, has also been postponed.

Meanwhile, Australia will play their three oneday internationals against New Zealand behind closed doors.

10:05 hrs McFabulous 10:40 hrs Tamaroc Du Mathan 11:15 hrs Sensulano 11:50 hrs Farouk De Cheneau 12:25 hrs Ultimatuum DU Roy 13:00 hrs Sabrina

Uttoxeter 09:50 hrs Ostuni 10:25 hrs Sam’s Adventure 11:00 hrs Nordano 11:35 hrs Petite Power 12:45 hrs Grand Turina 13:20 hrs Timassini

Fontwell 09:40 hrs Wagner 10:15 hrs Misty Whisky 10:50 hrs Delface 11:25 hrs Made For You 12:00 hrs Little Boy Boru 13:10 hrs The Raven’s Return

Irish Racing Tips Navan 09:45 hrs Lynwood Gold 10:20 hrs Ardamir 10:55 hrs Francin 11:30 hrs Cadmium 12:05 hrs Ontheropes 12:40 hrs Spare Brakes 13:15 hrs Torygraph

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2020

Jamaica to lose nearly $40M after cancellation of Secondary Schools Athletics Championship (CMC) – Officials here have estimated losses from the decision to scrap this year’s Secondary Schools Athletics Championship due to the outbreak of the coronavirus at nearly $40 million (US$296 186).

Keith Wellington, president of the InterSecondary School Sports Association (ISSA),

described the enormously popular track and field showpiece as the organisation’s “major revenue earner” and said, even though the decision was the right one the financial losses would hurt their operations.

“I think after we would have covered all our expenses, we possibly would be losing upwards of $40 million dollars,” the Gleaner

Sports Minister Olivia Grange emphasised the importance of public safety.

newspaper here quoted Wellington.

“It is our major revenue-earner, and as a matter of fact, this is the only sponsored competition that we have a surplus from after we cover all our costs.

“That $40 million dollars is what we use to cover the other sports that are not sponsored as well as our office operations.”

He added: “It is a disappointment that we had to take this decision, but I think it is the right decision that we would have taken based on the circumstances.”

Organisers moved swiftly to cancel the event after two cases of the coronavirus were reported on the island. Cases had increased to eight as of yesterday.

The championship, which had been set to run off this month, is one of the largest sporting events on the country’s calendar.

It attracts large numbers through the five days of competition, with up to 25 000 fans turning up for the final day.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange said while the cancellation of the championship was a “massive disappointment”, athlete and public safety was of major importance.

“It is a massive disappointment. We are all disappointed because it is very painful for me, but when you think of reducing the risk, then that is more important than ­fulfilling our wish to have a ­fantastic Boys’ and Girls’ Championships,” Grange explained.

“I just want to say to the athletes that it is in their best interest and I know how disappointed they are, and I am disappointed too, but they should continue to remain focussed.”

She added: “We didn’t discuss moving the date, and we didn’t discuss having it without spectators. We felt that in order to focus on containment and protecting Jamaicans, we thought that spectators and the athletes were equally important.”

Jamaica is one of several Caribbean countries which have reported cases of the coronavirus which has caused nearly 5 000 deaths worldwide.

Onkar Singh CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

stopped. This, according to Singh, inspired and prompted him to continue; signalling the start of what is still a rewarding part-time career.

Singh, who idolises fellow Guyanese commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, has been a constant performer mostly at international softball games in New York and Florida and has also featured at the Guyana Softball Cup in his homeland.

Singh, who now resides in Albany, New York, is however not confined to softball and has also done some hardball matches in North America, including the West Indies Legends versus New York Legends which featured former players like Alvin Kallicharran, Gordon Greenidge, Gus Logie, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Pedro Collins and Bacchus.

Pointing out why he’s an ardent fan of Perreira and patterns himself after the legendary Guyanese commentator, Singh said that his (Perreira) description of on-field plays is unmatched.

Prior to migrating to New York in 1996, Singh was no slouch in the cricket arena in Guyana, having represented Georgetown and subsequently Demerara in the Inter-county Under-19 tournament, playing alongside the likes of former West Indies player Carl Hooper, former Guyana wickerkeeper Sheik Mohamed, fast bowler Linden Fraser, Shivnauth Seeram and Anil Solomon, among others.

His role in the team was that of an off-spinning all-rounder.

Singh also spent three years in Trinidad and Tobago, representing Crampton Cricket Club in the first division competition where his teammates included former West indies players Ian Bishop and Phil Simmons.

In 1989, Singh turned his attention fully to softball cricket, playing exclusively for Durban Cricket Club alongside Wayne Jones and the late Benegal Singh - two players he regards as the most complete batsmen in softball cricket.

He rates a nine-wicket haul and an innings of 49 not out among his best performances for Durban.

Work commitments have severely curtailed his ability to play softball cricket in New York but Singh nevertheless still competes in the Over-40 division occasionally. He previously played for Lords Cricket Club in Queens, New York and he is credited with slamming two centuries and several half-centuries. He also skippered the Demerara (New York) Inter-county team to three consecutive championships.

Born and raised in Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, Singh attended Redeemer Lutheran School, and Indian Education Trust College which was subsequently renamed Richard Ishmael Secondary School.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2020

The Masters, BPL among sporting events cancelled amid coronavirus fears (REUTERS) - GOLF’S jewel in the crown, The Masters and England’s top-flight soccer league, joined the ever-lengthening list of elite sporting events to fall foul of the coronavirus pandemic, yesterday.

Few dates on the global sporting calendar are as keenly-anticipated as the Augusta National showpiece, but organisers have moved swiftly to postpone golf’s opening major which was due to be played between April 9 and 12.

England’s hugely-popular Premier League announced it was suspending matches until April 4, while soccer’s European governing body UEFA said that next week’s matches in the Champions League and Europa League would not be played.

The unprecedented shutdown of world sport in response to the coronavirus spread that has infected more than 134 000 people and killed around 5 000 also prompted organisers to postpone the Formula One motor races in Vietnam and Bahrain.

This weekend’s season-opener in Australia was cancelled only hours before the first practice session.

England cricket players were heading home after their tour of Sri Lanka was called off yesterday, while this weekend’s Six Nations rugby match between Wales and Scotland also succumbed.

France’s Top 14, the richest rugby union league in the world, was also suspended yesterday.

In cycling, organisers of the Giro d’Italia said the race, due to start in Budapest on May 9, had been postponed.

After two days of shutdowns and cancellations the sporting cupboard for the next two months looks bare.

On Thursday, the big American sports leagues - NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball - were all suspended, the ATP men’s tennis tour was shut down and golf’s Players Championship was abandoned after one round.

‘UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES’ The postponement of the Masters, won in fairytale fashion by Tiger Woods last year, sent shockwaves through golf although, with the PGA Tour suspended until April 5, it was not a surprise.

“Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus COVID-19 have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement.

“We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date.”

Nearly 2 000 perpons have been infected

across the U.S. Britain’s government on Thursday stopped short of banning mass gatherings of people - but that decision was quickly overtaken by events as the country’s soccer leagues reacted to the fast-moving situation by putting the season on hold.

The Premier League, the richest soccer league in the world, had stood almost alone in not suspending the season, but at an emergency meeting it was decided that the fixtures would stop until April 4 at the earliest.

The Football League and Women’s Super League are also suspended until April 3 while England’s friendly internationals against Italy and Denmark will not take place. All matches in Scotland are also postponed.

Arsenal’s fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend had already been postponed after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus. Chelsea’s players were in self-isolation after forward Callum Hudson-Odoi also tested positive.

Everton, who were due to play Premier League leaders Liverpool on Monday, said one of their players was self-isolating as a coronavirus precaution.

EMERGENCY MEETING Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A and the French Ligue 1 are all on hold and Germany’s Bundesliga followed suit yesterday.

With Europe’s top soccer leagues in limbo, the fate of this season’s Euro 2020 championship, starting in June and hosted by 12 cities, remains unclear.

Numerous qualifying playoffs are scheduled for the end of March and yesterday the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said it did not plan to hold its match against Serbia, as most of their squad needed to adhere to the country’s new quarantine provisions.

UEFA will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss the fate of the tournament.

Despite the spiralling impact of coronavirus, sport’s biggest showpiece, the Olympics, will still go ahead as planned, according to Tokyo organisers.

Responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump that they should be delayed for a year, Japan Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto told reporters: “The IOC and 2020 organisers are not at all considering cancelling or postponing the Games.”

Hours later the torch relay through Greece was cancelled after fears that unexpectedly large crowds on the route could spread the coronavirus.

Formula One has now lost its first four races of the season with the first-ever race in Vietnam cancelled, along with Bahrain. The Chinese Grand Prix had already been called off and this weekend’s opener in Melbourne was cancelled with all the teams already in place.

The start of the lucrative Indian Premier

League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket competition has also been postponed until April 15 as a “precautionary measure”, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said.

Some major sports events are going ahead

though.

In Britain the week-long Cheltenham horse racing festival, attracting thousands of fans each day, was gearing up for its blue-riband Gold Cup later yesterday.

30

Veteran Windies opener Chris Gayle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2020

All available players will be considered for World T20 squad - chief selector Harper BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Despite a suggestion that veteran West Indies opener Chris Gayle is no longer needed for T20s, Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Roger Harper has made it clear that any available player will have a chance to be chosen for the regional side for the upcoming World Cup. He stated that position on Tuesday night, days after former Barbados and West Indies opening batsman Philo Wallace said there was enough depth in the team for them to move forward without 40-year-old

Gayle.

The Jamaican cricketer – still one of the most successful batsmen in the format with two centuries, an average of 32.54, and a strike rate of 142.84 for the West Indies – has ambitions of representing the regional side as they defend their T20 World Cup title in Australia.

“I think all available players are part of our plan at this point,” Harper said Tuesday night on the Mason & Guest radio show in Barbados when asked about Wallace’s comments.

“At this point we’re still trying to find out what’s our

best combination, the best composition of the team… and seeking opportunities to determine that. But come the last month or so prior to the World Cup, we’ll have to try to really narrow that down so the players can all get used to playing together, and understand how each other performs in different situations, and they all understand what their roles are and how to go about it. But at this point everyone that’s available will be considered.”

Harper added that between now and the time the squad is chosen for the World Cup,

All-round Phillip puts Red Force in driver’s seat (CMC) – Anderson Phillip’s telling allround effort and Jyd Goolie’s maiden firstclass hundred deflated Windward Islands Volcanoes and put Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on course for their second straight win of the Regional Four-Day Championship here yesterday.

The 23-year-old fast bowler snatched four for 53 to send Volcanoes tumbling for 173 in their first innings, in reply to Red Force’s massive 409 all out, on the second day of the eighth-round encounter at Brian Lara Stadium.

Phillip had earlier struck a cavalier 31-ball unbeaten 36 and featured in a critical last-wicket stand of 59 with the 22-year-old Goolie (128) as Red Force, resuming on their overnight 298 for five, fought back after losing a cluster of wickets.

Following on by 236 runs, Volcanoes reached

the close on four without loss in their second innings, and now face a difficult penultimate third day today.

The visitors had the better of the early exchanges when they grabbed four wickets for 34 runs at the start, to reduce Red Force to 345 for nine.

Left-arm pacer Preston McSween, who ended with five for 60 to notch his second five-wicket haul in as many matches, removed Imran Khan in the day’s fifth over after Red Force captain had added just four runs to his overnight 80.

The next three wickets went down cheaply but Goolie, who resumed the day on 75, completed his maiden first-class hundred and along with Phillip, frustrated Volcanoes.

Goolie, in his fourth first-class outing, struck

players have the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of being selected.

“Certainly, there are lots of opportunities around and there are lots of competitions around, not just representing the West Indies but there are opportunities around where guys can showcase their skills and what they’re capable of and the form they’re in,” said the former West Indies spinner and coach.

The 2020 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the seventh edition of the tournament, is scheduled to run from October 18 to November 15.

Fast bowler Anderson Phillip

16 fours and a six off 206 deliveries in just over 5-¼ hours while Phillip belted four fours and a six in an entertaining 41-minute stay.

In reply, Volcanoes got a top score of 67 from veteran opener Devon Smith while wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart chipped in with 30 and Keron Cotty, 28, but the last six wickets fell for 55 runs, with Kavem Hodge unable to bat because of injury.

Smith, who punched half-dozen fours and two sixes off 117 balls in nearly three hours, put on 48 for the first wicket with Kimani Melius (20) before three wickets tumbled for eight runs.

Stewart arrived to add 62 for the fourth with Smith but once the stand was broken, the innings fell apart quickly, as leg-spinner Imran Khan (2-6) and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (2-27) got in on the act.

Blackwood, Campbell stun Hurricanes (CMC) – Enigmatic Jermaine Blackwood was on the verge of a maiden career double-hundred following a majestic career-best unbeaten century, as Jamaica Scorpions set aside several recent worrying batting failures, to dominate Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the second day here yesterday.

The attacking right-hander smashed 196 not out as Scorpions, resuming the day on 47 for one, piled up 413 for four in reply to the hosts’ 260, at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

With his imperious knock, Blackwood overshadowed captain John Campbell, who hit an unbeaten 105 to record his fifth firstclass hundred and second of the season.

Together they put on 197 for the fifth wicket – a record against Leewards – as Scorpions lost just three wickets in gaining an important 153-run lead heading into today’s third day of the eighth-round contest.

Hurricanes were placed under early pressure when Blackwood, resuming on 17 and Nkrumah Bonner, on two, put on 126 for the second wicket to deny them any success in the first session.

Blackwood was the dominant partner and was unbeaten on 52 at lunch, with Scorpions

Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell

on 120 for one, still 140 runs behind their target.

Bonner, not out on 31 at the break, struck 48 off 117 balls in just over 2-½ hours with four boundaries before falling in the seventh over following the resumption, run-out at the

non-striker’s end in a horrible mix-up with Blackwood over a third run.

When left-hander Paul Palmer lasted five balls before falling lbw to fast bowler Alzarri Joseph in the next over without scoring, Scorpions had suddenly lost two wickets with

no run added in the space of nine deliveries.

However, Blackwood found an ally in Andre McCarthy (27) to put on exactly 50 for the fourth wicket, He then combined with Campbell in a thrilling fifth-wicket stand to ensure Scorpions stamped their authority in the final session.

Blackwood reached his hundred in style in the fifth over before tea when he punched seamer Jerimiah Louis to the straight boundary to move to 97 then cut him to the ropes behind square.

Overall, Blackwood struck 27 fours and two sixes in an innings so far, spanning 274 balls and 6-¾ hours, to mark his fifth firstclass hundred and first of the season.

Blackwood, who had already hit six halfcenturies in the campaign, moved his tally of runs to 716.

Campbell, meanwhile, who had retired hurt the previous evening on 22, has faced 155 deliveries in 3-½ hours and has counted half-dozen fours and three sixes.

Unbeaten on 32 at tea with Scorpions on 247 for four, Campbell reached triple digits in the last over of the day when he cleared the ropes at long-off with offspinner Terrance Warde.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday March 14, 2020

Brathwaite, Roach, Holder run roughshod over Jaguars ... Champs need 330 runs for victory

By Clifton Ross VENOMOUS spells from pacers Kemar Roach and Jason Holder, coupled with a touch of class from skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, kept Barbados Pride in the driver’s seat against Guyana Jaguars, heading into an important penultimate day of action.

The Bajans stole Day 2 from under the nose of the Jags and were bowled out for 210 in 66.2 overs. Brathwaite was left stranded on an unbeaten 84 heading into Day 3 with Pride leading by 329 runs.

Fast-bowler Keemo Paul returned 4-52 while seamer Chris Barnwell (2-26) and off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-28) were the other successful bowlers.

The pillage commenced when, after resuming on 19 for 2, the champs were shockingly blown away, crashing to one of their lowest totals in 4-Day cricket. They were mowed down for just 55 runs.

It was a rampant approach from the pair of seasoned West Indies pacers, Roach snapped up 5-20 in a venomous spell that rocked the champs.

Holder bagged 4-24 as the pair put on one of the classiest exhibitions of pace bowling on the Providence surface, giving the Pride a 119-run lead over the hosts.

The 9-wicket haul between Holder and Roach inevitably confined the Jaguars batsmen, with the West Indies pair of Shimron Hetmyer (14) and Romario Shepherd (12) being the primary scorers.

After flattening the Jaguars, Brathwaite made the wise decision to continue piling on the runs, as he picked up where he left off in the first innings.

After off-spinner Sinclair landed a double strike to remove both Shayne Moseley (15) and Shamarh Brooks (6), Guyana got back into the match for a brief passage.

Jonathan Carter made up for his woes in the first innings, hitting a solid 43 with six fours and a six before Barnwell pinned him lbw.

The Jags seamers, similar to the first innings made quick inroads into the lower-order, as Reifer, Barnwell and Paul helped to negate Holder’s possible retaliation which saw him muscle 5 fours in his 22.

Despite the hiccups, Brathwaite remained calm and brought up a gritty half-century while stretching Pride’s lead beyond 300 runs heading into today’s play.

Wickets continued to tumble as Paul found his line. He easily mopped up the remaining batsmen, denying the Pride captain of what looked like a certain century.

Day 3 will continue today at 14:00hrs.

Three Guyanese players in CWI Emerging Players Pool for CPL 2020 THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is continuing its commitment toward the development of the next generation of Caribbean cricketers with the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Emerging Player programme, which will see the best young talent across the region being guaranteed game time during this year’s tournament.

These players have been selected

by CWI and represent the best cricketers aged Under-23 across the region.

Ashmead Nedd is one of the three Guyanese on the list, the others being all-rounder Kevin Sinclair and batsman Bhaskar Yadram.

Each squad will have two of these players and each team must give a minimum of five games to an emerging player, either one player taking the field five times or a combination of appearances between the two players.

The rules and regulations for the 2020 Hero CPL give each team the option to sign a player from the CWI Emerging Player Pool who is from his home territory ahead of the draft.

The deadline for making these early

really excited to see this group of talented cricketers during the 2020 tournament.

The sky is the limit for these young men, and we want to see them succeed at CPL and beyond.”

There are still six available Emerging Player spots in Hero CPL teams for the 2020 tournament which takes place from August 19 to September 26. These will be filled at the draft.

The players who are available to fill those spots are as follows:

From left: Ashmead Nedd, Bhaskar Yadram and Kevin Sinclair signings has now passed and four teams Guyana Amazon Warriors: Kevin St Kitts & Nevis Patriots: Dominic have made the decision to sign one of Sinclair Drakes these exciting young cricketers before the St Lucia Zouks: Kimani Melius Trinbago Knight Riders: Amir Jangoo draft.

Trinbago Knight Riders: Jayden Pete Russell, COO of Hero CPL, Those that did not make one of these Seales said: “There is so much cricketing talent signings before the deadline will be given In addition to the option to sign a across the Caribbean and we want to make the opportunity to sign their remaining home territory player the teams were also sure that our tournament plays its part Emerging Players at the Hero CPL draft. given the opportunity to retain any of their in creating the next generation of West The four players who have been emerging players from last year.

Indies stars. selected are as follows: Two teams exercised this option. The “We were delighted with how well Barbados Tridents: Nyeem Young players retained are as follows: these young players did in 2019 and we are

Player Home Territory Alick Athanaze Windwards Joshua Bishop Barbados Leniko Boucher* Barbados Keacy Carty Leewards Roland Cato* Windwards Joshua da Silva Trinidad Nicholas Kirton - Barbados Mikyle Louis - Leewards Kirk McKenzie - Jamaica Ashmead Nedd Guyana Jeavor Royal* - Jamaica Keagan Simmons* Trinidad Shamar Springer* - Barbados Bhaskar Yadram - Guyana

Onkar Singh – CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AS A SOFTBALL COMMENTATOR

By Frederick Halley

WHEN the Orlando International softball tournament bowls off next Friday, it will mark a significant milestone for Guyaneseborn self-made commentator Onkar Singh.

In 2000, exactly 20 years ago, at the same venue, Singh “accidentally” ventured into a career which has since branded him as a cricket commentator with a difference.

Singh is not heard on radio or television but his on-the-spot coverage of softball cricket has caught the attention of many over the past 20 years, prompting him to describe himself as “the pioneer of on-field coverage”.

Relating how it all started, Singh told Chronicle Sport that it was all accidental.

He recalled that his team New York X1, were eliminated from the 2000 World Cup softball tournament in Florida and while on

Onkar Singh (centre with mike in hand) doing commentary at the 2018 tournament in Florida.

the sidelines of the final, he jokingly took the microphone to describe the action on the field of play.

Singh explained that after a few minutes,

he ceased the commentary but upon doing so was accosted by former Guyana and West Indies player Faoud Bacchus as to why he had

Turn to Page 28

Guyana’s CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying Match versus Barbados has been suspended

p u C d l o G F A CONCAC d e d n e p s u s s qualifier

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to advise that the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying Match versus Barbados, scheduled for March 31 in Guyana, has been suspended as a result of the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This move was taken as a result of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) suspending and cancelling a

number of their competitions and events for a 30-day period with effect from March 12.

In a correspondence to Member Associations dated March 12, CONCACAF informed that travel prohibitions in some countries have restricted the movement/access of teams and thus “alternative dates and options for Gold Cup Qualification” will be discussed and communicated soonest.

The other competitions and events affected are as follows: SUSPENDED – Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifiers, CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying Round (March FIFA Window) CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield and CONCACAF Congress.

CANCELLED – President’s Meeting Barbados Pride skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was left unbeaten on 84.

... Champs need 330 runs for victory 32

PAGE

Brathwaite, Roach, Holder run roughshod over Jaguars Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020