Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-31-2020

TUESDAY 31st March, 2020

' No.105956

Two COVID-19 victims critical

...placed in ICU: projections show Guyana could get 1400 cases

SEE PAGE 03

Magistrate directed to reopen 13 Marcus Bisram’s case PAGE

…hours after setting him free on a murder charge

AFC confident 'Coalition' won PAGE

...calls for shared governance, 05 recommits to constitutional reform

‘We will not lock down the City’ - GT Mayor Narine says waiting on Gov’t to say next move PAGE

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Director-General (DG) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, at the COVID-19 media briefing on Monday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Full Court to rule today on appeal in recount jurisdiction case

TODAY, the Full Court will determine whether or not Justice Franklin Holder erred when he ruled that the Court has jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Ulita Moore challenging the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) decision to facilitate a national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

The decision will be handed down at 11:00hrs.

The Full Court, which comprised Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, sat on Monday to hear an appeal brought by Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo against Justice Holder’s decision on jurisdiction.

Last Friday (March 27), Justice Holder ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction to review the actions of GECOM in light of allegations that it may have acted outside of its constitutional powers when it opted to facilitate a national recount under the supervision of a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) based on an agreement brokered by two of the country’s political actors.

However, Jagdeo immediately, after the ruling, filed an appeal to the Full Court on the grounds that Justice Holder fell into error when he ruled that the Court had jurisdiction to hear the Fixed Date Application (FDA) brought

by Moore. According to Jagdeo’s lead attorney, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, Moore’s application should have been brought by way of an Elections Petition. In addition to the appeal, Jagdeo filed an application to stay the proceedings in Moore’s case. That Stay was granted by the Full Court on Monday pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“We would grant a stay of the hearing of the FDA until the hearing and determination of this appeal,” Chief Justice George-Wiltshire said.

As a result of the stay being granted, the hearing of Moore’s FDA was suspended pending the ruling of the Full Court. The substantive matter was scheduled for 13:00hrs on Monday, March 30, before Justice Holder.

ORAL SUBMISSIONS Meanwhile, during oral submissions on the issue

of jurisdiction before the Full Court, Mendes, who appeared via Skype, maintained

Article 162 empowers the Elections Commission to issue instructions and take

ballots when an injunction was granted by the High Court to temporarily block

elections and the administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire

Trinidad’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

Grenadian Queen Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis

that Section 140(1) of the Representation of the People Act ousters the jurisdiction of the Court to hear Moore’s FDA. The application, he argued, ought to have been brought by way of an Elections Petition pursuant to Article 163 of the Constitution of Guyana.

Further, in support of his argument, the Trinidadian Senior Counsel turned the Court’s attention to Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act.

necessary actions to ensure “impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or any Act of Parliament” while Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act empowers it to remove any difficulty that may arise in the execution of its mandate.

Mendes told the Court that it is clear from the evidence tendered that the Elections Commission had taken a position and was in the process of issuing an order to facilitate a recount of the

the recount pending the hearing and determination of the case brought by Moore. The Trinidadian Senior Counsel appeared in association with Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, who was also present in the court.

Meanwhile, Grenadian Queen Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis – who appeared via Skype on behalf of Moore – told the Full Court that not all election-related issues fit into Article 162 of the Constitution, which primarily addresses registration of

Assembly. Citing the recent case of Reeaz Holladar v the Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and others, the Grenadian Queen Counsel said the Court, outside of an Elections Petition, established jurisdiction to adjudicate over the matter as a result of non-compliance with Section 84 (1) of the Representation of the People Act. As such, he maintained that there are issues that may arise during an election that would not be fit for an Elections Petition.

Dr. Alexis submitted to

the Court that Moore, in her application, brought attention to the “refusal” of the Chair of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh and her Commission to make the necessary declarations pursuant to Article 177 of the Constitution. According to that article, the Presidential Candidate, whose list secured the most votes, shall be deemed to be elected as President and shall so be declared by the Chairman of the Elections Commission, acting only in accordance with the advice of the Chief Elections Officer. The Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in his Affidavit in Defence in the substantive case brought

by Moore, had informed the High Court that on March 14, he prepared his report with the elections results for the benefit of the Elections Commission, pursuant to Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, and submitted same to the Chair but was subsequently instructed to facilitate a national recount.

Dr. Alexis iterated that based on the evidence, the Elections Commission failed to execute it functions, and such an issue is not for an Elections Petition.

“That [issue] is not for an Elections Petition but for the High Court to determine. No Elections Petition can address that,” Dr. Alexis stressed while adding that “Section 140 (1) [of the Representation of the People Act] is of no relevance whatsoever to Ms. Moore [case].”

The Grenadian Queen Counsel appeared in association with Attorneys-at-Law, John Jeremie S.C., Keith Scotland out of Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyanese lawyers, Mayo Robertson and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde.

The Chairman of GECOM was represented

by Attorney-at-Law, Kim Kyte-Thomas, while the Chief Elections Officer was represented by Senior Counsel Neil Boston. Attorney-at-Law Timothy Jonas appeared on behalf of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) – all added respondent in the matter.

The Full Court, upon hearing the submissions, announced that it would hand down its decision in the appeal today at 11:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Two COVID-19 victims critical

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...placed in ICU: projections show Guyana could get 1400 cases

By Navendra Seoraj TWO of the eight persons, who have been diagnosed with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), have been placed in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which was established by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guyana had confirmed its first imported case of COVID-19 in Georgetown on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

That patient, a 52-yearold Guyanese woman who had travelled from the United States of America to Guyana on March 5, 2020, was presented to the public health system on March 10.

She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on March 11. Since then, four of the woman’s relatives have tested positive for the virus.

The total number of con-

under the age of 60 years old and one adult over the age of 60 years old. The cases were from three regions, with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) having six; and Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) having one each.

According to Minister Lawrence, of the total confirmed cases, four were imported cases and three were local transmission.

“The number of persons tested, moved from 44-46…eight positive, thirty-seven negative and one inconclusive,” said Minister Lawrence.

Director of Disease Control, Dr. Nadia Liu, explained that an inconclusive case means that the person tested neither negative nor positive. It, however, means that the person can go on to manifest signs and symptoms of the virus and then test positive.

120,798. The number of deaths in this region has also moved from 1,485 to 1,973.

LOCAL PROJECTION While Guyana has not been hit as hard as some of the other countries in the Americas, the public health ministry, using the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)’s model, determined that the number of projected cases for Guyana stands at 1,400.

“Of that number we will be preparing for 100 persons

up its surveillance and response efforts. And, according to Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, focus is being placed on early detection of suspected cases.

“We have systems in place for early detection so if anybody develops signs, we would know right away, do the test and look for contacts,” said Dr. Boyle.

The aim of the public health ministry’s surveillance team is to find every case and then track that per-

firmed COVID- 19 cases in Guyana had since increased to eight, inclusive of the one death.

“Of the seven persons in isolation two are hospitalised in the COVID-19 ICU units,” said Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during a press briefing on the local situation regarding COVID-19 at the Police Training Centre, on Monday.

Minister Lawrence did not say whether the persons in isolation were from the initial four cases or from the three new cases because of patient-privacy regulations.

The minister, however, said among the persons infected with COVID-19 are one child, seven adults

In such cases, health officials will continue to monitor the patient. So far, there are 36 persons in “institutional quarantine,” said Minister Lawrence. Over 170 persons are currently being monitored for COVID-19 and this includes persons under institutional quarantine, home quarantine and institutional isolation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact globally. As of March 30, the number of confirmed cases in 210 countries and territories stood at 634,835 with the number of deaths at 29,957.

In the region of the Americas, the total number of confirmed cases has increased from 100,314 to

instructions, the President said: “I authorised the Minister of Public Health to take all measures considered necessary to restrain, segregate and isolate per-

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

Resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Williams Adu-Krow

and Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Prashad Nagar, Straboek and South Ruimveldt in Georgetown. There have also been calls from Dia-

requiring ICU attention, 300 isolation beds and building capacity for 730 beds for institutional quarantine,” said Minister Lawrence.

Considering the projected cases, the public health ministry, in an effort to contain and reduce the spread of COVID-19, will be strengthening community and hospital surveillance, as well as strengthening the capacity of the ministry’s rapid response surveillance team.

Resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Williams Adu-Krow, in speaking about projections, said, while some institutions have advised countries to plan for 40-80 per cent of its population being infected, the true figure depends on that country’s response.

“Despite what these analysts are saying, the number we will truly get is dependent on our response, if it is bad we will have more cases and if it is good we will have less cases,” said Dr. Adu-Krow.

EARLY DETECTION Since the detection of the first local case, the public health ministry has ramped

son’s movement, especially if it’s an imported case.

In explaining the process, Dr. Boyle said: “We have to retrace that person’s steps and go back to immigration, customs, and taxis, people in the home, and even the market and other places where the infected person would have visited.

“The team has a line-listing of cases and contacts… and isolation is being done for confirmed cases and the high risk persons are put on home quarantine…we have eight cases and we are monitoring their contacts.

She said a large number of persons, who are quarantined, will be finishing the14-day monitoring period, but as persons come off quarantine, persons are going in based on the ministry’s hotline. And, Monday, calls to the COVID-19 hotline moved from 856 calls to 998; these calls were received from seven of the ten administrative regions.

According to Dr. Boyle, hotline reports from persons, who were in contact with infected persons, are coming from communities along the coastland, including Enmore

mond on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD) and Vreeden-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

Despite the current situation, health officials said persons are not taking the virus seriously but they hope that good sense will prevail.

On Saturday, President David Granger said a “cavalier approach” in the face of COVID-19 pandemic could ‘seriously’ impair government’s efforts to combat the virus, especially now that the cases have moved from five to eight persons.

Such an approach from the public could result in consequences which will be devastating for the entire population, said the president.

“Guyanese, I urge you to continue to support all medical professionals: doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.

I urge you also to practise social distancing in public places and to avoid crowds, ceremonies including funerals and large gatherings,” said President Granger.

He also advised persons to remain calm and implement all guidelines relating to personal hygiene and infection prevention and control.

Based on consultations, President Granger had issued directions under the Public Health Ordinance (Cap.145) and international standard to prevent and control the spread of this disease.

Speaking about those

sons suffering from the disease and, or who may be likely to be suffering from the disease.”

He believes that the public ‘must’ adhere to infection prevention and control measures, as personal conduct is the single most important element in preventing the spread of this deadly disease.

WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.

Older persons and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.

“Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” WHO advised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

Coronavirus: Spain’s coronavirus outbreak ‘slowing’

(BBC) The growth in coronavirus cases in hard-hit Spain appears to be slowing, the country’s foreign minister has told the BBC. Another 6,400 cases were confirmed on Monday, the lowest increase in new cases for a week. The total of deaths reached 7,340 after 812 new fatalities.

It comes as a national lockdown expanded to instruct non-essential workers to stay home for two weeks.

Globally, 36,211 people

have died, with 755,591 testing positive.

Meanwhile, the doctor leading Spain’s response to the outbreak has tested positive.

What’s the latest in Spain?

Spain’s latest national figures show that the virus’ upwards curve appears to be flattening out, Foreign Minister Arancha González says.

Officials are hoping that the peak of the virus out-

break there is approaching, after which new cases and deaths are expected to decrease.

Catalonia, the Basque region and capital Madrid remain some of hardest-hit areas.

A near total lockdown to contain the virus has been in place since 14 March, with residents only allowed to leave their homes for work, essential food and medicine purchases, or to care for relatives.

Health official Maria Jose Sierra said that following the introduction of restrictions, the trend in daily infections had changed.

New cases are rising at about 12% a day, compared with 20% before 25 March.

A stricter ban on all “non-essential” activities is now in place until 9 April.

The foreign minister also told the BBC that pres-

sure on intensive care units continues to be Spain’s biggest challenge, and that new restrictions being imposed today will help to contain the spread.

Ms González said it was unfair to single out Spain because many other countries - including Italy and the US - were also dealing with unprecedented numbers.

Dr Fernando Simon, who leads the country’s response to the coronavirus epidemic and maintains regular contact with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has tested positive for the virus, Ms Sierra told a press conference..

On Monday a minute’s silence was held in Madrid at midday to remember those who have died from the virus. The country is the country with the highest number of deaths in the

Tuesday, March 31, 09:300hrs - 10:30 hrs

world behind Italy.

What’s the situation in the rest of Europe?

Germany has so far avoided a deadly outbreak on the scale of Spain and Italy, but it did report a jump in cases on Monday of 4,751, bringing the total to 57,000.

It has reported only 541 deaths - this comparatively low number is being put down to widespread testing that records cases with mild symptoms, unlike many countries.

The German healthcare system is also highly extensive, meaning it can cope relatively well with a high number of seriously ill patients.

More French patients were airlifted from Strasbourg to German hospitals by helicopter on Monday.

Moscow began a lockdown of its 12 million residents as the Russian government moves to curb an outbreak.

In Austria, shoppers will now be required to wear masks inside stores, authorities announced on Monday.

And in Hungary, the parliament will vote on whether to give Prime Minister Viktor Orban sweeping new powers to tackle the outbreak - critics say they could curtail freedom of speech.

What’s happening in the rest of the world?

The US has emerged as the new epicentre of the virus, with 153,246 confirmed cases - about 52,000 more than the second-worst-hit country, Italy.

Lockdowns are coming into force this week in a number of countries and cities, including in Nigeria and Kenya, while existing measures in countries including India and South Africa continue.

But as most of the world tightens its restrictions on movement in order to try and contain the virus, people in China are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Public inter-city transport in Hubei, where the virus first emerged in December, has started to resume, and life in the city has begun to return to normal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

AFC confident ‘Coalition’ won ...calls for shared governance, recommits to constitutional reform

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) says it will respect the ruling of the Court, and is calling for shared governance.

The Party, while recommitting to shared constitutional reform, said in a press statement on Monday that it holds that GECOM is the only constitutional authority empowered to independently supervise elections, and will therefore abide by its rulings and declarations. Perceived anomalies in tabulations should not render an entire constitutional institution dysfunctional. There are available legal mechanisms for correcting these anomalies through fact and evidence-based proceedings. Any aggrieved party must utilize those proceedings in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order in our

beloved country.

The AFC also reaffirms its faith in the Courts as a main constitutional pillar for dispassionately dispensing justice. The Party is committed to respecting the decisions of the Court and calls on all Guyanese to do so.

Further, the Party welcomes the presence of regional and international observers and representatives of friendly states and asks that they too respect the constitutional right of Guyanese citizens to access established legal and constitutional mechanisms for settling disputes.

The AFC remains confident that the APNU+AFC Coalition was victorious in the elections and expect the final declarations

and rulings to confirm that. In light of the current tense political environment the AFC believes that regardless of the final declarations of GECOM and the rulings of the Courts to come, it is incumbent on our national leaders on both sides of the political divide to take bold and decisive action in the interest of achieving national unity, healing and reconciliation. A repeat of our bitter history of post elections violence and the propensity for ethnic conflicts must be avoided at all costs.

The AFC holds the view that Guyana is at a moment in history when a concerted effort must be made to rid our country of its protracted and debilitating ethnic divisions. No Government can be oblivious to this difficult but necessary mission. The Party

therefore calls on our national leaders to immediately commence talks in good faith to achieve those objectives of unity, healing and reconciliation. The AFC has authorised its leaders to actively participate in that critical exercise.

To this end, the Alliance For Change maintains that following the completion of all legal and constitutional proceedings, it is imperative that the Party that is legally empowered to form the next government must show magnanimity and accede to an agreed governance arrangement that involves shared governance, national unity and constitutional reform.

The AFC proposes that, at a minimum, the proposed talks should include arrangements for:

• • A Government of National Unity for a mutually-agreed defined period • • A census and national registration exercise to be undertaken and completed within the life of the national unity government • • Constitutional reform to be pursued and completed within the life of the national unity government, which must include a reform of our electoral system The AFC is committed to this pathway. The Party calls on all political parties, civic leaders and indeed all citizens to go beyond the recurring political rhetoric and open avenues to achieve national unity. This will certainly avoid the potential for imminent racial violence.

Greene urges J’cans to obey COVID-19 social-distancing rules ERROL Greene, the regional director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), is making a fresh appeal to citizens not to violate the Government’s restriction on social gatherings, one of the measures put in place to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“We’re appealing to people to observe the rule as it relates to social distancing, and we encourage persons when they visit our facilities, to observe social distancing,” said Greene.

The social-distancing rule – of people staying at least three feet apart – is promulgated in the Disaster Risk Management Act.

In a bid to slow down the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 30,000 people and infected 660,000-plus across the globe, the Government has also stipulated that no more than 10 persons be in a space at any given time.

Greene was responding to reports that some residents in western Jamaica have been congregating in groups larger than 10 in public spaces, including at clinics and shopping centres.

“That’s the only thing that can save us, and every single Jamaican needs to be concerned and to respond in kind. We’ve gotten kudos internationally

Tobago records third case of COVID-19 Another person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Tobago.

According to the March 30 statement from the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), of the 31 persons tested, three are positive.

“The individual has been isolated and is being closely monitored,” the TRHA said.

All tests were done at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the press release said.

The TRHA said, 63 persons, remain in quarantine.

(Trinidad Guardian)

A group of approximately 15 persons gathered outside the Westgreen Health Centre in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, on Thursday, March 26.

for how we’re responding to this situation, and this praise only strengthens our resolve to keep it

as low as we can,” he added.

Greene said that there is an ongoing sensitisation drive to

remind visitors of the need for social distancing.

“We’ve put things in place to accommodate persons who need to see the doctor, or to seek services at the health centre, that they don’t have to be so close to each other. In some instances, we have put up signs; and for the hospitals, we have customer-service persons going around and sensitising persons as to the protocols,” said Greene.

Up to Sunday, March 29, Jamaica recorded 36 infections and one death. (Jamaica Gleaner)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Violence against Women: Time to Act RECENT news of the murder of two women may have been smothered by the political impasse resulting from the March 2 election and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, Guyana has recorded a steep rise in violence against women and children.

We cannot, as a country, be happy with this development. It is true that such violence has become commonplace throughout the world, but that should not serve to make us immune to it. We cannot be comfortable when citizens, mostly males, kill our womenfolk with such frequency.

The nature of the two most recent incidents at Linden and Bartica, respectively, betrays something deeper than crimes of passion. From all reports, these were premeditated acts that were seemingly well planned. In both instances, the violence, or threat of violence, against the victims were known by the community and the police.

This raises the question of the safety of citizens in situations of domestic violence.

When the community and law enforcement seem incapable of protecting women from

the scourge of wanton violence, then it is clear that our society is in deep distress.

It would appear that citizens, for some reason, have become cynical about the value of human life. If that is true, then something has to be hastily done to rectify that moral failing. We have heard stories of relatives, and in some instances, the victims themselves being lenient towards men who physically and mentally abuse women. It is understandable that the power of forgiveness is a strong motivation, or in some instances, the fear of retaliation is clear and present. Maybe the society as a whole has become too wrapped up in the culture of individualism to care much about what happens to their fellow humans.

Whatever the reasons, it is time Guyana wakes up to what is fast becoming a crisis of huge proportions. When children are forced to witness the murder of their mothers at the hands of their fathers or stepfathers, it is no longer just another crime. The children are being traumatised in ways that would affect them for the rest of their lives. In the final analysis, then,

the effect of these violent acts is universal.

Our communities cannot continue to endure such shocks much longer without becoming spaces of social deviance and alienation.

The normalisation of violence is a prerequisite to a dysfunctional society.

And what about the police? Why are they so seemingly helpless in the face of this extreme form of intentional violence?

We have already drawn attention to the apparent leniency of the victims and other loved ones. But that should not, in the final analysis, prevent the police from doing their job of protecting citizens, especially the most vulnerable. It is time for a zero-sum approach by the police regarding domestic violence and other forms of violence against women and children. True, there must be regard for due process and human rights, but there is enough evidence that a stern reaction is needed. It must not be left to the courts to administer extreme penalties after the fact; there must be strong preventative measures by the police and other civil society institutions.

This brings us to the role of govern-

ment, the family and other established institutions. We repeat, it must be clear to all by now that we are in the face of a moral crisis that demands immediate intervention, both at the back and front ends. There must be a crusade against violence and for the respect of life. The right to life for women and children must be front and centre; the family must begin to teach our boys to respect women as equal humans endowed with the same rights as men. This credo must be extended to institutions such as the church and schools. In other words, these teachings must be integral to our spiritual and educational experiences.

Finally, the government, as the overarching national institution, must show leadership in this area. Ultimately, the welfare of citizens is a primary function of government; those who govern must see this crisis in national terms, and not as an isolated area of concern. We cannot be a functioning democracy when our women are being killed with such frequency. It’s time to act.

Justice Franklyn Holder must be given the same respect to adjudicate in the matters presently before him

Dear Editor

The press statement issued Sunday by the PPP/C relating to the injunction filed to stop the recount poses clear and present danger to the independence of the judiciary and respect for the rule of law.

The Aide Memoire signed by President David Granger, PPP General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo, and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque to have a National Recount, which GECOM agreed to, however well-meaning must be guided by the law. The High Court has been tasked the responsibility to interpret whether this is permissible under the law. A law abiding nation and people will respect the application of this recourse even if it may present delay to declaration of the final results and swearing in of a new President and government.

A diverse nation such as ours the law remains the sensible and best approach to peace and co-existence. Thus, to the PPP’s question,

“why would a Court stand in the way of such an imminent resolution of the dispute before it by the authorised constitutional agency?” the answer is simple. The Court is not standing in the way of anything. It has been approached to adjudicate on the recount and must be allowed to do its work free from intimidation, threat or bullying, be it from internal or external forces.

Such conduct resembles tactics used by the mafia to influence judges presiding over their cases to rule favourably or face consequences.

The Opposition is being an agent provocateur to assert that “[i]n such a circumstance, any Court that hinders the resolution of this dispute becomes part of the problem and not the solution.”

GECOM, Messrs Granger, Jagdeo and La Rocque are not above the law nor their conduct above judicial review. President Granger and GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh SC are on public record committing to uphold the rulings of the court. We must hold them accountable to their commitment.

Mr. Jagdeo’s position on respecting the court’s rulings is yet to be made clear. The nation is aware of the PPP's exercise of its right to approach the court during a recount process and expectation from all to respect the ruling which was favourable to the party. We are similarly aware of the GS' recent claim that “Court ruling or no court ruling the results are fraudulent.” Going by the aforesaid it is reasonable to conclude: 1) the PPP thinks it has sole right to the court; 2) the party expects us to respect the court’s ruling when it is in its favour; 3) the law only matters when it works for the party; and 4) the party will reject any ruling not considered favourable.

We cannot ignore the contrarian behaviour.

If, according to the Opposition “The ultimate objective of any judicial system is to resolve disputes in accordance with law,” then the court must be allowed to do its work! The Judicature is the sole authority in adjudicating the law. The court’s opinion is the only one that matters as to whether GECOM can presently

proceed with a recount.

It would be a travesty to the nation, region and further afield should the rulings of our court be disregarded, regardless of outcome.

Disregard would be sending a signal by those participating in this act that such conduct is permissible not only in Guyana by the Government, Opposition and Guyanese but equally in their country.

Guyana remains a nation of law. This must be respected by all. Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire SC was allowed by the PPP, society and world to do her work on matters successfully brought by the Opposition. Justice Franklyn Holder must be given the same respect to adjudicate in the matters presently before him regardless of who brought same, chose to join or have to respond.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

All that glitters is not Joe! Dear Editor Dear Editor, the mischievous, disrespectful and condescending letter recently penned by Major General (MG) Joe Singh, attacking President David Granger, is a reflection of spite and bitterness held by him against the President of Guyana. There is little doubt that MG Joe Singh, now deemed “unfit and improper” by the Guyana constitution, seeks to pour scorn on the President, the Presidency and the APNU+AFC and its supporters in a hasty fit to be somewhat impressive to the international community. After all it was MG Joe Singh who agreed for his name to be placed on a list of nominees in the “fit and proper” category. Make no mistake, his letter was written in an attempt to impress the internationals and national elites that Guyana is not doomed. MG Joe Singh is still here! He can save the day!

He is a true professional and apolitical. He thought the President was wounded and without reserves.

He miscalculated badly. Consequently, there is also no doubt that the blow back from his fateful letter was unsurprisingly not calculated by him. MG Joe was never a good planner. However, a good talker he was. Unfortunately, the blow back evidence has exposed his unprofessionalism and political bias.

Remember, this is a man to whom image is everything, even if it has to be constructed on falsehoods.

Apart from the exhaustive evidence of his ability to be a stranger to the truth, or as put by one writer “an inveterate liar”, and his invention of being militarily present at key GDF historical events, to name a few, there are some salient features of his letter that still need examination.

Firstly, his opening hoodwinked pitch “By choice, I have never voted in any national and regional elections because I pledged to serve my country and not any political party... [m]y loyalty is to the Constitution”.

Editor, every officer in the GDF pledges loyalty to the Constitution.

MG Joe is not unique in the regard. Further, all Guyanese citizens pledge loyalty to Guyana via the national pledge. One can only be loyal to Guyana if one is loyal to the Constitution of Guyana. Again, he’s said nothing unique to himself.

However, his bravado statement that refers to “... I have never voted...” is a paramount lie and there are hundreds of officers and soldiers who can attest to the MG casting his

vote in Camp Ayanganna.

More importantly, however, is the fact MG Joe Singh was appointed Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission for the 2001 Elections and was responsible for the management of the entire electoral process. Are we to now believe that Guyana had a non-believer in ‘exercising a right to vote’ as Chairman of GECOM? Did MG Joe Singh disclose this to the then President and Leader of the Opposition?

It does seem to be a contradiction in terms to have as Chairman of GECOM, a person who refuses to be an elector. It begs the question also of his stewardship during his tenure. Was it purely for pomp, ceremony and pecuniary benefits? As one who doesn’t believe in voting, did he actually manage the elections of 2001 or was that delegated to someone else? Further, does the MG realize that a refusal to vote is equivalent to a rejection of the democratic process. Is MG Joe Singh aware that in establishing the nation state of Guyana, thousands suffered genocide, thousands suffered genocide and enslavement, thousands were indentured, and hundreds were imprisoned so that today we have a right to vote? Or is it that the MG couldn’t care less who suffered for the rights of all of us to vote.

MG JOE SINGH Equally important for readers to understand is the fact that MG Joe Singh retired from the GDF and immediately took up the appointment of Chairman of GECOM. The officers and ranks of the GDF were shocked. The MG never said a word to us. Of course, he couldn’t let that cat out of the bag. MG Joe Singh allowed himself, while serving as Chief of a Staff, to be recruited by the then Leader of the Opposition to be one of six nominees from whom a Chairman would be selected. Mind you, a Chairman who is constitutionally bound to be impartial. That was the essence of being political. So much for his grand statement of being professional and apolitical. In my view, there seems to be a grave misunderstanding on his part as to what apolitical actually means. Editor, A hoodwinker is a person who deceives or tricks others into believing that an attribute is specially attributed to him only.

However, the blow back evidence lifted the veil of trickery and now we see the collar of deceit wrapped firmly around the MG’s neck. This is a man who is trying the hoodwink the Guyanese people.

Secondly, he conjures a veil of deceit in his letter when he dismisses his thirty plus years of service in the military by not naming any of his military appointments in an effort to hide his connection to the PNC when he said “ How else do you think I was appointed to or held very senior positions in the Armed Forces, then as Chairman of GECOM, as head of Conservation International Guyana, CEO of GTT, Chairman of NAREI, Chairman of the GGMC, Chairman of the Protected Area Trust , and as a nonpolitical Special Assistant to three Presidents...” Editor, allow me to put his military appointments in the political context of the time.

The GDF underwent a major command shift in 1978/79 resulting in then Brigadier Norman Mclean becoming Chief of Staff and then Colonel David Granger becoming Force Commander. Colonel Joe Singh, as he then was, was appointed Brigade Commander. All those appointments were made by the late President Burnham. Shortly afterwards, Colonel Joe Singh was plucked out of the GDF and appointed Director General of the Guyana National Service. How more political can such an appointment be? It was the late President Burnham who appointed him.

Further, the GNS was President Burnham’s most treasured national institution. He believed then that unless the minds of our citizens were moulded into one neat mosaic of national purpose and identity the nation state would not survive and prosper. He placed that responsibility into hands of the then Colonel Joe Singh. To his compliment, MG Singh has said, on occasions, that he was also a personal emissary on behalf President Burnham to a number of West African nations.

As Director General of the GNS, he visited and met with West and other Afrikan Heads of State on Burnham’s behalf. This is a confession that he dealt with political matters!

He certainly wasn’t his handmaid.

A personal emissary is a confidant.

MG Joe Singh was a confidant of Burnham.

THIS IS HIS HAND OF DECEIT In 1990, President Hoyte appointed then Brigadier Joe Singh as Chief of Staff of the GDF, an appointment he held for 10 years.

Editor, all the appointments in MG Joe Singh’s career came through the PNC governments. His career was set and kept in motion by the

efforts of PNC Presidents. Yet we live to see him not celebrate any of the two presidents and, more recently, attack the Party whose governments shaped his entire three decades of military service. We also see him attack the current Leader of the PNCR, we see him attack the President of Guyana and we see him attack the members of the PNCR. This is his hand of deceit, veiled as if he knew not of any of the benefits accrued him. In another forum, it was described as ingratitude! What manner of man would work so close to so many Presidents, PNC and PPP, and not be motivated by them to cast a vote in favour of their policies? Of course, if you are falsely reinventing yourself, then deceit and hoodwinking are handy tools.

The third feature of his disrespectful letter that I wish to examine is his consternation and bitter attack at not being appointed Chairman of GECOM for a second time. In his rant he said “ ... having been deemed by you [President] to be not a Fit and Proper Person, as a principle, I chose to resign from all government appointments”. The MG showed his by this statement that he became anti Granger and left himself open to be pro anything.

Now we know that it’s pro PPP since he’s failed to admonish any wrong-doing or irregularity on their side at any time, then or now. He also said, “I have forgiven you for classifying me and other nominees for the Chairmanship of GECOM as Not Fit and Proper Persons but I will not forgive you if you fail to do the honourable duty of calling off the Dogs of War”. These are words of a bitter man! Not a friend as he claimed in his letter. Why would MG Joe Singh be so furious at not being appointed Chairman of GECOM? The answer will unfold below.

Several other questions arise.

Why would MG Joe Singh allow his name to be on a list of nominees for GECOM Chair knowing fully well that he held that job once before? It seems obvious that the MG never considered that he would be rejected as a nominee. To do so would be unthinkable. Well he was wrong! He was rejected and now he is bitter. Consider this also, why would MG Joe Singh allow his name to be on a list of nominees for GECOM Chair when according to his words he “[has] always held [the President] in high esteem as a colleague and friend of nearly six decades”? Doesn’t that suggest that the MG ought to have considered

that he would be perceived as biased towards his friend, the President?

Would it not be proper for him to protect his friend, the President, and not allow his name to go forward.

At least that’s what an honourable officer is bound to do.

Further, why would MG Joe Singh allow his name to be on a list of nominees for GECOM Chair knowing fully well that he was working for the Government? Why would the Leader of the Opposition agree to submit MG Joe Singh’s name knowing of his claimed six decades of friendship with the President? The answer is very simple.

When one looks at the top nominees from each of the three lists, not the padded persons, who didn’t get the appointment as Chair of GECOM; when one looks at who headed the OAS and Commonwealth Observer Missions along with their biased and one sided monitoring and when one juxtaposes that with the disrespectful, abusive and, at times, misogynistic manner in which the current Chair of the Elections Commission is treated, it becomes clear that the plan of the PPP was always to control which male Guyanese becomes the GECOM Chair. And in that context, MG Joe Singh was a willing participant who accepted to be recommended by the Leader of the Opposition. Importantly, the tone of MG Joe Singh’s letter is clear evidence that he is bitterly biased against the President and indeed not a fit and proper person.

REJECTION Disappointment and rejection led to his bitterness! And would encourage him to stoop very low with his asinine words and racial undertone. That unfolds below.

Finally, his sleight of hand.

MG Joe Singh launches a vicious attack on the members of the PNCR and by extension APNU and the Coalition, designed as if he, MG Joe Singh, has come to the rescue of the President. Here’s his rescue pitch, “...you have to now choose between pampering to a Cabal who bode you no good and who certainly do not have the national interest nor your interest at heart”. Editor, a cabal is a clique, and in this context it’s a derogative epithet which is undeserving of the members of the PNCR. Then again, bitterness!

After describing the members of the PNCR as minions, cancerous tumours, warped and dogs (dogs of war is just a sham a sham), the MG TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Did COVID-19 trigger a re-balancing of our society?

Dear Editor Shortly after COVID-19 emerged out of China, other places like Spain locked down its nation of 46 million people; while other nations scramble to impose restrictions. The domino effect has also reached many Caribbean shores. Based on the report to date; the virus has infected more than 597,252 people worldwide and killed over 27,000 and still counting.

Before COVID-19 surfaced globally, conflicts seem everywhere; from racial, economic-divide over wages and the widen gap-between the haves and have-nots; environmental, housing price skyrocketing, political corruption, gentrification debate, gun-violence, violence against women, student loans, missing students, border crossings.

These events seem to have become the daily norm, and some of us have become immune; or turned away.

In some parts of the world, geopolitical issues caused a massive exodus of people fleeing their land due to safety reasons, freedom from discrimination, poverty, and polarization. Subconsciously, many of us looking in are destitute, helpless and for some the only issue for that day maybe the length of the grass, late online delivery; the number of likes on social media, or how I look today.

To be clear many of us are products of our environment by birth or migration and enjoy our freedom. This is not an inditement on success and freedom and despite the stability, it can change rapidly.

Since COVID-19 emerged, the price of oil has dropped and the global financial market crashed. Major airlines are cutting back as much as 40 percent of operations, stores have reduced hours and financial experts are predicting a global recession.

This new normal has affected everyone. I also find myself the last few days explaining to a few people along the shopping aisle that the only difference in some store brand, after being asked about an item in my cart; because items they are accustomed to buying were no

longer on the shelves.

When society becomes more isolated from greed, violence, and social decay: it is inevitable that these things will occur. It seems that this is simply a re-balancing of our society, and while some impose their power on others, this virus only shows us how powerless we all are.

Communities once overlooked or few never knew existed, not only are these cultural hubs carry daily supplies tucked inside a strip mall, they are vital to the community where many purchase familiar food items from their native land.

These markets are also a place that serves as a social connection hub, money transfers takes to family and loves ones back in their native land. These global markets are like any major chain, but carries a wide range of Caribbean, African and Asian and Latin products.

Late Friday evening, I was getting prepared to stack up two-weeks of supplies as suggested by the experts. Shortly after I pulled into an international store parking space; someone I have never seen on this block in over 12 years of shopping at this location, pulled beside me. He did not look like the typical customers who navigates these isles, and his vehicle I only seen this type on the other side of town.

“Maybe, this person owns the mall,” I thought. From the initial hello, that led to; “have you been here before?”

“Yes, “this is where I shop for many years,” I replied.

“I heard that the sore has lots of disinfection stuff here because it is nowhere else.”

“They have plenty of items, and a hidden treasure in the community, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetable,” I replied.

“Have a good one,” he said. “You too” I replied.

We went in together. I pointed him to the detergent area and disappeared into a separate aisle. This is one of many stories since the outbreak people have discoveries new shopping areas that were overlooked. Will it

change the way we interact with each other, even over cleaning products, a roll of toilet paper? I remain hopeful.

As supplies became less, tempters escalated and reported fights some argued, stemming from greed over items such as toilet paper. Few fights made it to social media for a good laugh, but it also shows that regardless of social class, basic needs for survival is universal; but equally important, new bonds are formed in the shopping aisles over COVID-19.

While experts recommend social distance for our safety, it has brought people in a strange way across all strata in life. It has taken on a new psychological assessment, structured in baseline epidemiological analysis from identifying risk factors to how, and where we get the supplies we need for survival.

Yes, COVID-19 dynamics and intervention effectiveness remain unknown and have created confusion, concerns, minimization, blame such as during the height of the AidsHIV epidemic and other outbreaks.

It has exposed how prepared these nations were after selling a false sense of security, but when the reality strikes, it developed to – do what we say, but with little or no resources to implement these suggestions.

Curtailing a challenging widespread disease, society will examine politicians and organizations. Each attempt at the decision process to have better medical systems in place, to well-trained staff is pivotal to mitigate these issues.

Although this remains an un-explainable axis; expert analysis proved to be vital in reducing the spread of this disease. On the other hand, few attach their ideology to believe that it is their issue and not us. Sadly, without deep analysis both qualitative and quantitative data on many fronts, places like the Caribbean islands, poor and developing countries, the dynamics on preparedness are suspicious, distrust woven from colonialism, inequality, racism, violence, and poverty where fear takes over fact, panic will set in

All that glitters is ... spins his rescue web and says “ [t] hat such a commendable initiative [a national recount] should be stillborn as a result of an injunction originating from your own party, sends a worrying message”. Firstly, the MG should be ashamed of describing members of the PNCR in such a manner.

Shame on you Joe. Additionally, the MG is clearly contemptuous of anyone in the PNCR approaching the courts. It is ok for the PPP approach the courts, but not the PNCR, how dare him? He then accuses the PNCR, the same organization that built him, of manipulating the constitution, national institutions and Services. Of course, he presents no evidence except to parrot the PPP’s narrative. He then accuses GECOM of mismanagement and proceeds to instruct

the President on his duties when he arrogantly said “It is now your duty to exercise the leadership responsibilities vested in you, and to direct with GECOM, the peaceful and orderly completion of the electoral process by ensuring the mission is accomplished, that is, the agreed recount of all ballots cast in the Guyana 2020 General and Regional Elections”.

APPLYING PRESSURE Editor, it is important to recognize that the main purpose of his disrespectful letter was to make a case for a national recount.

His main purpose was to apply pressure to the President so he can break the law. Why else would he encourage the President to

as local governments try to put out the best to ease frustration.

Yes! In some countries, the sub-conscious political campaign has been over COVID-19.

Even an idea of an opposition party can become a blame game; which some argued results in more press conferences than bed spaces to help victims are placed ahead of the political game.

Sure, there is fear, and anxiety because of what experts reported where it started in China. You find these establishments especially restaurants, suffered from the lack of customers, as some believed that these people just arrived at their location from China.

I have also seen many new social media accounts created. It has helped people to stay connected and educated across race, culture, and socio-economic status.

In previous epidemics, one group was identified and immediately isolated, now COVID-19 rips; it is no longer them over there, that group, color, class, race, or location. Today, it may be the person who owns the mall where you buy your groceries, or the one sitting in the board room on a policy meeting.

As COVID-19 trudges on like the once colonial quest taking everything in its path and forced society to adapt, such as; the Galápagos turtles, where one has a longer neck because its survival depends on eating from trees, and the other has a shorter neck as its survival depends on the grass it grazes.

In the end, medical experts will have the data to determine both innate and adaptive immunity, and some type of biological man made stuff, but for now; we are all turtles, and at some point, we must come out for survival because everyone needs to live in a society free from disease; violence, intolerance and with the possibility for prosperity.

Leaders should be ready to serve their people to meet these changes and challenges.

Regards R.D. Miller

FROM PAGE

direct GECOM to do this or that? Perhaps, that’s how MG Joe Singh operated while he was Chair of GECOM. He simply took directions and never considered them breaches of the law. What ‘friend’ encourages another to break the law? That sounds like spitefulness on steroids. Article 161B of the Guyana Constitution prohibits political parties from becoming actively involved in the management of electoral process. MG Joe Singh knows that! The Representation of the People Act prescribes a procedure for recounts. Those were followed by the Returning Officers. MG Joe Singh knows that too! So, what’s the game? The objective is to pressure the President to find a solution outside of the laws of Guyana. So why would MG Joe Singh encourage President Granger

7

to commit unlawful acts? Once again bitterness, revenge, spite and the possibility of entrapment.

Finally, I agree fully with MG Joe Singh when he said, “Let this poisoned chalice pass Mr President”. You are correct MG Joe Singh; the poisoned chalice is your letter. So let is pass. Your next letter must be an open one to the Leader of the Opposition, let’s hear you upbraid him.

Continue to stay strong Mr President!

Regards Retired Senior Military Officer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Coronavirus: Everything is everything

Dear Editor

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe”- John Muir. The Coronavirus (Covid- 19) demonstrates, in a real and troubling way, the truth of this quote.

This pandemic is connected to everything else we know and do not know, in this vast and unfathomable universal space. The Coronavirus is treacherously deadly. Although in Guyana people appear not to be taking the pandemic seriously, judging from their attitude towards social distancing. I would be surprised if, as a short- term measure, the competent authority, the Ministry of Public Health, is not forced into the invidious position to lockdown our country for a specified period of time. This would have to be complemented with support from the State for the poor and vulnerable, in our local communities.

That, notwithstanding, Covid- 19, is an indictment against our management or mismanagement of the natural environment and consequences of our unfriendly environmental actions, such as climate change with its attendant unprecedented environmental and public health challenges. It is clear that, for our planet to be healthy, safe and secured we have to show much more care and respect for the environment and its ecological systems. Sadly, we seem to take for granted that we live and exist in our present physical state because the environment keeps us connected to its systems by the oxygen we breathe in, about 12- 20 times per minute and the carbon dioxide we breathe out, a similar amount of times, permitting other organisms to live.

But how did it come to this? It is true that, for centuries, mankind, in the name of economic development, has been pushing deeper into new areas to open up lands for mining of precious metals and valuable stones, construction of modern facilities such as airports, seaports, railways, other transportation networks, and infrastructure systems, manufacturing fa-

cilities, hotels, and housing schemes. We are building new, modern and smart cities, and even exploring possibilities of developing human communities under the oceans and above the heavens, in outer space.

But as we continue along this path of so- called development, with heavy- duty equipment and allied technologies with toxic emissions and noises, ripping down rainforests and causing massive soil erosion and water and air pollution, we are disrupting the natural patterns and arrangements of nature. We, for example, are affecting the flight pattern of birds which in turn affect other organisms and systems that depend on particular rhythms of flight, feeding and mating of those birds.

This disruption then affects everything else in the natural ecology and the public health and wellbeing of nations.

And because we are so interconnected in this global village, particularly through advanced technologies in transportation and communication, an event occurring in one part of the earth could affect every other part of our planet as is evident with with Covid- 19.

Again, as we push ahead, full tilt, to modernize and create new areas of development we are not only destroying habitats and losing biodiversity but also facilitating an uncomfortable and unhealthy closeness with animals and plants, some of which carry dangerous diseases. It is also encouraging the emergence of new public health and environmental challenges that we, even with all of the world’s economic and military might, are not ready to manage.

Even so, this virus has not been the only one to have ravished communities and entire countries. Zika virus, bird flu, Ebola and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) are a few others that have affected and continue to affect the health and sustained prosperity of many nations.

Add to that the global wildlife trade (illegal in many parts) that bring those involved and others into very close contact with animals.

And add to that wildlife

markets, in Africa, Asian and other countries, with animals being slaughtered for sale for human consumption. And add to that the consumption of exotic animals, by some, as part of their culture. It is a very frightening suitable situation for transmission of infectious microorganisms to new hosts. Pathogens jump from these animals, hurdled and crammed in cages, in markets, to humans. Statistics from United Nations on such diseases show that more than 50% of human infectious diseases come from wildlife. It was reported in

the international media that Covid- 19 jumped from bats to humans and that the source was a wildlife market in China. Whatever the truth, if we fail to reflect on our actions towards the environment and take appropriate steps to secure the health of the earth’s ecology then our global village would definitely witness many more infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humankind.

I believe that one way we can do that is by ensuring that we understand and communicate, in a people-friendly way, the linkages and ten-

sions between the natural environment and public health.

Our Public health policies must not be separate from but linked to environmental policies because there is a reciprocal relationship between the two.

Also, countries, particularly, developing ones such as Guyana, need strong enforceable regulations and the institutions and agencies to enforce them.

Environmental and public health regulations and policies require a corps of well qualified and trained public health and environmental

professionals and technicians, appropriate technologies and continuous research work and scholarship in environmental and public health studies and best practices. This would help those, who work in environmental and public health to remain on the cutting edge of their profession and even encourage them to explore solutions that are more practicable to our local environmental context.

Regards Royston King

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

Justice Holder to rule on jurisdiction to hear PPP challenge to Mingo’s declaration

HIGH Court Judge Franklin Holder will today rule on the Court’s jurisdiction to hear an application, which seeks to set aside the March 13 declaration made by Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

The application was filed by Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo and Reeaz Holladar against the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and others. However, the Chief Elections Officer, through his attorney – Senior Counsel Neil Boston – last week challenged the Court’s jurisdiction to hear the application.

When the case came up in the High Court on Monday, Trinidad’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes – the legal counsel representing Jagdeo and Holladar – suggested that the

case be adjourned until the ruling of the Full Court on the issue of the Court’s jurisdiction to hear the Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by Ulita Moore. Approximately one hour before Justice Holder took the bench, the Full Court had stayed the proceedings in the case brought by Moore pending its decision on the appeal.

Moore, in her application, is asking the High Court to set aside the decision of GECOM to facilitate a recount of all the votes cast during the March 2 Elections here in Guyana while Jagdeo and Holladar, in their application, are asking the High Court to set aside the declaration of the votes made by the Region 4 Returning Officer for his Electoral District..

Mendes drew the Court’s attention to the fact that last week, the court had taken a decision to consolidate the hearing of the cases brought

by Moore, and Jagdeo and Holladar.

However, Boston rose in objection. He told the Court that the two cases do not “overlap” and are mutually exclusive. “The ruling this morning has no impact on this proceeding, your honour,” the Senior Counsel told the Court.

Justice Holder noted too that the jurisdictional case before the Full Court is separate and apart from the case brought by Jagdeo and Holladar. As such, the High Court Judge indicated that he will hand down its decision on the Court’s jurisdiction to hear Jagdeo and Holladar’s application today (Tuesday, March 31) at 14:30hrs.

Based on the declaration made

by Mingo more than two weeks ago, 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) for District 4.

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 favour of the

Liberty and Justice Party (LJP); 401 in favour of the People’s Republic Party; 125 in favour of the Victory of the People Party and 98 votes in favour of the United Republican Party.

The March 13 declaration made by Mingo was his second.

His first declaration, on March 5, was invalidated by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire after it was found that he had tabulated the Statements of Poll (SOPs) in the absence of persons entitled to be present as outlined in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. But though Mingo sought to comply with the ruling of the Chief Justice on March 13, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and a number of other opposing parties alleged that the declaration was flawed on the grounds that the SOPs were manipulated.

Mechanic granted bail on two charges

A 23-year-old mechanic, Niron Persaud, also known as ‘lil Douglas’ of Albouystown, was, on Friday, March 27, 2020, granted bail by Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, having been

slapped with two charges.

The first charge alleged that, on August 27, 2019, at Hunter Street, Albouystown, Persaud unlawfully assaulted Phillip Sealey.

The second charge alleged that, on August 27,

2019, at Hunter Street, Albouystown, Persaud discharged a loaded firearm at Phillip Sealey, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or to cause him grievous bodily harm.

When the charges were read to Persaud, he pleaded

not guilty.

According to the report, on August 27, 2019, at about 19:00 hours, Sealey was at his stand where he sells non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. A female customer who goes by the name ‘Blackgirl’

approached the stand and purchased both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. In the company of others, she sat at the stand to drink. Persaud then came to the stand and demanded that she must leave with him immediately. However, ‘Blackgirl’ was reluctant to fulfill his demand. In response to her refusal, Persaud attempted to punch her. However, Sealey, in an attempt to shield ‘Blackgirl’ from the punch, received the punch to his jaw instead. Sealey continued to defend ‘Blackgirl’ by pushing Persaud away.

However, Persaud was reluctant to desist from his act. Persaud rushed towards ‘Blackgirl’ and punched her to her face. An argument started between Blackgirl’s colleagues and Persaud.

However, Persaud ran away while shouting “I am coming back to heat up the corner”.

According to Sealey, some five minutes later, Persaud returned on a motorcycle with his brother.

Persaud proceeded to take out a black-handled cutlass from his left side waist and directed a chop at Sealey.

Fortunately, it missed Sealey and, instead, connected to the bread stand. The

cutlass fell from Persaud’s hand and he ran towards the motorcycle. Three explosions were then heard when Persaud was seen approaching on the motorcycle with his hand pointed in the direction of Sealey.

The matter was reported to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Spent shells were recovered from the scene.

Persaud was contacted and informed of the allegation.

He was then cautioned and replied ‘I only cuff me girl, I didn’t shoot at no body’.

Subsequently, he was arrested and taken to the station.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objection to Persaud being granted bail.

He however suggested that bail should be substantial and with conditions, since the investigation was incomplete.

Magistrate Bess proceeded to grant Persaud $100,000 bail for the ‘discharge of a loaded firearm’ charge and $10,000 bail for the ‘assault’ charge.

Persaud was further ordered to report to the officer-in-charge of the Ruimveldt Police Station every Monday at 09:00 hours.

The matter was adjourned until Friday, May 29, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Goldminer and wharf worker remanded to prison on ‘break and enter and larceny’ charge A 27-year-old goldminer, Joel Johnson, also known as Earnest James of Old Road, Eccles, and 22-year-old Quincy Wilson of McDoom, who works on the wharf, were, on Friday, March 27, 2020, remanded to prison by Magistrate Dylon Bess, having been charged with ‘break and enter and larceny’.

Both Joel Johnson and Quincy Wilson denied the charge which stated that, between Monday, March 23, 2020, and Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at First Street, McDoom, East Bank Demerara, they broke and entered the dwelling house of Lisa Ahmad and stole one Kenneth Cole wrist watch valued at $30,000, one Guess wrist watch valued at $12,000, four pairs of gold earrings valued at $30,000, one gold ring valued at $12,000, one gold and diamond ring valued at $60,000 and a quantity of artificial jewellery valued at $10,000.

According to the report, one of the accused and Ahmad are living in the same area and are known to each other as they usually walked pass each other. Between Monday, March 23, 2020, and Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Ahmad secured her home, leaving everything the way they were and retired to bed. Ahmad was awakened by a loud noise at about 01:20 hours on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and proceeded to check in her kitchen which she observed was ransacked. She immediately went to make checks where her jewellery box and other articles mentioned in the charge were, only to discover that they were missing. Ahmad raised an alarm and her neighbour responded by telling her that two men who had broken into her house were arrested by the police. An investigation was conducted.

Johnson and Wilson were told of the allegation and they denied. The police

checked for stolen articles and recovered Ahmad’s jewellery box.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to the defendants being granted bail, on the grounds that Joel Johnson, also known as Earnest James, was on bail, having been charged with attempted murder. The prosecutor added that an arrest warrant was issued for Johnson. He was therefore not likely to appear for the trial if granted bail.

Wilson, in attempt to defend himself, told the court that he did not know Johnson and that he was on the wharf, at the time of the incident.

Magistrate Bess proceeded to remand both Johnson and Wilson to prison until Friday, May 29, 2020.

Diver dies while working on dredge THE police are currently investigation the circumstances surrounding the death of 61-year-old Hugh Van Lewin, who died on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Mipuri Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River.

Van-Lewin, a diver of Camp Kayuka Ideal Road, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke -Linden Highway, works on a ‘river dredge’ which is owned by a miner of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

On the day in question, Van-Lewin was reportedly under the water in the river operating from the dredge with others who were onboard. The other workers observed that Van-Lewin was not receiving oxygen or responding from under the dredge.

As a result, a colleague went under the water to investigate and found Van-Lewin with his head stuck in the mud. About 11:15hrs, Van-Lewin was removed in an unresponsive state and taken to the Imbaimadai Health Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the health centre’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The River Dredge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

No suspected case of Coronavirus in Region 10 -Coomacka residents install sanitary station

REGIONAL officials, who are members of the Regional Health Emergency Committee, as well as health personnel attached to the Linden Hospital Complex, have confirmed that, contrary to rumours circulating in the mining town, there is no suspected case of coronavirus in the town or the region, thus far. This newspaper was also told that officials have not received any calls from persons experiencing symptoms, particularly over the weekend, on the various hotline numbers.

Notwithstanding, officials are still urging residents to be cautious, adhere to the mandatory curfew, practice social distancing and cleanliness. They have commended residents and business owners for playing their part thus far and for setting the trend for others to follow, around the country.

One of those communities, despite being outlying, is Coomacka Mines. The Community Development Council has taken the initiative to install a sanitary block at the community’s entrance, to ensure residents and visitors are sanitized during ingress and egress. Community leader, Dexter Harding, said that the residents were the ones who came up with the idea and the CDC quickly followed. He said permission was sought at the level of the RDC, LMTC and the Region 10 Police Division and permission was granted. The residents pooled their resources together to source the materials and items, which include a sink and apparatus and a water tank, along with detergent and hand soap. “Residents saw what is going on around the world and we are concerned, we just want to take precautions and to protect ourselves,” Harding said.

Being a mining community and being located in an area where loggers and others frequent when travelling from Linden to other communities in Region 10, such as Ituni and Kwakwani, residents also thought it wise to establish the sanitary block.

Coomacka residents

A resident of Coomacka utilising the newly installed sanitary block

have also been adhering to the mandatory curfew that was instituted by the Regional Health Emergency Committee.

In a statement from the Committee, the mandatory regional curfew that commenced on Saturday was deemed highly successful.

Particularly making these commendations were Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Mayor, Waneka Arrindell; and Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon.

While most of the businesses adhered to the curfew, a few were cautioned by the police and they quickly complied.

“This was one of the most incident-free initiative being implemented in Region 10 with the residents offering absolutely no resistance,” RC Morian said.

Mayor Arrindell posited that the response of the residents and the proactive approach by the police have resulted in both sides winning. “We can only protect the residents if they allow us to protect them and, by this, they must adhere to the measures that we have implemented. We are confident that we will get over this but for now, these are all urgent measures needed. The leaders of Region 10 have come together to make this work and for that, I commend the residents,” she said.

Arrindell also commended the Linden Chamber of Commerce as the members, too, stressed to business owners the urgency of the curfew.

Region 10 Commander, Hugh Winter, was also

praised for taking to the streets with his ranks to ensure the curfew was adhered to.

Not only were businesses taking a stand, but religious organizations as well by cancelling all services.

Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, said that the RDC is pleased and impressed with the cooperation of residents. He said that this demonstrates their willingness to cooperate and band together in times when they are expected to. “I was very impressed with the level of cooperation we got from the residents on both nights and it demonstrates that with public education and effective systems being implemented, you would get the response that is needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Commander Winter said that he is pleased with the cooperation given to him and his ranks by both businesses and residents. He noted that his ranks have been doing an excellent job and he would like to thank them thus far; warning that the curfew has only begun and he would like to see consistency. “I am thankful to the residents for recognizing that the police’s role in all of this is to ensure enforcement. We are seeking to help them do what is right and safe now. I am urging that they continue to recognize that being consistent and cooperative with their actions is very important in ensuring continued success,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

Magistrate directed to reopen Marcus Bisram’s case

…hours after setting him free on a murder charge HOURS after the murder charge against Marcus Bisram was discharged at the Whim Magistrate’s Court

by Magistrate Renita Singh, who upheld a no case-submission, Bisram was re-arrested around 16:00hrs after the Director of Public Prosecution ordered that a new Preliminary Inquiry (PI) be conducted, citing that there was enough evidence for him to be committed to stand trial at the High Court.

Bisram was, at the time, with his bodyguards from a popular security firm and other relatives purchasing alcohol and other items to host a party in celebration of his freedom. He was in Springlands and, when the police approached him, he initially refused and sat in his vehicle.

He was eventually escorted to the Springlands Police Station

where he spent about 30 minutes in the vehicle before he was taken into the lock-ups.

Bisram is now expected to undergo the PI again as per a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP, in compliance with the law, requested the Court Documents from the Magistrate and, having being satisfied that there was sufficient evidence contained therein for him to have been committed, has directed the Magistrate to re-open the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The DPP stated: “There was sufficient evidence for the Magistrate, Ms.Renita Singh, to have committed Bisram.

Earlier in the day, Magistrate Renita Singh upheld the no-case submission from the defence and freed Bisram after she found that the evidence given by the star witness for

British High Commission working to send UK nationals home

THE British High Commission is working to secure flights for nationals of the United Kingdom (UK) who wish to return home, amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I am aware that you are here at this extremely difficult time but the High Commission is doing a lot to support UK nationals in their time of need,” said British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, in a recent video which was posted on his Facebook Page.

Quinn said that the High Commission was working to secure flights for persons who wish to return home, but these are extraordinary times so there are no flights into and out of Guyana because the borders remain closed.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), on March 17, had announced the closure of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri and the Eugene Correia Airport at Ogle to all international flights, for two weeks.

This was according to CAA Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field, who said: “the Civil Aviation Authority, in order to slow the process of this virus, and in consultation with the Ministry of Public Health, has decided, with the approval of the Cabinet Taskforce, to close all airports to all international flights.”

While there has been no official word on whether this closure will continue after the period has ended, High Commissioner Quinn said he was unsure how long the closure of the airports will

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn

last for.

The High Commission, however, had managed to facilitate charter flights to Bridgetown, Barbados where UK nationals would have connected to flights to the UK, but that had since stopped and it was unclear when it will restart.

“Our colleagues in Barbados will let us know when it will restart…we will be in touch with you about other possible options,” said Quinn.

He said the High Commission was exploring every possible avenue, but there were minimal options in the short term because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite not having an immediate solution, Quinn has asked that each UK national makes contact with the High Commission and provide name, date of birth, address and telephone number in Guyana along with other information. The High Commission’s telephone number is 226 5881.

the prosecution was “unreliable” under cross examination. “Chunilall’s evidence about hearing the command to kill was unreliable as a result of cross examination and to send this evidence to the jury would be unsafe and unsatisfactory“ Magistrate Singh explained that the star witness was clear that he did not hear Bisram say anything because the music was too loud and only said what he said because he was pressured and affixed his thumb print to the statement because he was told he will be able to go home.

She continued that “there is no reasonable evidence presented that a reasonable jury can convict, as such, the submissions are upheld.” Upon hearing this, Bisram face lit up and he looked at his relatives who ran down the court steps and started to scream with joy in the courtyard while the

mother of Narinedatt broke down in tears as she exited the courtroom.

Addressing the media after the matter was adjourned, Bisram stated that he felt the charge was trumped up and politically and religiously-motivated. “I feel justice has been served, it’s been a long three years and they are actually five innocent person still remanded with this fabrication. This was fabricated because the government of the day who feels threatened by my accomplishment and capability but they cannot break me. MBBF (Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation) will continue its selfless service and its commitment to contributing its annual $200M annually to humanitarian services to this country.” He continued that he will sue the state and bring private criminal actions against both the DPP and government and

Marcus Bisram speaking to the media. Next to him is Attorney Sanjeev Datadin

others. Bisram was accused of orchestrating the murder of carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, a twenty-seven-year-old father of two who was killed on November 01, 2016. Narinedatt’s body was found around 03:30hrs on Tuesday, November 01, 2016, on the Number 70 Public Road, East Corentyne, Berbice.

His death was initially reported to be the result of a hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram

made sexual advances to Narinedatt who objected to the latter’s advances. Five other persons were charged and are currently on remand.

Bisram, who holds dual citizenship, was extradited from the United State of America on November 21, 2019. He was charged with murder hours after his extradition and placed on remand at the Camp Street Prison. Up to press time, Bisram remained in police custody.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

COVID-19

Measures for implementation by registered and practising veterinarians

By Dr. Steve Surujbally

Curbside Treatment. Medications/instructions on dosage rates may be given at the parking space outside the Clinic/Farmstead – in an attempt to comply with the “social distancing” recommendation.

1) The Vets must insist that clients call ahead of

their arrival at the Clinic or at the vet’s field office. By so doing, we could explain our current protocols regarding the treatment of pets/ farm animals.

2) Postpone scheduled but non-essential routine appointments where and when necessary. This includes vaccinations and even minor surgeries.

3) Vets should not schedule new and not immediately necessary surgeries, like spays and neuterings. Only dire emergency services are to be performed – if at all.

4) See how best diagnoses and treatment of simple ailments can be done without meeting clients.

5) Use photographs. Let the owner send to the vet,

via email or whatsapp, a picture of the condition, as best he/she can.

6) Vet Clinic activities/ visits to farmsteads must be kept to a minimum.

7) Advise companion animal caregivers/farmers why such steps are being taken.

8) Emphasise that vets think/hope that these measures may only be tempo-

rary.

9) Vets may have to ration certain medical supplies, if they are tending to become unavailable.

10) Vets and clients must use functional face masks.

11) An option is to drastically reduce the Clinic hours/days.

12) The possibility of establishing one Veterinary Treatment Centre, and involve practising vets – according to a well thought out and practical schedule.

13) The most drastic of all measures is to totally close our practices.

N.B. For those Small Animal Practitioners who intend to persist in carrying on business as usual, they must nevertheless understand that they have the responsibility to join in the effort to reduce the COVID 19 infection spread from client to client and from client to Clinic Staff, by implementing the following specific measures in their respective Clinics: 1) The Vet or authorized Clinic Staff must ask every client whether he/she has knowingly been in contact directly or indirectly with persons who have tested positive for COVID19.

2) The question must also be asked of the client whether he/she is/has been recently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID19 – namely: • Fever • Coughing • Shortness of Breath/Difficult Breathing • Tiredness/Listlessness • Aches • Runny Nose • Sore Throat

Of course, if the answer is in the positive, those clients must immediately be advised to see a physician.

Until then, such persons must place themselves in voluntary self-isolation.

Clearly, such clients would not be allowed to enter the Vet’s Clinic.

3) As much as possible, the vet (who decides to keep his/her Clinic open to the public) may wish to carry out curbside diagnoses and routine prophylactic and/or therapeutic interventions. In any case, the client should be requested to remain outside the Clinic, until his/her turn to see the Vet. 4) Clients should be informed that they could also seek advice by telephone.

The Pet Clinic can provide needed medication.

5) If you allow clients in the Clinic’s Waiting Area, they must practice SOCIAL DISTANCING (6 feet apart). The Pet Clinic must arrange the chairs in the Waiting Area accordingly.

6) The Vet/Technical Assistants must advise clients not only to keep their distance from each other, but they should not engage in petting of other clients’ companion animals, which will, in all likelihood, break the 6 feet Social Distancing barrier.

7) The Clinic must provide Hand Sanitizers, placed at a strategic location, before the Client enters and leaves the Waiting Area.

8) As much as possible, only the companion animal’s caregiver should enter the Clinic, and only with one pet at a time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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CCJ closes door due to COVID-19

The Caribbean Court of Justice

As a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has created ripple effects worldwide, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday closed its operations until further notice.

Trinidad and Tobago, the territory where the CCJ is located, has implemented certain restrictions to overcome this global pandemic. The CCJ, in a release, highlighted that e-filing via CURIA is operational. Library queries can be e-mailed to library@ ccj.org and general queries can be forwarded to info@ ccj.org.

Earlier this month, the CCJ, under the guidance of the local Ministries of Health and National Security, and in order to ensure the safety of staff members, visitors and stakeholders, decided to take several measures including the postponement of the 12th CCJ Annual International Law Moot.

The Court had taken the necessary precaution to postpone this event as it brings together law students from throughout the region to participate in its flagship mooting competition, the CCJ said. It said that alternative modes for conducting the moot and dates are under consideration and decisions will be communicated in due course. The regional court has also suspended Court Tours to the public in an effort to restrict the free flow of persons throughout the CCJ building and to control the level of interaction among persons. The move also includes tours comprising students from every educational level.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

‘We will not lock down the City’ - Mayor Narine

- Says waiting on Gov’t to say next move

Several businesses along Regent Street were closed for business on Monday

Mayor Ubraj Narine and other City Council officers at the press conference on Monday

By Telesha Ramnarine UNLIKE other municipalities across the country which have moved to implement a curfew within their districts, Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, said, repeatedly on Monday, that he will not act independent of central government, but will wait on authorities to make his next move.

“There are many calls about a city lockdown. But I can say to you, the city is not a light bulb where you can flick a switch and lock it down like that. We will not lock down the city,” Narine told reporters at City Hall, in context of the dreaded COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic.

He said he called a press conference to clear the air on rumours about a lockdown, so that market ven-

dors and others can know how to proceed with their business, which may include perishable items.

“At this moment, I make it clear; we have a team set up working along with the Ministry of Public Health.

We met with Ministry of Communities only Friday.

So we are seeking guidance as well. The President signed an executive order a few weeks ago, and we as the city, will await the next move because we believe we have to fight COVID-19 as a team. This is a national issue. Let us do this together,” the mayor said.

He said the municipality will work closely with the Ministry of Public Health and other stakeholders including the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and the banks.

“We are working closely with the Ministries of Public Health and Communities and other stakeholders. We can defeat this virus by working together and not blaming each other. The city will not close or lock down; we will maintain our daily operation,” he added.

Furthermore, Narine said nowhere in Chapter 28:01 of the Municipal and District Councils Act (the laws governing the municipality), does it give the City Council authority to install a curfew or restrict businesses.

“That is a national issue and we will be guided by the government….on our next move. This is a national issue and the City cannot make a decision to close businesses or other entities just like that,” he said.

The Mayor maintained that he will not act without

the go-ahead from the government. “If we tend to lock down the city, what will become of the doctors, the nurses, those people who are working for state, the social workers, who will interact with those individuals affected by COVID-19?

All of these things we need to take into consideration.

What is the next move?

And that move rests with central government, and we are liaising with the Ministry of Communities and public and other stakeholders on the way forward. We will not move independently because 28:01 does not give us that authority to do so.

“The city is the heart of the country. If I am to lock down the city, what will happen to the customs officers and all those people who have to go to work still? The places which supply food and all these things. We have to put systems in place. If we lock down, what about enforcement? We would need the police, so it needs collaboration.”

Town Clerk (Ag) Sherry Jerrick, who was also present at the meeting, told the Guyana Chronicle that whatever action is taken must be ordered by the Government, even if there is a public crisis. She said her personal view is that the city council has no authority to impose a curfew or implement a lockdown. Meanwhile, the Mayor sought to remind citizens of the need for social distancing. “I appeal to all bars, beauty parlours, clubs, night spots, fish shops, hang out spots, and barber shops to take precautions. Supermarket and store owners should put systems in place to limit gathering. All churches, mosques and mandirs to take precautions. Buses, taxi drivers we’re asking to sanitize their vehicles often and to equip their vehicles with sanitizers for their passengers.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Schools to distribute feeding programme supplies to parents SOME schools have begun to distribute, to parents, the biscuits and juices that are usually issued to students as part of the “National School Feeding Programme”, while the Ministry of Education (MoE) is said to be working on a policy to also issue food vouchers to the parents.

The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), however, is not pleased that teachers have been asked to come out to help in the distribution exercise and has issued a message urging the teachers to remain at home.

“There are reports that headteachers and staff are asked to distribute biscuit and juice, share hot meal vouchers and supervise sanitization of buildings. We urge you to stay home for you and your family's safety. Remember, safety begins with you,” GTU President, Mark Lyte said in a statement sent to teachers.

Consisting of locally-made biscuits and juices, the National School Feeding Programme targets all nursery schools and all primary schools pupils in Grades 1 and 2.

One teacher confirmed being contacted to inform parents of the distribution, however, they were not asked to be a part of the distribution exercise.

“I'm not aware that they ask teachers to do that, what I know is we were asked to inform

The National School Feeding Programme targets all nursery schools and all primary schools pupils in Grades 1 and 2.

the parents; they did not say teachers had to go out to do it, the HM did it. I'm not sure if there are other schools where teachers went out to share biscuits,” they said.

When contacted, MoE Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, would only say that the National COVID-19 Task Force is expected to speak on the issue.

Students and teachers are currently at home for a five-week period that went into effect from March 16, after the MoE closed all schools as part of measures put in place to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Guyana recorded the first case of the virus on March 11 and has since recorded a total of eight cases, inclusive of one death. As part of preventing the spread, continuous sanitization and social distancing have been advised.

Lyte in his statement also called on teachers who may be conducting lessons, visiting offices, and congregating in public places to refrain from doing so.

“Guyanese have been advised by the Ministry of Public Health to take several steps to prevent the spread of the disease. The GTU joins the MoPH and MoE in advising all teachers to stay at home. Do not visit public places such as offices, banks, etcetera, unless it is absolutely necessary,” Lyte counselled.

In their attempt to mitigate the gap in learning, the MoE has since been providing interactive learning media via television, on the Learning Channel; on the radio; and on their website.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 31, 2020

More station bail for minor offences in ‘A’ Division amid COVID-19 –– to reduce congestion in station lockup

THE Guyana Police Force’s ‘A’ Division is doing its part to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

Commander of the division, Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore, told DPI that to ease the congestion in the station lockups, more persons are being offered bail.

“In minor matters that are not serious, persons are being placed on bail once there is not a threat or risk of them furthering the offence or tampering with the witness,” he explained.

“For the serious offences, we try to deal with those matters swiftly so there isn’t a long wait,” Superintendent Azore added. The Commander also pointed out that sanitisation measures are also in place for those persons entering the station’s compound. Additionally, there are sanitisation stations at the front of each department to ensure persons are properly cleansed before entering the department.

The Commander noted that while there is no directive to close bars and clubs, the 2:00am curfew remains in full effect and the force will continue to enforce the curfew.

Notably, Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, has issued a stern warning to bar owners and other business persons who continue to ignore public health advisories that limit the number of patrons in their premises.

The Public Security Minister said it is imperative that the advisories are heeded and if need be, certain penalties may have to be implemented for those who choose to ignore these health-safety measures.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are over 693,224 confirmed cases from 203 countries coupled with 33,106 deaths. In Guyana, there have been eight confirmed cases with one death.

Persons are being urged to practice the precautionary measures outlined by the Ministry of Public Health to help slow the spread of the virus. (DPI)

Construction worker accused of attempted murder sent for psychiatric evaluation 29-year-old construction worker, Darren Simpson, of Plum Park Sophia, was, on Monday, March 30, 2020, ordered,

by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, to have an evaluation at the Psychiatric Headquarters.

He was charged with attempted murder.

Simpson appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The charge alleged that, Simpson, on March 24, 2020, at Plum Park, Sophia, caused grievous bodily harm to Morris Hinds, with intent to murder him.

The court was provided with the facts which stated that Hinds and Simpson are known to each other. Hinds is Simpson’s stepfather.

On the day in question, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at about 08:00 hours, Simpson threatened Hinds to

kill him while he (Hinds) was preparing to leave for work. On his return home from work, at about 21:00 hours, Hinds exited a car and Simpson approached him from behind and struck him on his head. As a result, Hinds received injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive medical attention.

Hinds was admitted and remains in critical condition.

The accused sister, Malika Hinds, was given an opportunity to provide the court with information with regard to her brother’s (Simpson’s) behaviour. She stated that Simpson usually smoked and would become violent.

Chief Magistrate McLennan ordered that Simpson be evaluated at the Psychiatric Headquarters.

The matter was adjourned until Thursday, May 7, 2020.

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Windies should stamp T20 authority - Dwayne Bravo

WEST Indies veteran Dwayne Bravo believes the West Indies possess the tools to dominate T20 Internationals.

The 36-year-old all-rounder was recalled recently to the West Indies squad that defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in their T20 internationals in early March.

He sees where the Caribbean side, twotime world champions, can rise to the top once more despite a fall-off in form that has seen them currently ranked 10th in the ICC T20 rankings. Those signs he said were evident during the Sri Lanka series.

“Prior to that [T20I series in Sri Lanka], we weren’t really consistent as a team over the years in T20 cricket. We T20 guys had a chat among ourselves along with the management and made a pledge that we want to start back winning series. We said we wanted to be back being the most dominant team in the T20 format,” said Bravo who over the past decade, established himself as one of the best T20 players in the world and one of the format’s best bowlers with almost 500 wickets.

He argued that the West Indies have too many world-class T20 players not to show it on the field of play.

“We have to stamp our authority,” he said.

“We have produced some of the best players in the world and when we are together in the same team, we have to stamp our authority, and to get the cricketing world to respect West Indies cricket again and especially West Indies’ T20 team. We said, ‘All hands on deck, let’s start with this Sri Lanka series and make sure we send the message.’”(Sportsmax).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

Clarke, Cup glory and the freedom of youth

WHEN Michael Clarke is asked to reflect on Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph he remembers the young superstars he had the pleasure of commanding in a tournament he had to beat the odds to be involved in.

Five years ago – on March 29, 2015 – Clarke lifted the World Cup trophy alongside his jubilant teammates having comprehensively defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to secure Australia’s fifth title.

Clarke scored a brisk 74 from 72 balls, and even hit a six, in the run chase in front of 93,013 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in what was his last one-day international.

It capped off a dominant campaign with only one slip up – a thrilling one-wicket loss in the group stage to tournament co-hosts New Zealand, which served as a timely reminder that the Australians were not invincible.

Featured in the winning squad were youngsters the likes of Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitch Marsh, players who have become regulars in the national teams and a few who will go down as genuine greats of the game.

So for Clarke, his job as captain was not to control those young guns but simply get them ready for game day to let them express themselves on the field and produce match-winning performances.

“My message throughout the whole tournament was ‘play with freedom’,” Clarke tells cricket.com. au.

“The thing about the squad we picked is we had so many superstars who wanted to be on the big stage.

“There was a lot of big egos on the team and they wanted the bigger game, bigger crowd, bigger moment.

“For me it was about our training and preparation being so important because then all I wanted to do was allow these x-factor players – Faulkner, Maxwell, Warner, Starc, Smith – these superstars to get on stage and show the world how good they are, and that’s what happened.

“Those young x-factor players won us that World Cup because they wanted to shine on the big stage, but they did the hard work to allow them to shine on the big stage.

“Us older farts, we just sat back and clapped. They were unbelievable, brilliant. .”The game we lost against New Zealand, I know we got close, but it was the perfect little kick up the arse to make us all go, ‘Righto, we have to be at our best to win this tournament’.”

While Clarke was all smiles walking laps of the MCG with his comrades after the victory, his mood was completely different just five months earlier.

On the final day of the emotional Test match at the Adelaide Oval, Clarke ripped his right hamstring from

The Australians celebrate their first World Cup triumph on home soil // Getty

the bone to put his playing career in serious jeopardy.

Surgery ruled him out of the Test summer against India but the medical team around Clarke was confident he could be back in time for the World Cup. However, a change of plans from the hierarchy meant Clarke was at long-odds of being fit in time, but as he recalls, nothing was going to stop him.

“When I tore my hamstring and had surgery they told me it was a 12-week injury and I was given nine weeks to get myself fit,” Clarke says.

“I was told by surgeons, physios, doctors if I do all the right things they believed I could come back and then Rod Marsh and the selectors rang me two weeks later and said, ‘No, you’ve only got six weeks, you’ve got to be ready by an earlier date’.

“That’s when the doctors said it was going to be too hard, there was too much risk in re-tearing it.

“Alex Kountouris and I had a tough conversation. I said to ‘Lexi’ that I want to give this a crack, give it everything I’ve got and take that risk.

“To the credit of Alex, the surgeon and the doctor, they gave me all the rehab, all the exercises, all the strength and conditioning I needed to get myself right to pass a fitness test.

“But mentally, I was so driven on making that World Cup because it was always going to be special to play in front of your home fans.

“I knew it was going to be certainly my last World Cup, so I wanted to have a crack.

“I knew my body so well, I knew I was fit and healthy and had the discipline to do whatever it took to get right.

“Did I know if I could get back in six weeks? No, I didn’t know that, but I wasn’t going to give up.”

While he missed the first game, Clarke was back for the clash against New Zealand in Auckland and played every game from then.

As a captain, Clarke says he preferred to let his actions do the talking, which was why he was thrilled to see his enthusiastic players walk the walk and not talk the talk.

“What I love most about that World Cup, it wasn’t what we said, it was what we did,” he recalls.

“I hope I set the tone with that regarding me getting back on the field.

“It didn’t matter how many times somebody told me I wasn’t going to be fit or how many times I told the world I was going to be fit.

That was irrelevant.

“If you say you’re going to be fit, go and get fit. If you’re going to play, go play.

“I just feel every single one of us said less and did more.”

The win in 2015 made Clarke a two-time World Cup champion, but he could not split the two when asked which one he treasured more.

But what did make it that extra special was the group of highly-talented young players he got to share the experience with after what had been a tumultuous summer for the Australian captain.

“I don’t like to compare 2007 and 2015, (they’re) both as special as each other,” he says.

“But personally, just what I went through with my hamstring and the loss of ‘Hughesy’ (Phillip Hughes, Clarke’s close friend who passed away in November 2014) and battles with Cricket Australia to get back into that team, out of everything what I’m most proud of is how the boys played throughout that whole tournament.

“How hard they trained, how disciplined with stuff off the field, they were so committed to our cause and our goal that I can say now five years on we deserved to win that World Cup. “We did everything we needed to do to win that World Cup. “Especially those young blokes – I loved having those guys in my team.”

Japan, IOC set July...

FROM BACKPAGE told a news conference.

It was too early to say what the additional costs of the delay would be, Muto said.

The IOC and Japanese government succumbed to intense pressure from athletes and sporting bodies around the world last Tuesday by agreeing to push back the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic had already led to many sporting events around the world being delayed or cancelled. After weeks of insisting the Olympics would go ahead, organizers bowed to what many said was the inevitable and delayed what is the world’s premier sporting gathering.

Sporting bodies including the World Athletics association, the International Triathlon Union, and FINA, the international swimming federation, all followed up with statements of support for the delay.

The postponement “gives our athletes the time they need to get back into training and competition,” World Athletics said. The association is also working on new dates in 2022 for the World Athletics Championships, it said.

The Athletics and Swimming world championships were scheduled to take place next summer around the new Olympics dates, presenting organizers with potential clashes in timing.

And problems have already arisen in planning for venues for next year, although organisers have yet to be told that they can not use any facilities, Muto said at the news conference announcing the new date.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics must acknowledge the coronavirus crisis which forced their postponement and incorporate it into next year’s opening ceremony, executive producer Marco Balich told Reuters from his home in Milan.

More than 720,000 people have been infected around the world with about 34,000 deaths and governments are taking ever tougher measures such as lockdowns to try to halt the outbreak and support overburdened medical infrastructure.

FIFA committee Von...

FROM BACKPAGE all. In my remit is to basically … run the affairs of the TTFA and to work out a debt repayment plan for the debt that we have and to figure out exactly what that debt is. After that, we deal with the constitution of the TTFA, have an election and we’re gone.”

FIFA’s intervention has been widely criticised here with several pundits of the view that football’s world governing body was not particularly in favour of William Wallace’s election as TTFA president.

In the buildup to elections, incumbent president David John-Williams appeared to have the support of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani, both of whom visited the island for the grand opening of its Home of Football complex in Couva.

In taking control of the TTFA operations earlier this month, FIFA said it’s actions had been necessary following an assessment of the association which found “extremely low overall financial management methods, combined with a massive debt”, leaving the local governing body “facing a very real risk of insolvency and illiquidity”.

Hadad, an experienced accountant, said he was not interested in football politics, however.

“I have spoken to Mr Wallace and I told him we would be in touch in the near future. It was a very cordial discussion,” he said.

“I don’t have anything much more to say about anybody in the TTFA at the present time. FIFA did what they had to do for whatever reasons they did – I am just seeing an opportunity to put Trinidad and Tobago Football Association back on the right track and give us a football team and many football teams – men, women, junior, senior – good football teams.”

He continued: “We keep talking about the debt repayment plan which is at the forefront of the problem here. You can’t run an organisation in deficit for this long and expect to make good decisions.

“You can’t be hiring coaches and [going] from one coach to the next, from one secretary to the next. You end up breaching the contract with that person and then you’re ending up in debt, so we have a big debt repayment plan and we need them (FIFA) to sit with us and work out how we’re getting to where we need to get.

“We need them to help us with our legalities and the statutes and the constitution of the TTFA to decide when we hire somebody and we put somebody after we finish, how do these people act in a manner that is of benefit to Trinidad and Tobago football.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

We will win fight against coronavirus, says marathon great Kipchoge

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder (REUTERS/Baz Ratner

By Omar Mohammed NAIROBI (Reuters) - Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathon man, reckoned his first reaction was shock when he heard at home in Kenya that the 2020 Olympic Games had been postponed because of the coronavirus

outbreak.

That shock soon gave way to disappointment — but then defiance.

“We will win this fight against the COVID-19,” the barrier-breaking Kenyan, who’s widely considered the world’s finest runner, said in an interview with Reuters.

And the man who last year became the first to run a marathon in under two hours confirmed he can see himself refreshed and ready to defend his marathon title in a rearranged Tokyo Olympics next year.

For the moment, though, the 35-year-old insists his only concern is to care for his family at their home in Eldoret.

“I am totally concentrating on my safety, I am totally concentrating on the safety of the whole family,” he said.

“The virus has really hit us in a hard way. That’s why you need to focus.”

Kipchoge explained he had been relaxing at home when he heard of the

UEFA to discuss Champions League fate in Wednesday meeting (REUTERS) - UEFA will discuss the fate of this season’s Champions League and its other competitions that have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in a video conference meeting on Wednesday, European soccer’s governing body said in a statement.

All UEFA competitions have been halted because of the flu-like virus that has killed around 34,000 people, while this year’s European Championship has been pushed back to 2021.

“UEFA has invited the general secretaries of its 55 member associations to a video conference on Wednesday, April 1... to discuss options identified with regards to the potential rescheduling of matches,” UEFA said.

Player transfers and contracts will also be discussed at the meeting, it added.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said over the weekend that the current season could be lost if it is unable to re-start by the end of June, although he did not rule out extending it into the next season.

Tokyo postponement.

“I was a little shocked and I had to go back, just to think more. I think and then I said, ‘it’s not a bad idea to actually postpone’.

“You know the Olympic Games is whereby everybody wants to participate ... it’s in the dreams of every sportsman in this world..”

Kipchoge thinks a delayed Olympics could actually benefit his title defence.

“It’s a great time for us to go back, train again and we will come back with a lot of energy,” he said.

The pandemic has led to the postponement or cancellation of sporting events around the world, including the London Marathon, which next month was scheduled to be Kipchoge’s first outing since October’s landmark one hour, 59 minutes, 40 seconds run in Vienna.

Even though the run in Austria did not count as a world record because of the

special conditions, the feat captured the world’s imagination and brought Kipchoge a whole new level of fame.

London had promised the mouth-watering prospect of a head-to-head with Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele, the only other sub-2.02 marathoner, but Kipchoge said he was yet to think too far ahead about competing in the rescheduled race on Oct. 4.

RUNNING ALONE Kenya has confirmed 42 coronavirus cases, including one fatality, with the country having imposed restrictive measures to arrest the spread of the disease. It even affects their brilliant runners.

So Kipchoge misses the camaraderie of running with his team mates, hanging out with them afterwards and telling stories.

“It’s hard to run alone. When you have people around, the pace is okay, you just talk when you are running. You enjoy the run,” said Kipchoge, who hopes to resume

Smith’s leadership ban ends amid cricket limbo

CRICKET’s hangover from Cape Town has now all but cleared with Steve Smith free to captain Australia again.

With the world’s focus on the devastating coronavirus pandemic, Smith’s two-year leadership ban from the sandpaper ball-tampering scandal ended quietly on Sunday morning.

David Warner’s leadership ban is career-long, meaning there are no more terms left to expire from the sanctions imposed following the 2018 cheating scandal.

Smith and Warner have since returned to their sparkling best on the international scene, while Cameron Bancroft was afforded two chances in the Ashes before being dropped.

While Smith’s ban has been lifted, his time is now being spent in his home gym, playing guitar and going on 10 kilometre runs with the sporting world in limbo due to the coronavirus.

Australian players were

Former captain Michael Clarke now eligible to again lead at domestic and international level, two years on from the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal meant to fly from a New Zealand tour to the Indian Premier League this week, but it’s now unclear when they’ll next appear on a cricket field.

Mid-year tours of Bangladesh and England must be in major doubt, and beyond them the Twenty20 World Cup and home Test series against India are scheduled for next summer.

Lancashire CCC chairman Hodgkiss dies after contracting coronavirus

LANCASHIRE chairman David Hodgkiss has died at the age of 71 after contracting coronavirus.

Hodgkiss, who had underlying health issues, took on the role in 2017 after almost two decades on the club’s board.

He also had spells as treasurer and vice-chairman during his time working with the county.

“He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire and respected throughout the cricketing world,” a statement on the club website said.

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Colin Graves, chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board, paid tribute by saying Hodgkiss “was a vital part of cricket in Lancashire and was passionate about growing and developing the sport in the county”.(BBC Sport).

serious training by May. Asked whether the Olympics could be his last race, Kipchoge said it was too early to say.

“I am seeing myself still running again in 2021,” he said. “Let the year ahead (come) first, we will make a big decision after the year ended.”

In the meantime, Kipchoge has enjoyed spending time with his wife Grace and their three children, reading, visiting his farm and respecting government instructions about staying home as much as possible.

“Have some steps to run on, just let us keep fit. Read some newspapers, be with the family, watch good movies together,” is his message to other athletes.

“Together within a couple of months to come, this COVID-19 will go away.

“My priority number one is to get the virus away, come back with one mind, one thinking, one line of actually standing and competing.”

“It’s obviously not looking likely (the IPL will go ahead) at the moment,” Smith told Nine’s Sports Sunday.

“I think there might be some meetings over the next few days to discuss what the go is with it all.

“I’m just trying to stay physically and mentally fit and fresh and, if it goes ahead at

some point, then great.

“And, if not, there’s plenty going on in the world at the moment. So just play it day by day.”

Regardless, it seems unlikely 30-year-old Smith will take over a full-time captaincy role again for Australia at least in the shortterm future.

The superstar batsman has been repeatedly pressed on leadership for the past year, but both he and Langer continue to back incumbent leaders Tim Paine and Aaron Finch to stay in their captaincy roles with the national teams.

Paine has helped rebuild the Test team to No.3 in the world, and at age 35 seems intent to play on until at least midway through the next year.

Finch, 33, took Australia to the semi-finals of last year’s ODI World Cup, and together with Paine combined for an unbeaten home summer across all formats.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(TUESDAY MARCH 31, 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) Collie Smith-104 (Kingston, 1955) (2) Gary Cosier-109 (Melbourne, 1975-76) Today’s Quiz:

David Hodgkiss (right), pictured making a presentation to Lancashire and England bowler James Anderson, became Lancashire chairman in 2017

(1) When and where did the WI and NZ contest a Test match for the first time?

(2) When and where did the NZ defeat the WI in a Test match for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday March 31, 2020

‘We are closely Billy Joe Saunders has boxing licence suspended after domestic abuse ‘advice’ video monitoring the

WORLD champion Billy Joe Saunders has had his boxing licence suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) after he released a video advising men how to hit their female partners.

In the video, Saunders uses a punch bag to explain how to react if “your old woman is giving you mouth” and showing how to “hit her on the chin”.

He later apologised, saying he would “never condone domestic violence”.

His promoter Eddie Hearn said he is “appalled” by the “idiotic” video.

The chief executive of UK domestic abuse charity Refuge, Sandra Horley, said the video was “as dangerous as it is shocking”.

The BBBofC said: “We have suspended his boxer’s licence pending a hearing under the board’s misconduct regulation, at a time and venue to be confirmed as soon as possible.”

On Monday, WBO super-middleweight champion Saunders said he would donate £25,000 to domestic violence charities.

Speaking to Talksport on Monday, he said it was a “silly mistake” and he “obviously wasn’t thinking”.

Saunders added: “I didn’t mean for anyone to get upset about it. There are people dying all around the world with coronavirus and I was just trying to take the heat off that a little bit.

“It clearly hasn’t done, my sense of humour is not everyone’s cup of tea.”

Billy Joe Saunders was set to face Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas on 2 May Saunders said he has received death threats and has deleted his Twitter account.

Hearn, also speaking to Talksport, added: “I was appalled really. It was so idiotic, it was so frustrating because I know Billy well. It’s one step forward, four steps back with Billy Joe Saunders.

“It’s unacceptable for Joe Bloggs down the street to do it.

It’s much more unacceptable for a world champion boxer to be doing it.

“Young people are watching that video. People who are in abusive relationships are watching that video. You cannot do it, it’s unacceptable.”

Horley added: “Domestic abuse is never a joke. It should never be trivialised. Doing so serves only to normalise violence against women and girls when

instead we should be steadfastly challenging it.

“Right now, across the country, women are isolated at home with abusive partners. Sharing content like this is as dangerous as it is shocking and we should call it out for what it is: unacceptable.”

Police have warnedthat more people may find themselves being victims of domestic abuse under measures designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Professor Nicole Westmarland, a leading academic and activist in the area of violence against women, told BBC Sport sponsors should “think twice” about supporting Saunders.

“He’s a high profile boxer, people look up to him,” said Westmarland. “He should realise that his words and his actions can have

an impact.

“We are living though the most dangerous time for women in abusive relationships. So for him [Saunders] to do that, in this environment, is completely shocking and unacceptable.”

In a statement, Adina Claire, acting co-chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “Domestic abuse is never a joking matter, but when thousands of women are trapped in their homes with a perpetrator and are fearing for their lives, whether it is supposed to be a joke or not, the Billy Joe Saunders video sends out a dangerous message.

“At Women’s Aid we know that domestic abuse is deadly serious and costs lives.”

Saunders was close to finalising a deal to face Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas on 2 May before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Saunders, who is unbeaten in 29 bouts, held a world title in the middleweight division before moving up to super-middleweight.

He defended his title in a laboured knockout win over Marcelo Esteban Coceres in Los Angeles in November.

In September 2018, Saunders was fined £100,000 by the BBBofC for a social media video that police described as “sickening”.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by domestic abuse or violence, these organisations may be able to help. If you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999. (BBC Sport)_

BEDCL closely monitoring progress as regards 2020 cricket season

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – The Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket League (BEDCL) is closely monitoring the progress and all of the decisions that are being made by all levels of government in relation to planking the curve of the spread of the now deadly coronavirus.

According to a Facebook post by long-standing president, Praimp Persaud, “we are currently operating under the assumption that we may still be in a position to have a full season or, worst-case scenario, a partial season. We will not be in a position to make such a call until the respective cities have made theirs with respect to either cancelling all outdoor permits for the entire summer or cancelling all outdoor permits for part of the summer.”

The Guyana-born Persaud pointed out that “at that point, we will be addressing all possible solutions that will be required and will present our membership with the options for your review and approval, or alternate solutions.”

Persaud said that “at this moment, we are operating as if our season will be operating as normal and have addressed all requirements for teams returning and commitments,

payments of membership fees and balls fees, format and teams structure, procuring permits and scheduling.

Alluding to the size of the league, which is the largest in Canada, Persaud said “we must act and conduct business as usual as we cannot afford to be scrambling at the last minute to execute all that is required to stage our season; therefore, it is better to be ready to go, if and when the decisions are made by the cities that are within our jurisdictions.”

The president called on players and officials to be patient and ensure that they do all that is required by the board to stage the 2020 season. “We ask that you stay safe and healthy and observe all of the precautions that have been stated by the various medical experts, governments, cities and municipalities, especially social and physical distancing; stay home unless you absolutely have to go outside and stay protected when you do.”

Meanwhile, the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) has said that it is committed to helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as best it can. According to a release from the association, “we are staying as up to date as we can with the recommendations of organisations such as WHO and relevant federal and provincial government organisations. As

BEDCL president Praimp Persaud such, some current and upcoming events will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.

We will keep you updated regarding future events as soon as any relevant decision has been made.”

The SCA advised its players to stay safe and do what they can to stay well informed of any government recommendations and if they have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the body.

The events affected to date include the Junior training programme, postponed general meeting which was scheduled for Sunday and the Captain’s Table. The SCA said it will advise later on schedule/permits but will have to wait for the City of Toronto to reopen and confirm its position.

situation’

– BCCI official opens up about status of IPL 2020

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

THE threat of coronavirus has taken the whole world by shock. Compared to other countries, India hasn’t been severely hit but still, the disease could get nasty in a country of 1.3 billion people.

Due to the concerns of COVID-19, the Indian government first decided to stop allocating visas for all the foreign citizens. This resulted in the BCCI deciding to delay the commencement of the IPL. The tournament was scheduled to begin on March 29.

The start was shifted to April 15. After the spreading of the virus across the globe kept increasing with every passing day. Finally, the decision to lock down the country was announced by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

The 21-day lockdown clearly meant that the tournament wasn’t going to begin on April 15.

The lockdown is supposed to go on until April 15 and there hasn’t been anything so far so make people believe that things are getting better in the country.

Due to this, the rumours regarding the cancellation of the IPL started surfacing everywhere. But in an interview, a BCCI official revealed the entire scenario in the BCCI office right now.

The official said that there hasn’t been any decision taken by the board yet. According to the official, the board is monitoring the current situation and will make a decision in a few days.

“No decision has been taken on IPL yet, we are closely monitoring the situation, and we will take a call accordingly,” the BCCI official said. “The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience,” said the official as quoted by IndiaTV. Earlier, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had stated a possibility of having a short IPL. Even though there wasn’t any clarification of the shortened IPL, Ganguly had stated that BCCI will look into everything before making a final call. Another report had arrived a few days ago where a BCCI official shared his opinion. According to the official, BCCI can host the entire season of the IPL even if they start the tournament on May 1. (CricTracker).

Windies should stamp T20 authority PAGE 28

- Dwayne Bravo

West Indies veteran all-rounder Dway Ne Bravo

Japan, IOC set July 23 next year for start of delayed Olympics

By Jack Tarrant, Antoni Slodkowski TOKYO (Reuters) - The postponed Olympic Games will now begin on July 23 next year and run until Aug. 8, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said on Monday, as the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to plan and prepare for them properly this year.

The Games were postponed last week - the first such delay in the 124-year history of the modern Olympics. The move was a huge blow for Japan, which invested $13 billion in the run-up to the event and raised $3 billion from domestic sponsors.

Yoshiro Mori, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, confirmed the new dates after he made the decision with the Internation-

al Olympic Committee. Mori said the Paralympic Games would run from Aug. 24-Sep. 5.

“The Tokyo Olympics Games and the successful delivery of these Games will be how we overcome all the problems that the world is facing and that the Olympics could be a symbol for this,” Mori said. “These Games are going to have great historical significance.”

Earlier on Monday, the Games’ chief executive, Toshiro Muto, said the committee was moving “in the direction” of honouring tickets bought for the 2020 Games at the rescheduled event, or providing refunds in case of scheduling changes.

“We want to honour the hopes of all those who purchased the tickets amid high demand,” Muto

Head of Tokyo 2020 organising committee Yoshiro Mori

SEE PAGE 29

Chairman of FIFA’s TTFA normalisation committee, Robert Hadad.

FIFA committee Von no witch hunt, says chairman Hadad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Robert Hadad, chairman of the FIFA normalisation committee controversially set up to run Trinidad and Tobago’s football, has shot down suggestions there was any sinister intent to use the body to target certain administration officials.

In fact, the Trinidadian businessman said there was no vindictiveness or malice involved in the committee’s remit, stressing it had been established only for the purpose of overhauling the operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and returning the organisation to sound financial and legislative footing.

Speculation here has been rife over the real purpose of the committee, especially with FIFA intervening to remove the TTFA executive which was only elected last November.

“We have a clear remit: it is to basically run the TTFA daily affairs,” Hadad told i95FM here.

“So the first order of business is to get in

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there and to get on top of the daily affairs of the TTFA – analyse the current financial situation, come up with a quick debt repayment plans and decide exactly how we’re getting there [and] where we’re getting this money to deal with all these people.

“I have to get into the office and work with all the employees, win them over and get them to all work along with me and see what we’re doing here to get to where we need to get. After that, we’ll be looking at the statues and regulations so we can comply with FIFA’s statues – that’s very important for me.”

He continued: “At the end of the day, we’re not here to dig up any bones that have been buried over the years and go back and figure out who did what and what did who – we’re not interested in that. We’re really interested in taking a position of today and making a better organisation for us to be proud of.

“That (witch hunt) is not in my remit at

SEE PAGE 29

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020