Guyana Chronicle E-paper 3-9-2020

MONDAY

Happy Phagwah

9th March, 2020

To all Guyanese No. 105934

Court to hear

PAGE

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elections matters … as Chief Justice makes ruling in jurisdiction case on Region Four votes

… injunction blocking declarations remains

‘I never experienced something like 10 this before’ PAGE

… Nurse attacked during protest calls for peace; recounts harrowing tale

Lead attorney of the Guyana Elections Commission, Senior Counsel, Neil Boston speaks to members of the media following the court hearing on Sunday (Carl Croker photo)

AFC urges GECOM to release data from elections 23 PAGE

GECOM says will not flout the 12 laws of Guyana PAGE

… says no meeting scheduled for declaration of results

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

The festival of happiness and togetherness

THE festival of Holi is a source of solidarity, strength and succour particularly in Hinduism, President David Granger said in a message.

He said Holi has sacred, secular and cultural significance. “Holi, in the sacred sense, recounts the trials and triumph of Prahalad. It reminds us of the virtue of an unshakeable belief in God and the inevitability of the triumph of good over evil,” President Granger said.

According to him Holi, in a secular sense, fosters faith in the future by celebrating rebirth and regeneration Holi celebrates, also, the fertility of the land and the bountiful harvest which it provides.

“Holi, at the social and cultural level, promotes togetherness. It breaks down

President Granger back in 2018 at a Phagwah function at the State House

the barriers of suspicion and insecurity. It is a path towards social cohesion. It enriches the country’s multicultural character.”

“I urge all Guyanese – regardless of religion or region of residence – to continue to live in harmony, to eschew hatred and to contribute to the common good by strengthening social cohesion and heightening national consciousness. The celebration of Holi is a joyous occasion and, for Guyanese, it is even more auspicious this year because we are commemorating the nation’s 50th Republic Anniversary.

I extend joyous greetings to all on this happy occasion of Holi. May this vibrant and famous festival encourage stronger bonds of cohesion in our country!”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Court to hear elections matters … Chief Justice rules in jurisdiction case on Region Four votes

… injunction blocking declarations remains

By Svetlana Marshall

CHIEF Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction to determine whether the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, followed the correct procedure before declaring the total number of votes for District Four in the General and Regional Elections.

cast in favour of the list in accordance with the Statements of Poll, and thereupon publicly declare the votes recorded for each list of candidates.”

According to the Chief Justice, there is sufficient evidence that the process may have been breached by Mingo in his capacity as the Returning Officer. “There is prima facie evidence that there has been non-compliance with the process outlined in Section 84,” the Chief Justice told the parties on both sides.

She reasoned that while Gladys Petrie and others vs the Attorney General (1968), V. Sreekumar vs The Chief Electoral Officer (2009) and Palpandi vs The Chief Electoral Officer, confirmed that elections petitions are the state of procedure for challenges to elections, it is equally

in relation to non-compliance of Section 84 of Chapter 01:03 by the then Chief Elections Officer. She said while Chief Justice Bernard made it clear that the validity of the results of an election could only be challenged by way of an elections petition, in ordering the Chief Elections Officer to comply with Section 84, she noted that the applicant’s complaint was not about the validity of the election, but rather the need for the Chief Elections Officer to comply with his statutory duties.

“The situation is no different as disclosed in the prima facie evidence in the affidavits of the applicant…The Hamilton case clearly contemplates judicial review of actions or decisions made by elections officers made during the process of elections,” the Chief Justice emphasised.

from Justice Navindra Singh to block GECOM from declaring the results for the General and Regional Elections remains intact until a final determination of the court in the substantive case. It also effectively puts on hold the swearing-in of the President.

In the substantive case, Holladar is

Senior Counsel Neil Boston Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire Justice George-Wiltshire handed down the judgment on Sunday, before a packed courtroom, in the case brought against the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; the Chief Elections officer, Keith Lowenfield; and GECOM by a private citizen – Reeaz Holladar – on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In delivering her ruling, the Chief Justice said aspects of the claims made in Holladar’s application would be better canvased in an elections petition, and as such, out of an abundance of caution, she did not rely on any of that evidence in coming to a decision.

“However, having reviewed the application, submissions and authorities cited, I have concluded that this court has jurisdiction to hear this application as regards whether the first respondent, the Returning Officer, has complied with Section 84 of Chapter 01:03 [of the Representation of the People Act],” Justice George-Wiltshire ruled.

The Returning Officer, she said, exercises statutory authority, and in this case, under Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. Section 84 (1) states: “As soon as practicable after the receipt of all the ballot boxes and the envelopes and packets delivered to him in pursuance of Section 83 (10), the Returning Officer shall, in the presence of such of the persons entitled under Section 86 (1), to be present as attend, ascertain the total votes

Trinidad’s Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall proceeding to the courtroom on Sunday clear from the decisions in the Elections Commission of India vs Ashok Kumar, Joseph Hamilton vs Guyana Elections Commission & Others and Aubrey Norton vs the Guyana Elections Commission cases, that an election official is subject to judicial review if, before the declaration of the final results, he or she fails to follow the procedures outlined in an established statute, in this case Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. Justice George-Wiltshire said in the affidavits submitted on behalf of Holladar, there is prima facie evidence that Section 84 may not have been completely followed by the Returning Officer.

Referencing to the case – Joseph Hamilton v Guyana Elections Commission & Others – a matter adjudicated by Chief Justice Desiree Bernard, Justice George-Wiltshire said the complaint was

Noting that she is cognisant of the restrictions that require the approach to the court by way of an elections petition, Justice George-Wiltshire said there can clearly be cases where the court’s supervisory jurisdiction can be invoked to ensure the correct and smooth operation of an election process.

“A court cannot shirk its duty in this regard and shelter behind the contention that an elections petition should be filed when the case clearly does not so warrant.

As such, having found that there is prima facie evidence to support the court having jurisdiction to hear this application, the respondents must be given a chance to be heard in response through any evidence they may wish to file,” Justice George-Wiltshire stated.

As a result of the judgment handed down, the injunction secured by Holladar

seeking a number of remedies including an order from the High Court that the declaration of the Region Four votes by the Returning Officer is in breach of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and as such, it is unconstitutional; and a declaration that GECOM cannot legally or constitutionally declare the results of the General and Regional Elections unless and until the Returning Officer or the Deputy Returning Officer for Region Four, complies with the process set out in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. Senior Counsel, Neil Boston, and Attorney-at-Law, Robin Hunte – the attorneys representing the Returning Officer, the Chief Elections Officer and GECOM – will now be required to file their Affidavit in Defence by 10:30hrs on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, while Trinidad’s Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, the attorneys representing Holladar, have until 13:30hrs to respond if necessary. The case, however, will be heard from 15:00hrs on that very day. Before she handed down the ruling, the Chief Justice had called on all of the parties involved to be responsible in their actions, noting that while the ruling may not be pleasing the eyes of all, the court’s decision must be respected.

The judgment was delivered in the presence of a number of international observers including those from the Commonwealth, Carter Center, Organisation of American States and European Union Electoral Observation Missions.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 8, 2020 GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Min. Broomes visits school Coronavirus: Italy death tollhit soars amid ban children during Bathtravel protests (BBC) The number of people to have died from the coronavirus in Italy has shot up by 133 in a day to 366, officials say.

The total number of infections leapt 25% to 7,375 from 5,883, according to the Civil Protection agency.

The jump in figures comes as millions adapt to new measures introduced on Sunday in an attempt to contain the outbreak.

Up to 16 million people in Lombardy and 14 provinces need special permis-

sion to travel under new quarantine rules.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also announced the closure of schools, gyms, museums, nightclubs and other venues across the whole country.

The radical measures will last until 3 April.

The latest figures mean Italy now has the highest number of confirmed infections outside of China, where the outbreak originated in December. It has overtaken South Korea,

Sunday, March 08, 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Monday, March 9, 2019 - 05:00hrs ~ 06:30hrs

where the total number of The health system is uncases is 7,313. der immense strain in LomMINISTER the Ministry ofathe Presidency with Among thewithin latest people bardy, northern region of Simona Broomes, on toresponsibility test positive infor Italyyouth is the affairs, 10 million people, where army’s chief of staff. Salvabeing treated in Saturday, visited the fourpeople schoolare children and two tore Farina said he feltwere well injured hospital police officers who oncorridors.

Friday, following and was self-isolating.

“We wantBerbice. to guarantee protests at Bath Settlement West Coast The Minister of Youth Affairs stopped at several homes along the West Coast of Berbice where the children and their parents reside. Among them was 14-year-old, Orissa Noble. Noble was among several students returning from school on a David ‘G’ School bus plying the route along the West Coast Berbice Public Road when disgruntled protestors threw glass bottles and other objects at the bus.

The Fort Wellington Secondary School student told the minister she never expected the bus to come under attack and was traumatised. “I don’t want to remember what happened yesterday,” Orissa said.

Moriah Jaque, another student in masks the bus,enter remembered Passengers wearing protective face Milano Centrale railway station in Milan (Photo: AFP) hiding under the seat and fainting.

“We are innocent.

No child in Guyana should go through this,” she shakenly The strict new quar- the health of our citizens. recalled.

Reon Mobb alsoa of We Fortunderstand Wellington that Secondary antine measures affect these Schoolofsuffered a gash to hismeasures head after a glass or glass quarter the Italian popuwill impose saclation and on the richhisrifices, sometimes and bottle, hecentre believed, struck head. By the time small he sought northern part of the he country very big,” Prime to secure himself, realisedsometimes he was already bleeding. that powers its economy.

Conte saidrunning as he He recounted, “I lookedMinister at my colleagues

announced the measures with the restrictions. Until in the middle of Saturday Sunday only about 50,000 night. people in northern Italy Under the new mea- had been affected by quarsures, people are not sup- antines. posed to be able to enter Last week the governor leave Lombardy, where ment announced the closure Milan is the main city. of all schools and universiThe same restrictions ties across the country for apply to 14 provinces: 10 days.

Modena, Parma, PiacenWhat is the situation za, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, elsewhere?

Pesaro and Urbino, AlessanThe number of infecdria, Asti, Novara, Verbano tions worldwide is more Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Pad- than 107,000, with about ua, Treviso and Venice.

3,600 deaths.

Some transport in and Most of the fatalities out of the regions affect- have been in China. But the ed continued on Sunday. country on Sunday reported Flights continued to ar- its lowest number of new rive at Milan’s Malpensa infections in a single day and Linate airports, though since January - an indicasome scheduled flights were tion that the virus’s spread cancelled. there is slowing.

However, Italy’s nationIran, one of the worst al carrier Alitalia said it hotspots outside China, has would suspend all opera- now confirmed 6,566 infections from Malpensa from tions and 194 deaths.

Monday and Linate would However, the real figonly serve Broomes domestic routes. urewith is feared be much Minister interacts Reon to Mobb who International flights would higher.

One report on suffered a severe head injury continue to and from Rome. Sunday, quoting a govunder seat toHealth hide. IfOrthey did not getenvoy, under the to Thethe World ernment saidseat there hide, so many things would Christopher ganization (WHO) chief have hadhappened.” been 200 deaths in the Srikishun of Blairmont, Jaguarnorthern Philander of Ithaca Village Tedros Adhanom GhebreyeGilan province and praised BeyoncéItaly Noble Belladrum alsothe students on sus forofmakalonewere - but figures ing “genuine sacrifices” were later removed. board who received visits from Minister Broomes. After visiting homes of the children, the minister noted that the actions of the protesters have been condemned. “You have children ... why would you attack a bus carrying children?

They should be ashamed,” she said Sergeant Punit Nauth Ibaran of the Blairmont Police Station was one of the officers injured when the ranks attempted to quell the protests. He was visited by the minister at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital where he is currently recovering. Ibaran said he was doing his job which is to provide service and protection. Instead, he was met with a slew of insults and was then attacked, “I am a police officer to serve and protect. But they felt that I am against them,” he said.

Region Five Commander, Yonnett Stephen, who accompanied the minister granted Sergeant Ibaran’s request to be transferred.

Also visited by Minister Broomes was Tissie Wallerson, a Riot Unit officer on Number 30 village, West Coast Berbice. Wallerson is recovering from a Orissa Noble shows Minister Broomes a minor severe injury to her foot after trying to flee the crowd.

(DPI) injury she suffered

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

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Limited progress for women in the last 4 years—Kamla (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) T&T has seen “limited progress” in the last four years for women, a statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition said on Saturday.

The statement said that this year ’s International Women’s Day theme is an appropriate one as it acknowledges both the progress made in creating a gender-equal world and the need for further

Kamla Persad-Bissessar

action to realize this goal.

The theme this year is “ I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.”

“It is our vision to improve upon these initiatives and encourage girls and women to pursue areas critical to national development, including innovation, Information Technology, and leadership.

Today, many of the initiatives that we started have been shelved or given only cursory

attention,” the media release from the Office of the Opposition Leader said.

The Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the impact of violence against women and girls is a major factor hindering women’s ability to participate and contribute to society.

“On an almost daily basis, we see our women are under threat. We have seen more than 50 women killed

last year and it is unfolding to be no different this year with 13 women murdered in just over two months.”

The Opposition leader said the Opposition has called for the Domestic Violence Act to be amended to close the loopholes that allow these crimes to occur.

The proposed amendments included removing the perpetrator from the home instead of the victim and a

better-defined time frame for the police to respond to these complaints.

She ended by saying that the Opposition is committed to protecting and empowering our nation’s women and girls.

“In me, you have a champion, in me, you have someone who will fight for you, and who will never turn a blind eye to issues facing us.”

Shelters coming for women, men, childen—Webster-Roy (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy says Government is rolling out programmes and initiatives to help women, children, and men too.

She was speaking to reporters during the annual women’s rights rally and march at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Saturday, where T&T will join the world in commemorating International Women’s Day, Sunday.

Webster-Roy said “While women in T&T are advancing and shattering glass ceilings and entering different domains,

I’m still troubled by the fact that our women continue to be victims of very violent crime.

“We’ve tried to address it through legislation and programming however, at the root of it is a basic understanding that we need to live in a society that respects rights that gender-based violence is sometimes hinged on.

“As a government, we have established homes now, domestic violence shelters that we’re going to commission soon, to cater to women with their children and shelters for men as well.

“We will be rolling out a programme for self-defence

for women through the UN Foundations programme that has been reaching out to young people between the ages of 12 to18.”

She said additionally, government agencies had been using different means of reaching out to communities to engage the citizenry, such as using plays like “Shades of I-She: Every Woman’s Story” exposing the community and residents to issues such as gender-based violence, incest, rape, and child abuse.

Webster-Roy said by doing this it elicited discussion and helping communities in meaningful ways to solve these

Coast Guard take part in International Women’s Day Walk and Rally at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain

issues.

She said Government was also currently looking at amending the Domestic Violence Act, a draft addressing sexual harassment will be going out for public comment as well.

Webster-Roy said even though the Government changed the laws, put programmes in place and opened more shelters, until Trinbagonians became more responsi-

ble and accountable, all their efforts will come to naught.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced in his 2020 Budget presentation the establishment of shelters for homeless women who are victims of domestic violence, family conflict, and crime. The shelters will be provided by the Housing Development Corporation in partnership with the private sector.

Deputy Permanent Secre-

tary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Claire Davidson-Williams said an initiative called Pink Reign was launched that promoted girls and women in sport.

She said the ministry wanted to get more women who would not usually be involved in road racing or to work with national governing bodies and honouring four women in sport each week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

The Phagwah message

T

ODAY, Guyanese of all walks of life, more particularly Hindus, will either take to the streets or the temples to celebrate the ancient spring festival, Phagwah, also called Holi or the Festival of Colours.

This year’s celebration, though coming at a time when our country is gripped by political tension, has at the core of its message the triumph of good over evil.

The story of the Holi but merry festival has been passed down from generation to generation, and is a celebration of good over evil. It has its genesis in the story of a tyrannical king, Hiranyakashyapu, who tried all he could to kill his son, Prahalad, because the boy refused to worship him as God. According to legend, the king, overwhelmed by wealth, lust, deceit, and arrogance, became blind to his real purpose in life, and eventually thought of himself to be God, and the only one worthy of worship.

His son, Prahalad, given in divine birth, while recognising the importance of obedience to parents, also recognised that no mortal should be treated as a Divine Being. King Hiranyakashyapu’s actions flourished, as it happened at a time when his Kingdom was in moral decay. But even with this, his son remained a devotee of Lord Vishnu (the Sustainer of the Universe).

And the purpose of his birth was to help correct the

unrighteousness that prevailed, allowing for the restoration of decency, piety and uprightness, which were lost to arrogance, greed and lust.

In circumstances of the latter, God advents Himself as summarised in the holi scripture, the Bhagavat Gita (Songs of the Devine) Chapter: 4. Verses: 6 and 7.

“Whenever there is decay of righteousness and there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I myself come forth for the protection of good, for the destruction of evildoers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness; I am born from age to age.”

Prince Prahalad’s birth was not a case of happenstance, but one geared at restoring God’s authority, which eventually saw the advent of the Lord.

The despotic king was granted a boon by Brahma (the Creator) that he would not be killed by any living or non-living creature created by him (Brahma); nor will he die within or outside his residence during the day or night, on the ground or in the sky, or by any weapon; and have no worthy rival in the battlefield.

These powers made the king change from being a devotee of God to believing that he was no longer a mortal and had become God. Never failing in His promise, and always a preserver of righteousness, the Lord visited King Hiranyakashyapu as a half-man, half lion at twilight (which is neither

APNU+AFC must ensure GECOM does not delegitimise its victory Dear Editor,

I

t comes as no surprise the speed at which the controversy surrounding the declaration of the Region 4 results has been used to cast the PNCR as the rogue. The APNU+AFC government (of which the PNCR forms part) has never quite developed the fleetness of feet when it comes to defending itself against political attacks and criticisms.

The challenged credibility of GECOM's Region 4 declaration of results, and

therefore the legitimacy of APNU+AFC as the winner, however, is the coalition's biggest political test, one which it cannot afford to fail.

Its foremost priority is not to allow any shortcomings at GECOM to stain or delegitimize its victory. The coalition can no longer sit back and allow "GECOM to do its job."

It must instead incessantly insist that GECOM get its act together in the counting of the votes. It must voice demands that GECOM must take specific actions, such as recounts, to ensure all doubts

are removed in the minds of the public, the observer and diplomatic missions, and the world at large as to the true results of the 2020 election.

Lastly, there may be several ways to rig an election. But tampering with or bypassing the Statements of Poll, as suggested by ANUG in its letter to SN yesterday, is the most foolish and therefore the least likely to happen. I remain confident that the country can sort all this out.

Regards Sherwood Lowe

day nor night); on the verge of his courtyard (which is neither indoors nor out); and put the king on his thighs (which is neither earth nor space). And, using his nails (neither animate nor inanimate) as weapons, he slayed the evil king.

In doing so, the Lord established that unrighteousness, arrogance, haughtiness and all other evils have no permanent place in society or anywhere else on earth.

Regardless of power and stature, all bad things must come to an end; and it is within this context that Phagwah is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.

It also implores upon all to be clean in thoughts and action, since these are imperative for a transparent, progressive and respectful society.

The celebration of good over evil is a celebration of unity; a celebration of togetherness, and a celebration of courage to shun evil acts.

These help us to understand that similarities are more important than differences in this transitory life, and that all should be humble in the presence the Lord. Today, Guyanese of all walks of life will be smearing each other in a variety of colours in much fun and frolic. These colours are symbolic, in a sense that there is unity in diversity, but a more salient message would be for all to be like Prahalad; remain humble, and always eschew evil. Happy Holi to all!

The PPP/C ruled Guyana with a taste of authoritarianism Dear Editor,

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ver since the controversial NCM, there have been in my observations, colluded attempts by local and international agencies to oust the current Coalition government through exaggerated claims and unfounded conclusions.

Based on subjective opinions from the opposition members, the international community has called for measures to maintain "democracy", yet the alleged wrongdoings of the PPP/C have been ignored or minimised by the international media.

How can the image of the opposition party be of a clean slate when it was only a few years ago that the PPP/C ruled Guyana with a taste of authoritarianism and allegedly conducted extra-judicial murders and human rights abuses during their sordid reign of intimidation?

Furthermore, "Opposition Protesters" have been conducting acts of violence against police and civilians. A school bus was attacked and torched. Several schoolchildren were injured in the attack. A young man started chopping up police officers, and the PPP supporters have hailed the criminal as a "martyr". Is

this the "democracy" that the international bodies are supporting?

In my honest belief, these acts are not sporadic grassroots movements, but a calculated attempt by the well-monied PPP/C elite and international organisations to sabotage the political, social and economic stability of the nation by forcing the President to step down so that the PPP/C can continue their alleged Phantom Squads, discrimination and extra-judicial murders at the behest of most of their supporters.

Regards, Riaz Hamid

Op-Ed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

By Margaret Burke

I

NTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, March 8. Many being conscious of this fact took the opportunity to celebrate the ‘woman’ as daughter, mother and wife, sister, the first teacher and counsellor; the compassionate one.

And there is much more to defining the woman.

Napoleon once said: “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation.” And so in Guyana, as well as globally, women are found to be one of the most valuable assets in society.

Other than the family, women also play major roles in socio-economic institutions such as schools, healthcare systems, the military, the

church, cultural organisations, workplaces and many more.

“I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men. They are far superior and always have been.

Whatever you give a woman, she will make it greater.

If you give her sperm, she will give you a baby. If you give her a house, she will give you a home.

If you give her groceries, she will give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she will give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of s..t!” William Golding.

SAD EVENTS UNFOLDING It is therefore a sad

Women in the significance of light and life

day in the history of Guyana for the people of this land to see unfolding before their very eyes, events where women are mistreated, disrespected and even brutalised.

The questions many would want to ask, “How can this be? Who can do something about this?”

Well, these are questions left up to those in authority to answer. However, for the ordinary people of the land, anger and a mind to create further strife may erupt – depending on who is seeing.

What is even worse is that women are also seeing that their children are being brutalised before their very eyes, when rocks were thrown at the David ‘G’ bus carrying them home from school. How sad, how disgusting, what a dastardly

act – against little innocent children, who could have been drawn from any household, any ethnic or religious group? Is there some discrimination against who are allowed into those buses?

The point is that regardless of what the answer is, who the children are, no one has the right to want to hurt any child – REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEIR POLITICAL PERSUASION MAY SEEM TO BE – NO ONE! What kind of mind would want to hurt innocent children going home from school, school of all places?

The inducement of fear and terror into the hearts of already vulnerable children only serve to drive them into an ostracised and possibly evil corner of society.

Each child may interpret this event differently;

some may seem to overcome the experience faster than others, but many studies have shown that such happenings in the lives of children are likely to cause unhealthy and indelible scars.

PHAGWAH DAY Maybe it is quite fortunate that Phagwah or Holi is celebrated on this day. It is a festival that is celebrated here in Guyana and around the world as a Hindu Festival of Lights and colours.

It is a joyous festival when people, both young and old, all over Guyana celebrate together, in a very non-partisan manner.

This festival of love, of friendship, joy and merriment has very little boundaries – some people may not

7

want water to be thrown on them, or to be powdered for varying reasons. Other than that, people of every ethnic group have fun together all through the day and into the evening when there are special presentations.

Oh, how we need this attitude of peace, respect for each other and a sense of oneness. We are a loving people; not a hateful people, and this is a time when we need to demonstrate this even more.

On this happy and joyous Phagwah Day, one that signifies the triumph of good over evil, let us come together as one; do not fight and kill each other, but, according to the Bible, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart,” Psalms 27:14.

THE COALITION’S REGION 4 BLOW TO THE PPP/C Dear Editor,

T

he coalition’s victory in 2015 came as a result of an over-performance is Region 4.

The ruling APNUAFC coalition amassed an impressive 110,000 votes and the PPP/C 70,000 vote, a difference of 40,000 catapulting it into Office, supplanting the PPP/C after Twenty Three long years.

The coalition knew that facing a resurging PPPC in 2020 would require another over-performance in Region 4. This was no secret; the coalition campaigned confidently of getting 36 to 40 seats, possibly by gaining Amerindian support in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 where they would pick up a + 2 seats and Region 4 where it would get enough votes to pick up to two seats nationally. We know

how that turned out.

The campaign strategy played out before our eyes.

House to House Registration The coalition used this exercise to maximise the number of electors in this region. While Bharrat Jagdeo who it seemed was convince that whoever took over the GECOM Chair will end the exercise and not incorporate the data into the existing database.

And indeed it was truncated but much to his chagrin the Chair ruled that the data will be used in compiling the voter’s list.

Changes to GECOM’s National Register of Registrants database were dominated by Region 4.

Thousands of Afro and Mixed race Guyanese in this Regions 4 turned 18 during the years 2015 and 2019, at rates faster than any other ethnic group.

A mom recently told me,

albeit jokingly, that “we stopped doing abortions”.

In fact, abortions may not have been an option as lack of access to reproductive healthcare didn’t provide for abortions as options for many in the middle to late 1990s.

Mr Editor, Jagdeo’s PPP/C left many of these Black women poverty. Poor Black women in the mid to late 1990s did what poor East Indians did in 1970s and 1980s-they made lots of children. Herein lies a demographic transition problem for the PPPC in 2020. East Indians, its traditional voting block, came out of poverty at the rates faster than any other ethnic group and as they attained middle and upper class status stopped having plenty children. You need not be a demographer to realize that East Indians have one of the lowest fertility rates in Guyana when compared to

other ethnic groups. I can extrapolate that for every One hundred Black/Mixed/ Amerindian that turned 18 in 2015 to 2019, there were less than 30 East Indians.

A check of the Official list of Electors dated February 1 revealed this transition problem and benefit for the PPPC and APNUAFC, respectively. Areas dominated by Afro, Mixed Race and Amerindians had significantly more new electors than areas populated

by East Indians. The coalition realizing that it will need these voters to face a resurging PPPC took every measure possible to ensure the thousands who turned 18 yrs between 2015 and 2019 made it on the list. I must add that I’m sure measures to achieve this effect were in placed way before the HTH registration.

What the house to house exercise also achieved was to limit the number of peo-

ple who were displaced.

With 88000+ changes to the NRR and region 4 having dominated the HTH exercise one can see why the coalition most reliable region was set to deliver a massive turnout. Its supporters were on the list and those previously displaced were now in-placed and ready!

GECOM’S decision to limit the use of private residences as polling stations was a blow to PPP/C usual nefarious polling day activities. While we know this decision wasn’t going to limit “real” turn out in their stronghold, we knew it was going to limit the possibilities of jiggery-pokery that goes at residential polling station. My projected figure for the PPPC performance in region 4 in 2020 was on point at about 78,000. My model factored in higher turnout in their stronghold, returning AFC supporters

on the East Coast, migration to USA and Canada (legally and illegally) and also the limitation of nefarious polling day bottom house activities.

Mr Editor, it is ludicrous for the PPPC to try to convince Guyanese that it has won 42% of the votes in Region 4 having been beaten to 38% and 37% in 2011 and 2015, respectively. It absurd that the PPPC statements of poll can show the coalition only attaining 112000 votes. Only graduates of the University of Uitvlugt will buy this nonsense.

Region 4 was set to deliver a decisive blow to the PPPC. The foundation for this blow was set nearly 20 years ago under Bharrat Jagdeo regime.

Jagdeo’s unwanted babies grew up.

Regards AUSTIN FRASER

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GMSA pleads for appropriate action to defuse tension

T

HE GMSA, as an important affiliate of the Private Sector, feels compelled to lend its voice directly to the major political stakeholders, in seeking a sensible and reasonable resolution to the current unsatisfactory situation and urge that action be taken to ensure the achievement of credible results to our recently held elections. Conscious of the specific roles ascribed to Political Parties, Civil Society and GECOM, as outlined in our Constitution, in consort with the neutral presence of the International Community, our Association strongly believes that only one practical course of action is available.

GECOM, as the principal Administrator in the conduct of our Elections, should immediately conclude on the process for Region #4, using a similar procedural and process approach as was adopted in earlier results of the previous nine regions, and arrive at an accurate and consensual result, which has the support of the International Observers. The verification requirements as stipulated by law should be applied in a similar manner to ten regions (districts) without exceptions. As responsible members of Guyanese society, with a primary focus on Industrial & Social Development, we wish to make a special plea to Government for appropriate action as recommended to be taken to defuse the present dangerous and volatile situation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

GHRA CALLS FOR IWD GESTURE FOR GENDER EQUALITY OF SEATS

T

HE theme for International Women’s Day 2020 - “An Equal World is an Enabled World” - is eminently appropriate for the troubled and tense situation in which Guyana finds itself. References to ‘equality’ in Guyana are instinctively assumed to refer to ethnicity, especially in the electoral context. However, the more pervasive and deeply embedded source of inequality remains gender-based.

In the year 2000 when the Constitutional Reform process was passed through Parliament, both of the major parties rejected the proposed inclusion of parity of names on electoral lists between men and women. Parliament unanimously opted for one-third names rather than the 50% proposed by the electoral expert, Professor Reynolds of Notre Dame University, who was advising Parliament at the time on this process. Furthermore no effort was made to legislate the spirit of what Prof. Reynolds intended, namely that the 50% be converted from names on the List to seats in the Parliament.

Notwithstanding what the law said, no party was prevented from voluntarily opting for 50% names of women on Lists and seats. No party, however, has ever done so.

Violence is institutionalized in Guyana’s electoral structure by encouraging ethnic polarization. Political violence like other forms of violence – verbal, physical, sexual or mental - generally affects women more profoundly than men. This is not to say that some females are not associated with violence, but they are not normally the instigators, leaders and major perpetrators, at least, not in Guyana.

As a gesture towards reconciliation of the society over

the deep ethnic divisions which have once again manifest themselves in the on-going electoral crisis, the major political parliamentary formations should publicly commit to dividing the seats they win in the new Parliament equally between males and females.

Such a gesture will not only remove a historical insult to women, but would represent a real commitment to laying the foundation for resolving the more vexed question of fundamental electoral reform which has blighted this country for the past fifty years. When migration is factored in to the social, economic and demographic cost of polarized politics, our country has suffered immeasurably.

Elimination of the violence suffered by generations of women in Guyana - the most pervasive and pressing violation of women’s rights - currently rests with men. While not all or predominantly perpetrators, men in general are not disposed to clearly listen to or vigorously name, describe and define this violence which has reached epidemic proportions in the society.

Rectifying the gender imbalance in Parliament is not a panacea for removing all gender-related violations, it achieves several important milestones in that journey. In the first place, it eliminates legal discrimination from electoral lists; it creates a Parliament better prepared to address other forms of bias in the society. Finally, a gesture of this nature both sends an important message to civil society institutions, particularly the faith-based sector, that historical bias and discrimination must be brought to an end.

Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

Promoting diaspora engagement for the oil and gas industry in Guyana Dear Editor,

H

ISTORICALLY, forced or voluntary immigration has played a critical role in national development and more recently the contributions of members of the diaspora. Immigration is vital in facilitating global economic change and immigrant labour unequivocally ensures desirable economic outcomes. Conversely, high levels of skilled emigration tend to slow economic growth. In the case of Guyana it is therefore important to understand the foundation, purpose and potential contribution of diasporans.

An essential characteristic of diasporans’ transnational experience is that identity and economic well-being are intertwined. Particularly in North America, regardless of ethnicity or self-identification, Caribbean immigrants are likely to be

placed within the host society’s stratified subcultural system as minorities or ‘Black.’ The same stratification system does not generally exist in their home country where there is likely to be a more egalitarian, albeit racially tense system, particularly in Guyana. These realities may influence the decision to sustain meaningful connections with the home community. However, the extent of diasporans’ integration i.e., adopting both the dominant and home cultures, could also impact their decision to return or otherwise contribute to home countries.

There is a strong possibility that Guyanese now cherish the opportunity to share knowledge and technology at a time of social and economic transformation in their home country with some conviction, to future generations. They left seeking opportunity, but return to provide them. Aieka Smith (2018) in her discussion of notions of belonging and identity among Caribbean immigrants argues that they are “physically separated, but psychologically inseparable.” This is a logical rationale for attention to the dynamics of diaspora engagement.

The long-standing material and service contributions of immigrants to development are at the core of understanding the importance of diaspora engagement. This transnational partnership is actualised by sending and receiving remittances and collaborating on projects. Immigrants who decide to return are once again seeking opportunities, but at a different phase of their transnational journey. During their sojourn abroad, most returnees would have acquired valuable, marketable skills which may be tapped at this vital juncture in Guyana’s history.

The negative impact of skilled emigrants on various sectors and occupations is evident. Local expertise is invariably under-represented in Guyana, partly because of continuous high out-migration of skilled personnel. Expatriates have been seen as a measure of development. Social analysts note that much of the human capital necessary to cope successfully with the anticipated technological and environmental changes exist in the diaspora. Hopefully, motivation to engage the diaspora is not gauged by rewarding loyalty i.e., those who did not leave.

According to one diaspora resident, Guyana must purposely engage, utilise and bring home members of the diaspora who

are skilled professionals in oil and gas and energy industry. To meet and overcome the challenges which Guyana will encounter in building a modern economy, the nation must effectively seek to engage diasporans, many of whom are in senior management and other leadership and lay positions. Their expertise can be instrumental in the development of various sectors such as environmental technology, education and healthcare.

Engaging diasporans is also a strategy of arresting the “brain drain.” The anticipated economic windfall and optimism of a green economy can enhance successful engagement of the diaspora. Furthermore, plans for social and economic transformation must consider the viability of both diasporan and local labour across generational and ethnic lines. Their combined skills and expertise is a collective force.

Immigrants have contributed to the “revving” and sustenance of nations’ economic engines. They can do the same for the land of their birth. Recognising the human capital value of diasporans, the Government of Guyana has attempted to recruit through overseas visits and employment recruitment programmes. However, such initiatives have not constituted a concentrated effort and appear to have had minimum effect thus far. Nevertheless, diasporans have expressed an interest in contributing or investing through their social capital and time, and should be encouraged to do so. This may be valuable with regard to the much-discussed Local Content Policy, while courting foreign investment and companies, Guyana may be able to move more quickly by offering opportunities to diasporans to fill gaps and capacity-building.

Will the transformation emerging from newfound wealth affect these trends? Only time will tell. Enhancing cooperation across transnational boundaries can only enhance development. In light of the above-stated attributes and concerns, in the interest of nation-building, there should be an earnest attempt to implement an inclusive, pragmatic Diaspora Engagement Plan.

Regards Lear Matthews

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Complete the electoral process before you try to establish intent Dear editor,

I

do wonder if I can have the attention of your readership. Sorry that should be full undivided attention. You see, I have been grappling with this very exhaustingly perplexing situation which demanded a tad more cerebral grey matter to resolve. To optimally communicate my conundrum, I endeavoured on a period of meditative reflection which brought me to irreversible conclusion of the tried and tested, analogy. It is this path that I will now venture to provide clarity to this troubling predicament of mine.

The year is 2075, Bharrat Jagdeo at the ripe old age of 110yrs, still occupies the apparently permanent position of opposition leader. He invited me, as a retired doctor, over at his office, strange at it may sound, to discuss matters of health. Without hesitation, I accepted the unquestionably accepted invitation. On the day of the meeting I was smartly dressed in a navy blue suit which was complimented by black shoes. I was politely greeted by Bharrat Jagdeo’s secretary, Irfaan Ali who graciously ushered me into the spacious office. Discussion progressed very well but then Bharrat Jagdeo requested an urgent intermission to address matters of the alimentary canal. Just as he returned, I had just picked up his Rolex watch, that was on his marble table. Without any questioning, I was arrested and placed in prison. On my much anticipated court day, I chose not to employ the service of the esteemed lawyer, Mr. Nigel Hughes since in my estimation it was not a matter of legal mathematics. On arrival in court, I thought the Lady Judge was very amiable polite and professional. I was worried for her health, moreso hyperthermia as a consequence of wearing those thick wool coat in a very tropical country. The Lady Judge eloquently read my charge, simple larceny. I politely requested of the esteemed Judge to make a point, I consider pressing and relevant, for which she so kindly acceded.

I first politely reminded the Lady judge the legal definition of larceny. I highlighted that Larceny is a crime against possession. This in itself is self-explanatory. Furthermore, I stated that it has two elements which must be met before I can be found guilty. The first step is the actual taking of the property, even if momentarily (actus reus) and secondly, the culpable intent to deprive another of their property (mens rea). In simple terms, I must have picked up the watch with the intent of depriving Bharrat Jagdeo of it. I further argued that yes I did have the watch momentarily in my hand but it was never my intent of denying Bharrat Jagdeo of said watch.

At the point the Lady Judge queried why else would I have watch was in my hand? With a fixed gaze on the complainant Bharrat Jagdeo, I responded that I had an urgent appointed, I forgot my watch at home and I merely picked up his watch to check the time.

Of course I was set free but I trust you see where Jagdeo erred. First he assumed that me picking up his watch meant I was stealing it. Secondly, he rushed to a premature conclusion and never gave it time to establish, beyond a reasonable doubt that I was in the process of stealing his watch. my point is, applying my non-legal mind, someone cannot be guilty of a criminal matter unless the processes of the act in question were completed. To interrupt the processes, before they were completed because you felt it would have been perpetuated is to place yourself in a very difficult position of trying to establish intent without any “evidence” in action to support it.

Guyana recently had generally and regional elections for which processes were going swimmingly well until Region 4. At some point in the Region 4 tabulation, Bharrat Jagdeo brought a SOP which indicated that PPP gained 10,000 more votes than in 2015. It also indicated that the PPP won Sophia. If they won Sophia then I must be the white Michael Jackson. Anyway, the SOP that was in the possession of Bharrat Jagdeo was questioned since Region 4 is APNU-AFC stronghold and what he was suggesting is tantamount to the

APNU-AFC stating that they won Babu Jaan. The SOP was ultimately rejected and the processes were continued to the stage of verification. PPP not happy with what they saw invaded GECOM and verbally threatened the staff before they forcefully kicked down Chairwoman Justice Singh’s office door. The Returning Office proceeded to publicly announced the Region 4 tally which furthered angered PPP. The final process was never completed because of the criminal actions of PPP. They then took the matter to court, even before the processes were completed with a declaration. Their argument is electoral fraud.

Let’s examine this closer. PPP clearly is not happy with the results because of the number of votes that was tabulated for them. As a result they argued that it is electoral fraud. Let’s assume that they are right that they actually got more votes than was allocated to them. So now we have to determine if the intention of that reduced votes allocation was to defraud them of an election win.

Can we really jump to that conclusion when the process has not been completed? What if that reduced votes allocation was a simple typographical error. Would you take someone to court for a typographical error? That would be a waste of court’s time. In my non-legal opinion, unless the results are declared then it is impossible to established intent. I do know PPP sins of 1997 is haunting them. As a kid I would hear grown folks saying that thief man don’t like to see his fellow thief with bag. Clearly, rightfully or wrongfully, they would assume that the thief with the bag has stolen. PPP, I know you have not forgotten what you did to us in 1997. Not because we are in a similar position mean we will revisit it on you. When the results are declared, you must accept it gracefully. Destroying the country would not benefit any of us.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

‘I never experienced something like this before’ …Nurse attacked during Opposition-led protest calls for peace; recounts harrowing tale

By Tamica Garnett

THE nurse whose vehicle was damaged by a mob last week Friday on the West Coast Berbice (WCB) is calling on Guyanese to keep the peace, even as she and others strug-

slurs, and attacking the police as well as ordinary citizens.

Several persons were injured during the ensuing skirmishes, including policemen. An unemployed 18-year-old protestor, one Seedat ‘Devon’ Hansraj, was also shot during an unrest at

“We got out of the car, traumatised. I have never experienced something like this before. Stones were being thrown, and we had to drive through the fire, because we could not stop,” the public servant expressed. A video of Todd screaming at the

The girls were eventually picked up by their father, and immediately they once again came under attack. Todd said the attack was clearly racially-motivated, as aside from racial slurs against Afro-Guyanese, she noted that the vehicle of an East

Coast Demerara; and Belle West on the West Bank Demerara.

Though some news agencies described the protest as “peaceful”, Todd said the situation on the ground was far from peaceful.

“I don’t see that as a peace-

racial slurs and threats their way.

“We were there locked up in the car in Bath Settlement from about 4[pm] until 9pm, in between two barricades. We could not head to Rosignol; we could not head to Georgetown.

People passing with stones, and

A dent the Todds vehicle sustained after being attacked

by PPP/C supporters on Friday

Nurse Lynda Todd (left) and her parents look on at protestors who stoned their vehicle on Friday

gle to get over the trauma of the street violence led by PPP supporters.

Thirty-five-year-old Lynda Todd is also asking citizens to allow the politicians to resolve their differences themselves. As Guyanese continue to wait for the final declarations on results of the March 2, 2020 elections, supporters of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) last Friday took to the streets in West Berbice and on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) and other parts of the country, blocking roads, chanting racial

Cotton Tree, also in West Berbice, while attacking a policeman, Sergeant Punit Nuth Ibaran with a cutlass. The badly injured officer has had to be hospitalised.

Nurse Todd, who is attached to the National Psychiatric Hospital in New Amsterdam, and members of her family were headed west along the West Berbice Public Road on their way home to Tempe Village, when the vehicle in which they were travelling was stoned as it approached a blockade of burning tyres and other debris at Bath Settlement.

protestors after the family pulled over has since been widely circulated on social media. “I kept shouting at them, asking, ‘What did we do to deserve this? Why are you throwing stones at us?’”

Todd said, adding: “Everyone was crying and confused. We didn’t know what was happening; what to do.”

Among those in the car was Todd’s 15-year-old brother; her 28-year-old sister, and their parents. Todd and her sister, Latoya, an immigration officer, who also works in New Amsterdam, had both left work early that day when they got wind of the growing unrest. Unable to find transportation after crossing the Berbice Bridge on foot, the two girls had their first encounter with the protesters at Cotton Tree.

“From D’Edward, we walked to Cotton Tree,” she recounted. “Cotton Tree was our first stop; that’s where the first protesting was going on. There was a group of people there with cutlasses; we had to run for our lives.”

Indian friend of hers who was travelling in front of them, was allowed to pass through the area without incident.

“The minute they saw that we were Afro-Guyanese, stones came from all over. They broke our windscreen; there are dents on the car,” Todd recounted.

Todd is now fearful for her life, as she has to pass through several of these villages on her way to work daily. Todd said she found it hard to make sense of what was unfolding before her very eyes.

“What hurt me the most is I don’t discriminate. I have relatives who are [East] Indian; I have Portuguese relatives. It really hurt me to know that you can see public servants coming from work and just target them just like that. It’s not like we were in a quarrel or a fight,” Todd said.

In Friday’s unrest, aside from Bath and Cotton Tree, in West Berbice, there were also pockets of protests in Lusignan, on the East Coast Demerara; at Windsor Forest on the West

The damaged windshield of the vehicle that was attacked by PPP/C supporters on Friday

ful protest,” she said. “I feel victimized; my entire family feels the same.” At the wheel of the vehicle when it came under attack was Todd’s father, who barely managed to maneuver his way past a fiery blockage in his desperate attempt to get his family to safety. The dash to safety for the family, however, ended with them finding themselves blocked off on both sides by burning blockages.

Todd said she and her family spent a stressful five hours stuck in their vehicle, as the PPP/C supporters walked by, hurling

bottles and bats, chanting [racial threats]. We did not respond, we were outnumbered and fearful for our life,” Todd recounted.

The young nurse is now calling on her fellow Guyanese to let peace reign. As for the politicians, Todd says: “They need to resolve whatever issues they have with the court and whatever, and let this country go back to whatever it was before. And stop inciting violence and race hate.

At the end of the day we the people of Guyana need to live in love.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

GECOM will hold on declaration, pending court matters THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made it clear that it has no intention to make a final declaration on the General and Regional Elections before the High Court’s decision on whether the votes for Region Four need to be recounted.

The opposite was the accusation of the opposition and lawyers representing the opposition at the High Court where Chief Justice (CJ), Roxane George-Wiltshire, ruled that the court has jurisdiction to review the actions of the Region’s Returning Officer (RO) during his count of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) and declaration of results.

Criticisms had first come from opposition-nominated commissioner, Robeson

Benn, after he and others on the commission received a letter from Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, addressed to Chair of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, that he had received the declarations from all Regional ROs and compiled a final report for submission.

The letter was dated March 7, 2020 and sent to the Chair and six commissioners. Benn later forwarded the same to Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, and two others.

“I have received declarations from Returning Officers for General and Regional Elections 2020 from Districts 1-10. In accordance with Cap 1:03 Section 99, I have prepared the final report for submission to the commis-

sion. In this regard, a request is made for a meeting of the commission at your earliest convenience,” Lowenfield told the Chair.

Later at the High Court on Sunday, representing the opposition, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes brought the letter to CJ’s attention, requesting that she order the report compiled by Lowenfield to be revoked.

However, Senior Counsel, Neil Boston, representing GECOM, Lowenfield and Region Four’s RO, Clairmont Mingo, brought the CJ’s attention to a release publicised on Sunday from GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward.

The letter stated that the commission is aware of the series of events which un-

President Granger meets OAS Observer Mission PRESIDENT David Granger, on Sunday morning, met former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mr. Bruce Golding and his team from the Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Mission in Guyana.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. President Granger, during his briefing, said that the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections were orderly. The President reminded that the Elections Commission is an independent and Constitutional body.

He assured the observer mission that

like all of Guyana, he is awaiting the ruling of the court and ultimately, the declaration by the Elections Commission.

President Granger said too that it would be improper and unlawful for him to interfere in the work of the commission.

“It would be unlawful. I have no role to play. The matter is before the Chief Justice and I will await the ruling of the Chief Justice,” President Granger said.

The Head of State also condemned the levels of violence meted out to school children, villagers and the police as well as the destruction of property.

President David Granger and his team met with the OAS delegation on Sunday

folded since the close of polls March 2, 2020 and, contrariwise to some sentiments shared, it has no intention of making a final declaration before the court matter is resolved.

“While it is unfortunate how things have escalated, it is the intention of the Guyana Elections Commission to abide by all legal and procedural requirements to conclude its work. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, a mandatory injunction was granted against the commission and CEO which, as a consequence, impeded the finalisation of the commission’s work,” Ward stated.

“The recent action of the Chief Elections Officer indicating to the Chairperson and commissioners that his report in relation to the final declaration was completed was not intended to disregard the court proceedings, but rather appris-

ing the Chairperson of the completion of the document and that she may convene a meeting at her convenience.

In relation to this matter, no meeting was scheduled.

GECOM remains resolute in the fulfillment of its constitutional and statutory obligation.”

On March 5, 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), through attorney Anil Nandlall, secured three injunctions in the High Court to block the release and declaration of the results for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

They claimed that the declaration of results for Region Four by the region’s Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, on Thursday, were unverified.

The first injunction sought to restrain the RO from making any disclosure of the Region Four results unless and until he complies with the statutory procedure set out in section 84 of the Representation of the People’s Act. The second injunction “compels” the RO to comply with Section 84 of the

11

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward Representation of the People’s Act and to conduct and complete that verification exercise and then make the declaration as the law requires it to be done. The third injunction sought to restrain Lowenfield and GECOM from making any declaration of the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections “unless and until” the returning officer complies with that statutory code or verification enunciated in aforementioned Act. The court has decided that it has jurisdiction to rule on the matter and resume for a ruling on the same on March 10, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

GECOM says will not flout the laws of Guyana … that no meeting scheduled for declaration of results

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has given its assurance that it will not flout the laws of Guyana, and that no meeting was called to declare the results of last Monday’s general and regional elections.

In a statement on Sunday, GECOM said that as the constitutional agency responsible for the conduct of General and Regional Elections in Guyana, it is cognisant of the series of events which unfolded since the close of the polls on Elections Day, March 2, 2020. According to GECOM, while it is unfortunate how things have escalated, it is their intention to abide by all legal and procedural requirements to conclude their work.

The Commission noted that on Thursday, March 5, 2020, a mandatory injunction was granted against it and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, as a consequence of which the finalisation of its work was impeded.

GECOM clarified that contrary to reports that the CEO had tried to bypass the court proceedings by scheduling a meeting to declare the results of the elections, what he’d in essence done was apprise the Chairman that his report on the subject at hand was ready so that she could convene a meeting with the Commissioners at her convenience.

“In relation to this matter, no meeting was scheduled. GECOM remains resolute in the fulfillment of its constitutional and statutory obligation,” GECOM stated.

The letter Lowenfield reportedly wrote GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh and copied to all six Commissioners reads: “Dear Madam Chair, I have received declarations from Returning Officers for General and Regional Elections 2020 from Districts 1 – 10. In accordance with Cap 1: 03 Section 99, I have prepared the final report for submission to the Commission.

In this regard, a request is made for a

meeting of the Commission at your earliest convenience.”

Campaign Manager of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), Joseph Harmon said on Friday that the numbers show clearly that the APNU+AFC are well ahead of any of the other political parties following the elections. He’d also said that the next step should be for a declaration to be made by the Commission’s CEO, followed by a meeting of the Commission to confirm the results. Thereafter, he said, the GECOM Chair was expected to send a statement to the Chancellor of the Judiciary who will act to have the President sworn in.

Harmon had said that the Commission was to have met on Friday to conclude the process, when the PPP/C served an injunction on it. Harmon said the Chair of the Commission, Retired Justice Claudette Singh decided she will follow what the court says, and agreed that the procedure

for swearing-in will be put on hold and the parties will go to court on Sunday morning where the injunction will be heard. He said the APNU+AFC expects the situation to be treated with some amount of speed.

The total results declared by Returning Officers (ROs) for all 10 Administrative Regions in the Regional Elections show that the ‘Coalition’ government has won the elections by over 7,600 votes. And with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) being the last set of results to be declared, APNU+AFC jumped ahead on Thursday with 237,140 votes to the PPP’s 229,450.

The long-awaited results for the single outstanding Region was declared on Thursday, indicating that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 77,258 votes in Region Four, while the APNU+AFC gained 136,335.

This represents a 59,097 lead for the APNU+AFC in the Region, long known to be one of the Coalition’s strongholds.

Electrician killed in hit-and-run on Corentyne road THE police are investigating a suspected hit on run which occurred at approximately 22:55hrs on Saturday on the Letter Kenny Public Road which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man.

Dead is Shawn Smith, an electrician of Lot 17 Fingal Street, Rose Hall Town.

According to information received, the man left his hometown to drop a friend home at Letter Kenny Village

The motorcycle Smith was riding at the time of the accident

on his motorcycle bearing registration number CK 2517.

His unconscious body with injuries to his face and other parts of his body was picked up by the police, who were on a mobile patrol, and taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

At the young man’s home, a number of family members gathered as they tried to comfort his grieving parents.

His mother, Bobby Smith, barely mustered the courage to say she cannot believe her son had died. “They hit him down and leave him there, how could they do that?” she said in tears.

He was described as a caring, funny and hardworking person who was well known in the town.

The police investigation is ongoing as they seek to apprehend the perpetrator.

Shawn Smith

The spot where the accident occurred

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Social Cohesion is everyone’s responsibility

IN Guyana, we do not have one homogenous group of people to define what it is to be Guyanese; instead, we have several groups of people who are all able to call themselves Guyanese. We are descendants of Africans, Asians, Amerindians, Chinese and Europeans. Many of us are some combination of the above, or indeed belong to one homogenous group within the above. Nonetheless, we are all Guyanese.

Guyana has always struggled with social cohesion, especially within the context of race and ethnicity. Like many other countries, post-colonial countries in particular, racism, prejudice and discrimination are all deeply entrenched within the psyche of the masses. They have been indoctrinated to believe that, firstly, “race” is a real thing, and secondly, some “races” are superior or inferior to others. In fact, I would argue that the notion of “race” is a byproduct of the 19th Century development of the racial sciences, namely eugenics and ethnology.

Eugenics is the study of how to arrange reproduction within a human population to increase the occurrence of heritable characteristics regarded as desirable. Ethnology is the study of the characteristics of different peoples and the differences and relationships between them. These racial sciences are responsible for many of the longstanding misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding racism and racial superiority and inferiority.

According to the American Anthropological Association, “Evidence from the analysis of genetics indicates that most physical variation, about 94%, lies within so-called racial groups. Conventional geographic “racial” groupings differ from one another only in about 6% of their genes.” While there is a biological basis for differences in human phenotypes, most notably in skin colour, the genetic variability of humans is found not amongst, but rather within racial groups; meaning the perceived level of dissimilarity amongst the species has virtually no biological basis.

Throughout history, however, nefarious colonialists and governments have used the notion of “race” to divide and conquer the populous, usually in order to gain control of land or resources. I will give you the example of the Rwandan genocide and the slaughter of up to one million Tutsis, Twa and moderate Hutus. Prior to colonisation of Rwanda by the Germans, numerous ethnic groups, as mentioned above, lived in the country. The Germans favoured the Tutsis, believing them to be Ethiopians who had migrated and as such created a class or caste system, ensuring that Tutsis were given preferential treatment in terms of land, titles and opportunities. The Hutus became the underclass, and were of course disenfranchised. When the Belgian government took over control of Rwanda in 1926 during World War I, they continued to proliferate the divide, giving the Tutsis preferential treatment, and in 1935 introduced identity cards labelling citizens, Hutu, Tutsi, Twa or Naturalised. Whilst it had been possible for particularly wealthy Hutus to become honorary Tutsis, the introduction of the ID cards put an end to mobility within the groups.

The Rwandan genocide is a lamentable incident, and represented a dark day for humanity, but it shows the arbitrary and fickle nature of “race”, and how it can be used to create hatred, fear, division and instability.

RACISM IN GUYANA Racism in Guyana is nothing new, and I am always perturbed when I consider how Guyanese often relate to each other.

Most would be well aware that a man walking down the street is exactly that; a man walking down the street.

But in Guyana, that man becomes a “blackman”, or a “coolie man” if someone wants his attention. The worst is when I walk into a Chinese store, restaurant or business to hear calls of, “Chiney!” It’s actually quite sickening, and I can’t recall seeing anything or hearing anything like this anywhere else in the world, except for

in Guyana. Why must we refer to each other by race? By doing so, we are constantly reminding ourselves and re-indoctrinating ourselves with the incorrect notion that we are markedly different from one another, and as such, less than or better than the other. These things have to change if we are to live in a socially cohesive society, where there is mutual respect for all.

Finally, having endured the past elections week in Guyana, I am convinced, now more than ever, that there is more work to be done. It would seem as though the undercurrent of racial tension is no longer an undercurrent. Individuals are bursting at their seams to spew racially-charged and offensive insults towards each other.

I have seen racism and prejudice from all sides of the aisle on social media, and it has been hurtful, disappointing and worrying.

I am not, however, shocked, because as I have always said, politics has the ability to deeply divide people, and that democracy cannot be the best form of governance if individuals are expected to narrowly confine their ethics, morals, hopes and dreams to one specific party or political ideology. It is quite simply not possible, and often leads to

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radicalization, as we often see.

So, where do we go from here? We have to start by changing the way we recognise and relate to one another. There are so many barriers that society has set up in order to divide us as a people. We have the idea of “race” to contend with; then there is religion. Then we have social class, and so on.

We have to start understanding that these barriers are artificial and arbitrary, and that there really are no defining characteristics between us, as it pertains to our humanity.

We all want the same things as human beings at the end of the day. We all need food, water, sunlight, love, safety and security.

After everything that Guyana has fought to achieve, it would be a bitter shame if we were unable to enjoy the spoils of our labour together, unified against any regime that seeks to create hatred, animosity and discord amongst us. Do not be fooled, Guyanese!

We are one people, one nation, and we share one common destiny.

Let us remember this as we continue to build this nation for our children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Social cohesion is everyone’s responsibility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

GECOM to defend position on Region 4 votes

SENIOR Counsel Neil Boston said Sunday that come Tuesday, he will defend the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s position that the declaration of the votes for Region Four in the General and Regional Elections is valid.

Though disappointed in the High Court’s decision that it has jurisdiction to hear an application challenging the procedure through which the Returning Officer for Region Four Clairmont Mingo arrived at the total number of votes for the District, he will file his Affidavit in Defence on Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30hrs.

O n S u n d a y, C h i e f Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction to hear the case brought against Mingo; Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; and GECOM by Reeaz Holladar, a private citizen, on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The Chief Justice said there is sufficient evidence to prove that there was

non-compliance with Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. Section 84 (1) of said

Statements of Poll, and thereupon publicly declare the votes recorded for each list of Candidates.”

completed.

Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde said that though disap-

Counsel Roysdale Forde

Act states: “As soon as practicable, after the receipt of all the ballot boxes and the envelopes and packets delivered to him in pursuance of Section 83 (10), the Returning Officer shall, in the presence of such of the persons entitled under Section 86 (1) to be present as attend, ascertain the total votes cast in favour of the list in accordance with the

sition that the declaration of the returning Officer is a valid declaration made, and we will return to court,” Forde told journalists shortly after exiting the courtroom on Sunday.

Justifying his position, Senior Counsel Boston explained that following the declaration of the votes for District Four by the Returning Officer, the PPP/C applied for a recount but the application was denied.

He said that according to the electoral laws of the country, once an application of a recount is rejected, the declaration is final.

He said declarations by all 10 Returning Officers, as obtained on Thursday March 5, paved the way for the declaration of the

different from the current matter before the Court.

He explained that in Hamilton’s Case, the application was filed AFTER the declaration of the final results for the General and Regional Elections in 2001.

“We are in a completely different stage of the process, and in that Hamilton Case, we also asked the Court for a number of declarations, including stopping the swearing in of Bharrat Jagdeo… And the Chief Justice at the time, Justice Desiree Bernard, refused to grant any of the declarations,” he reasoned.

He said that the Court, in the Hamilton Case, also noted that Section 84 of the Represen-

Senior Counsel Neil Boston

Holladar, through his lawyers, has asked the Court to block the declaration of the results for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections until and unless the process of verifying the Statements of Poll for Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) is

pointed, he respects the decision of the High Court.

“Obviously, we will have to comply with the Order, and at the same time we will have to take the opportunity to review what are the options available to us,” he said. “But we remain resolute in our po-

final results for the General and Regional Elections by the Chief Elections Officer.

He said that while the High Court relied on the case Joseph Hamilton v Guyana Elections Commission, the facts and circumstances are completely

tation of the People Act is directory and not mandatory. “It means that it does not have to happen,” the Senior Counsel emphasised. Nonetheless, he said that GECOM will return to the Court to defend its position on the declaration of the results.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

NGO reaches out to bed-ridden couple

THE Centre for Guyanese Progress, a recently formed NGO, reached out to a young couple who has been bedridden as a result of an accident. Founders of the NGO, brothers Gavin and Gary Alleyne, said that, after hearing about the situation, they immediately sought to reach out to the couple, Naresh Chunilall and his wife Prya Mangra.

A quantity of foodstuff and other items were donated to the couple. Receiving the donation on behalf of the couple was mother of the husband Arondhatee Lall who evidently was happy with the assistance.

Gavin and Gary stated that situations like these the NGO will be seeking to lend valuable assistance to, noting that there are a number of persons encountering major challenges and difficulties and they are hoping that the NGO could provide needed relief and assistance.

“Gavin and I were made aware about the situation after reading about it via two newspapers and were emotionally moved. These are two young persons who suffered such an

unfortunate fate and are now at the mercy of everyone as it is the mother of the son along with loved ones [who are] forced to play a meaningful part in continuing their lives despite this major change,” Gary said.

He said that while he is not privy to the facts, he is daunted that there continues to be several road accidents and added that he is thankful that the couple remains alive. He issued an appeal to road users to be more responsible, stating that when accidents occur there are rippling effects.

“I see the manner of driving by some drivers in Guyana and it is why we have so [many] accidents. I hope that the relevant authorities will toughen up on laws and actions being taken against irresponsible drivers as our country continues to lose our human resources through accidents that could have been prevented. We cannot continue like this as too many lives, too many families, too many children are affected and hurting because of the accidents,” he stressed.

The smiles say it all – Prya and husband Naresh smile as Arondhatee, Gavin and Gavin said that he was very happy to Gary with little Mahendra Chunilall and NGO Official Rodwanicia Kennedy look on join Gary, noting that they were so moved to contribute that despite the fear by some that recover. They also promised to assist the making the donation now would not have couple’s young son as it was stressed that been an ideal time, they were determined and the father being the sole breadwinner, he is were pleasantly surprised by the response of unable to provide as a result of his injuries. “It the family and residents in the community. is sad that this young boy is suffering as his “When we got there the couple and the parents cannot do a lot for him and is unsure neighbours were happy, not only for what we if or when they would be able to. We made had to give but because we took time to visit a commitment to help as we are cognizant them to have a conversation. It is stressful that Arondhatee was forced to cease working being in such a situation, dependent on oth- because she has to care for them, it’s a sad ers for almost everything that you must do. situation,” Gary noted.

However, having visitors to encourage you Meanwhile, Arondhatee expressed sincere does a lot and we saw the happy expressions thanks and gratitude to the NGO stressing on their faces,” he said. He said that he was that the assistance is timely as she has been impressed with the outpouring of community encountering increased challenges. She exspirit in lending moral and other valuable pressed hope that the police will take approsupport to the family. He noted that the resi- priate action against the driver declaring that dents of Pigeon Island have shown that they she is saddened by the driver’s lack of care can come together and support one another in and concern. “I am really grateful for this astimes of difficulty. “The residents were happy sistance as we really need it, it’s very hard on to welcome us and even shared their thoughts me as I had to leave my job to be able to take on the situation. We were happy that we took care of them all day and with this help it will the time to go as we were able to interact with assist in making things a little better. the residents and understood their views on a I would like to appeal to the police to number of community issues. We hope that take action in this matter as my son and the police would seriously follow up this mat- daughter in law could have died like aniter to ensure that justice is served,” he said. mals as the driver has not sought to reach The Centre for Guyanese Progress found- out to them or me in anyway despite the ‘Thank you very much’ - This is what Arondhatee Lall is telling Gavin and Gary ers promised to continue lending support fact that he has left them bed ridden,” an Alleyne after the donation to her son and daughter-in-law to the young couple in their efforts to fully emotional Arondhatee said.

Bosai lays off casual workers FOLLOWING an unsuccessful bid to locate market for recently produced bauxite, the Bosai Minerals Group Guyana (BMGG), the bauxite company operating out of Linden, has sent home a number of casuals and contracted workers, in an effort to tighten its budget.

In addition to not securing markets, the two kilns in the company are presently not working, and the storage is currently full.

Relating the situation to the Guyana Chronicle was a senior official within the company, who said that the situation presently is that there have been no sales and the company made a decision to send home casual workers. He said that once the bauxite is sold, the workers are

expected to be called back immediately.

When asked whether it was the rapidly spreading corona virus that caused the lack of sales, the official said it can either be that or the increase in competition on the local and world markets. In Guyana alone, there have been more bauxite companies in operation, which creates more competition locally for BOSAI. The latest of these is First Bauxite in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Relative to the economic effects the corona virus has been having on the world market, Reuters reported two days ago that global stocks continue to sink as the virus spreads.

The report said that the disruption to business

worsened, stoking fears of a prolonged economic slowdown. Stock markets that are being affected include Europe, America, Germany, China and other countries in Asia. “The MSCI All-Country World Index, which tracks shares across 47 countries, was down to 0.7 per cent,” the report said.

Employees of Bosai are anxious about the situation, and are hoping that the company secures sales so that normalcy can be restored.

In the last two months, the company has experienced some tumultuous times, among them sanctions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) twice, following an order for its wash plant operation to be halted. The company official also related that BOSAI is still

to meet all of the requirements meted out by the EPA, and that despite the current political situation, the company continues to work to honour those environmental stipulations.

The company also had to pay the National Industrial Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) over US$3M in dividends, which had accumulated over the years after a series of extensive negotiations.

Workers are hoping that they do not share the same fate as the hundreds of RUSAL workers that were recently laid off, as that company, too, had said that it was economic challenges which prompted it to act the way it did. BOSAI employs over 600 workers, many of whom hail from Linden.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

HOROSCOPES

Aries Gemini Leo Libra

Sagittarius

Aquarius

A richly creative Saturday is in store as the Leo moon activates your fifth house of passion and self-expression.

What talent can you share with the world, Aries? When you’re feeling this vibrant, you’re magnetic, so don’t be surprised if you attract an admirer or three.

But as eager as you are to follow your bliss, respect your boundaries. A shadowy beam from Pluto could harsh your buzz a bit. In the long run, though, this reality check might save you from rushing into something you haven’t fully considered.

As if the world didn’t seem bizarre enough already, on Sunday, the Sun spins into alignment with dreamy Neptune, loosening your grip on reality even more. You may not be able to balance your checkbook, but your imagination will be working overtime. Pursue creative, reflective pursuits, like writing poetry or taking a voice lesson. Feeling a little off-center physically? Book a bodywork—or hypnosis— session and allow yourself to flow at a languid pace throughout the day.

It’s the perfect time to release unnecessary obligations and take the whole day off!

THERE’S a time to share your opinions…and a time to keep quiet and listen.

Under Saturday’s stars, a wise Gemini must discern the difference.

Today’s Leo moon in your communication house ramps up your chatty side.

Yet a challenging beam from tight-lipped Pluto in your private eighth house warns you not to turn every conversation into a tell-all tea party. It’s fine to be transparent and authentic, but wait for people to earn your trust before you spill any state secrets. Put a little soul in your Sunday goals, Gemini. The ego-boosting Sun and soulful Neptune connect in your career sector—an annual pairing that may bring a longing for more meaningful work. You’re probably not ready to quit your day job and join the Peace Corps, but there ARE things you can do now. How about some pro bono work with an organization you admire?

This can satisfy your desire to give back—and, when they do have an opening for a paying gig in the future, they might just call you first SATURDAY’S moon in Leo turns up the dial on your already magnanimous personality.

And while a strong dose of your big-cat magic can be exciting, you might serve up too much of a good thing. In your haste, you risk overlooking key details that will result in retracing your steps and doubling your workload. As la luna fumbles with an awkward beam from manipulative Pluto, being too helpful could make people feel suspicious of your motives. Pace yourself and don’t push (or take it personally) if anyone turns down your offers of support. On Sunday, you’ll be the one to leave people guessing during the year’s only meeting of the Sun and esoteric Neptune. Shift into observer mode. The insight you’ll glean on your own will be way more on-target than what anyone else can tell you. Need to prime the epiphany pump? Open your journal and free-write or sketch in your pad without censoring or limiting yourself in any way. This enchanted alignment takes place in your eighth house of seduction. Make eyes at that intriguing soul or smile mysteriously and say hi.

It doesn’t have to go further than a casual conversation—unless, of course, you want it to.

Taurus Cancer Virgo

SATURDAY’s Leo moon activates your butterfly wings as it beams into your outgoing eleventh house, but duties on the home front could interrupt your flow.

You can’t please everyone, Libra, so do your best to meet your networking needs before you rush back to the nest. Some Libras may feel a wave of self-protectiveness in a group, especially as possessive Pluto throws shade at la luna. Perhaps you feel out of place or sense this isn’t your true squad. Don’t let these insecure thoughts get the better of you. Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself. For all you know, the other people could also be socially anxious. Check in with yourself on Sunday: How are you actually feeling, both inside and out? The year’s only mashup of the Sun and Neptune in your sixth house of wellness bumps all kinds of self-care up to highest priority. Get your body moving in any way you enjoy, whether dancing in your living room or strengthening your core at the Pilates studio. Eat warming whole foods (ideally that you prepare yourself) and drink plenty of water and herbal tea. With the radiant Sun in the mix, it can’t hurt to turn up the heat.

Treat yourself to a trip to a health club (or day spa), where you can soak in a hot tub and sweat in the sauna or steam room.

Scorpio

WHEN you get swept up by a big new idea, it can fully command your attention.

And with the Leo moon lighting up your starry-eyed ninth house this Saturday, your inner seeker is having a field day. What visionary, world-changing project are you cooking up now, Archer? But don’t neglect those other duties. A harsh jostle from Pluto in your work sector reminds you that time management, budgeting and planning are what lay the foundation for success. Maybe you’re not there yet, and that’s okay. If you’re thinking of starting an indie venture, pace yourself. Don’t abandon your daydream—but don’t quit your day job prematurely, either. Rallying yourself to get out of the house won’t be easy on Sunday as the Sun hooks up with dreamy Neptune in your domestic corner. Instead of pushing yourself to achieve, allow your imagination to roam where it will. You might be surprised by what comes through when you switch off your analytical brain and open your intuitive channels. Your motivation—and energy levels—may flag, but that’s okay,. Cancel plans, cook up a big pot of soup and take a long, hot bath.

Once you’re in the robe and slippers, meander down memory lane by pulling out a photo album or reading old letters. Nostalgia could trigger a creative breakthrough!

Capricorn

ARE people energizing you or draining your reserves? On Saturday, it could be a bit of both.

With the moon in Leo and your interpersonal zone, the spotlight is on one or two of your closest alliances. Are they getting enough of your quality time? A nudge from nefarious Pluto alerts you of a few “energy vampires” in your midst. These needy types are zapping your attention, and it’s time to set a few firm boundaries. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to nurture the high-quality relationships that fill your tank and feed your soul. Try putting THOSE people first instead of the ones whose lives are a perpetual hot mess. Don’t make any hasty purchasing decisions on Sunday, Aquarius. The annual alignment of the Sun and foggy Neptune in your money house can skew your judgment. Savvy marketers rely on reaching you emotionally, but today you could bleed red ink on an impulse buy that’s much more of a luxury than an actual need. Give yourself 48 hours to cool down. If you still “can’t live without it,” find a responsible way to finance the splurge. Can you give up your cable TV or turn a spare room into an Airbnb? Or maybe start an eBay or Etsy store? The Sun-Neptune duo can electrify your imagination.

The more you scratch your head about this, the more genius ideas you’re likely to hit on.

Pisces

WITH the moon in Leo and your sensitive fourth house, you might want to tuck yourself away all Saturday with a mug of tea and a cozy cashmere throw.

The world seems too harsh, and you just don’t have the steam to deal with criticism or rejection. Before you go off the grid, check: Could hiding yourself away cost you an opportunity? With sultry Pluto in your ninth house of risk-taking, you may need to push past these nervous feelings. Don’t let insecurities or fears get the better of you. Take a break to nurture yourself, then get out to enjoy some cultural activities and a little bonus flirting. Be discerning about who you trust on Sunday as the blinding Sun links up with muddling Neptune in your collaborative eleventh house. Their combined effect can be a lot like a smoke machine, masking a group’s agenda or a so-called friend’s less-than-honorable intentions. Someone might not be carrying their weight on Team Taurus—or undermining an important mission. Even if you (and your famous patience) can handle their stupid human tricks, the rest of your squad shouldn’t have to.

You’re still free to hang out together one-on-one, but don’t subject others to their antics.

YOU’RE feeling productive as Saturday’s Leo moon energizes your work and money house.

But your results will be limited if you don’t ask other people for help. An uncooperative beam from rigid Pluto in your interpersonal zone could make you hesitant to speak up or hold people accountable. What are you worried about, Cancer? You deserve the support—and there’s no reason to shoulder the hard work alone. Sunday’s union of the Sun and deep-diving Neptune can pique your interest in life’s enigmas. Give your analytical left brain the day off and let your heart and intuition be your guides. Stroll through your favorite part of town, ducking into shops, galleries and maker’s markets. With your mind so thirsty for knowledge, pop into a bookstore and wade through the metaphysical or travel section. If there’s a talk or an author appearance or if someone is doing card readings, give it a go.

You never know what source will lead you to your next important discovery.

WITH the moon in your sleepy twelfth house, you’re definitely dragging this Saturday.

But don’t be so quick to cancel evening plans, especially if they involve a loyal person who always shows up for YOU. As prickly Pluto sends a reproachful beam to la luna, think twice before you make an excuse or cancel at the last minute. That said, is there a valid reason for turning someone’s invitations down? Distance yourself from dramatic divas who drain your energy and don’t take “no” for an answer. Relationships should be founded on choice, not guilt and obligation. A nagging ache or phantom migraine could be your body’s way of telling you a situation is awry. On Sunday, the Sun makes its annual connection with dreamy Neptune in your seventh house of relationships, helping you heal any romantic rifts you’ve been struggling with. The key? Being fully compassionate to your partner’s side of the story—even if you’re feeling a little defensive about your own. Single? Widen your search parameters and stay open to someone who doesn’t fit your usual type.

A little experimentation could lead you straight into the welcoming arms of a potential soulmate.

SCORPIO on a mission! You want to stay in your hard-working zone this Saturday, and the moon in your industrious tenth house amps up your ambition.

Still, adopting an all-work-no- play stance (especially on a weekend) could leave you sidelined from an important conversation.

Break away from your duties to jump on a FaceTime call or have coffee with a friend. With an awkward angle between the moon and your ruler, private Pluto, interruptions will seem irritating. But with the right people, taking that time to connect could pay off. Sunday marks the year’s only meetup of the bold Sun and dreamy Neptune in your passionate fifth house. Cast aside your skepticism and give people the benefit of the doubt. Being able to drop your guard is how you’ll find (or rekindle) a serious love connection. And how about beaming that amorous energy toward your own reflection? The Sun sharpens Neptune’s blurry boundaries. Cut ties with people and activities that lower your self-esteem.

Accentuate the positive!

KEEPING your cards close to your vest is a smart strategy—to a degree.

But if you’re so opaque that people can’t figure out who you are or what you stand for, you risk alienating them. Saturday’s Leo moon in your secretive eighth house butts up against unapologetic Pluto in your sign. Maybe it’s time to “own it,” Capricorn, instead of doubting yourself or worrying about being judged. If you’ve been silently stewing instead of speaking up, stop expecting others to read your mind. Let ‘em know what you REALLY think…but please, be kind. Sunday’s muddling alignment of the Sun and nebulous Neptune could fog up the facts. Suddenly it’s hard to tell who’s speaking the truth, who’s peddling snake oil and who’s just yanking your chain. Don’t make any major commitments today—and save that scathing social media post to drafts until you’ve done more due diligence. Then put on your researcher’s cap and try to find out what’s really going on. Make sure you check the source of your information and back it up with at least two other credible claims.

The last thing you need to do is be the unwitting propagator of fake news.

WITH the moon in Leo and your get-’er-done sixth house this Saturday, you’ve got a mile-long to-do list that you’re itching to tackle.

While you should definitely knock off some essential items, don’t fall too far down the taskmaster rabbit hole. A jostle from transformational Pluto in your eleventh house of teamwork reminds you to delegate a few of those duties. If you find yourself slipping into martyr mode, stop and send up smoke signals. Certain jobs might be better handled by a pro. Outsource, Pisces. Even if you THINK you could watch a YouTube video and figure it out, the hours you’ll waste going the DIY route won’t be worth the few dollars you’d save. Sunday marks the annual connection of the Sun and your ruler, dreamy Neptune, in your sign. You are enchantment personified: utterly irresistible and absolutely magnetic. Don’t waste this precious gift making small talk with basic bores. Scout out the local rock stars and find your rightful place among them.

You might even turn the day into a personal retreat, with morning yoga or a meditation class followed by a hot-stone massage, then lunch or dinner with your BFF or S.O. With an open-ended agenda, you could serendipitously download some amazing epiphanies!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

‘Wait on the court’s ruling’ … GECOM Chair tells Jagdeo as he asked for resumption of verification process

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, is maintaining that his party has beaten the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) by over 15,000 votes.

He wrote the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, on Saturday in a three-page letter claiming the same, but the Chair, in a brief letter on Sunday, asked the opposition leader to await ongoing the ruling of the High Court which speaks to the declarations of Region Four.

According to the opposition leader and based on tabulations from his own party, the PPP gained 223,193 votes altogether, while the APNU+AFC gained 217,305 in the Regional Elections. He claimed that the commission had previously published on its site the results of nine regions which showed that the APNU+AFC received 100,682 votes and the PPP/C

152,121.

However, this newspaper can confirm that the commission’s site showed that these numbers are actually 100,685 votes for APNU+AFC and 152,304 for the PPP/C for the nine regions. Jagdeo based the previous numbers on a table with discrepancies which has been floating around social media and failed to tally each regional declaration by GECOM to verify his information.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo

Nonetheless, despite these errors, Jagdeo stated in his letter that the verification process commenced

by Region Four RO, Clairmont Mingo, was interrupted on March 4, 2020 by his illness and the subsequent exhaustion or unavailability of elections officials. He also claimed that on one occasion the verification process was interrupted by “the need to locate 20 Statements of Poll in relation to certain voters which had been recorded on a spreadsheet produced by the Returning Officer.”

He said that they were different from what counting agents had in their possession and this resulted in the votes of only 421 of the 879 stations in the district being counted. The next day, on March 5, 2020, when the stakeholders were slated to return to continue the process, he said that Mingo, “in the presence of counting agents, their assistants and other observers” without resuming the verification process, made a declaration.

“At around 2pm, Mr. Mingo appeared on the balcony of third floor of the GECOM building and made an announcement which could not be heard over the objections of those present and has since not been reported,” he said.

Jagdeo also said that the declaration form appearing on social media bears no official stamp. On Sunday, the PPP/C used its Facebook page to conjecture that the signature was that of Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence.

Even though the matter to block the declaration of the results for the 2020 General and Regional Elections until the Region

Four votes are completely verified is before the High Court, the former PPP/C President called on the GECOM Chair to “resume the verification process voluntarily” and demanded a final count.

In her response, Singh duly noted Jagdeo’s position but stated: “However, since this matter is now sub judice, I will await the decision of the court to determine the commission’s next step.” Added to this, she noted that none of the attachments, which Jagdeo claimed in his letter were included in his email, had been in her receipt in the said email.

The Chair therefore

Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh stated: “I request you submit the same for the commission’s perusal.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

President Granger fellowships at Christ Church

President David Granger on Sunday morning, attended Christ Church’s Sunday Mass -Second Sunday of Lent. In these photos President Granger interacts with officers of the church

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Vreed-en-Hoop to Stabroek speed boats still charging double fare on Sundays and holidays

BOAT operators plying the Vreed-enHoop to Stabroek Stellings continue to attempt to charge double fares on Sundays and holidays, notwithstanding insistence

by Harbour Master, Michael Tenant, that this practice is illegal.

Commuters are asked to make official reports to the Maritime Administration Department, when they encounter the situation. In the past, boat operators have been suspended for charging increased fares on Sundays and holidays.

The Guyana Chronicle was at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling on Sunday when a bowman for speedboat “The Americans”, which was being loaded at the time, instructed that he would be charging $200 per passenger and will only be taking 18 passengers or “half load”.

The bowman did so even as he stood next to the desk of a stelling monitor, whose job it is to ensure the boats charge the correct fare.

After they were informed that the incident would be reported, the monitor later came to the boat and told the passengers that the fare was $100.

For some time now, it has been a common practice by the boat operators to charge $200 on Sundays and holidays and claiming that they will only be taking “half load”, notwithstanding many of the boats still taking the regular “full load” or 35 passengers. The practice has seen continuous criticism from passengers.

“It’s wrong, its illegal, the fare is $100. If the fare goes up to $200, I’m willing to pay but the fare is $100. Taking $200 and telling me you’re going to go half boat is wrong,” expressed Noah Wintz, after exiting a boat on Sunday.

Eighty-year-old Wintz shared that he is from the West Coast Demerara and travels with the boats daily, he does not believe the boats are justified in claiming that the raise of fare is implemented because it takes longer to get the necessary 35 passengers to full the boat.

“If the law says that its $100 and people want to ride the boat they have to wait until it’s filled. For me it’s a convenient trip as opposed to using the bus to go around using the [Demerara Habour] Bridge. I’ve been stuck

After initially being told the fare was $200, passengers for the “The Americans” later paid $100 as they exited the boat at the Stabroek Stelling (Tamica Garnett photo)

Boats at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling were, on Sunday, still attempting to charge passengers $200 “double fare” instead of the correct $100 (Tamica Garnett photo) before at the Bridge so I take the chance and go with the boat,” Wintz said.

On Sunday, the bowman indicated that the boat was going “half load” as it would take one hour to full the boat however, within 15 minutes the boat was filled and left the stelling.

Twenty-two-year-old Troy Tasher says the increased fare would be an additional burden on passengers.

“This has nothing to do with Sunday, it’s just like a normal day, some people can’t afford to put $200. I don’t think it’s something good to do,” Tasher said, after he exited the boat.

When contacted on Sunday, Tenant said

to the best of his knowledge, the practice of charging double fares had stopped, particularly given that monitors are often present on these days to ensure the correct fare structure is enforced.

He however, noted that he will be looking into the issue. Tenant said when making reports, commuters should ensure that they get the name of the boat, and the time the situation occurred, so that the operators can be dealt with accordingly.

“I always tell people, get me the name of the boat and I will get who is the bowman and captain who worked on the day in question,” Tenant said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Phagwah messages

PAC: Phagwah helps solidify Guyana’s ethnic diversity

THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is well aware of the historic fact that Holi (most commonly known as Phagwah in Guyana) is a festival that celebrates fruitfulness and richness of the land; it is also known as the Festival of Spring, signifying the beginning of Spring and the end of Winter.

The significance of this for the PAC is evident in the commission’s business of caring for flourishing rich lands - national

protected areas across Guyana. We are, therefore, pleased to embrace and appreciate our Hindu brothers and sisters as they observe and celebrate Phagwah 2020.

In an era where much good is needed to facilitate prosperous living, the PAC also appreciates this Hindu festival as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. We are additionally aware of the use of abir (coloured powder) and water during these celebrations – it is a custom of celebrants to

throw powder and water on each other. We believe this helps to solidify and promote Guyana’s ethnic and cultural diversity as we often see all races, religions and communities playing Phagwah; this further promotes an atmosphere of tolerance for other cultures and religions which is certainly what Guyana needs at this juncture to continue its development.

The PAC encourages those who observe and take part in this celebration to maintain

an environment of fun, safety, respect and peace. The commission therefore calls on all persons playing with water and powder to play only with those who are willing to take part. Respect and protect the private spaces of others, and the environment as you celebrate Phagwah 2020.

A happy Phagwah to all our Hindu brothers and sisters and to all others who usually celebrate the “triumph good over evil” and this colourful holiday!

PPP: Let’s be emboldened with hope AS we celebrate the joyous festival of Phagwah or Holi, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially our brothers and sisters of the Hindu community.

Phagwah has become a truly national festival, which Guyanese from all spheres of society look

forward to. The diverse colours that are associated with the festival symbolise the commencement of the spring season and epitomise our nation’s rich diversity in a demonstration of a vibrant fusion.

Like all of our national festivals, the significance of Phagwah, through its pertinent messages, speaks to, among others, the triumph of good over evil. This message is pertinent at this juncture

given the current challenges our country faces.

Let’s be emboldened with the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah translate to the inevitable prevailing of truth and fairness.

Our party is mindful that in these current circumstances, major events to celebrate this

colourful festival, are no longer scheduled.

While it may defy expectations, it shows that in the quest for truth, sacrifices are unavoidable.

As Guyanese participate to mark the occasion, our party once again extends best wishes and urges tolerance and respect in the celebrations. Shubh Holi to all!

AFC extends greetings on the occasion of Phagwah THE Alliance For Change is pleased to extend Phagwah greetings to all Hindus on this festive occasion. The lessons of Phagwah or Holi should always remind us that good

triumphs over evil.

The symbolism of the Princess Holika being consumed in the flames intended for her nephew should be remembered and understood

by all Guyanese as it tells us that the universe has a plan which no one can interfere with.

We urge all Guyanese to honour the symbolism of Phagwah and to support the colourful

celebrations as a true Guyanese festival.

Let us celebrate the beautiful and colourful mosaic that makes up our Guyanese culture.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

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Region ―fresh 10 regional candidates ready to serve youthful faces to serve on RDC WITH the APNU+AFC coalition gaining 86% of the regional votes cast at the March 2 elections, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) will return to the management of the coalition as was the case for many decades. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) managed to rake in about 3000 votes and therefore will be allocated about three seats on the RDC, an allocation that has been given to them for many past councils, including the immediate past one.

Former PPP Regional Councillor Dexter Harding, upon announcement of the results, said he was very pleased with his party’s achievement which reflects a slight increase to the votes the party obtained in 2015. He said the party is ready to serve the region and regional candidates will be pulled from the constituencies from which the most votes were garnered.

A decision however will be made at the central executive level of the party.

Regional candidate however, Sherry Fyfe, said she is ready to serve at the regional level and will put her best foot forward to make the necessary representation for her constituency. Fyfe is already a councillor at the Linden Mayor and Town Council and is a veteran PPP member.

The APNU regional candidates however comprise a mixture of youth, women and professionals. More than half of the list consists of new faces who have never served on the regional council. These include businessman Deron Adams; Community Development Officer, Keisha Griffith McKane; Insurance Broker, Yanick Graham; Entrepreneur, Mark Goring; Restaurateur, Jemaine Figueira; Trade Unionist, Leslie Gonsalves and Community Activist, Kevon Lorrimer.

Naturally, Adams, who presently serves on the municipal council and is former Chairman of the PNCR Region 10 Chapter, feels honoured to be included on a list which will enable him not to only represent his municipality, but his region, a desire he holds close to his heart. Looking back on the strides he has made during his political career, Adams said he had been instrumental in execution of the Information Communication Technology (ICT), programme in Region 10 and coordinated several

workshops which resulted in the formation of the Linden Youth Network; this is a youth group made up of youths who successfully completed the programme and are now able to train other youths in the ICT field. “An ICT centre is currently under construction at Retrieve and this facility will give students and professionals the opportunity to access online services for free, in keeping with government’s vision for the sector,” Adams related.

Keisha Griffith McKane

Already, Adams has set the stage for subsidised ICT services at his Internet café.

Being an advocate for education, Adams also launched a ”Catch up” programme for children residing on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. “ The programme was geared at boosting our children’s reading and writing skills, keeping them engaged and interested in reading books, playing games, learning the use of the computer etc in the literacy lessons,” Adams said, adding that he had also organised several book drives since entering politics.

Other accomplishments include contributions to sports

Council, Adams said he will make the necessary representation to address concerns and problems such as public Infrastructure, improved health services and promoting the “green” economy.

CDO of Ituni, Keisha Griffith McKane, may be given a chance to make representation for her community at the level of the RDC. Though she has always been an advocate for community development, Griffith McKane said, “I am very enthusiastic about this nomination. I intend to advocate for job opportunities be brought to my community and neighbouring communities in the form of tourism and factories. Factories that can be established from the natural resources that are available in this area.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by AFC candidate Mark Goring, who said he is humbled to be selected as a candidate and while he is relatively new to active politics, he has been following same and has a fair idea of what is expected of him. “I’m a young entrepreneur who wants to make a difference and get things done in this region. Quietly I have been contributing to sports and education, whereas my company has done a lot of donations over the years; in fact, my company is currently sponsoring a full-time University of Guyana second-year Engineering student.”

Goring is a believer in the saying, “It is not what my country can do for me, but what I can do for my country,” and therefore will be using the platform to touch people’s lives in a remarkable

PPP candidate Sherry Fyfe

development, agricultural development and senior citizens empowerment through the Adopt a Grand-Friend initiative.

If given a chance to serve at the Regional Democratic

way throughout the RDC and is happy that the government would have given youths the opportunity to do for their country. If elected to the regional council, I will advocate for an orphanage, a nursing

home for the elderly, the best quality roads in every village, the rehabilitation of all government properties with stateof-the-art amenities, proper security at all public schools for a safer learning space and most importantly, revitalise the agriculture sector so as to be self-sufficient in Region 10,” he said.

and satisfying one. He said he is proud of his legacy and the lives he has transformed -- particularly those of young people -- over the last four years. Morian said that he took the oath of RC very seriously and for him, it was not about sitting in an office, but using that office to meet the needs of constitu-

Deron Adams

Mark Goring

Noticeably not on the list as a candidate is former Regional Chairman Renis Morian. In an exclusive interview, he described his tenure as a very fulfilling

ents, particularly youths who had converged on his office seeking an avenue for betterment. Many of them, he said, were school dropouts and delinquent youths who

just needed a second chance.

As a school dropout himself, Morian said that he enjoyed seeing as many youths benefitting from training, job opportunities or returning to school.

Another one of his major achievements he noted, is pushing hard for social cohesion at the level of the RDC and the community at large.

“I think for me my greatest contribution in Region 10 is bringing people together; we were very much fragmented, coming to the RDC and working with all the political parties, I was able to bring people together,” he reminisced. Working with such a diverse council and with councillors of different personalities, he made it his duty that there was not disparity, which would have no doubt stagnated progress.

Never once he said, was there an uproar in an RDC meeting or the suspension of meetings because of in-fighting and at the end of the four years, all councillors testified that they were indeed united.

This unity was then reflected at the community level where the various stakeholders collaborated with the RDC and even residents, to ensure progress was made and help was received, especially during a crisis, such as a natural disaster.

Morian served as councillor for three councils under the previous administration and affirmed that the difference between serving under the former government and the coalition government, was that no directive was given from central government.

“One of the basic changes with this administration, is that the chairman is allowed to do his duties without directives coming from Georgetown...This administration allows the chairman to be creative, to come up with new ideas; nobody writes you and says will do that. It gives you the opportunity to grow in the job and once you have a cohesive council, it will work out,” he posited. This was the catalyst for development in Region 10, as there was no intended efforts from higher up to stymie progress.

The Ministry of Communities, he said, did not focus on giving directives, but on empowering the council and providing needed help in the area of development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Staff members of the Region Two RDC at the Phagwah Mela

Region Two RDC staff celebrate Phagwah

The Rangoli A staffmember singing a Holi song

Staff members playing Phagwah

Sweetmeats that were on display

SOCIAL Cohesion, Unity and Togetherness were on Friday displayed by staff members attached to the Region Two Administration when it hosted its annual Phagwah Mela in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound.

On display were Indian delicacies including sweetmeats that are commonly prepared during the festival.

The programme featured Indian dances, chowtaal and holi renditions done by staff members themselves.

Speaking to staff members and special invitees, Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran commended the efforts of the staff for making a Rangoli that said “Happy Holi”. He reminded the gathering of the significance of the holiday and told them that every holiday celebrated in Guyana has a meaning and all holidays foster togetherness and social cohesion. He, therefore, extended Phagwah greetings on behalf of the Region Two administration to the Guyanese people and said the day celebrates good over evil.

Attending the event also was Social Cohesion Officer Audrey Garraway.

At the end of the programme, staff smeared each other’s faces with powder celebrating the festival of colours.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

‘Citizens must act responsibly’ … say religious leaders as they call for peace and unity

FOLLOWING the recent events of violence and hate spewed across the country, several religious leaders are calling for their fellow Guyanese to keep the peace and unity during this critical period, as the country awaits the March 2 elections results.

On Friday, several riots broke out across the country as citizens grew frustrated and impatient given the delay in the declaration of the results. The outcome of the said riots has left several young children bruised and traumatised, as well as several officers of the Guyana Police Force injured and some hospitalised. The unfortunate events have also left a family mourning the death of their 18-year-old loved one.

Pandit Dhanesh Prashad, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that the recent outburst of violence was uncalled for, stating that persons could’ve have went about the protest in a more decent and lawful manner. Pandit Prashad added that the aggression and violence seen on Friday was unbelievable.

“I’m very concerned at the moment, however, tension is rising in the country and I don’t feel people should make things escalate as it would have been up in Berbice and up in Lusignan. I feel like those situations could have been handled differently. The protest in particular, it could’ve been handle in a different way, a more subtle way, not in the very aggressive manner that they did it,” Prashad stated.

Adding that the protest was a waste of time and energy seeing that the very same politicians the protestors were appealing to, took no heed to their cries, Prashad stated civilians should just leave the politics to the politicians, “the protest was a waste of time … let these minsters, let these MPs [members of parliament], let them trash it out, eventually they will get an answer for them.”

Appealing to the general public, Prashad noted that the level of violence which was seen over the weekend was totally uncalled

for and as such, he is asking Guyanese to promote peace and not provoke each other during this sensitive period. “We did not need to go to all that length to create such steam in Berbice and Lusignan, so I’m appealing to all the people of Guyana to not let things get out of hand because every action [will see] a reaction and if you want peace to prevail you have to act in a peaceful manner,” he stated.

The young pandit further stated that he is praying for peace to prevail since the country has plunged into a state of depression and fear. “I just want peace to be prevalent right now in the country. People are scared to come out of their homes right now, business is slow right now; businesses are closing down, people aren’t working, and its not good for our country in the whole.”

Reverend Claude Brooks of Love and Faith Ministries, who also shared his views on the country’s current state, noted that he believes that it is not the politicians who fuel the hate, but the people themselves, the politics is just the lighter that ignites flames.

“We allow the politicians to divide and separate us during elections. The politicians are not the ones dividing us, they are the second chair I should say, but we are divided in our hearts because of hate. If hatred was not in our hearts no politician could make us hate,” Brooks stated.

Additionally, Reverend Brooks stated that Guyanese now have to change their mentality of identifying themselves by ethnicity and instead, just identify themselves as one people of one nation.

“Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese or Amerindian-Guyanese, we have got to see each other has just Guyanese and once we continue to label and put ethnicity as our identity and not nationality, we cannot take Guyana forward …once we keep labelling ourselves the division will continue and I want to send that message out to every inch of Guyana,” he added.

A MESSAGE TO THE

AFC urges GECOM to release data from elections … calls for security of all elections materials

THE Alliance For change (AFC) has called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to release its data from last week’s elections in the interest of transparency.

GECOM’s results are at variance with figures released by the Opposition, which has been alleging fraud, owing to the fact that the data showed that they lost the elections. The total results declared by Returning Officers (ROs) for all 10 Administrative Regions in the Regional Elections show that the ‘Coalition’ government has won the elections by over 7,600 votes. With Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) being the last set of results to be declared, APNU+AFC jumped ahead on Thursday with 237,140 votes to the PPP’s 229,450. The long-awaited results for the single outstanding Region was declared on Thursday, indicating that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 77,258 votes in Region Four, while the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) gained 136,335. This represents a 59,097 lead in the Region, which

is known to be an APNU+AFC stronghold.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Sunday, the AFC noted the concerns expressed by various political parties, groups, observers and members of the public regarding the results of the recently-concluded elections. The AFC says it recognises GECOM as the only constitutionally established body authorised to declare the results of the 2020 elections. “Our party is confident that the data which form the basis of the declarations made for the various regions

by GECOM has already been tabulated, and is available,” the AFC said, adding: “In the interest of transparency, and for the sake of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process at this critical time, we therefore urge GECOM to release this data to the public as early as possible. Further, the party calls on GECOM to ensure the security of all elections material in order for these to be available for scrutiny in the event of legal challenges arising over the outcome of these elections.

In the meantime, we ask all Guyanese to respect the rule of law and remain calm during the period ahead.”

POLITICAL LEADERS Meanwhile, in an appeal to the political leaders, Reverend Brooks stated that the political leaders first have to set the example and put their differences aside to see the calm and change in the people that the country has been longing for.

“We as Guyanese, we have to walk in love and only love can heal and overcome hate. Hate cannot fuel hate and that is what is happening now. A lot of the leaders [are] fuelling hate through statements and things that are being posted…a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. The message that I’m sending out is that our leaders have to love each other, and they have to heal this nation together, this nation has been divided

for two long,” he stated.

The reverend further stated that the political leaders of Guyana should take responsibility for fuelling the hate and division that has always been prevalent between Guyanese people, however he added that they have the platform to put some sort of stop to it and they should use their platform wisely to send a message loud and clear.

In an appeal to the nation, reverend Brooks urged all Guyanese to promote love and unity as the elections season continues its course, “So I’m asking all Guyanese to join me in sending the message of love and not hate, and I appeal to every Guyanese to stop fuelling hate and let us pray for the reconciliation of this nation.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

108 year- old Masjid recommissioned at Jacklow, Pomeroon

A MASJID in Jacklow, Pomeroon, Region Two, which is said to be 108 years old, was on Sunday recommissioned after a new structure was constructed in late 2019.

The Jacklow, Pomeroon Isameal Khan Masjid was established by indentured labourer, Mohamed Sarafraz in 1912.

At a simple ceremony at the Jacklow Jamat, donors and invitees remembered the long road to the new Mosque and Madarsa.

Sharing the history of the masjid was Mansoor Baksh of the Essequibo Ahmadiyya Organisation Lahore. He said the founder of the masjid Sarafraz and his wife Gafooran came to Guyana from India as indentured servants.

Sarafraz came from the province Punjab, while Gafooran, his wife, came from Uttar Pradesh. The crowd was told that the couple arrived in Berbice, Guyana in 1885 and was bound for Hampton Court Sugar Plantation.

After servicing six years of semi-slave labour, they were released and found temporary shelter at an abandoned estate at Plantation Better Success in 1892.

During that time, there was a road link from Dartmouth to Charity which allowed easy access to the Pomeroon River.

Sarafraz and 15 “Jahajees” in 1911 occupied several acres of land between Mar-

tindale and Siriki in the Pomeroon River.

Sarafraz’s estate was known as “Rabeah” – he and Hamid, Refeedeen, Kallod, and two others supported the first ‘Trooli-Roof’ Masjid built by Sarafraz in January 1912.

The mosque was 12 feet by 15 feet with manicole walls.

Baksh said the mosque was rebuilt in 1924, later in 1959 and now in 2019. The Jacklow Masjid served an area of thirty miles; where several Muslim families reside. All the Muslim calendar dates were observed, inclusive of Ramzan Shareef, the two Eids, and the Prophet’s birth date.

Muslims over the years used boats in the Jacklow area to attend Friday service. In 1935, the Imams were Abdul Hamid Ustadin and Sekandar.

From 1955, the new Imams were Abdul Ghanie, Mohamed Yussuf, Mohamed Noor and Basir’s second son, Magbool Amad Basir.

Imam Magbool Basir is also the architect of a new mosque at Charity, a small township of 5000 inhabitants.

The Jacklow mosque traditionally was a tourist destination for visiting Muslims; some of whom will spend a whole week enjoying the cool river breeze and many fruits.

Some came from India, Pakistan, Syria, Suriname, England, and the USA.

The newly recommissioned 108 year-old Mosque at Jacklow

The new structure

The old structure

The gathering at the service

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Guyana’s elections must be free from outside interference –Global human rights activist –– says Guyanese should come together for unity

INTERNATIONALLY-renowned human and civil rights activist Dr. Joseph Beasley on Sunday called on all external forces to allow Guyana’s electoral process to be completed by the people of this country.

He also beckoned all Guyanese to come together to ensure that their actions during this time do not lead to the senseless loss of life and property, and the destabilisation of the nation.

Dr. Beasley is a celebrated American civil rights activist, and a leading humanitarian, who also serves as President of African Ascension. He was an observer in South Africa’s 1994 elections that culminated to the end of Apartheid, and also observed elections in countless nations, including in Haiti, Zambia and, most recently, South Africa in 2019.

Dr. Beasley said Sunday he was saddened to hear of the country’s political crisis following the March

2, 2020 polls. He said, however, that his organisation, with partners in Guyana, is concerned that outside forces were involved in the process. “The people should lead the election process; not Western powers. We are also concerned that the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada were the first parties to decry the integrity of the election outcome following their announcement, and not the people of Guyana,” Dr Beasely said through the organisation.

According to him, “We interpret their statements before and immediately after the vote count as sinister, and biased towards one group of the political elite over the other, and immediately demand that these Western Nations cease forthwith from issuing statements that can destabilise the nation of Guyana.”

He said members of the diplomatic corps should channel their recommen-

OAS delegation holds talks with PPP

GENERAL-SECRETARY of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, on Sunday met with representatives of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observer Mission, led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

During the meeting, held at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, the PPP general-secretary raised several issues of concern. He pointed out concerns about alleged attempts by some elements within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in complicity with APNU+AFC coalition members, to perpetrate electoral fraud in Guyana and subvert the will of the Guyanese people.

The PPP general-secretary expressed concern too about the wilful actions of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, which flouted an injunction restraining him from actions that facilitate a declaration of final results in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. This contempt of an order of the court, according to him, is a serious matter.

Further, the signature of PNCR’s Volda Lawrence on the declaration made by the Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo was also addressed with the OAS team.

The PPP general-secretary pointed out that the nine other declarations bear only the stamps and signatures of the returning officers of those areas. As such, he questioned where this document was generated and how Lawrence’s name appeared on a crucial document. He added that this is akin to the APNU+AFC coalition declaring the results for Region Four. He pointed out that the verification process was running smoothly and over 400 Statements of Poll were verified, when a spreadsheet, with substantial variations in favour of the coalition, was introduced into the process.

He said after vociferous protests by all the political parties, the chief elections officer, he added, proffered assurances to all the political parties – in the presence of the international observers and members of the diplomatic corps – that the verification process would recommence and continue to completion, using the Statements of Poll.

dations through the traditional diplomatic channels as provided for under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and not through press advisories and releases. Dr. Beasley also called on all parties to follow the constitutional

process, noting that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had announced the vote outcome as mandated by the Constitution.

Dr. Beasley related that the people of Guyana, back in 2015, had elected President David Granger without

the support or interference of western nations. “We call on the people to come together to develop frameworks on how to ensure that the discovery of oil leads to their shared prosperity as a nation, and not permit western powers to dictate their terms of engagement with each other,” Dr. Beasley said in his statement. “Libya is a reminder that western allies, when left

unchecked, are not allies in any nation’s contested political process, but interested parties,” he added.

His organisation, he said, believes that the political direction of Guyana belongs to the people of Guyana, and that the “political elite” should work together to ensure it remains that way, for them and their future generations. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Essequibo women cricketers receive treat

WOMEN Cricketers from the Pomeroon and Queenstown communities in Region Two were in for a treat Saturday when 10 makeup artists volunteered their skills to change the way they look.

The women received free makeup, compliments of the artists.

The makeup was done to coincide with International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on

The makeup artists with cricketers A makeup artist doing work on a cricketer March 8. Earlier in the day, the Department of Youth, Region Two hosted its 4th annual cricket festival at the Imam Bacchus Ground in Affiance.

According to one of the makeup artists, Tremacie Nauth, makeup is her business and she was happy to partner with the Department of Youth to transform the women’s lives and brighten their day.

Free makeup was provided as well as face painting. Seven persons received free makeovers and the cricketer who gained the most runs also received free makeup.

Nauth said that women are important and should feel special every day.

“A woman is beauti-

ful naturally but makeup enhances her beauty fostering her self-confidence. We as makeup artists wanted to give back meaningfully to society,” Nauth said.

Other makeup artists included Zenelly Kellawan, Malesha Deonarine, Adriana Robeiro, Keiza DeSilva Shonte Allen, Kerlesia Boston, Vivianna DaCosta, Gladacy Boston and Esther Fiedtkou.

Regional Youth Officer, Herald Alves, said he was happy to partner with the artist in making the event a success.

He also thanked the Bacchus family for allowing the department to use the Affiance Ground for the cricket festival.

One of the cricketers who had her face painted

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

UN reviewing developments in women’s rights since Beijing Platform for Action

GLOBALLY, more girls are now in school than ever before, fewer women are dying in childbirth and the proportion of women in parliaments has doubled across the world, showing major advances in women’s and girls’ rights since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action some 25 years ago.

Created in 1995 at the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, the “Beijing Platform for Action” is a framework that covers 12 areas of concern in advancing women’s rights.

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, the UN Women on Thursday launched “Women’s Rights in Review 25 years after Beijing”, a report analysing the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, which remains the most comprehensive agenda for gender equality ever agreed on.

The report flags the lack of effective action to boost women’s representation at the tables of power and warns that the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action will never be realised if the most excluded women and girls are not acknowledged and prioritised.

UN Women’s Executive

Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said, “The review of women’s rights shows that, despite some progress, no country has achieved gender equality. This is not an inclusive and equal world and we need to take action now to create one that does not discriminate against women.

Only half is an equal share and only equal is enough”.

Despite unprecedented global challenges, the report also proves that positive change is possible, as shown by the success of women’s collective action to obtain accountability for crimes against them. The report showcases successful initiatives in scaling up public services to meet women’s rights, from increasing access to contraception and childcare, to reducing domestic violence and increasing women’s participation in politics and peacebuilding.

The report is based on the UN Secretary-General’s Report, ‘A comprehensive exercise on women’s rights with contributions from 170 Member States’.

The report reveals that there have been advances in women’s and girls’ rights since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action with 131 countries having passed laws to support wom-

Holi message by Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton 2020 Today, Guyanese from all walks of life will join our Hindu brothers and sisters at home and in various other parts of the world, in celebration of Holi – the festival of colours.

On this day, more than ever before, I call on every Guyanese to put aside their differences and unite in celebration of this beautiful and auspicious occasion, commonly known as Phagwah.

Although a Hindu festival, Phagwah is a joyful national holiday celebrated by all Guyanese, regardless, of race, religion, political affiliation or social status. This spectacularly colourful festival is an undeniable demonstration of the beauty that is our diversity. Consequently, the observance of Phagwah is not limited to playing with just one colour. Rather, it is a celebration of the unification of all shades of all colours. I believe that Holi this year has come at a most convenient time, and I am confident that today’s celebrations will help to shatter the barriers that divide us, and mend every strained relation. It is my most genuine hope that today’s celebration will inspire each of us to work even harder in pursuit of a Guyana where all are loved, respected and celebrated, equally.

Shubh Holi to every Guyanese, particularly our Hindu brothers and sisters; may these celebrations be most rewarding to each of you and all of Guyana.

en’s equality over the past decade.

However, much work still remains to be done.

Globally, progress on women’s access to paid work has ground to a halt over the past 20 years. Less than two thirds of women (62 per cent) ages 25-54 are in the labour force,

compared to more than nine out of 10 (93 per cent) men.

Women continue to shoulder the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work, moreover nearly one in five women (18 per cent) have faced violence from an intimate partner in the past year, and 32 million girls are still

not in school.

UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said, “2020 presents an unprecedented opportunity to turn things around for current and future generations of women and girls, to accelerate progress during the UN Decade of

Action.

The UN Women has initiated six Action Coalitions that will mobilise governments, civil society, UN agencies, and the private sector to deliver game-changing results to advance equality for women and girls.

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Commonwealth gathering urges countries to make this ‘the decade of gender equality’

AHEAD of International Women’s Day, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland joined a gathering of leaders, celebrities, academics and activists in London to discuss ways to accelerate

the progress.

Despite decades of activism and reforms, only six countries in the world give women and men equal rights to work in their law books – an increase from none about 10 years ago.

The Secretary-General said: “Our Commonwealth Charter speaks of gender equality and women’s empowerment as being essential components of human development and basic human rights. “Ad-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, March 9, 2020

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and other officials at the event vancing women’s rights, the education of girls and their participation in the workforce are critical prerequisites for effective and sustainable development.

“For instance, on average, for every £1 invested in a business, those with allmale boards show a loss of two per cent, while those with two or more women yield a return of six per cent.

“But many countries need help to make it happen. So today, we are consulting on a toolkit that will support country-level efforts with training programmes and campaigns to accelerate gender equality.”

She declared this March as Commonwealth Gender Equality Month to “sharpen the focus on the need to accelerate the rate at which action is taken by our member nations to achieve gender equality”. Delegates watched a new film that follows Livia Firth, co-founder of Eco-Age, to Botswana. In the film, she listens to women who have improved their living standards by working in Botswana’s diamond industry. Over 80 cents of each dollar from Botswana’s diamonds go to funding measures to reduce poverty, empower women, deliver quality education and provide free health care. Livia said: “In Botswana, I have seen a picture of what can happen when businesses operate in partnership with the government and civil society, and where longterm investments are made in collaboration with local communities to ensure that the benefits are truly shared with those on the ground.”

An expert panel discussed how diamonds have contributed to the sustainable development

of Botswana uplifting communities and protecting the environment.

Panellists included The First lady of Botswana Neo Masisi, Patricia Scotland, Livia Firth, Baroness Lola Young, and three women featured in the film: Pat Dambe, Naseem Lahri and Kgalalelo Mokgweetsi.

Neo Masisi said: “Botswana’s economy transformed from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country in Africa where the discovery of diamonds has played a pivotal role in creating sustainable growth and development in Batswana’s livelihoods.

“Botswana has managed where many others have failed to translate the potential resources below ground into enduring value above ground.” The panel presented a list of progressive practices, which had helped close the gender gap in the Botswanan workforce. These include engaging women in the development sector, investing equally in women and men and getting women into male-dominated industries.

The Secretary-General launched a toolkit, developed in partnership with the NO MORE Foundation, that will help implement the sustainable development goal five for gender equality. The toolkit aims to provide guidance on devising culturally sensitive training programmes, bystanders intervention initiatives and motivational campaigns to bring about positive change more swiftly, including challenging gender-based violence.

International Women’s Day is a global event that celebrates women achievers in every field while calling for gender equality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

Australia smack India...

FROM PAGE 34

Pandey, the third of them a drive over cover that was eyepoppingly brilliant.

Mooney trademark innings Mooney’s innings summed up so much about her career: overshadowed, for a large period, by a teammate but when you look she has top-scored with a defining innings.

She was the perfect foil for Healy’s early onslaught, feeding the strike to her partner as often as she could although not without some eye-catching shots of her own.

When Healy fell, picking out long-on trying for a sixth six, Mooney went to a 41-ball half-century and followed it with a pristine inside-out cover drive off Radha Yadav.

To India’s credit, they did not completely fall apart.

Sharma struck twice in her last over to exact a modicum of revenge by claiming Lanning and Ash Gardner. Having started the last five overs with nine wickets in hand they only brought 42 runs.

Schutt fires back, India fold Schutt’s first over the tournament, against India, went for 16 as Verma took hold of her. “Clearly, I don’t

think I’m the best match-up to those two in the powerplay, they find me easy to play,” she said after the semi-final. It was a very different story this time.

Verma laid down the gauntlet with a wonderful lofted drive first ball, only for it to plug in the outfield, but two balls later edged a back-of-a-length delivery with Healy following her runs with a superb catch up to the stumps.

The first three bowlers used by Australia Schutt, Jess Jonassen and Sophie Molineux - all struck in their opening overs. It was complete dominance.

Finishing touches Harmanpreet Kaur has done some magnificent things against Australia, but this has not been a great tournament for her and it ended with a slog-sweep that found deep midwicket to leave India 30 for 4.

It was another wicket for Jonassen who, like Mooney, is such a key part of the team but does not always get the airtime of others.

Australia could easily have drifted through the closing overs, but their fielding and catching was a final statement of how they peaked when it mattered.

Mission accomplished.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

Fans not allowed for Bahrain GP (BBC) - Fans will not be allowed to attend this month’s Bahrain Grand Prix because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers said the race - scheduled for 20-22 March would be “participants only” because allowing spectators at the event “would not be the right thing to do”.

The Chinese Grand Prix from 17-19 April was postponed last month.

“Balancing the welfare of supporters and race goers is a tremendous responsibility,” organisers said.

“Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity, would not be the right thing to do at the present time.

“But to ensure that neither the sport, nor its global supporter base, is unduly impacted, the race weekend itself will still go ahead as a televised event.”

Bahrain had implemented special measures to ensure the race would go ahead.

Immigration and health authorities have requested the names and flight details of all F1 personnel who work for teams, administrators, broadcasters or media who have been to, or transited through, China (including

Hong Kong), Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, Lebanon or Thailand in the 14 days before their arrival in Bahrain.

They have also asked for the names and flight details of all passengers planning to arrive in Bahrain via the United Arab Emirates.

These passengers are expected to be screened at Manama airport on arrival and, if they do not have coronavirus, will be allowed to enter the country.

“We know how disappointed many will be by this news, especially for those planning to

travel to the event, which has become a cornerstone event of the international F1 calendar, but safety has to remain our utmost priority,” read a statement from the Bahrain International Circuit.

“Bahrain’s own early actions to prevent, identify and isolate cases of individuals with Covid-19 has been extremely successful to date.

“Aggressive social distancing measures have further increased the effectiveness of preventing the virus’ spread, something that would clearly be near impossible to maintain were the race to have proceeded as originally planned.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari say they are preparing to travel to next weekend’s season opener in Melbourne as planned despite the travel restrictions now being enforced in northern Italy, where the team’s Maranello headquarters are based.

Italy has placed up to 16 million people under quarantine as it battles to contain the spread of coronavirus. Anyone living in Lombardy and 14 other central and northern provinces - including Modena, where Maranello is situated - will need special permission to travel.

In a statement, Ferrari said that

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton won the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix

Betis stun Real Madrid 2-1

Real Betis moved eight points clear of the relegation zone

some equipment and personnel was already in Australia but others had yet to depart from Maranello.

The team said they would continue to proceed as planned “unless we receive communications to the contrary”.

“Following measures announced by the Italian government, we are monitoring and evaluating the situation and are in close contact with the relevant authorities and all organisations involved,” the statement read.

“For Ferrari, compliance with the government regulations represents the primary guarantee for ensuring the safety of its employees and their families which is our priority. Every single decision will be made with respect to this principle.

“Part of the team and equipment have already arrived in Melbourne and the departures for the remaining members of the team are going ahead as programmed.”

Formula 1 bosses have previously said they will not hold a World Championship race in any country that prevents any team entering as a result of coronavirus restrictions.

Speaking last week, F1 managing director Ross Brawn said: “If a team is prevented from entering a country, we can’t have a race. Not a World Championship race, anyway, because that would be unfair.”

(BBC) - Real Madrid sustained a shock defeat at Real Betis to hand the initiative to Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Barca had beaten Real Sociedad 1-0 on Saturday to go two points clear and Zinedine Zidane’s side were unable to respond with a victory of their own.

They fell behind to Sidnei’s stunning strike into the top corner, but levelled via Karim Benzema’s penalty.

Ex-Barcelona forward, Cristian Tello, was Betis’ match winner, stroking in on 82 minutes.

The Betis substitute broke clear and coolly slide the ball past goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, as the hosts picked up only their eighth victory of the season to move up to 12th, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Rubi’s team looked far from a side struggling at the wrong end of the table, causing Real Madrid all sorts of problems as Marc Bartra somehow headed over from six yards out with the whole goal to aim at.

Veteran winger Joaquin went round Courtois and looked to be slipping the ball into an empty net but was denied by Luka Modric’s goal-saving interception on the line.

The Belgium international goalkeeper also made a stunning save to tip Nabil Fekir’s thunderous, first-time strike over the crossbar.

After taking the lead through Sidnei’s superb effort, the goal-scorer went from hero to villain by bringing down Marcelo inside the area and allowing Benzema to equalise.

The winner came courtesy of Benzema’s loose pass which was picked off by Andres Guardado, who popped the ball off for Tello and he made no mistake.

Real Madrid pushed for the equaliser but Ferland Mendy’s curling shot was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Joel Robles’ flying save and Benzema curled narrowly wide in the 95th minute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

White’s late winner helps England beat Japan (BBC) - Ellen White came off the bench to score a late winner as England beat Japan in their second SheBelieves Cup match in New Jersey.

White coolly slotted the ball past the keeper from close range after Toni Duggan, who was also a second-half substitute, won possession on the edge of the box.

It keeps alive England’s slim hopes of defending their SheBelieves Cup title, after they lost to world champions the USA in their opening match on Thursday.

Bethany England and Lauren Hemp were denied by Japan keeper Sakiko Ikeda in the first half as England played better that they did when losing in Orlando but still lacked the sharpness they showed in last year’s competition.

Japan had chances in the first half too - Mina Tanaka was able to get in behind the defence on two occasions but failed to capitalise.

And England keeper Ellie Roebuck had to scramble to get across to Hina Sugita’s long-range effort, which hit the post.

The Lionesses take on Spain in their final match of the round-robin event in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday (21:15 GMT).

Neville, whose squad has an average age of 21, opted for a front three of 19-year-old Lauren Hemp, 22-year-old Chloe Kelly and 25-year-old Bethany England - who went into Sunday’s game with 12 caps between them.

They showed confidence on the ball and fluidity on the

Manchester City forward Ellen White came on against Japan to score her 36th international goal

whole but could not take the chances which they created between themselves.

Hemp, making a second successive start after impressing against the USA on Thursday, had the best chance of the game within the opening five minutes.

She was played in by England and got there ahead of the defender but couldn’t disguise the direction of her shot when oneon-one with the keeper.

England was then gifted a great opportunity after a neat pass from Kelly on the right but the Chelsea striker - joint-top scorer in the Women’s Super League this season - struck it straight at Ikeda, who had a busy half in goal for Japan.

Moments later, England’s driving run created space for Jordan Nobbs to put in a cross from the right and Hemp, under pressure from the full-back, couldn’t quite get on the end of it.

England came close again with a powerful shot from the right that Georgia Stanway, following up on the rebound, could only fire over the bar from the edge of the box. And a diving header from England in the second half was straight at the keeper.

Neville said before the tournament he wanted the young players to go out there “with no fear” and ultimately they did that - dribbling at defenders, taking on players and switching positions across the front three. But they just lacked the clinical edge that World Cup top scorer White was able to provide when it mattered.

Manchester is Red! (BBC) - Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, said it is a “privilege” to manage his players as they completed the Premier League double over derby rivals, Manchester City, for the first time in a decade.

This thunderous encounter was a personal nightmare for Manchester City’s normally reliable Brazilian goalkeeper, Ederson, who gifted Solskjaer’s side both goals in sharply contrasting fashion.

He allowed Anthony Martial’s routine shot to squirm under his body from a quick Bruno Fernandes free-kick on the half-hour and then, with seconds left, threw a clearance straight to Scott McTominay, who showed great technique to send a long-range finish, struck first time, into the net in front of a delirious Stretford End. It is a win that leaves Liverpool - who now have a 25-point lead at the top of the table - requiring only two more wins to secure their first league title for 30 years and Manchester United only three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, after their first derby league double since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

City hotly contested the free-kick, given by referee Mike Dean for a foul by Ilkay Gundogan on Fernandes, that led to Martial’s goal - although United also felt they were denied a penalty when Fred was booked for diving after tangling with Nicolas Otamendi.

Sergio Aguero had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR and even though City enjoyed the greater share of possession, United sealed a crucial win with McTominay’s strike to take their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions.

“It’s a privilege to be their manager,” Solskjaer told BBC Sport. “They give absolutely everything. They know they are all good players but they want to learn as well.

“We feel we are improving as a squad and a team. We feel the fans want us to do well and they see what we are doing, so it is getting better and better.

“But we are still fifth. We need points to

Anthony Martial is the first United player to score in both derbies in a Premier League season since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006-07

catch Chelsea and Leicester, so need to keep plugging away.”

Solskjaer sensing top-four finish The jubilant scenes and the sound of his name echoing around Old Trafford at the final whistle will have been music to the ears of Manchester United manager Solskjaer.

The Norwegian, still to convince many of his suitability for the giant task of turning Manchester United’s fortunes around, has now enjoyed three wins over Pep Guardiola and Manchester City this season - and this was surely the most satisfying day of the season at ‘The Theatre Of Dreams’.

United may still be light years away from the glory days of old but victories such as this

sustain hope, and the atmosphere inside Old Trafford as Solskjaer’s side first held on to their advantage and then sealed the win was reminiscent of days gone by.

Manchester City may have enjoyed the greater share of possession but United showed great resilience and always carried a threat on the break.

Fernandes once again confirmed what a shrewd piece of business his signing was from Sporting Lisbon - although why wait so late in the window to sign him? - and why he is already a hero to United’s fans.

The Portuguese has that touch of class and creativity while United had another outstanding performer in defender Aaron

Wan-Bissaka, who won his battle with Raheem Sterling as he hounded the England star for 90 minutes and beyond.

Manchester United, who have looked off the top four for so much of the time this season, are now right in the fight and credit must be given to the manager who has helped fashion this impressive run.

“We feel we are improving all the time.

We know we lack one, two, three players to be considered a title contender and some experience,” said Solskjaer. “We are just going to start talking about going up the table, getting more points.

“Chelsea and Leicester are too far ahead for my liking.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

Australia smack India in women’s T20 Final

Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney rode their luck to give Australia a great start © Getty Images

By Andrew McGlashan “We haven’t played our best game of cricket yet and that’s still out there somewhere and hopefully it happens tomorrow,” Meg Lanning said on Saturday.

Her team delivered in magnificent fashion, riding on the coattails of an audacious innings from Alyssa Healy, to claim a fifth T20 World Cup title with a crushing 85-run win in front of an MCG crowd of 86,174, just marginally short of a new world record for a women’s sports event.

There were so many bigger-picture narratives about the day, but there was only one thing in the minds of the two teams for the few hours on the field. It was Australia’s day from the moment Lanning won the toss.

They set the tone with the first over of both innings.

Healy was dropped in an over that went for 14, making a similar statement that her

husband, Mitchell Starc, who was among the thousands watching, did against New Zealand in 2015 men’s World Cup final.

In the field, Megan Schutt got the better of Shafali Verma who had previously won their head-to-head hands down.

It had not just been about Healy with the bat. Beth Mooney, who was also dropped on 8, finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 259 at 64.75 after an expertlypaced 78 of 54 balls to ensure the opening stand was built on even if India clawed things back somewhat in the final five overs.

That was the only period where the contest was even close. After Verma’s early departure things quickly got worse for India when Taniya Bhatia was forced to retire hurt after a blow on the neck (and was later subbed out with concussion) and before the end of the fourth over both Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandana had picked out mid-on against leftarm spin.

All that was left was for Australia to finish the job.

Powerplay statement Against the first ball of the final Healy came down the pitch against Deepti Sharma and swung a boundary through midwicket.

The same could easily have happened the next two deliveries as well as Sharma took until her fourth delivery to pitch the ball.

Then came a moment India will rue for a long time when Healy drilled a chance to cover where Verma shelled it.

Another boundary, driven beautifully through the covers, signed off the first over which cost 14 runs.

Even that early in the match it felt like a huge swing towards Australia.

After two overs Healy had five boundaries and though she only added one more in the next four, by the end of the powerplay Australia had a firm grip at 49 for 0.

Healy’s awesome striking

Immediately after the fielding restrictions were relaxed, India turned to their trump card on Poonam Yadav.

Her first delivery was a perfectly decent googly that was nudged into the off side by Mooney.

It might sound like a very small moment, but that was the delivery that caused so many problems in the opening match at the Sydney Showground.

Australia’s strong start meant they could also sit on her somewhat, especially when the carnage continued at the other end.

Healy was taking things to a new level.

Two consecutive sixes straight down the ground off Rajeshwari Gayakwad - the first 83 metres - powered her towards a 30-ball fifty, the fastest by a male or female in any ICC global limited-overs final.

Even better was to follow, though, when she launched three consecutive sixes off Shikha SEE PAGE 31

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday March 9, 2020

Red Force crush Pride CMC – A ruthless Trinidad and Tobago Red Force dealt a heavy blow to Barbados Pride’s title quest with a crushing 147-run victory here Sunday.

Chasing an improbable 330 to win on the final day of the seventh round match at the Brian Lara Stadium, the championship leaders folded meekly for 182 in their second innings, to spoil an excellent five-game winning streak.

Pride were dismantled by paceman Uthman Muhammad who claimed four for 28, including three of the first four wickets to fall, as the visitors slumped to 43 for four in quick time.

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein continued his wicket-taking form with three for 44 while leg-spinning captain Imran Khan chipped in with two for 46.

In-form left-hander Kyle Mayers resisted with a top score of 40 while out-of-form captain Kraigg Brathwaite managed 36, tailender Chemar Holder 34 not out, and allrounder Kevin Stoute, 33, but Pride failed to string together partnerships of real substance

to avoid their second defeat of the season.

Red Force, with a single win to their credit and two defeats and as many stalemates in their last four outings, started the day requiring a clinical effort in order to get the better of their bitter rivals.

Resuming on 343 for nine, they added a further seven runs before last man Anderson Phillip perished for 16, just 13 balls into the morning session.

Left with the better part of three sessions to pull off victory, Red Force made little mistake as Uthman Muhammad and Phillip tore Pride’s top order to shreds with destructive new-ball spells.

Uthman trapped Shayne Moseley lbw for five in the fourth over with 11 runs on the board as the left-hander hit across a full length delivery and then removed Test batsman Shamar Brooks for 10 in his next over to a catch by wicketkeeper Joshua DaSilva moving smartly to his right.

Three balls later in the next over, Phillip hit Justin Greaves in front for one and when Uthman got Shane Dowrich to flash at a short

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein … claimed the vital wicket of Kyle Mayers.

wide ball and nick a catch to DaSilva for five, Pride were sliding towards a heavy defeat.

They recovered through a 53-run fifth wicket stand between Mayers and Brathwaite, reviving hopes of salvaging a draw.

Mayers struck half-dozen fours and a six in a breezy 45-ball innings while Brathwaite counted four fours and a six off 89 balls in nearly 2-¼ hours at the crease.

They seemed to be taking Pride safely

to lunch without further loss when Mayers perished in the fourth over before the break, holing out in the deep off a slog-sweep at Hosein.

When Cephas Cooper completed a brilliant running catch in the deep to dismiss Brathwaite in the fifth over following the resumption off Hosein, Pride lost four wickets for 21 runs and the last wicket stand of 52 between Stoute and Holder only delayed the inevitable.

CL Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 7…

Jaguars, Hurricanes run fest ends in draw --Johnson, Bramble hit half-centuries, Cornwall ends with 10 wickets

By Clifton Ross THE run fest at Providence ended with a calm draw as both the Guyana Jaguars and Leeward Hurricanes put each other to the test, as round 7 concluded yesterday.

The Champs posted 261 in the first innings thanks to Vishaul Singh grafting 90; as the Hurricanes pair of Rakeem Cornwall and Jerimiah Louis bagged 4 wickets apiece.

Hurricanes, in a brave effort, racked up 378-9 in their first innings, gaining a lead of over 100, thanks to knocks from Montcin Hodge (98), Amir Jangoo (90) and

Jahmar Hamilton (67).

Jaguars, batting a second time, ended on 228 for 8 with skipper Leon Johnson chalking up a good-looking 63 with 10 fours; wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble muscled 8 fours in his 69.

Cornwall returned to bag 3 for 99 in the second innings, ending with 10 wickets in the match while Kacey Carty supported with 2-28.

Cornwall brought out the tricks early in the morning session, after the Jags came out for their second innings which required them to first wipe the 117 run lead then make fresh runs for the Hurricanes to chase with a day left.

The burly off-spinner cleaned

up the top three batsmen, including openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) and Tevin Imlach, who failed for the second time in the match with another non-negative integer score (0), thereby bagging himself an unforgettable pair.

After narrowly missing a ton, left-hander Vishaul Singh (17), managed a solitary four prior to him, too, being pinned leg-beforewicket (LBW) by Cornwall.

Reeling at 22-3, seasoned heads, Johnson and Chris Barnwell (40) commenced the repair work as they took the Jags to 72-3 when lunch arrived.

Kian Pemberton (1-32) then got into the action by removing

a settled Barnwell who was out caught after hitting three fours.

Looking to play his shots, Johnson was given a life when he was dropped by a diving gloveman Hamilton as Guyana chipped away at the deficit.

The session before tea was a solid one for Guyana as Bramble hit six fours to reach his fifty along with his captain who also reached the halfway mark, as the tail was mopped up in a hurry.

Things ended in a subtle manner as the Hurricanes needed more than a 100 runs to win in less than a session remaining.

Hodge was given out LBW by pacer Niall Smith (1-12) for

10, but Kieran Powell (12*) and Amir Jangoo (5*) saw their team to stumps as the game ended in a draw, lifting the team spirit of the last-placed Hurricanes team.

Earlier, when play resumed, Cornwall and Louis, the overnight pair, looked to stretch the 94-run lead.

The left-arm swinger, Reifer, then removed Louis (11) while Permaul trapped Pemberton lbw for a duck, leaving Cornwall unbeaten on 19 with a four and a six to his credit.

Round 8 continues next week at Providence where the Jags will battle the Barbados Pride.

Fletcher, Ambris carve half centuries to give Volcanoes win

Andre Fletcher.

CMC – West Indies players Andre Fletcher and Sunil Ambris carved out half-centuries in a pivotal century partnership as Windward Islands Volcanoes won for only the second time this season with a two-wicket victory over Jamaica Scorpions.

Starting Sunday’s final morning at the National Stadium here on 51 for three in pursuit of 225 for victory, Volcanoes overhauled their target thanks to 71 from Fletcher and 56 from captain Ambris.

Together, they posted 105 for the fourth wicket but more importantly, denied Scorpions that vital early

strike they needed in order to get at Volcanoes’ brittle lower order.

Fletcher, a white-ball specialist, struck 10 fours in an innings lasting 141 balls and nearly three hours, after resuming the day unbeaten on eight.

On two overnight, Ambris showed his class in a 75-ball knock decorated with seven fours.

Ambris was largely untroubled by the Scorpions attack until he skipped down to off-spinner Jamie Merchant (2-39) in the fifth over before lunch and clipped a simple catch to his opposite number John Campbell at mid-on.

On 161 for four at lunch,

Volcanoes benefitted from two key partnerships after the break to get up to their target.

Fletcher put on 31 for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart (22) who then added a further 34 for the sixth wicket with Keron Cottoy (24).

There was some late drama when Stewart was caught at short- leg off Merchant with 11 runs needed for victory, triggering a slide that saw three wickets tumble for four runs in the space of 22 deliveries.

But Kenneth Dember (three not out) kept his head to see Volcanoes over the line.

Australia smack India in women’s T20 Final PAGE

34

Meg Lanning leads the victory lap © ICC via Getty

CL Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 7… 35

PAGE

Jaguars, Hurricanes run-fest ends in draw --Johnson, Bramble hit half-centuries, Cornwall ends with 10 wickets

Vishaul Singh

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson (File Photo)

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MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2020