Guyana Chronicle E-paper 7-19-2020

19th July, 2020

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Justice

No.106065

‘ for Linden martyrs’

…State, families agree to $77M settlement

…Lindeners remember their martyrs: killed for protesting

SEE STORIES ON PAGES 02&03

Current and former Region 10 officials and family members of the three victims on Saturday at the Linden Martyrs’ Memorial Service

‘Become critical thinkers’ 11 PAGE

…Chief-of-Staff challenges senior officers of the military

Citizens protest ERC

PAGE

14

…call for sacking of Roshan Khan, sanctions on ‘Guyanese Critic’

Seven new COVID-19 cases recorded 03 PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

Never again! …Lindeners remember their martyrs: killed for protesting

By Naomi Marshall LINDENERS, on Saturday, paid homage to three of their citizens who were ‘gunned down’ while protesting the PPP/C’s government’s imposition of an electricity tariff hike on their community which was, for years, left impoverished.

The killing occurred on July 18, 2012. The Linden Martyrs’ Eighth Anniversary was observed with a memorial service at the Linden Martyrs’ Monument, located at the July 18 Memorial site, just a stone’s throw from where the trio was killed.

Giving remarks was the Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell, who said that July 18, 2012, will be forever etched in the minds of Lindeners- a day when peaceful protesters Shemroy Bouyea, Allan Lewis and Ron Sommerset were fatally shot, and many injured, by the Police.

“It is the day Lindeners stood against a regime that had intended to place its knee on the neck of a town that was already feeling the pangs of unfair democracy and economic instability.

Lindeners united for 33 days in a peaceful protest against the administration and, in the light of it, lives were lost and our people were impacted but we stood together,” Arrindell recalled.

She noted that Lindeners

were protesting for their survival, since the PPP/C government, at that time, was attempting to increase the town’s electricity rates, even though its economic activities were low. She said that citizens of Guyana should never again have to choose losing their lives while protecting their human rights. Arrindell went on to say: “We are facing a strange time right now but please, let us show the country and the world the true meaning of one people, one nation, one destiny. Let them look to Linden for role models on how to stand tall in the face of adversities, let them see that a united people can overcome any obstacle and tragedy. Just like those who stood their ground in the past, we must let those who seek to oppress us know that Linden does not bow, Linden will always stand as one, for united we stand and divided we fall.”

In an invited comment, Former Parliamentarian, Vanessa Kissoon, expressed that Lindeners must never forget the “dark days and many sufferings” they would have faced under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C’s) regime.

Kissoon noted that it was a time when the Lindeners of all ethnicities, religious and political affiliations, went out to the streets in numbers to protest, peacefully,

against an injustice that was being forced upon them. She reminisced on those “dark days” stating that it was a time when mothers, wives and children were all fearful of never seeing their fathers, husbands, brothers, nephews and cousins, again after leaving home to go practise their human right of protesting peacefully.

Kissoon said local and national leaders must ensure that the ‘Linden Martyrs’ get their due recognition, adding that Lindeners must always remember the names of the Martyrs, Shemroy Bouyea, Allan Lewis and Ron Sommerset, for their history must not be forgotten.

“Never again must a people have to suffer at the hands of their own Government and so we the people must ensure that we get jus-

tice by never allowing the PPP/C to ever return to Government and gain power. We must ensure that we stand up against anyone who is trying to take us back to those dark days under an uncaring and wicked regime,” Kissoon said before echoing a chant said by Lindeners on July 18, 2012, “We Stand Strong! We Stand Together! No Retreat!

No Surrender!”

Former Regional Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon, in a Facebook post pointed out basic facts of the 33-day long protest.

He said that the “33 Days of ‘The People’s Struggle’ resulted in the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry by the PPP/C government, which established that the State was indeed responsible for the killing of the three Lindeners and the injuring

The Linden Martyrs’ Monument of many other Lindeners and the then People’s Progresshould be held liable. sive Party/Civic (PPP/C) According to the Lin- Government to hike elecden Commission of Inquiry, tricity rates there. The evidence revealed that, “no shooting occurred at the police officer was injured; Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge policemen were armed with during a standoff with proguns; no evidence that any- testers and ranks from the one else was so armed. From Joint Services where resithese factors, one can there- dents were, at the time, profore reasonably conclude that testing the decision made by the fatal shooting was done the former administration to by the Police.” increase the electricity tariff The Linden Martyrs – from $5 per kilowatt to $65.

Ron Somerset, Shemroy The protest was led by Bouyea and Allan Lewis Vanessa Kissoon and Shar– were killed on July 18, ma Solomon with support 2012 during a protest in from religious organizaLinden over a proposal by tions.

‘You cannot commit a crime; profit from that crime…and simply walk away’ … Barbados diplomat wants more actions on reparations THE Barbados Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), David Commissiong, Saturday said it is just not enough to simply have good intentions as the Caribbean seeks reparations from Europe for the slave trade.

“Rather, what is required is a determination to pitch our demands for reparatory reforms at a level where, if and when they are implemented, they will achieve a fundamental and decisive breakthrough in the structure of black poverty and inequality,” said Commissiong, as he delivered, virtually, Australia’s annual Nelson Mandela Lecture, commemorating the birth of the late South African leader.

Commissiong told the audience that for the Caribbean, “reparations is not simply about a money payment. “Yes, there is a money component, but reparations is about much much more than a mere money payment. We conceive of reparations as a revolutionary programme of transformation that is designed to eradicate structures, practices and consequences of anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, discrimination and inequality, and to create just societies.

“Indeed, we conceive of our campaign for reparations as the latest , and perhaps the most critical phase, in our mass-based mission to “humanize” the locations of barbarism that our ancestors were deposited in when the political and commercial elite of 17th century Europe decided to create slave societies in the Caribbean as mechanisms for the generation of super abundant profits.” Commissiong said that based on the Caribbean programme for reparation, the region is indeed sending a message to Europe.

“That we are saying to Europe : “You cannot commit a crime; profit from that crime; cause immense damage to a people as a result of that crime; and simply walk away from the scene of the crime with your

ill-gotten gain!” ”No! We are inviting you to return to the scene of the crime; to engage in a developmental conversation with the people you have injured; and to find a way to make a developmental contribution to those societies and people that you injured; those societies and people that you plundered and unjustly profited from. We are inviting you to do what is necessary in order to come to some sort of just and reasonable reconciliation.”

But Commissiong said that the situation goes further than that, and that there is indeed an international dimension to the Caribbean’s reparations campaign that goes way beyond the Caribbean, and that has implications for the entire international order.

“As we have engaged on this reparations journey, it has become increasingly clear to us that our campaign for reparations or for Reparatory Justice must be a campaign that is designed to produce the “Just Society” internationally as well.

“Thus, we have also started to formulate a demand for a fundamental transformation of the inequitable and exploitative economic and power relations that are still to be found currently existing in the international order…that has its roots in those centuries of slavery and colonialism.”

Commissiong said that this international dimension of reparations has implications for the restructuring of such important international institutions as the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, institutions, which he said “were established when the black nations of this world were still colonies, and that therefore do not sufficiently contain our presence and influence within their structures. “It has implications for the terms of international trade and finance. For example,

it envisages reforming the inequitable and insensitive manner in which many of the international financial institutions treat the small developing nations of the Caribbean; and the manner in which a multilateral organisation like the European Union callously and unjustly “blacklists” and punishes Caribbean nations for daring to develop international business industries.”

Commissiong told the lecture held under the theme “Reparations and the Nelson Mandela Mission of Transforming and Humanizing Structures of Oppression,” that the new order has implications for how the vulnerable small island developing states of the Caribbean “must be treated in both the climate change crisis and in the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are only now beginning to flesh out this internationalist dimension of our reparations campaign, but in the months and years ahead you will witness the Caricom Reparatory Justice Campaign striving for a world-wide transformation of centuries-old relationships between the peoples of the world –relationships that, tragically, are still based on old but persisting patterns of discrimination, exploitation, inequity and domination – relationships that are rooted in centuries of imperialism, colonialism, systemic racial discrimination, enslavement and native genocide.

“Indeed, you can expect to see the Caricom Reparatory Justice Campaign promoting and striving for the sort of global justice that the world so desperately needs now – reparatory justice in all of its dimensions – climate justice, economic justice, social justice – as we strive for the new relationships that will shift the current destructive economic model towards social, economic and environmental sustainability,” Commissiong added.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

‘Justice for Linden Martyrs’

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…State, families agree to $77M settlement

By Svetlana Marshal APPROXIMATELY five months after the families of the three Linden Martyrs sued the state, a $77M settlement has been reached.

The Linden Martyrs – Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan Lewis – were killed on July 18, 2012 during a protest in Linden over a proposal by the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government to hike electricity rates there.

The shooting occurred at the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge during a standoff with protestors and ranks from the Joint Services where residents were, at the time, protesting the decision made by the former administration to increase the electricity tariff from $5 per kilowatt to $65.

Approximately eight (8) years after the tragic event, their families, in February, 2020, filed a $450M lawsuit against the state on the grounds that the police were reckless and engaged in the unnecessary use of force that resulted in the deaths of their loved ones. The lawsuit was filed by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade before High Court Judge Franklin Holder, on behalf of the claimants: Rodwell Lewis, the son of Allan Lewis; Jacqueline Bouyea, the mother of Shemroy Bouyea; and Margaret Somerset, the mother of Ron Somerset. In the application,

it was stated that the three men’s right to life and fundamental right to liberty were breached, encroached upon and infringed by the state.

Attorney General Basil Williams was named respondent in the case.

On Saturday (July 18) even as the people of Linden honoured the lives of Somerset, Lewis and Bouyea, Wade disclosed that a settlement was reached on or about June 25, 2020. Based on the settlement with the state, the estate of Somerset will receive $27M, while the estates of Lewis and Bouyea will receive $25M each. A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the shooting found the Guyana Police Force culpable in the deaths of the three protestors.

Senior Counsel Stanley Moore

Attorney-at-law Darren Wade

Paragraph 261 of the Linden Commission of Inquiry Report reads: “We believe that the police were responsible for the shooting to death of the three deceased, as well as [for] the injuries caused to several other persons at Lin-

den on July 18, 2012, as there is no evidence that anyone else had a firearm which was discharged.”

The commission, in February 2013, had recommended $3M each for the families of 24-year-old Bouyea and

46-year-old Lewis and $1M for the relatives of 18-yearold Somerset. In justifying its recommendation made with respect to Somerset, the commission said there was no evidence to suggest that the teen, who was attending the Linden Technical Institute, worked and offered financial support to his mother.

“His mother, Margaret, who was a vendor in the interior but now unemployed and lives in Suriname, testified that Ron worked at an electronic shop at Linden which is owned by her son-in-law and assisted in supporting her and her two grandchildren.

She was a most unimpressive witness and it is left to wonder whether Ron in fact assisted to support the family, hearing in mind that she

received a monthly support of US$250 from two of her children who live overseas.

We do not believe that Ron was employed at the time of his death,” the commission wrote.

Wade drew attention to the fact that the commission, in its CoI report, indicated that the initial payments were not based on a legal obligation, but were ex-gratia (as a favour rather from legal obligation).

Senior Counsel Stanley Moore, who represented the state, told the Guyana Chronicle that the settlement was reached on the basis of Wade’s submissions. “He, I believe, presented their claims very well and looked after their interest very well,” Senior Counsel Moore posited.

He noted that the awards will be made directly to the estates of the trio. “Justice Holder examined the settlement that had been reached by the parties; he examined the settlement very carefully, and satisfied himself that it was fair to all parties concerned and he was particularly careful to ensure that the Order made by him was that the damages awarded would go to the estates of these three deceased persons and not in the hands of any single person,” Senior Counsel Moore told the Guyana Chronicle.

Seven new COVID-19 cases recorded THERE continues to be a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with the country recording seven new cases within the past 24 hours.

Health authorities have so far tested 3,603 persons, with 3,276 being negative and 327 testing positive. Of the positive cases, 163 persons have recovered and 19 persons have died, but there are 145 active cases which are being monitored by authorities. Five of the active cases are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Considering these figures, the

Ministry of Public Health reminded persons that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which causes damage to one’s body, even after recovery. Guyanese need to be wary of their actions because the country is yet to contain the spread of the virus.

Phase three of government’s phased reopening exercise kicked in on Saturday, but Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle had urged Guyanese to remain cautious and be responsible in their conduct because the country is still battling the pandemic.

Among some of the amended

measures, which were announced on Thursday, is the reduction of time for the national curfew, which is now 20:00 hours to 6:00 hours. Government has also cleared the way for public sector employees to return to work, on rotation.

And, while there is a restriction on indoor and buffet dining, outdoor dining, up to 18:00 hours, will be permitted.

“I know that many of us will want to take full advantage of these new measures, but please do not throw caution to the wind and behave as if the situation is back to normal. Do not forget

that COVID-19 is still a highly infectious disease, that there will be asymptomatic persons around us from whom we may become infected. Do not take unnecessary risks and leave home without your mask and fail to observe the physical distancing protocol,” Dr. Boyle advised.

“Please remember that the highest rate of infection in Guyana is in the 21-60 age group representing 70 per cent of all infections and you all need to minimise, as best as possible, your exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. Boyle.

COVID-19 remains a serious

issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 13.6 million cases of COVID-19, with over 585,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

U.S. civil rights pioneer, congressman John Lewis dies WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Lewis, a pioneer of the civil rights movement and long-time member of the U.S. House of Representatives, died on Friday, a passing that prompt-

ed tributes from leaders across the political spectrum.

A Democratic member of Congress from Atlanta since 1987, Lewis had announced in December that he had advanced pancreatic cancer.

He was 80.

Lewis was a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., whom he met after writing to him when Lewis was just 18. He was the last surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington, having stood beside King when he made his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Tributes to Lewis, who endured numerous beatings and arrests in his lifelong fight against segregation and for racial justice, poured in on Saturday.

President Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at halfstaff through the day. “Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing,” he wrote on Twitter. “Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family.”

Lewis and Trump tangled in January 2017, shortly before the inauguration, when he said he did not view Trump as a “legitimate”

said in a statement. “We’ll forever remember his heroism and his enduring legacy.”

John Lewis, a pioneer of the civil rights movement and long-time member of the U.S. House of Representatives, died on Friday,

president because of Russian meddling in the 2016 election to boost his candidacy.

Trump shot back that Lewis was “all talk” and “no action,” drawing criticism even from fellow Republicans.

Several governors also ordered flags in their states to fly at half-staff, including Republican Brian Kemp in Georgia, Lewis’ home state, who said that Lewis “changed our world in profound and immeasurable ways.”

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and

Sunday July 19, 2020 –– 03:30hrs & 14:30hrs

other members of the Congressional Black Caucus line up as they wait to enter as a group to attend the memorial services for Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, October 24, 2019. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Pool via Reuters/File Photo Lewis kept up the fight for civil rights and human rights until the end of his life.

“He loved this country so much that he risked his life and his blood so that it might live up to its promise,” Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, said in a statement. “And through the decades, he not only gave all of himself to the cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example.”

In Alabama, where Lewis was savagely beaten during the “Bloody Sunday” march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, he was hailed a “beloved Civil Rights leader” by the current governor, Kay Ivey, successor to segregationist George Wallace who oversaw the police attack.

ADVERTISEMENT “He dedicated his life to serving his community and advocating for others,” Ivey

TRIBUTES Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a joint statement: “We have lost a giant. John Lewis gave all he had to redeem America’s unmet promise of equality and justice for all, and to create a place for us to build a more perfect union together.”

Slideshow (4 Images) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Lewis “a titan of the civil rights movement whose goodness, faith and bravery transformed our nation.”

In 2016, Lewis led a “sitin” by House Democrats to demand a vote on gun regulations. He made his last public appearance last month, as protests for racial justice swept the United States and the world.

Using a cane, Lewis walked with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on a street by the White House that Bowser had just renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza.

It had just been dedicated with a large yellow mural large enough to be seen from space - reading “Black Lives Matter.”

The Republican Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Mitch McConnell, said Lewis had a place “among the giants of American history” even before he was elected to Congress, noting his rise from a family of sharecroppers in segregated Alabama.

“The Senate and the nation mourn the loss of Congressman John Lewis, a pioneering civil rights leader who put his life on the line to fight racism, promote equal rights, and bring our nation into greater alignment with its founding principles,” McConnell said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Rowley unfazed by Kamla's ‘race’ talk

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has accused Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar of waging another racially-motivated campaign, after the latter appeared to attack his race yet again during a virtual meeting on Thursday night.

“Some people out of concern, and, in fact, the black/ blank man on the other side talked about kindergarten.

What a great disservice and disrespect to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”

That was the quote which got Persad-Bissessar in trouble yesterday, as many, including the Prime Minister debated over whether she had once again brought race into the politics. This is because even after listening to audio from the meeting several times, it appeared Persad-Bissessar did indeed say “black” and not “blank” during her speech.

While Persad-Bissessar insisted yesterday that she said “blank man,’’ Rowley said without doubt, it was “black man.”

After filing nomination papers to contest the Diego Martin West constituency yesterday, Rowley, supported by a wave of red, accused Persad-Bissessar of using race in the past, saying he was called

an Oreo by her before.

“Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been leading a quiet, racial campaign for a very long time and then she came out openly,” Rowley told journalists at the Point Cumana Regional Complex.

“There are very many occasions when you in the media would have seen her accusing me of being in the pockets of the one per cent.

That was an attack on the Syrian community and then trying to divide us along racial and ethnic lines.

“And then you would have seen her, when that didn’t work she went one step further, she called me an Orea, you know, I mean that was an insult to a black man.

I’ve always maintained I’m a proud black man.

“I carry myself in a way that black boys and black girls can be proud of what I am and what I represent. My children are proud of me, I’m proud of the life I’ve lead. I’ve never run away from the colour of my skin so I don’t know why Mrs Persad-Bissessar feel that by discussing or raising the colour of my skin that that is going to propel her away from defeat.”

The Prime Minister said the comment was particularly alarming in light of the Black Lives Matter protests

following the death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, United States, on May 25, an event which sparked worldwide protests.

“It is really instructive that a person of East Indian descent, who is black like me, would use the term “black” to disparage me. That is what I find surprising,” Rowley said.

Asked what he thought about the Opposition leader’s insistence that she used blank and not black, he said, “When it reaches the stage that I don’t trust what my ears are telling me - my own ears and my own eyes - then well, I know I should stay out of the conversation.”

On Thursday on his Facebook page, the PM also accused Persad-Bissessar of race-baiting, claiming she was trying to lie her way out of the situation.

He said, “Finally!!!

Caught in her frequent disgusting race-baiting she is redacted to repeating inane rubbish to try and lie her way out. Anyone surprised? She didn’t call me an Oreo. What she said was “Ohio”! or “Oh Hello”.”

Around two hours after the Prime Minister spoke to the media after submitting his nomination papers to Elections and Boundaries

UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar displays her receipt after filing her nomination papers in Penal yesterday.

Commission officials, the Opposition leader had her say.

“No. I said blank! I said blank! I said blanking. I said blank. I said on the 10th of August, blanking out,” she insisted in Siparia, cheered on by scores of supporters donning yellow.

Some of the supporters, shouted blank, as the question was asked by the media.

“This, again, is desperation on the hands of the other side, to insert more race into everything. I am not a racist.

I’m a citizen of this country, whether it is red, black and white. All the colours of the rainbow. I said that last night as well,” she said.

With the question asked

by media personnel several times, she urged them to refer to her script, which she sent out earlier in the day. Blank was mentioned in the written script 11 times.

Among the times the word was used were: “Talking about blanks” “So if he blanking you what will you do come August 10th?! Blank him out of office and let’s get Trinidad and Tobago working again” “You see the only think ‘blank’ has done in five years is to blame me and the UNC.” However, Persad-Bissessar also deviated a bit from her written script during her speech.

In a press release yester-

day as well, the UNC also knocked Rowley’s attempt to inject racial discord ahead of the election.

“It is pathetic that Keith Rowley is trying to bring race into his campaign in a post on social media.”

She accused the PNM leader of trying to divide the population using the word “black” instead of “blank,” saying it was an attempt to distract from “his failed tenure.” She said this was politics at its lowest and most dangerous, saying the statements risked inciting racial discord.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Another week of high drama ANOTHER week of high drama as Guyana continues to bleed. Guyanese are justified in asking when will it all end? Not since the dreaded days of the inter-ethnic conflicts of the 1960s has this country been asked to endure such turmoil. The week started with the intra-GECOM disagreement between Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield over the CEO’s report. The chairperson insisted that the CEO must present a report based on the tabulation of the recount, while he contended that to do so would be tantamount to presenting a fraudulent report as the recount order was invalidated by the CCJ. He therefore stood his ground on his position that the only lawful report was one that relied on the 10 reports which were certified and presented by the returning officers back in March.

The chair proceeded to set aside those reports and threatened to fire the CEO if he did not comply with her demands. This, of course, raised the question whether the chairperson could tell the CEO what the

content of his report should include. Not for the first time, the events surrounding the March 2 elections threatened to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. And not for the first time, the parties resorted to the courts for a judicial review.

The court received affidavits and on Friday heard oral arguments. The central questions before the court are whether it has jurisdiction to hear the matter and whether the Recount (Order Number 60) is constitutional. After listening to arguments, the court will hand down its verdict on Monday. Given what has transpired since March 2, one may conclude that this matter is headed straight back to the CCJ. The side that does not prevail on Monday will most likely appeal. How many times have the country not been here only to see the matter prolonged via court action? Some have argued that the latest move to the court is an abuse of the court system, but this publication thinks that that is a harsh conclusion, especially since both sides have registered their right to seek judicial review.

But even as the court was settling down to hear the case, Guyana woke up

to a bombshell on Wednesday. The USA announced through its secretary of state, the revocation of visas of government and GECOM officials. The announcement inflamed sentiments on one side of the political divide, while the other side gleefully welcomed it. The picture of these two responses is a sad reminder of our unfinished journey to joint nationhood. The defiance by the popular masses on one side and the celebration by the other side tells a sad tale about Guyanese independence.

The other countries of the ABCE grouping have since promised similar action, even as the USA signalled its intention to broaden the initial sanctions. While these actions should come as little surprise to some, given the more than usual entanglement in the election by these forces, it is evidently painful for those who cherish Guyana’s independence. This publication has in the past refrained from supporting external interference in Guyana’s internal affairs. We reiterate that today. Whatever difficulties we have had with our elections, that is not licence for the type of overt interference we have witnessed.

This latest action feeds the narrative that the elections are being used by the West to effect regime change with the PPP/C as the local agent and beneficiary.

At the heart of this thesis is the assumption that Guyana’s recent oil-and-gas finds and its proximity to Venezuela have brought the country squarely into the geopolitics of the time. The coming weeks will most likely prove the correctness of this thesis. But for now, this publication joins with those patriotic Guyanese in calling for respect of the country’s sovereignty. In many regards it is all we have. Should the country be pulled further down the slippery slope, it is the Guyanese people who would suffer most.

The promised oi revenues which are said to be at the heart of the developments would be lost to foreign forces as Guyanese succumb to the pressures of selfish partisan lust for power. We are living in serious times which demands mature and imaginative leadership, instead of collusion with forces who are interested in pursuing their own interests.

Many parents are not aware of sexual grooming Dear Editor, OPEN communication is one of the best and proven means of protecting children and preventing further incidents of child sexual abuse. More specifically, open communication between parents/caregivers and children remains key in the battle for the protection of children, particularly child sexual abuse and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ChildLinK Inc. and Blossom Inc. received 104 referrals of child sexual abuse (CSA) cases in the first three months. Both agencies partner with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and the Guyana Police Force to provide forensic interviews, trauma-focused therapy and parenting-skills education to victims of CSA and their parents/caregivers. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana, a number of the reported cases of child sexual abuse were first disclosed to trusted adults such as teachers, or to social workers

who visited schools to sensitise children and teachers about CSA. One of the main reasons this was important and had some effect is that a significant percentage of reported incidents of CSA occur in the home where the alleged perpetrators easily have access to children.

What has been helpful during the pandemic is that parents, especially mothers and aunts, have been instrumental in supporting victims to report cases of child sexual abuse.

Over the past 10 years several agencies have made a concerted effort to increase awareness of child sexual abuse. The TELL campaign, which was developed by the Ministry of Social Protection and UNICEF, focused on encouraging disclosure of child sexual abuse.

ChildLinK collaborated with the Ministry of Education to deliver the TELL campaign across all 10 administrative regions. The TELL campaign had six key messages that targeted primary schoolchildren: 1. It is not okay to keep abuse a secret 2. Do not be afraid to tell

someone; it is not your fault 3. It is wrong for someone to touch your private parts 4. You need to tell someone if you were abused 5. Tell a trusted adult everything: who, what, where, and when 6. Promise to tell a trusted adult These simple messages to children have resulted in a significant increase in reporting of child sexual abuse over the years. Anyone, including parents, can use these messages to help protect their children from child sexual abuse. All parents must be aware that child sexual abuse can happen to any child-including your child. Parents, it is important that you understand that you are only able to take action to protect your children when you know what is going on in the life of your child.

Although it has become more difficult with social media to manage or know more about your children’s activities, it has become more critical for parents to give children the assurance and confidence to TELL if they are being abused, or if they are

uncomfortable with a conversation or with being touched by someone.

Many children still experience a commanding and domineering tone and the ‘conversation’ is usually one-sided from parents when it comes to what children should NOT do. The conversation of how your child can be protected from sexual abuse needs to include what you and your child can do and it is an on-going conversation that can be taught through every-day experiences. Allow room in your conversations with your children for them to confide in you or TELL you or share information that will support their protection.

Helping to protect your child requires you to teach your child about child abuse and how to protect themselves in your absence. We all know the old saying, “If the child did not learn, then the parent (in this case) did not teach.” In one case reported to ChildLinK, a parent regularly and sternly insisted that her child in her early teens should refrain from sexual activity. The parent’s approach

was aggressive and focused on what the child should NOT do.

There was very little guidance on the types of activities that will support refraining from early sexual activities. This same parent would send her child, who just became a teen, to overnight regularly at her friend. Sometime later, the young teen was sexually abused in one of the night-out activities.

The young teen felt responsible for the abuse because the parent supported the “night-out” events. She found it very difficult to confide in the parent.

In this incident, the parent did not consider all that could take place during these “night outs.”

Her child was unprepared to say no and to assess the dangers of what is likely to happen in the situation. In another home, a child was being sexually abused by someone in the home. The child did not tell the parent.

Out of frustration, she ran away from home one evening. The following day, the child went to the police station and made a report. One would ask, how is it possible that a parent can be in the home with their child and

not know that the other adult is sexually abusing the child?

Further, to protect herself, the child had to defy the COVID19 precautions and head to the police herself.

Many parents are not aware of sexual grooming. Sexual abuse of your child generally does not happen overnight; as such, child sexual abuse is not limited to sexual penetration.

Sexual grooming is considered sexual abuse, according to the Sexual Offences Act 2010.

Sexual grooming occurs in most CSA cases. The perpetrator communicates with a child with the intention to manipulate that child into establishing a sexual relationship. Offenders/ perpetrators are having easier access to your child for sexual grooming through social media platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Of course, these perpetrators will encourage your child to keep their conversations a secret from their parents.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Pompeo’s decision to sideline GECOM has more to do with Trump’s re-election than with Guyana’s democracy Dear Editor THE call by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for President Granger to ‘step aside,’ even while the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continues to dither over who is the winner of the March 2 elections should raise alarm bells throughout Guyana.

Pompeo’s behaviour gives one the impression that he sees Guyana as an American colony, and one whose elections he can direct from Foggy Bottom. While he claims that his interest is the preservation of democracy, his call for the President to ‘step aside’ even before a winner has been declared flies in the face of democracy. But Pompeo’s behaviour may have nothing to do with Guyana’s democracy, and everything to do with Trump’s re-election campaign.

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for re-election on November 6. His path to victory depends on winning Florida, a key battleground state. And to win Florida, Mr. Trump needs the support of Hispanic voters in that state.

Historically, Republican presidential candidates have relied on the anti-Castro emotions among Cuban exiles to take them over the top in Florida.

But recently, the younger generation of Cuban-Americans with little interests in anti-Cuban policies have not supported Republican candidates with the same zest as did their grandparents. To offset this trend,

Trump needs to win the support of other Florida Hispanics, including the Venezuelan community. It seems therefore, that Trump’s hawkish Venezuela policy is an element within his 2020 election campaign strategy.

Meanwhile, Venezuela is also preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for December 6, less than five months from now. The Venezuela Supreme Court earlier this year suspended the leadership of two of the country’s main opposition parties, replacing them with allies of embattled President Nicolas Maduro. That decision increased the chances that Maduro and his allies will likely remain entrenched for some time. Should those elections proceed as planned, U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido risks further loss of momentum as Venezuelans are likely to lose hope in his abilities to defeat President Maduro. For Juan Guaido, a U.S.-backed military option is becoming increasingly attractive, but any such operation to dislodge Maduro through military force must take place before the December 6 elections.

The ‘restoration of democracy’ in Venezuela would give Mr. Trump a much-needed foreign policy victory, especially since his other foreign policy hopes are not being realised: his North Korean plan has failed; his Palestinian breakthrough has stalled; Iran continues to survive his maximum-sanction campaign and ISIS continues to regen-

erate itself after the death of successive leaders. Removing Nicolas Maduro seems to be his last chance to claim a foreign policy win before the November 6 elections.

Should a military operation succeed in ‘restoring democracy’ in Venezuela before Floridians go to the polls on November 6, it will likely increase the chances of Trump winning Florida, and therefore win re-election. It will also help Juan Guaido’s hopes of removing Maduro before Venezuelans have a chance to go to the polls in their country on December 6.

Recent events seem to point in the direction that preparations are underway for a military operation against Venezuela. The United States has for the first time challenged Venezuela’s claim of territorial sea extending 12 miles from its coast. On June 24, Reuters reported that a “U.S. Navy ship navigated near the Venezuelan coast on Tuesday in what the U.S. military's Southern Command called a ‘freedom of navigation operation’.” And on July 16, U.S. SOUTHCOM reported that “USS Pinckney (DDG-91) “challenged Venezuela’s excessive maritime claim in international waters.”

The USS Pinckney serves as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group operating in the Region.

On the same day that the Pinckney was sailing off the coast of Venezuela, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and U.S. Secretary of State Mike

Many parents are not aware ...

Again, this is difficult for many parents as children are on the phones for learning sessions; thus, parents have to know about some of the social media platforms and also to help manage the time your child is spending on social media.

One perpetrator started grooming a child even before she was a teen and now that he is ready to make his move she was ‘helping’ him by hiding the messages he sends to the mobile phone.

This phone is used by others in her family, so whilst she knows that these are not messages that she wants other family members to see, she also now believes that the perpetrator cares for her, that he likes her and that he will not do anything to hurt her. Hiding the messages is her way of keeping and protecting a special friend who “understands” her, unlike her parents, who “don’t understand” her. Perpetrators use these every-day situations to groom children. In many instances, it is really just up to you parents to not only monitor your children’s online activities, but to also establish a trusting relationship with your child built on open communication; one that helps the child to understand and recognise

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child sexual abuse and one where they can feel safe to confide and TELL you.

ChildLinK is working to create a Guyanese society where every child grows up in a loving, safe, and secure family and community. The Recovery, Safeguarding, and Reintegration initiative is supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana and partners with the CPA and several agencies to reintegrate children to safe families and educate the wider society on the prevention of child abuse. Please write us with your comments and questions. Let us know how you would like to get involved in protecting children in your community by emailing us at admin@childlinkgy.org. Report child abuse by calling the CPA on 227-0979, the closest police station, or ChildLinK on 233-3500 or email: admin@childlinkgy.org.

Yours faithfully, Shaquita Thomas Communications Officer ChildLinK Inc.

Pompeo called on Guyana’s President David Granger to “step aside,” even though Guyana’s elections commission has not yet declared a winner of the March 2, 2020 general elections. Their unwillingness to wait for the conclusion of the democratic process suggests that Bolsonaro and Pompeo are becoming increasingly impatient that President Granger continues to remain in office.

One can speculate that the reason for their impatience is that a U.S.-backed military operation against Venezuela somehow depends on the use of Guyana’s territory. And since President Granger has repeatedly made it clear that his administration will adhere to the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs, one can conclude that Bolsonaro and Pompeo view David Granger as an obstacle to the success of their Venezuela plan. Their frustration can lead one to assume that the execution of such a Venezuela plan might be imminent. President Trump’s re-election depends on the success of that plan and President David Granger stands in the way. That is likely the reason behind Pompeo’s decision to sideline GECOM and to unilaterally determine the winner of Guyana’s elections.

Time will tell how David Granger fares against this Goliath.

Respectfully Max Mohamed

Gunraj’s attempt to obscure the facts as misinformation only exposes his mischief Dear Editor, ON Friday, July 18, 2020, I penned a letter, factual in its content, in relation to the under-informed pronouncements of the American Ambassador and Prime Minister Mottley, in relation to evidenced fraudulent voting in the 2020 elections. Guyana Times, on Saturday, July 19, did not carry my letter, but facilitated a response by Commissioner Gunraj under the misleading caption: “Berating, abusing messengers do not change the facts.” Not carrying my letter or the caption does not surprise me.

But it tells one story to the incisive minds and another to the blindfolded followers. Hereafter, I am addressing the incisive minds.

Gunraj in his letter seeks to tell me what I should be writing. This speaks volumes of the attempt to muzzle me and to monopolise what is disclosed to the public. It also reeks of contempt and an attempt to trample on my freedom of expression, which in his typical arrogance he refers to as “dog whistling.”

I simply, in my letter, disclosed that GECOM, I never said the chairperson, had information (death certificates) on the dead who had voted and that that information would not have been availed to the CARICOM team, which reported that there was no evidence of the allegation that the dead voted, hence the under-informed pronouncements, which referenced the report.

I also said that the chairperson in a meeting acknowledged that GECOM was in possession of such death certificates. I will now further say that GECOM was and is in possession of information on impersonation of absent voters and that that information, seemingly, was also not disclosed to the CARICOM team. What I have said here is irrefutable. Unlike Gunraj, I make no attempt to draw conclusions for the readers. If he wants to highlight Mingo and his view on Mingo, he is free to do so. That has nothing to do with my right to keep the public informed with facts.

Gunraj can jump high, jump low. His attempt to obscure the facts as misinformation only exposes his mischief and alerts the incisive minds and the seekers of truth.

Regards Vincent Alexander

Remembering our Linden martyrs DEAR EDITOR, JULY 18, 2012, is a day in our history that connotes different meanings in the minds of those who had a personal experience with that time, compared with those who saw it from afar and those who heard of it.

The eyes of Guyana and varying parts of the world view this episode with a bittersweet perspective. Some saw it for what it was in my view: the essence of what democracy should embody. Where people should have the right to exercise peaceful protest, to ventilate their dissatisfaction to whatever is being proposed to them by their elected servants. After all, aren’t they elected/ appointed to serve the interest of the people who put them there?

That day showcased us as a people who are, sadly, a very accommodating and accepting people to things dished at us without saying no. That’s not good enough.

And those who do object to this order are in the minority grouping.

Others posited that we the people of Linden should not pay for electricity so ‘cheaply,’ because other parts of Guyana are bearing the “burden” of high electricity bills.

How could they advance such an argument? Is this not the same as saying we should accept whatever is given to us, regardless of if it is fair or not? That we should accept government’s position regardless if it is unconstitutional?

Is this not the position given to slaves?

July 18, 2012 also demonstrated the true nature of the then ruling PPP administration, one that is uncaring to its people, one that does not honour its words and agreements established with the people – a government that blatantly lies to its people to pacify and silence them.

What we as Guyanese must be cognisant of, is that July 18, 2012 demonstrated that as a people, if we are united, regardless of race, religion, varying interests or political affiliation, and showcase people power, I am confident that Guyana will be the El Dorado for all its citizens.

That day showed that political maturity can also be exercised – with the AFC lending its support for the benefit of the people, regardless of their political support.

As a united people, government and its officials will have to do that which they were elected or appointed to do, which is to serve the interests of the people, the Guyanese people first.

If the Guyanese people disarm the government from using its ammunition of this race politics to divide us, and we collectively make our decisions consciously to vote on issues come election day at local and national elections, certainly Guyana will be in a much better place.

As we reminisce on that sad day of our history, let us not forget the young men whose lives were unjustly taken from their families and our community for exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest.

Let us not just honour them with reflections and candlelight vigils once a year, but do so by accepting that freedom is always the freedom of dissenters and must consciously recognise that there is power in unity.

That they must stand up for truth and right and be on the side of history for doing what was good and in the best interest of our people.

The promise that came into being by the Granger administration to build a monument in their memory now stands as a constant reminder of the barbaric government responsible for the innocent loss of life. A reminder of young men who died for their rights, a reminder of people who challenged the powers of the day and said enough is enough. People who were part of a united consciousness that demonstrated people power and showed what can be derived if we are united.

Long live the memory of my two friends Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Mr Allan Lewis. Long live the Linden Martyrs.

Regards Jermaine Figueira

OP-Ed

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Supporting the coalition could be a wicked act. Ask Uncle Sam

By Adam Harris FOR the first time in independent Guyana the elections have attracted so much global attention. There were contentious elections during the Forbes Burnham rule and during the Bharrat Jagdeo era. But I cannot recall such global interest.

Things have reached the stage where the United States has become so involved that it has introduced sanctions against Government leaders and their associates even before the most recent challenge to the elections is over. To ascertain how premature the United States involvement is, one only needs to listen to United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, at her recent press conference.

She said that there were two declarations that the United States considers credible, the last being based on the recount. However, the legitimacy of the recount is being challenged in court and could very well be nullified. A question from Marcelle Thomas of Stabroek News provided an interesting answer. The United States has been calling on President David Granger to step down. In that country’s view, Granger has lost the election to Irfaan Ali, who then should be the President-elect.

Ms. Thomas asked, “Does the United States recognise Irfaan Ali as the President-elect?” Ambassador Lynch replied that the United States would wait for a declaration. Hasn’t the United States already identified the person to replace Granger?

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced visa restrictions. The extent of these restrictions is unknown. All I know at this time is that they will apply to people who help to subvert democracy in Guyana. And this is very subjective. I have concluded that these people could be anyone who supports the government. So support for the coalition could attract a penalty. But even in the United States there is freedom of choice. People can be Republican, Democrat or Independent.

I do not believe that support for either is key to being penalised. In Guyana, there

Adam Harris

were people licking their chops at the concept of some people being refused entry into the United States. Minutes after Mike Pompeo’s announcement, Kaieteur News posted that Brian Tiwarie was one of those affected. Someone in the office, responding to a query, said that the media entity checked and verified the information. But the United States embassy had said that the list of those affected is secret in keeping with US laws. I know that Publisher of Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, holds some animosity toward Brian Tiwarie. I do not know the source of this animosity but, over time, I have seen comments critical of Tiwarie; and to think that Lall and Tiwarie are first cousins.

Tiwarie’s bank account may be the source of the problem, but for a newspaper and its radio station to vilify an individual is something that cannot be considered par for the course. And people have children and other family members. They too are affected by attacks. This recent attack is similar to the attacks conducted by the People’s Progressive Party. On one occasion, I asked Tiwarie about this hostility. He said that it may have stemmed from his parting ways with the PPP. In the wake of the separation, there were some ethnic comments that suggested that Tiwarie should not be asso-

ciating with people who look different from him. And that is putting it nicely. The attack continued that Tiwarie was funding the Coalition; that he was spending large sums of money on Joseph Harmon and that he was helping Harmon and, heaven knows who else, to set up empires.

Because of my association with Mr. Tiwarie I have also been placed in the firing line.

On Friday, hours after the press conference by the United States ambassador, Mikhail Rodrigues, who is known as Guyanese Critic, called me to say that he understands that I have been affected by the visa restriction.

I informed him that I could not care less. I said to him that I migrated in 1994 only to return home a few weeks later. I told him that I surrendered my Green Card in 1996. I am not sure that he got the message. It calls for some brains. The next day, I featured in a satirical piece in Kaieteur News. I did find it humorous. But what I did not find humorous was the call by the same Kaieteur News to have visa restrictions imposed on reporters.

That newspaper wants any reporter who writes articles favourable to the coalition to be sanctioned. If that happens, then it would be a curtailment of a reporter’s right to free expression.

Glenn Lall was my friend,

but I never knew that he could be so bitter. Many of his friends and some close relatives have had their visas revoked. He has a staff member who simply cannot uplift a visa from the US Embassy. I do not think that any of them will commit suicide or die from a broken heart. Therefore, I cannot understand the gloating. And he was in that same position at one time. For many, travel to the United States is perhaps the next best thing to going to heaven. I remember the mad rush for people to go to that country. Some paid millions of dollars, thus sustaining the backtrack industry.

I knew people who operated the backtrack racket.

Most, who are in the United States, left this country legally.

My 96-year-old mother, three sisters, a brother, three children and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins are in North America, most of them in the United States.

Whenever I go there, apart from seeing my mother who certainly does not have too many years left, it is for rest, relaxation and an association with alcohol. I spend money and return to Guyana poorer.

If it is that I am not permitted to go there, then so be it. I will have a bit more to spend in Guyana.

Brian Tiwarie said to me that he travelled to that country on business, for his children’s graduation and the occasional recreation.

He said that he spends a lot of money when he is there.

He said that he always races back to Guyana because, as he puts it, he has his business to oversee. Of interest is the fact that there was a time when none of Jagdeo’s ministers could travel to the United States. That was when he, Jagdeo, refused to accept the involuntary Guyanese migrants to Guyana.

There are still some people in his fold who cannot even pass by the United States embassy. If one should ask them about the impact, they would laugh in one’s face. Anyhow, it would be interesting if the High Court sides with the Chief Elections Officer, tomorrow. That would not impress the United States.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

The politics of election petitions and the reluctance of political parties IT is difficult not to be struck by the morbid fear of election petitions by political parties. In circumstances where there are electoral disputes and one party is faced with the prospect of seeking remedy via an elections petition, there is unwavering reluctance until that is the only option that remains. There are a plethora of factors associated with this state of affairs that certainly invite discussion. Admittedly, it is difficult to provide comprehensive insight into this broad and vast subject in a brief column, but there is much to gain by providing, even if briefly, some elucidation on this subject.

POLITICAL PARTIES The politics of election petitions at the level of the average political party can be seen in several contexts: the refusal to easily settle for the judicial route to seek remedy; the genuine need to seek the correction of electoral fraud and irregularities and the strategic use of elections litigation to shift blame for defeat, bolster their future electoral prospects and to even negotiate government jobs (Erlich et

al, 2019).

For all intents and purposes of this discussion, it is worth the time to focus on why there is always a guaranteed refusal to accept the need to seek redress via the courts at the level of the political party’ decision-making.

The unwillingness to engage in post-elections litigiousness stems from several considerations: it is not easily accepted by the rankand-file supporters; readily conceding and complying are rare in polarised societies because it places the leadership of the party in a vulnerable position; elections petitions are expensive and laborious. It takes almost a year to compile a solid case: you can’t simply go to court and simply accuse your opponent of rigging, there has to be the filing of a winnable case within the law. To make matters more difficult, there needs to be the procurement of affidavits, the finding of elections agents who may have migrated or are reluctant to testify and the obtainment of numerous relevant documents. Further, in countries where the judicial system is slothful, political parties can

find themselves embroiled in elections petitions cases by the time the next election comes around. Importantly, efficacious elections petitions politics demand that parties wage intense struggles during the hearing of the case to ensure there is enough public pressure to keep any machinations that are inimical to their interest at bay. This also requires many resources.

THE JUDICIARY As you may have gathered by now, courts invariably become ground zero for all post-election political battles that are not extra-legal. To the extent that this is true, judges become the focal point to resolve disputes.

After hotly contested elections in highly polarised and underdeveloped societies, it is not unreasonable to ask if judges can be true impartial arbiters in the grand scheme of electoral things. After all, they do not live in the sky, they reside within the society and are never free from societal harassment and constant badgering by politicians and power interests -- domestic and foreign.

Above all, officers of the court, being humans, con-

sider their self-interests and professional survival which are always at the whims and fancies of the state apparatus. Considering all of this, it is difficult to see how judges can escape playing the politics of elections petitions.

This perspective naturally invites the question: how is this done?

Some have alleged that judges skilfully navigate their interests and survival by delaying elections cases at exasperating levels within the five-year electoral cycle and if there is the need to nullify a contest, this is done very close to the end of the life of a government. In the case of India, the High Court is expected to give judgment on all election petitions within six months, but in actual practice, it takes much longer and often the petitions remain pending for years and in the meantime, even the full term of the House expires. Some are convinced that these circumstances are in existence because judges play politics with elections petitions and in so doing, they attempt to satisfy all political forces. Where this does not occur, there has to be unparalleled judicial bravery that proceeds from

a place of rare high principles. Unseating a President and bringing down a sitting government after one year in office is no easy feat, as recently exemplified by the Kenya and Malawi cases.

Also, those familiar with this subject such as Mohammed Haruna have noted the tendency of courts to kowtow to the party that controls the state apparatus.

He noted, ‘the courts not only refused to take judicial notice of ‘… these and other attempts by the authorities to fix the elections, they dismissed the opposition’s petitions as “miniature complaints”! Yet, there were fundamental flaws in the very foundation of the elections.’ (The Nation, 5 March 2008, p.48).

THE STATE What does the politics of elections petitions entail for those who take control of the government in the context of an ongoing election petition that has a large degree of success? They operate with the supreme awareness of the reality that their time might be limited and therefore it is extremely necessary to consolidate power as quickly as possible. In this,

they embark on a desperate mission to use the weight of the state to crush their adversaries; jail their opponents; grow their political party; win national support and strategically place themselves in a position to win the next election whenever it is called.

In service of this interest; they form reconciliatory Cabinets, pass legislation, craft policies and rule with fatalistic determination to retain power at all costs in consideration of the fact that the election which enabled them to accede to the office may be nullified. The access to state resources, albeit, controversially by the dubious victor, provides a concomitant advantage. This is a key reason why political parties are very hesitant to readily accept the route of an election petition to assuage their electoral concerns.

Considering all that I have said, there is enough evidence available to make a strong argument that there is much politics that surrounds elections petitions. Perhaps this explains the qualms of political parties to easily settle for this option.

Understanding Energy

Counting costs of oil project delays has generated a lot of news coverage over the past few months and not much of it has been positive. While our political turmoil has been well-documented, concerns that the knock-on impact of this uncertainty is threatening our nascent oil and gas industry has now hit the headlines.

Just a year ago, there was so much optimism as we neared our first oil production. Liza Phase 1 came online at the end of last year sooner than expected and Liza Phase 2 is underway, but it appears that Payara, the third potential development project within the Stabroek

block, has been beset by delays. As experts point out, these delays could cost Guyana hundreds of millions in lost revenue and much more in delayed opportunities.

Furthermore, the delays could signal to the global investment community that Guyana is not a safe place to invest and do business.

Respected oil & gas consultancy, Rystad Energy, this week released a report into the severe economic costs the ongoing project approval delays could have on Guyana’s share of the revenue, the expected production and the value of the oil. According to the study, the Payara

project alone could generate up to $4.4 billion US in oil revenues to the Guyanese government by 2028. But if the approval was delayed 12 months, that figure would be slashed to $2.8 billion, $1.6 billion less. Even a six-month delay would result in a significant $800 million decrease.

Rystad estimates the delay in approval has already cost Guyana some $300 million in lost revenues. An untold number of badly needed roads, bridges, hospitals and schools could be financed with that money.

The study also shows that Guyana may lose around 10 million barrels of oil that

could be produced from the project by 2030, presuming just a three-month delay, a number which climbs to around 75 million barrels assuming a 24-month delay.

The companies involved in the project are also losing money as the approval drags on, a figure estimated in the hundreds of millions.

The world is looking at Guyana and our ability to facilitate investment and trade.

Guyana ranked 134 out of 190 countries on the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2019 report. Further political uncertainty and indecision on projects of this scale and size could see a

slippage in that index and render Guyana a pariah state in the minds of international companies and investors.

In October 2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised Guyana’s 2020 economic growth forecast from 86% to 53% in 2020.

That reduction should alarm all Guyanese who believe we can rest on our laurels and wait for investors to come knocking as the global economy and oil markets recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The past six months has all but brought the world’s economy to its knees. Guyana is in a better position

to weather the storm than most countries thanks to the oil and gas resources that are being developed.

We risk blowing a once-ina-lifetime opportunity if we don’t get it right. History is unkind to countries who squander their blessings and those who stand to suffer the most are the ordinary Guyanese whose very fortunes stand to be vastly improved by the job opportunities, rising government coffers, improved infrastructure and host of other benefits that come with responsible oil and gas resource management.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Shadows of Sanctions THE High Court is expected to rule tomorrow on yet another constitutional motion to decide on the way forward in bringing to a formal end the impasse over the March 2 elections.

This is a fresh cycle over the past fourand-a-half months of involvement by the judiciary in the disputed elections, which both the governing Coalition and opposing parties claimed to be crooked, at least in different stages of the counting and recounting processes. But in a strange twist of events, the United States Secretary of State publicly has demanded that the incumbent President should “step aside”, which was buttressed by an indeterminate raft of sanctions, including visa revocations against unnamed State and elections officials for their alleged role in undermining democracy.

CONTESTED ELECTIONS American Congressman Hakeem Jeffries immediately weighed in on the decision of the current US administration, saying that it is in no position “to lecture Guyana or anyone else about democracy”.

Jeffries noted that there is currently a contested parliamentary election in Guyana.

“The outcome is in dispute…With respect to the outcome of the election in Guyana, I take no position. Neither should the Trump administration”.

For its part, the Guyana Government expressed regret over the decision taken by the US State Department, since the matter affecting the outcome of the elections is still before the courts, and no declaration of the results of the elections has been made.

Another Member of Congress, Yvette Clarke, has described the sanctions as an infringement of Guyana’s sovereignty. She suspects that there is a “corrupt intent” for this untimely intrusion, and has affirmed that the democratic process under the Constitution of Guyana is very much alive.

“It is phony for anyone from outside to dictate how the process must work,” she said. In swift repudiation, the Washington-based American attorney, Bart Fisher said Thursday that since the March 2020 election has not been declared, the United States should respect the Guyanese people as they deal with their electoral challenges peacefully.

“It is wrong for the US Government to threaten the officials of the Guyana Government, the courts and election body with visa revocation,” he added.

RAPE OF SOVEREIGNTY The apparent rape of Guyana’s sovereignty, and the naked threat of sanctions have elicited an emotional wave of patriotic

sentiments. Many Guyanese have identified themselves with, and have posted on social media the country’s National Pledge.

They pledge “to be obedient and loyal to Guyana”, and not allow the lure of a foreign visa to be placed around their necks as an instrument of hate and rejection.

Having lived under the shadows of sanctions almost all of my political life, I readily identify with the way Guyanese feel over the use of a foreign visa as a weapon of bullyism; a form of terror diplomacy. Like them, I did not cringe in the past, and I am not about to do so now.

I was born in a British colony where my political consciousness was fertilised by the influences of national liberation struggles. Before I became a teenager, I had already learned to echo the emotive refrains, “Vande Mataram!” and “Uhuru!” as part of life in our villages, where we celebrated the independence of India and Ghana.

SHADOWS OF SANCTIONS In 1953, the British sanctioned our country, the form of which was an armed invasion. As the colony had belonged to the British, the right to personal freedom was enjoyed at the pleasure of the foreign imperial government. It revoked that privilege when it jailed key Guyanese nationalist leaders. Their movements inside the colony were restricted, and they were banned from travelling overseas. But no one could stop the tide. Guyana eventually gained her independence!

My generation has lived through colonial and post-colonial rule, always under the shadows of sanctions.

We sensed it after the Cuban Revolution, when the West charged that Guyana would become another Cuba.

But we paid little heed to the threats, as we were swept away by the folk rhythm of “Guantanamera” and the poetic lyrics of Jose Marti, some of us learning our first words in Spanish: “Patria o Muerte!”

In our years of revolutionary romanticism, we reveled in the

conviction that we were not alone as we protested against the unjust war in Vietnam, the coup in Chile, and Apartheid in South Africa.

We embraced solidarity, not sanction, when we rallied for Grenada during an invasion that buried a revolution that was already dead from its own bullets. On that fateful October 25, 1983, I was the last voice on telephone with Radio Free Grenada before a bomb fell on the studio.

CHALLENGES AHEAD Until 1989, I have had no appetite to visit the United States of America.

I did so for the first time at the end of the Cold War to lobby for free and fair elections, and for support to end post-independence, one-party rule in Guyana. We found great friends in America. Looking back at what we achieved then, it is timely to note that the only support that would make any sense is that aimed at preventing the return of one-race, one-party authoritarian rule in our multi-ethnic society.

The democratic will of the Guyanese people cannot be fully expressed if the proverbial Sword of Solomon is used to divide the Guyana child in half.

Today, we have returned to the past, or what V.S. Naipaul described as “the bend in the river”. The most difficult political challenges are ahead. For this, Guyana needs engagement, not isolation: Not sanctions. The leaders have to come to the table and work out a post-election détente. The time for this is now!

The “Big Stick” will not work; it never did, as we have learned from the vintage text, “The Tragedy of American Diplomacy” by William Appleman Williams.

I recall a vignette from The Ten Commandments where, after Pharaoh had decreed the death of all first-born of Israel, Moses remarked, “Close the door, Joshua, and let death pass.”

This sentence of sanctions will also pass.

IDB, MICROSOFT in initiative to reduce corruption in Caribbean The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Microsoft have expanded their partnership through a new initiative to use technology to help reduce corruption, increase transparency, and foster integrity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by leveraging the power of cloud computing and advanced analytics.

way where it will not survive.

By using data and analytics at scale, we can dramatically increase transparency, build better monitoring and flagging systems, and empower enforcers to move more quickly.”

Notably, the IDB-Microsoft partnership produced the landmark InvestmentMap initiative which enables citizens to monitor government

The Inter-American Development Bank

Funded by an initial contribution of $450,000 from Microsoft, the initiative will leverage the Bank’s development expertise and Microsoft’s technological capacity to develop high-impact projects that will enhance transparency and help prevent corruption.

Announced at a webinar featuring IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno and Microsoft President Brad Smith, the initiative builds upon the partners’ history of collaborating and innovation in pursuit of greater institutional integrity in the region.

“Microsoft was the IDB’s first-ever corporate partner and continues to be a critical ally in our quest for innovative solutions to our region’s most urgent, most complex development challenges,” said President Moreno. “As we expand our partnership, we are demonstrating that technology is a fundamental tool for building more transparent societies and helping our governments and citizens access more and better information.”

“I am excited about expanding our partnership with IDB to use creativity, innovation, and technology to address one of humanity’s oldest problems - corruption.” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “We believe digital technology can work to bring corruption out of the shadows and under the spotlight in a

spending in real-time through innovative digital platforms.

The platforms also provide a user-friendly channel to submit suggestions and comments, including allegations of wrongdoing. All parties can upload images to monitor progress.

In the last three years, 12 countries in the region have formally joined InvestmentMap. Recently, InvestmentMap has been a key tool in the IDB’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With support from Microsoft, the IDB has developed a COVID-19 information module within the platform in Paraguay that discloses detailed information about the use of public resources to address the emergency. Modules to track coronavirus-related resources are currently being developed in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Ecuador.

In addition, the partners joined everis NTT Data in June to launch Digi/Gob, an e-government solutions platform developed in the Microsoft cloud. Already in its first phase, the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are now able to leverage Digi/ Gob to ensure the continuity of administrative procedures and public transactions during COVID-19’s drastic reduction of in-person interactions.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

‘Become critical thinkers’ …Chief-of-Staff challenges senior army officers

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Thursday opened its Senior Staff and Command Course, during the course of which Chief-of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess challenged participants to become critical thinkers by going beyond the digestion of the materials presented in the training modules.

“You must apply yourselves not simply to digesting the materials presented in the taught modules, but also to discovering the breadth beyond your tuition,” Brigadier Bess said, adding: “You must do that in order to be the quality of senior officers the GDF needs for its future development. You must therefore become critical thinkers; learn to deconstruct ideas and concepts in order to gain the fruit of knowledge

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess at the opening of the course on Thursday

ficient staff-duty functions.

“These are not only military skills, but professional and lifelong learning skills that are required in your daily lives,” Brigadier Bess said.

“It is a challenging course, and having the right motivation is key to your success. You are more likely to

ing, and officers capable of thinking outside the box; officers who are excellent strategists and tacticians; officers who need little supervision; officers who understand teamwork and know how to build and sustain formidable teams for the success of any task

Some of the officers who will be undergoing the 12-week training course contained therein.”

Brigadier Bess highlighted the significance of what is called a “cap-stone military course”, which, as he explained, is exemplified by its terminal objective to train officers to function as unit commanders and senior staff officers across the full spectrum of military operations. These are significant functions, he emphasised, which are grounded in the knowledge and skills to be acquired during the course.

He explained that the leadership concepts and related exercises to be conducted on the course are designed to develop an officer’s command and control, as well as enhance his capability for delivering ef-

succeed as a student if you take the time to prepare.

You should approach this course with confidence in your abilities,” he urged.

Quoting President David Granger to press home the point that they couldn’t have joined the army at a better time, Brigadier Bess said: “This is an exciting time to be an officer in the GDF. We still are the guardians of Guyana’s patrimony, including her territorial integrity, and her safety and security. We are operating in the 21st Century, and you must gear your minds and harness your energies to deliver 21st Century service to our nation and her people. The GDF needs a senior officer corps that is forward-think-

or mission required by the GDF, in service to Guyana; officers who know, understand and embrace the rich history of this organisation; officers who are prepared to build solidly on the foundations of their predecessors; officers who will commit to true selfless service in the protection of our nation and all its people!”

Warming to the topic of service above self, Brigadier Bess said: “I charge you therefore to be bold and courageous in expanding your learning during this course; let your learning during this course bring you to the realisation that you have only begun to scratch the surface of the knowledge of things military!”

Reminding the officers of the importance of the realities of command, Brigadier Bess emphasised that they must also understand that leadership is a critical aspect of being an excellent commander. “Military men,” he said, “may obey the commands of their commanders as given, but military men and women will go to battle with the commander who can best lead them: The commanders who lead by example; the commanders who can be firm but compassionate; the commanders who may seem devilish but who are seen to have a heart and soul. Your men and women will always choose you as a commander when you are courageous and bold and ready to lead.”

In closing, he said: “I charge you to be honest and industrious. Avoid selfishness! Do not be lazy either in the manner in which you apply your brains nor your strength! Write staff papers worthy of your excellence!

Deliver excellence, and it shall be returned to you in due season!”

Nineteen officers are pursuing the Senior Command and Staff Course 16, which is being conducted over a period of 12 weeks.

The course covers several areas of study, including Minor Staff Duties; Communication Skills; Tactics in Open and Close-Country Warfare; Internal Security Operations; Military Law; Military History; and Administration and Logistics.

Successful completion of the Senior Command and Staff Course is one of the requirements for an officer to be elevated to the rank of Senior Officer.

11

Ramjattan assures security situation under control MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has assured the public that the country’s security is under control.

Appearing as a guest on the televised programme ‘Beyond the Surface,’ the minister noted that the extended electoral process has caused some degree of anxiety among the population.

“We have the situation under control,” he reiterated and mentioned that discussions were held with various groups to ensure that the peace is maintained. “Aside from that incident at Bath Settlement, we have spoken to leaders of political parties, the police commissioner and all his divisional heads, support groups, community policing groups within the mining and forestry areas, the Corps of Wardens and others to keep the peace,” Minister Ramjattan stated.

Minister of Public He pointed out that from Security Khemraj the onset of the elections Ramjattan season, there have been a number of actions including court matters that have led to the electoral process being extended. However, Minister Ramjattan pointed out that the various institutions that are constitutionally mandated to address these matters must be allowed to follow the process to its conclusion without interference and called for citizens to be patient with the ongoing electoral process.

The Public Security Minister expressed satisfaction with the security measures that have been implemented during the entire electoral process.

Turning to the matter of the COVID-19 epidemic, the minister noted that security is being beefed up in communities that share borders with Brazil and Venezuela. He said the government has “established an enforcement team comprising policemen, public health and regional officials, along with community leaders, who are deployed in these areas” that are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Minister Ramjattan however noted while the security personnel are ensuring the safety of citizens, it is the responsibility of every individual to adhere to the measures implemented. (DPI)

Guyana growth projections still high despite pandemic …ECLAC predicts 44.3% growth, but notes fall in reserves THE UN Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean is projecting a 44.3% growth for this country despite the massive fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the delays in the declaration of the March 2, 2020 elections here.

In a report publicised last week ECLAC said based on the estimated effects of ongoing processes, it is projecting a regional average decline of 9.1% in GDP in 2020, with decreases of 9.4% in South America, 8.4% in Central America and Mexico, and 7.9% in the Caribbean excluding Guyana, whose strong growth points to an overall subregional decline of 5.4% when taken into account.

However, ECLAC Guyana was among the economies which saw their reserves decline the most where See page 12

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

No obstacle big enough

By Jared Liddell

AT times, several factors stand in the way of people being able to achieve their goals.

These include limited access to resources, or even health- related issues. Sickle cell disease has been a major obstacle to many people achieving their goals since they have had to be very careful; the disease can be fatal or even shorten the life span of an individual. However, fear of the worst did not stop 34-yearold William John Harris form

inspiring, saying, “He was such an amazing child, he did so well. He was a nice person to meet and interact with; everywhere he went he made friends.”

Harris stated that at nine months old William had been diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Sickle cells block the blood-flow to organs and deprive the affected organs of blood and oxygen. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of blood disorders typically inherited from a person’s parents. In sickle cell anaemia, blood is also chronically low in oxygen.

William John Harris

William Speaking at a Youth Challenge Guyana meeting. making a major impact before he died. William was the firstborn for his parents, William and Penelope Harris.

William’s mother Penelope Harris, who is a retired principal and now training consultant, spoke with the Guyana Chronicle giving an insight into his incredible journey; she stated that she wanted to use his story to inspire others to understand that they too can achieve any dream they have set their minds on. Harris described William’s story as

This lack of oxygen-rich blood can damage nerves and organs, including one’s kidneys, liver and spleen, and can be fatal.

Harris explained that since her son’s diagnosis, she had been always cautious about his health. She stated that although herself and family worried about William’s condition, he never allowed his condition to define him or the goals he could achieve.

William at the time of his death had been able to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in In-

ternational Relations, as well as his Master’s Degree in Regional Development. But that wasn’t all he had achieved: the young man also served as the Public Relations Officer as well as the President of the Sickle Cell Association in Guyana and used his journey as a way of encouraging other persons who have the disease, that they have the ability to achieve great success if they put their minds to it.

According to his family members, William “did remarkably well” academically

William at the World Sickle Cell Day event hosted at the National Library. and socially and was a leading thinker in family circles and among his peers. Harris stated that after his birth, William along with her and his father had migrated to Poland where they pursued higher education. He subsequently returned to Guyana at the age of two where he would spend the next five years with his maternal grandmother Agatha Hinds.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that William always showed great academic promise, attaining a place at the Bishops High School after attending St. Margaret’s Primary. While at school, William continued to not let his disease hinder his growth and passion to become a well-rounded individual, even getting involved in sports and he developed a great love for cricket and attended many cricket camps and matches.

According to her while he continued growing, William made sure he aligned his life with God and was baptised at the Newtown Assembly of

Guyana growth projections still high ...

From page 11

falls exceeded 13%.

The countries with the greatest accumulation of reserves were the Bahamas, Barbados, Guatemala and Paraguay, with increases of over 11%. The report stated that economic activity in the world is falling by more than what was foreseen several months ago as a result of the crisis stemming from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and this increases negative external effects on Latin America and the Caribbean through trade channels, the terms of trade, tourism and remittances.

In addition, the region is currently at the epicenter of the pandemic, and while some governments have begun to lift measures to contain its spread, others have had to keep them in place or even redouble them due to the persistent daily uptick in cases. This is according to ECLAC’s Special Report COVID-19 No. 5, entitled Addressing the growing impact

of COVID-19 with a view to reactivation with equality: new projections, which was presented this Wednesday, July 15, by the United Nations organization’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena, in a virtual press conference held from Santiago, Chile.

The report indicates that since both external and domestic shocks have intensified, the region will experience a -9.1% fall in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020, with drops of -9.4% in South America, -8.4% in Central America and Mexico, and -7.9% in the Caribbean upon excluding Guyana, the strong growth of which prompts a smaller contraction in the subregional total (-5.4%). The document sustains that the fall in economic activity is of such a magnitude that GDP per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean will end 2020 at a level similar to what was seen in 2010 – meaning that there

will be a setback of 10 years in income levels per inhabitant.

“A greater increase in unemployment is also foreseen now, which in turn will produce a significant deterioration in poverty and inequality levels,” Alicia Bárcena stated in her presentation.

It is expected that the regional unemployment rate will be around 13.5% by the end of 2020, which represents an upward revision (2 percentage points) of the estimate presented in April and a 5.4 percentage point increase versus the 2019 figure (8.1%). With this new estimate, the ranks of the unemployed are seen swelling to 44.1 million people in total, which represents an increase of nearly 18 million people versus the level in 2019 (26.1 million unemployed persons). These figures are significantly higher than those observed during the global financial crisis, when the unemployment rate rose from 6.7% in 2008 to 7.3% in

2009 (0.6 percentage points), the report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) indicates.

In addition, the -9.1% fall in GDP and the increase in unemployment are seen having a direct negative impact on the income of households and their possibilities for obtaining enough resources to meet basic needs. In that context, ECLAC forecasts that the number of people living in poverty will rise by 45.4 million in 2020, which means that the total number of people in that situation will go from 185.5 million in 2019 to 230.9 million people in 2020 – a figure that represents 37.3% of Latin America’s population. Within this group, the number of people experiencing extreme poverty is seen rising by 28.5 million, going from 67.7 million people in 2019 to 96.2 million in 2020, a figure equivalent to 15.5% of the total population.

God Church where he became a member. At the Newtown church he served in the Audio Visual Department and the Youth Department. William was a dedicated Christian and wholeheartedly supported his parents on their assignment to pastor the outstation of Newtown Assembly in Sophia.

There, he served as a deacon and secretary of the board for several years.

William, who was by then an International Relations student, always showed a love and appreciation for other cultures and languages, and was fluent in French, Spanish and Portuguese. Finally, it was Portuguese that would ultimately engage his attention and would prove most important as he decided that he wanted to reside in Brasilia. From the very first time he visited Brasilia on one of his university trips, William fell in love with the country and decided that he wanted to move there. Consequently, he became a staff member of the Embassy of Brazil in Guyana-- his first full- time job-- after graduating

from the University of Guyana.

He worked at the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre and the Embassy of Brazil in various capacities between 2010 and 2014, including Secretary of the Cultural Centre, Administrative Assistant and Administrative Officer of both the embassy and the Ambassador’s residence.

He was posted to Brasilia in 2017 as Second Secretary in the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Brazil. He served in that capacity until his demise on October 8, 2020. He played a significant role in the organisation of GULAC (Group of Latin American Countries) and organised many cultural events and activities among diplomats of the nation states.

Harris stated that William’s life should be an inspiration to many that despite setbacks and even a life-threatening illness, one can achieve significant things, touch lives and leave a legacy.

ECLAC also forecasts greater inequality in income distribution in all of the region’s countries: the Gini index is seen increasing by between 1% and 8% in the 17 countries analyzed, and the worst results are expected in the region’s biggest economies. According to the report, countries in the region have announced major packages of fiscal measures to confront the health emergency and mitigate its social and economic effects.

In addition, the magnitude of the current crisis has led monetary authorities to include conventional and non-conventional tools in their approaches.

Actions taken by central banks in the region have been geared towards not only attenuating the effects of the crisis and laying the foundation for an eventual reactivation, but also preserving their economies’ macro-financial stability.

“Although the region’s countries have announced very important measures, to the extent that the confinement is prolonged, additional efforts are needed to meet basic needs and sustain household

consumption. ECLAC has made several proposals including the implementation of an emergency basic income as an instrument of social protection, an anti-hunger grant – equivalent to 70% of one regional extreme poverty line ($67 dollars based on the 2010 dollar), with a total cost estimated at 27.1 billion dollars (0.52% of regional GDP) – and several initiatives to support companies and at-risk workers. In order to implement any of these lines of action, it is necessary to strengthen the role of international financial institutions so they can better support countries,” Alicia Bárcena emphasised.

“National efforts must be supported by international cooperation to expand policy space through increased financing under favorable conditions and debt relief.

Likewise, making progress on equality is crucial for effectively controlling the pandemic and for a sustainable economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Bárcena affirmed.

B

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

ook review:

A review of David Granger’s Guyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 1880-1930

G

uyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 1880-1930 examines, in great detail, the economic diversification which occurred in British Guiana following Emancipation in 1838. This process reached its apogee between 1880 and 1930 and it is this period which the book’s author, David Granger, refers to as ‘Guyana’s golden age’.

The combination of concurrent changes – the expansion of sugar production in Brazil and Cuba and its extension in Asia; the recovery of beet sugar production in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars; agitation for free trade and the elimination of protective tariffs by commercial and industrial interests in Britain; and the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the British West Indies – led to the collapse of sugar prices, undermined the profitability of sugar and triggered the abandonment and sale of several plantations.

The need to pay cash for wages to Portuguese and East Indian indentured immigrants from 1835 and 1838, respectively, even prior to African Emancipation, and the extension of free villages along the coastland bought about the establishment of a money-based economy. Business transactions and more diversified enterprises in the local market – including banking, commerce, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and, later, rice and balata production and bauxite, gold and diamond mining – had to be facilitated.

Guyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 18801930 traces these transformative changes in the economy which, prior to Emancipation, had been dominated by sugar production. Economic diversification did not end sugar’s dominance, however. ‘King Sugar’ retained its paramount position in the colony’s economy.

It would continue to do so beyond the end of the era of

economic diversification.

Even the advent of large scale bauxite mining could not displace sugar’s pre-eminence in the economy.

Sugar still accounted for 70 per cent of exports and remained the largest industry and employer of labour by 1897.

Sugar would remain the mainstay of the economy right through to the first two decades after Independence.

The economic differentiation which took place in the century following Emancipation, however, can neither be discounted nor can its significance be diminished. British Guiana’s economy at Independence in 1966, however, was noticeably different from that at Emancipation in 1838. It had become more diversified.

It was dominated by sugar, indeed, but less preponderantly so.

This book highlights this central but transformative process. Granger traces the sources of this economic diversification to a number of factors, following the emergence of a free peasantry after 1838.

These included: - changes in population triggered by the introduction of large numbers of indentured immigrant labourers; - changes in the constitution in 1891 which relaxed the almost absolute political stranglehold of the planter classes; - changes in society, including the introduction of compulsory primary education in 1876; and - changes in technology which catalysed new sectors and increased the demand for commodities.

This book is of fundamental relevance to understanding Guyana’s economic history and particularly the economic differentiation which took place after Emancipation but it is by no means singular in this endeavor. Among the raft

of sources consulted in the researching of this book is Walter Rodney’s History of Guyanese Working People

scrupulous research undertaken by its author. He has mined a treasure trove of authoritative and scholarly

1881-1905. Rodney had observed that peasant farming had contributed only in a small way to economic differentiation. He pointed out that “…the elements of economic differentiation included the consolidation of the timber industry, the pioneering of diamond mining and the revival of the gold industry.”

The book is enriched by the

sources – including George Beckford’s, Caribbean Rural Economy, (1975); Rawle Farley’s The Rise of the Peasantry in British Guiana (1954); E.J. Hobsbawn’s Industry and Empire: An Economic History of Britain since 1750 (1968); Michael Moohr’s, The Economic Impact of Slave Emancipation in British Guiana (1972); and Walter Rodney’s, A Histo ry of

the Guyanese Working People, 1881-1905 (1981).

The republication of Guyana’s Golden Age: The diversification of British Guiana’s economy 1880-1930 is timely and its lessons are timeless. First published as an essay in the Guyana Historical Journal, Vols. IV &V, 19921993, it re-emerges as a monograph at a critical juncture in the country’s economic history.

Petroleum production commenced in December 2019, exciting national passions and expectations, as was the case with the discovery of gold and bauxite.

The book serves as a sobering reminder that commodity production is subject to fluctuating fortunes. Economists and others have already begun to caution about the dangers of resource curse and ‘Dutch disease’. The book forewarns of the dangers of concentrating economic diversification around primary commodity production. The book is a reminder, also, of the inherent benefits and risks associated with economic diversification, principally into other natural resources.

Granger argues that: A country, in diversifying its economy, could avoid sharp or sudden changes in revenue which might accompany the fluctuations likely to occur in producing for a single market, such as the United Kingdom. Equally, it could achieve a real improvement in the distribution of income among the majority of the country’s people and make a permanent impact on their livelihood.

The book’s salient lesson is that the discovery of a new and potentially lucrative resource does not necessarily make an economy more resilient. Commodity production is subject, almost as a rule, to the vagaries of the international commodity markets. Guyana is now only

in its first year of petroleum production but, already, has been subjected to the effects of a decline in global oil prices brought on by the COVD-19 pandemic, for example.

A second lesson which emerges from the book is the danger of not adding value to commodity production.

Guyana’s concentration on primary production, during and after its ‘golden age’, has subjected the economy to cycles of growth and recession. Modern economic diversification, therefore, must include value-added production to yield higher valued exports and to build a more resilient economy.

David Granger, now Guyana’s President, recognises this. He makes reference, frequently, to the fact that Guyana’s economy has traditionally been reliant on the ‘six sisters’ – bauxite, gold, fish, rice, timber and sugar – and laments how these industries have been sources of economic vulnerability. Granger, as President, has pledged to continue economic diversification and to add value to his country’s abundant natural resources. He appreciates, no doubt from his own research in writing this book, that economic diversification is not an end to itself but a means to cushion an economy against exogenous shocks.

Guyana’s Golden Age: The diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 1880-1930 contributes to our understanding of the process of economic change which can be triggered by demographic, economic, geographic, political, international and technological factors.

While British Guiana’s economy remained reliant on external developments and while national output still depended primarily on sugar, economic diversification was a necessary adjunct for the emergence of modern economy. It still is.

Citizens protest ERC

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

…call for sacking of Roshan Khan, sanctions on ‘Guyanese Critic’

By Gabriella Chapman “CRITIC must go before the court!” and “Roshan Khan got to go!” were the two main chants of the scores of protestors in front of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Friday morning.

The protest stemmed from the social media remarks of popular Guyanese figure ‘Guyanese Critic,’ who made on his platform distasteful remarks about people of African descent. The first post was made a few weeks ago, and the ERC has since asked ‘Critic’ to issue an apology to those he offended.

However, another racist post was made by the individual after the apology, and citizens are displeased with the work of the ERC on race-related issues in Guyana.

At the protest on Friday, the pain and passion in the people were evident as they shouted for their voices to be heard, saying that the ERC must serve the people according to the oath they took.

Former Guyanese beauty queen Melessa Payne, who was at the protest, told the Guyana Chronicle that they have had enough of the disrespect from Guyanese Critic and he should be sanctioned for inciting racism in the country.

“We are standing up for what we believe is right. We are standing in solidarity against racism in Guyana and the absurd remarks made by the Guyanese Critic. Remarks discriminating religion in general, calling black people grass-eaters and that they can’t read and write. We want equality and we want Critic to be placed before the court,” Payne said She also pointed out that they are lobbying for Commissioner Roshan Khan to be removed, since he has taken a political bias, and is using politics “to drown one set of people.”

Another protestor, Cheryl Thomas, said that it has been far too long that Critic has been disrespecting the African race of Guyana.

“I think the ERC should sanction Critic now and bring him before the court; this is the second time he has disrespected the African race and Guyanese descent,” she passionately said.

Carl Solomon said he joined the protest because he feels that the ERC has a constitutional responsibility

to ensure that matters of ethnicity are treated appropriately. As such, he is asking the ERC to act now to ensure that the Critic is brought before the court and to remove commissioner Roshan Khan, “because his political stance

when dealing with Critic in the past, gave him what is referred to as ‘a slap in the wrist’.

“We are asking them to sanction him now because his statement threatens the stability, peace and tranquility we

Political activist Shondelle Smith-Daniels at the centre of the protest

cause the ERC did basically nothing when he did the first rant. I am here also because every day we have Roshan Khan on social media who is showing bias,” she related.

Smith-Daniels explained that she is not interested in

ality with the caption, “This is what sanctions look like.”

This publication contacted Khan, who said in his personal capacity that everyone has a right to freedom of speech and that the ERC cannot please everyone.

A protestor shouting, “Roshan Khan must go!”

A section of the protest on Friday at the Ethnic Relations Commission

is a hindrance to the tenants [sic] of the ERC.” Solomon went on to say that the Guyanese Critic personality is known for making statements that are both inflammatory and divisive and the ERC when called upon to act against those utterances, seem to be taking a recalcitrant attitude.

“We are calling on them now to act against this individual,” he said. Solomon further stated that recently the Critic made another statement and posted a picture of a person which he referred to in the most derogatory of terms.

He noted that the ERC

enjoy as Guyanese, because there is only so long that persons might be able to stand up or accept these kinds of utterances and racism coming from these individuals,” the man warned.

Also sharing her view on the protest line, political activist Shondelle SmithDaniels said what the critic displayed was completely and utterly disrespectful. She further related that she came out because she is tired of the racism.

“I’m tired of the racism; I am tired of my culture being disrespected and nothing is being done. I came out be-

one’s political affiliation, but when one holds a certain office they should have a neutral position.

“If you check his social media page you will see what I am talking about and when he makes these quotes, some nasty comments follows [sic] and he deletes them, but he is the source. It must stop.

He has no morals, he has no ethics and anything going forward to him will be bias [sic] and we are asking for him [Roshan Khan] to go,” she said.

The image circulating on Facebook shows a photo purported to be a black person-

“I have no issues with anybody, by race, religion or culture. The whole world knows that. Some people will not like what you do certain times and some people would say step down, and that is their right also. But I don’t do anything to hurt anyone, and I wouldn’t do anything ever to cause disharmony or disrespect to citizens of this country. It’s not within my DNA nor within my upbringing or socialisation. Some people may not like what a person says, I can’t stop that. But I always try to be balanced or fair. But at the same time if I have an opinion, that some-

thing has happened, then I have a right to say so. I find it strange that other people from the same institution are writing in the papers and are not being targeted, but some people are targeting me because for some reason or the other, they feel that I might be hurting or doing something to them in particular.

It’s a prejudicial thing…”

Khan said.

Khan highlighted too, that he believes the ERC is an extraordinary institution that works for good will and harmony. “It is hard to please everyone. You can’t please everyone… But I personally feel that ERC is doing a fantastic piece of work,” he said.

The commission later on Friday sent out a press statement that it continues to receive a plethora of complaints which are deemed to be racially insensitive and inciting and which target individuals, politicians and political parties. Many of these complaints emanate from social media postings.

The statement said that the ERC’s capacity has been unavoidably reduced, resulting from adherence to COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. But it continues to work towards assessing and investigating complaints in a timeframe within the context noted.

“The commission, being fully cognisant of the devastating impact these incidents, which incite race hate and violence, have on the further widening of division among the ethnic groups and the need for investigations to be completed swiftly, seeks the public’s indulgence for understanding. It assures of its continual efforts to work assiduously to have these matters resolved within the shortest possible time.

“Regrettably, the commission cannot conceal its disappointment that such unnecessary attempts to divide our people continue openly, despite its repeated calls for cessation and for all who are involved, including political leaders and their supporters, to act in a more responsible manner in the best interest of our dear nation. Those calls are therefore reiterated with the fervent hope [that] they will be heeded,” the statement outlined.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Moruca tailor beats the odds with makeshift sewing machine …sews masks for free in COVID fight AS the number of COVID-19 cases piled up at Santa Rosa, in the Moruca sub-region, several weeks ago, Otis Castello jumped at the opportunity to help his fellow villagers.

Using an old sewing machine with bicycle and generator parts substituting key functions of the equipment, Castello sewed masks for residents, for free, a feat which touched the hearts of many.

Castello, 51 , who suffers from a hearing impairment, is a skilled tailor. His skill, according to his wife, Lucy, is evident in the number of customers he has had over the past two years.

This is so despite the fact that his makeshift sewing machine prevents him from fully utilizing both hands since one has to spin a bicycle rim which turns the machine. The Castellos live at the village of Cabora, which is a satellite community to Santa Rosa.

ALL-PURPOSE MACHINE BROKE According to Lucy, a little over two years ago, her husband’s all-purpose sewing machine broke down and became useless.

His current equipment is unique in many ways. There is no foot pedal, no stitch regulator, and the needle clamp and parts for the needle are triggered by a generator part which Castello installed on the machine.

“He had an all-purpose machine what could have sewn buttons and different stiches but that spoil,” Lucy said. She said that she searched and managed to

find an old Singer machine.

She said that was over two years ago.

She said that it was not a functioning machine but her husband managed to get it working and, using parts from the old machine, he installed same on the Singer machine. ”It ain’t got the pedal and the belt, so he used the bicycle wheel fork and the rim,” she said.

As Lucy described how her husband sews, she said he pulls a rubber which is attached to the bicycle wheel rim, to get the machine running, as she reiterated that it has been over two years since her husband has been mastering the improvised equipment.

She said that despite his machine not being one with multiple features, her husband receives orders from parents and teachers to make various pieces of clothing for the new school term as well as during the term.

“Sometimes he would make one or two long pants per day, sometimes one only because people would go to others who got faster machines,” she said.

Lucy said her husband would also sew various pieces of clothing for events and activities within the area.

COVID-19 RESPONSE When the COVID cases were being recorded at Santa Rosa and other areas within the sub-region early last month, Castello responded by sewing masks for residents. According to a villager, persons would provide the materials and he would sew the masks for free. ”Is

Otis Castello fixes the thread on his sewing machine

not for charge, it is giving, it is for free,” Lucy said, as she pointed out the importance of the mask in fighting the Coronavirus.

She added that during this time persons would go to her husband and make orders to sew the masks in larger quantities and they would pay him for his time. ”He would sew now for anybody who want to bring in an

order,” Lucy said.

According to Lucy, the couple brought forth nine children. ”Well, is nine between the two of us,” she said with a smile, noting that the both work hard to provide for their children. She does farming for a living and she would also sell brooms to earn an income.

TURN TO PAGE

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Otis Castello and his sewing machine

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Lima Sands residents bemoan deteriorating roads

The deteriorating road

The deplorable condition of Lima Sands road

The massive erosion

RESIDENTS living in the Lima Sands community, in Region Two, are calling for help to fix their roads which have been deteriorating months now. According to residents, the roads within their area are eroding and washing away daily.

Residents said that on Saturday, a truck was stuck on a deteriorated part of the road.

Residents had to come together and assist the driver to pull his truck out. Residents related that officials from the

Region Two administration are aware of the condition of the road but no one is helping. “The rain has made things worse for us. The water has made the road erode‌the road in front the Primary School already deterioratedâ€? a resident explained.

Drivers utilizing the area also vented their concerns, stating that many times they had to refuse to take passengers in due to the road. As a result, many persons are forced to walk long distances

Moruca tailor beats ...

FROM PAGE

She said that she and her husband hope to one day purchase a new all-purpose machine, noting that her husband skill was needed and is still in demand in the village, given the large number of COVID-19 cases recorded within Santa Rosa.

Cabora is a small village which falls under the Santa Rosa Village Council. It is located some 8 miles from the Kumaka waterfront, the business-hub of the Moruca sub-region.

During the last two weeks of May this year, the first COVID-19 case was recorded at Santa Rosa.

15

Soon after, Vincent Torres , a former school teacher in the area, died from complications attributed to the virus at the Kumaka District Hospital. Within a month-long period since his death, the number of positive cases increased rapidly to more than 60, as the authorities faced an uphill battle in sensitizing residents of the seriousness of the pandemic.

To date, more than 80 cases of the Coronavirus have been recorded within the Moruca sub-region, making it the epicenter of the disease there. On the brighter side of things, some 36 persons have since recovered from the disease.

since drivers do not want to enter the community.

Residents are, therefore, calling on relevant authorities to visit the area and to fix the road as early as possible.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

UNICEF and local entities partner to train forensic artists –– as key component of response to violence against children

THE United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF), along with the University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Blossom Inc. on Friday, 17 July 2020, launched a partnership that will see artists

being trained in forensic art skills to assist in the investigation process and facilitate access to justice.

According to a press release from UNICEF, forensic art, an artistic technique used by law enforcement for iden-

tification, apprehension or conviction purposes, is a key component of the response to violence against children in Guyana. It noted that the collaboration will focus on ensuring that there “is a consistent skill set” to en-

gage with the GPF and other agencies that work on the frontlines of child protection violations.

“Partnerships remain critical to both preventing and responding to all forms of violence, exploitation and

abuse. While Guyana has made strides to address these violations through actions at policy, institutional, community and service delivery levels, there is still significant work to be done to ensure that every child is protected and have access to transformative justice,” said UNICEF Country Representative, Sylvie Fouet. “Particularly, for sexual abuse and related cases where children are removed from their primary caregivers, there remains a need to ensure that a medium exists to aid in investigation and reporting of the cases.”

The release said that through the partnership, UG will play a critical role in providing forensic artists to the GPF, which will aid with their investigations, particularly in cases relating to children and adolescents.

Expertise that can be provided by forensic artists include: * Composite Drawing will help investigators generate leads based on physical descriptions. For example, to assist in cases of child sexual abuse or missing children including those referred by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) to Blossom Inc. * Image Modification is used to change and enhance a photograph in order to help an investigator and/or trial attorney. * Image Identification is the recording of a person's distinguishing features for future reference. Investigators can use this tool to identify suspects who attempt to change their appearance to evade capture, as well as in the study of cold cases. * Crime Scene Sketching helps support the information shown in photographs of the scene. * Demonstrative Evidence when any visible, physical evidence is recorded in legal proceedings. These are used to demonstrate aspects of the case, reconstruct an event, and illustrate what happened.

Said Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, Director of Blossom Inc., “This is a welcome addition in our fight against child sexual abuse, where oftentimes, in the many hardto-reach areas of Guyana, including Regions One, Two,

Seven and Ten, alleged perpetrators would disappear into the interior and it becomes difficult to locate them with no support available to help jog memories of persons they may have come into contact with.”

The release said that in 2021, the university has plans to support the development of a specialized course of forensic art since such expertise can contribute to composite drawing, crime scene sketching and image identification, among other things.

“This partnership offers our Creative Arts Faculty, students and alumni, an extension of the use of their talents and training into an area of forensic specialization which is not well developed in Guyana,” the release quotes Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof. Paloma Mohamed-Martin as saying.

“This programme will help to give a diversified profile and fillip to the Visual Arts Department of our Faculty of Education and Humanities.

Needless to say, UG is the people’s University, so anything we can do that helps us fulfil the mandate of making life better for Guyanese, we will within our means most certainly, do.”

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, said in the release, “The leadership and ranks of the Guyana Police Force recommit [their] efforts on partnerships and results for children. Innovation and investment in the use of local talent and expertise will carry our work forward.”

UNICEF said Blossom Inc., the CPA, and the GPF will continue to work in tandem to support the investigation process, especially where crimes of violence are committed against children and adolescents. “This work complements ongoing investments in specialized Courts for Sexual Offences and Family matters, Child Advocacy Centres, graduate and undergraduate programmes in Psychology and Social Work, the Venezuelan migration response and training in the GPF, all of which are actively supported by UNICEF,” the release concluded.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 19, 2020

Young entrepreneur expands business amidst global pandemic A YOUNG Guyanese entrepreneur, Mario Joseph, owner of Mario’s Juice Bar, Smoothies, Shakes, Burgers and Grill House has made the bold step of expanding his business despite the constraints of the global pandemic.

At the small opening ceremony of his new Sheriff Street location on Friday, Joseph said that he started out as small businessman some five years ago while studying Economics at the University of Guyana.

He said that as a student, he saw the need for healthy, hygienic food options on campus, and as he saw that opening he decided to take a shot, since being an entrepreneur was always on his bucket list.

The student, which he was at the time, started out selling on the catwalk of the Turkeyen campus, and after he got the permission extended to vend by the then Vice-Chancellor, he expanded to having a caravan on the tarmac to sell his food and juices.

Now with the COVID-19 guidelines and campus having been shut for some months,

Owner of Mario’s Juice Bar, Smoothies, Shakes, Burgers and Grill House, Mario Joseph

Joseph was motivated to open his first ‘outside-of-campus’ location.

He said he faced many hiccups and challenges, but with the help of his family, his mother in particular, Small Business Bureau (SBB), the team at Action Coach Guyana, and other individuals, he was able to pull through the rough patches and open his new location.

Joseph said that he is anticipating the reopening of outside so that he can provide a hangout spot for citizens of Guyana, serving quality local beverages and food.

He also noted that he intends to grow to soon become both an onshore and offshore provider, as Guyana has oil

Mario Joseph and family members at the opening of his new Sheriff Street location

operations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Dr. Lowell Porter was also at the launch/opening ceremony. He remarked that entrepreneurship is the key for development in Guyana, and instead of criticising small businesses, people should support and help them grow.

“We see so many small businesses today and sometimes we criticise them. ‘Oh, they could have done better; they should have done this; they should have done that.’

But I’m pretty sure when Peter D'Aguiar started, he started from a very small location.

So I think what we need to start looking at is how we can support,” Dr. Porter said.

He urged Joseph to look at where he can get his supplies from and where he can include smaller farmers to help them develop.

He also noted how much he admires Joseph’s tenacity, because he was determined and goal-oriented when he interacted with SBB to be grant-

ed opportunities for funding.

“He knows what he wants, and he goes out there to get it.

And I had to support. Every time we see a small business in Guyana, we want to see how we can help,” the CEO said in his remarks.

Also present at the opening was Head of Ac-

tionCOACH Guyana, Dr. Vishnu Doerga; Owner of Project Development Consultancy, Anije Lambert; Coaching Director at ActionCOACH, Keon Smith; and a few of Joseph’s family members.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

Embattled former FIFA executive Jack Warner to contest T&T general elections JACK Warner, the embattled former FIFA vice-president and Independent Liberal Party (ILP) political leader, announced Thursday night that he will be contesting the Trinidad and Tobago general election set for

Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner August 10.

The ILP said the 77-year-old Warner will contest the Lopinot/Bon Air West seat. The controversial former football official, who is fighting extradition to the United States where he is expected to face corruption charges, is to host a media conference at 15:00hrs at his constituency office in Arouca today.

Warner served as a Government Minister under the former People’s Partnership administration. He resigned as the Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West in April 2013.

Warner had been a member of the FIFA Executive Committee since 1983 and CONCACAF president since 1990. He was re-elected for a new term in 2011.

However, he was implicated in numerous corruption allegations dating back to the 1980s.

In May 2011, Warner and Mohammed bin Hammam were provisionally suspended by the FIFA Ethics Committee pending the outcome of the investigation of corruption allegations against them.

On June 20 2011, FIFA announced Warner’s resignation from all his positions in international football. (Sportsmax)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

Zidane silences the doubters by bringing Real Madrid back to life MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Few expected Zinedine Zidane to leave Real Madrid and even fewer expected him to come back as coach.

And yet almost 500 days later, he has won the La Liga title, without fuss, without even the improvements he was promised.

On Thursday, in an empty Alfredo di Stefano Stadium at Real Madrid’s training ground, he hoisted another trophy, his second in La Liga and 11th overall as coach.

Zidane currently wins a trophy every 19 games on average and while three Champions League titles out of three was historic, this might be his most impressive yet.

When he was reappointed in March last year, Madrid President Florentino Perez said Zidane had come again to launch “a glorious new era”.

But standing next to him was Madrid’s third coach of the season, taking over a team 12 points behind Barcelona, having just been knocked out and outplayed by Ajax in the

Champions League.

Most thought it was a mistake, the coach that had gone out on the highest of highs returning to a team in tatters.

Cristiano Ronaldo was gone and it seemed those that remained had lost the hunger. “We will change things, for sure, and for the years to come,” Zidane said.

Change, though, would have to wait and then it never really came at all. Zidane saw out a miserable 11 games of last season where performances grew worse not better.

Anticipation of a summer overhaul increased as Madrid’s newspapers published polls revelling in which of the world’s best players should arrive.

Kylian Mbappe or Neymar? “I would like them both,” said Perez.

Zidane did not want them all but there was one he desperately wanted, Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, who he was convinced could change everything.

Yet Pogba stayed put and

Real Madrid’s players toss their French Coach Zinedine Zidane after winning the League title following the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid, on Thursday.

(Photo: AFP) weight and then got injured, so too did Gareth Bale, who the opening sequence of his Zidane was assured would nightmare first year in Spain. be sold. “It would be best for Instead of a sparkling new everyone,” he said. era, Zidane was handed more Hazard did sign, for 100 of the same but when the inmillion euros, but arrived overevitable questions came about broken promises, he refused to stoke the fire.

“The decisions that are up to me are on the pitch,” he said.

The trouble was those were no better. Draws against Valladolid and Villarreal were followed by humiliation in Paris. Defeat by Real Mallorca

in October left Zidane on the brink of the sack.

“I know how this works,” said Zidane, with Jose Mourinho ready, but perhaps that jolted the players, who beat Galatasaray 1-0 and began to turn the tide.

Zidane grows bolder Zidane escaped and grew bolder. Fede Valverde came into his midfield and proved the catalyst for change, the Uruguayan bringing dynamism and chaos to an all-too predictable midfield.

“He’s amazing,” said Kroos. “I love this player.”

The defence tightened too, conceding nine goals during a crucial run of 21 games unbeaten either side of Christmas.

Ferland Mendy proved a more reliable alternative to Marcelo at left back while in goal, Thibaut Courtois blossomed.

“Even as someone who prefers exciting, attacking football, the defence is the most important thing right now,” Zidane said.

In attack, he trusted two young Brazilians, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, and between them, Karim Benzema found arguably the best form of his entire career.

“My job is to transmit a sense of calm in the difficult moments,” he said. “To be quiet, patient and positive.”

That ability to exude confidence and diffuse pressure appeared even more valuable as Barcelona descended into turmoil and sacked Ernesto Valverde, the coach that at least kept the team happy, and winning.

And when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Madrid’s players reacted better, coming back revitalised, more determined than ever that an 11-match sprint would end with a trophy.

“After lockdown there was something very particular,” said Zidane on Wednesday. “I could see it in training. The players wanted something.”

Zidane had a bigger squad than Barcelona’s but his willingness to rotate became key.

Tournaments have also been his strength and perhaps he rekindled that mentality.

With no time for training, the message was simple: Win. In that sense, Zidane has silenced the doubters, even if it remains to be seen whether he can rebuild a team or replicate his success elsewhere.

But just as this Madrid were a mess without him, with him they are celebrating again.

Few expected him there but Zidane was right in his first press conference.

“Change is for the future,” he said. “The important thing is I’m back.”

Former Aussie skipper/ wicketkeeper Barry Jarman ...

From page 23

the careers of both Grout and Jarman.

Both men were uncapped and vying for the vacant wicket-keeping spot but after Grout scored 95 with the bat in a warm-up match before the first Test, he was given the nod for the series opener.

And when he claimed six second-innings dismissals on Test debut, Grout had proved his worth and would rarely drop out of the side for most of the next decade.

Jarman was a regular in touring parties but, as Grout’s understudy, he played just seven Tests between 1959 and 1967, only getting a chance when Grout was injured.

When Grout finally retired in 1966 at the age of 39, the South Australian took over and played 12 Tests in a little more than a year before he too retired in 1969 at the age of 33.

While Grout’s presence meant Jarman didn’t play as much for his country as he would have liked, he was a mainstay of the South Australian team for more than a decade and was part of their Sheffield Shield side that won the title in 1963-64.

Today, the most improved player in South Australia’s men’s side each season is awarded the Barry Jarman Trophy.

When he retired, Jarman had 560 dismissals to his name from 191 first-class games, a tally only Grout and Bert Oldfield bettered at the time.

Jarman went on to have a career as an International Cricket Council match referee, working in 25 Tests and 28 ODIs between 1995 and 2001.

In 1997, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport in

South Australia.

Jarman also played a key role in introducing another much-loved figure in South Australian cricket to the game. Having employed a young man named Barry Rees at his sports store in the early 1960s, Jarman nicknamed his young employee ‘Nugget’ and, upon learning of his love for cricket, brought him into the Adelaide Oval rooms, where he’s been a beloved feature ever since.

“Barry was one of South Australia’s internationally known names,” SACA president Andrew Sinclair said in a statement.

“He was a great competitor and gentleman, who appreciated the way the game should be played and was always had a terrific sense of humour.

“He lived his life to the full and was not afraid to share his opinion; you were never left in any doubt as to his view. He was a delight to be around.

“Our thoughts are with his family: wife Gaynor, and children Kristen, Gavin, Jason and Erin.”

While he struggled to get a chance in the Test side for most of his career, Jarman was a popular member on Australia’s overseas tours.

“When you have 17 players in a touring party, you can get little divisions at times with various states who might try to stay together,” former Test bowler Eric Freeman told the ABC in 2012.

“But Barry was the one where if we went out for a drink, we went out in groups not just one or two guys.” (Cricket.com.au)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

‘No solution today’ for Tokyo Olympics as Bach announces re-election bid

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AFP) — Thomas Bach said Friday he will stand in 2021 for a second term as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), admitting however, there is “no solution today” to the challenges posed by coronavirus to the postponed Tokyo Games.

The 66-year-old German was elected for an eight-year term as Olympic chief in September 2013, taking over from Belgian Jacques Rogge.

Bach will be eligible for a second and final fouryear term.

Speaking at an IOC Session held virtually because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Bach said: “If you, the IOC members, want, I am ready to run for a second term as IOC president and to continue to serve you and this Olympic movement we all love so much for another four years.”

The IOC presidential elections are slated to take place in Athens, in June 2021.

Bach, who won gold for West Germany in the foil fencing team event at the 1976 Olympics, claimed a large number of IOC members had recently approached him asking if he would seek re-election.

“I am grateful and deeply touched by the many words of encouragement and confidence,” Bach said.

Turning to the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed in March until July 2021, Bach expressed hope that they could be “a unique milestone for the entire world”.

“They will be the first worldwide gathering after coronavirus.”

But Bach warned that the unprecedented health situation meant multiple scenarios were being considered in planning the format for Tokyo.

“There is no solution today, it is too much (to be) expected,” he said.

Bach said the scenario of holding the Games without spectators was one that had been examined, although he stressed that he was opposed to the idea.

“It’s one of the scenarios we have to look in to because the debate has to do with travel restrictions and quarantine.

“It’s too early to tell (if there will be no spectators). It’s not what we want. We want stadia full of enthusiastic fans.”

Tokyo 2020 organisers said Friday they had secured all the venues needed to hold the Olympics next summer, clearing a major hurdle to hosting the event.

They added that refunds for ticketholders unable to attend the rescheduled games will begin in late 2020.

Bach was elected an IOC member at the age of 37 and went on to play a series of influential roles within the organisation before being elected its ninth president.

Under his reign as IOC chief, Bach has had to grapple with several political challenges, and has notably overseen the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Games, both perceived as the most troublesome in recent years.

He has also been a key player in the ongoing Russian doping saga, although the IOC came in for criticism from some quarters for not issuing Moscow with a blanket ban over its State-sponsored doping system.

Bach also came under fire for reinstating the Russian National Olympic Committee after the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite failed drugs tests there.

He is credited, however, with having put in place the Olympic Agenda 2020, reforms aimed at cutting costs and streamlining bidding processes to better attract potential host cities.

But the German lawyer and businessman could well have his biggest challenge ahead of him, in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Beijing scheduled to host the 2022 Winter Olympics just six months after the proposed Tokyo Games.

The IOC Session also saw Sebastian Coe, the head of World Athletics, voted in as an IOC member after being turned down several times.

Coe, the two-time Olympic 1,500 metres champion for Britain who became head of track and field’s world governing body in 2015, was blocked from membership as recently as December over a conflict of interest.

But Coe changed his role at the marketing company he is currently running as managing director to a passive position, thus paving the way to IOC membership.

Coe’s belated entry into the IOC club is significant because he has been mentioned as a potential future president of the Olympic movement.

“Thank you to all of you who voted for our sport, our federation today,” said Coe. “I look forward, our whole sport looks forward, to working even more closely with all of you in reforming and building all sports because at this time, of all times, the need for community in elite sport to thrive and flourish is probably never more important.”

Former Aussie skipper/wicketkeeper Barry Jarman dies, aged 84 FORMER Australia Test captain and wicketkeeper Barry Jarman has died, aged 84. Jarman played 19 Tests from 1959 to 1969 and captained the side for one Test on the 1968 Ashes tour when regular skipper Bill Lawry was injured; leading them to a draw that meant Australia retained the Ashes.

Australia’s 33rd Test skipper, he’s one of just five Australian male wicketkeepers to captain his country in Test cricket.

Jarman made his Test debut as a 23-year-old in India in 1959 but had to bide his time for almost a decade before he

Barry Jarman (left) with former teammate Alan Davidson in 2010. (GettyImages) was a regular in the Test team, with Wally Grout - nine years Jarman’s senior - Australia’s first-choice gloveman for most of the 1960s.

A d ecis ion early on Australia’s 1957-58 tour of South Africa was to define

See page 24

(From left) International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and President of the Paris Organising Committee of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Tony Estanguet meet with sports advisor of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, community, involvment and youth Cyril Mourin, French President Emmanuel Macron and advisor Alice Rufo, on the terrace of the Elysee Palace, in Paris on June 8, 2020. (Photo: AFP)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

IPL 2020 likely to be played in the UAE between September and November

By Nagraj Gollapudi News editor, ESPNcricinfo THE 2020 edition of the IPL being played entirely in the UAE is now a distinct possibility, and ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI has earmarked a tentative window between September 26 and November 7 for it.

A final decision will be taken by the BCCI once the ICC announces the likely postponement of the men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled between October 18 and November 15 in Australia.

The ICC Board is scheduled to have a call on July 20 to discuss the matter and a final decision on the World Cup is likely to be taken then. It is understood that the BCCI has written to the Indian government seeking permission for the tournament to be shifted to UAE and also get the necessary travel permission for the players and officials of the teams.

On Friday, BCCI’s Apex Council discussed the possibility of the IPL being played in the UAE in its entirety. It is understood that the BCCI would still prefer conducting the tournament in India, but the COVID-19 situation - the number of infections in the country are on the rise has meant that the UAE has been identified as the next-best option.

In April, BCCI deferred the IPL indefinitely because of the pandemic. With over a

A part of the 2014 IPL was played in the UAE because of the general elections in India. (BCCI photo) In June, BCCI president Sourav Ganmillion cases at the moment, India is third on the list of countries in terms of infections and guly wrote to the state associations, stating the board was “optimistic” about the IPL has officially recorded over 26 000 deaths.

“We are ready to fully support the IPL taking place this year and “all possible if it chooses to come and play in the UAE. options” were being worked out including We will provide all the support concerning playing to “empty stadiums”.

If the tournament does shift to the UAE, the protocol and government permission required to host the IPL. We are waiting it would be the second time for the IPL there, for written confirmation from BCCI” - after the first 20 matches of the tournament were staged in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and SharMubashshir Usmani, ECB secretary The BCCI had originally wanted to con- jah in 2014 because of the general elections duct the IPL behind closed doors in limited in India.

In April, the Emirates Cricket Board had venues and singled out Mumbai as the hub, but India’s commercial capital has a huge written to BCCI, offering UAE as an alternumber of COVID-19 infections in the coun- native venue for the tournament. And the board is ready to play host now, if the BCCI try, making it unfeasible.

green-lights the switch. “We are ready to fully support the IPL if it chooses to come and play in the UAE,” Mubashshir Usmani, ECB secretary, told ESPNcricinfo. “We will provide all the support concerning the protocol and government permission required to host the IPL. We are waiting for written confirmation from BCCI.” The tournament is expected to be played at the three main grounds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, while it is not clear whether the oval at the ICC Academy in Dubai, too, could be used as one of the venues with the tournament likely to be played behind closed doors.

As far as the franchises are concerned, they discussed playing in the UAE during an owners’ call on July 13. With most of the global pool of players homebound due to the pandemic, the franchises are primarily concerned about the players getting enough training ahead of the tournament, which could go on for at least six weeks. If the tournament does move to UAE, it is understood that franchises are likely to set up their bases a month in advance, for training and also to cater to any quarantine measures imposed by the UAE government.

It is understood that the main reason for marking November 7 as the date for the IPL final was to ensure Indian players get enough time to travel to Australia for the four-match Test series, set to begin in December.

Markram, De Villiers shine in three-team slogathon PRETORIA (Reuters) Aiden Markram and AB de Villiers bludgeoned lightning half-centuries to lead their Eagles side to victory in the inaugural, experimental three-team Solidarity Cup fixture at Centurion Park on Saturday.

Cricket South Africa is hopeful the unique format may catch on, though for many the jury will be out as the slogathon produced entertainment off the bat but little else for the purists to enthuse over in a display of

power hitting.

Markram (70 from 33 balls) and De Villiers (61 from 24) helped the Eagles to 160 for four in their 12 overs, convincingly beating the Kites (138 for three) and Kingfishers (113 for five).

Played with the twin aims of raising money for charity and providing the country’s leading players with some cricket under COVID-19 lockdown, there were no fans in the stadium and all fielders were posted to the boundary

in order to ensure social distancing.

The three sides, made up of eight players each, batted in two six-over innings in which they faced each of the other opponents in the field.

A draw at the start of the game decided who would bat, bowl and sit in the stands first.

The team with the highest score in the first round of innings, in this case the Eagles (66), bats first in the second to post an aggregate total for

the other teams to chase.

Organisers believe the format can be played over anything up to 90 overs.

South Africa had a limited-overs tour to India cut short due to COVID-19, and series against Sri Lanka and West Indies have been postponed.

They had hoped to welcome India for three Twenty20 matches in late August, but that looks increasingly unlikely with both countries still yet to reach their peak of COVID-19 cases.

United’s Solskjaer hits back at Lampard over VAR narrative (REUTERS) - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at Frank Lampard after his Chelsea counterpart suggested Video Assistant Referees (VAR) have favoured United his season.

Lampard said United benefited from contentious VAR decisions and poor on-pitch decisions, commenting on how a “clear and obvious decision” went their way on Thursday when Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha was fouled but no penalty was awarded.

Ahead of today’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Solskjaer suggested United have also been unlucky with decisions.

“I can sit here for hours now and try to talk about this. It looks like there’s a narra-

tive, it looks like people want to influence whoever is making the decisions,” the Norwegian told reporters yesterday.

“I hear people talking about luck, that we’ve been lucky more than unlucky. If you look at the factual decisions - I don’t want to sound like a certain manager talking about facts - but if you’re offside, you’re offside, that’s clear.”

Solskjaer listed incidents in which he felt United were hard done by, describing how a late penalty against Tottenham Hotspur was overturned and how Southampton’s Oriol Romeu and West Ham’s Mark Noble should have been sent off for rash tackles.

“So it’s actually me that should be

complaining that we get decisions against us on the pitch by the on-pitch referee,” Solskjaer added.

“There’s a narrative there but we have to focus on our games, we let other people talk about that. I don’t want to go too much into it because I might be in trouble.

“I’m pretty relaxed on these and referees are going to be making objective decisions and are not going to be influenced by any emotion in any way.”

Left back Luke Shaw will miss the semi-final and his replacement Brandon Williams is also doubtful after suffering a facial injury against Southampton on Monday.

AB de Villiers slammed 61 from 24 balls

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 19, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Sir Frank Worrell & Ted Dexter (1963) (2) Ian Botham (20); David Gower (19); Graham Hick (18); Naseer Hussain (17)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many players have now represented the WI in Test cricket?

(2) How many of these players have now played against England?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 19, 2020

Draw a possibility after rain wrecks third day’s play at Old Trafford MANCHESTER, England (CMC) – The Old Trafford Test was left leaning heavily towards a draw after persistent rain ruined the pivotal third day, forcing an abandonment without a ball bowled here yesterday.

While light rain in the morning held up the start before washing out the first session, heavier showers in the afternoon ensured the square remained covered ruling out any possibility of play.

Match officials eventually called time on the day at 16:00hrs (11:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time).

The washout has left the element of time as the most important factor in the Test, which England need to win in order to level the three-match series, after losing the opener in Southampton by four wickets last weekend.

West Indies are also chasing victory in order to complete their first series win on English soil in 32 years but if the match ends in a stalemate, they will retain the Wisden Trophy with a Test still to play, also at Old Trafford.

The Caribbean side were poised to resume their first innings on 32 for one, with nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph on 14 and experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite on six.

Left with just under an hour to navigate late on Friday’s second day after England piled up a massive 469 for nine declared, West Indies lost left-handed opener John Campbell for 12, lbw on review to left-arm seamer Sam Curran, 20 minutes before the close.

All-rounder Roston Chase said following Friday’s play that West Indies planned

West Indies players stroll across the field at Old Trafford during the rain delay. to take a patient approach to their innings. “(We need to) just take a page out of the English players’ book, especially (Dom) Sibley, how patient he was and just waiting for the bowlers to come to his areas and score,” Chase told reporters.

“So it’s just for us to take that leaf from their book, play each ball on its merit and

when the opportunity comes to score, just score and go about it the normal way.”

The series is being played behind closed doors in a “bio-secure” environment to mitigate against the threat of COVID-19 pandemic which has already resulted in 45 300 deaths in the United Kingdom alone.

FIFA pays TTFA staff Aubameyang double fires Arsenal past Man City into FA Cup final outstanding salaries THE office staff members at the T&T Football Association (TTFA) have finally been paid after waiting for four months.

Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed Friday that the staff members each received lump-sum payments for March, April, May and June last week, which accumulated to approximately $400 000 in total.

Guardian Media Sports was also told that the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee, which is being led by businessman Robert Hadad and includes retired banker Nigel Romano and attorney Judy Daniel, is expected to make another payment of an estimated $600 000 to all the national team coaches.

However, the senior men’s team coach Terry Fenwick, will not be on the paysheet since his contract has been a subject of public scrutiny for various reasons.

A TTFA staff member also spoke to us on condition of anonymity and confirmed the payment of staff.

Guardian Media Sports was also told that apart from coach Fenwick, both TTFA’s Media Officer Shaun Fuentes and the football association’s General Secretary Ramesh Ramdhan were also not paid.

The payments, it is understood, were wired directly to the accounts of the staff members via a special account from an unknown company. According to the source, the moneys were made available from the FIFA payment of US$3.5M which represents grant funding to Member Associations and an additional amount for the FIFA Relief Fund which was given to help member associations through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has severely affected sports all over the world since March.

Guardian Media Sports attempted to reach Nigel Romano for a response but calls and messages to his phone went unanswered.

The source told Guardian Media Sports: “It is uncertain why Fuentes was not paid, but there are concerns about Ramdhan’s two-year deal which have prevented him from being paid.”

Since accepting the position as general secretary in December last year, the former T&T and FIFA referee, who also had a short employment stint with FIFA, the world governing body for the sport, has not been paid.

Ramdhan could not be reached for comment on Friday.

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta outmanoeuvred his mentor Pep Guardiola as the Gunners reached the FA Cup final with victory at Wembley.

Arteta, who left his job as Manchester City assistant manager to succeed Unai Emery at Arsenal in December, now has a chance to mark his first season in charge with major silverware when they face Chelsea or Manchester United in the final on 1 August.

The match-winner was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the world-class striker Arsenal

T&T senior national men’s team head coach Terry Fenwick.

Guardian Media Sports understands that there are opposing views with regard the interpretation of Article 39 of TTFA’s constitution between the Board of Directors of the TTFA and the president, on whether the terms of the contract for the general secretary should be determined by the president or the board members.

The board, on December 14, 2019, voted for Ramdhan’s contract on a one-year deal.

However, in June, through a media release, the former president William Wallace stated that his position allowed him ultimate power to decide on the contract of the general secretary.

On June 17, Wallace was called to answer questions about the contracts of Fenwick, Ramdhan, Peter Miller, the football association’s marketing representative, and the Avec Sports sportswear deal which was set to cost a whopping $25?M. It is uncertain whether salaries will be forthcoming at the end of this month.

The Normalisation Committee and the ousted TTFA executive, which comprises vice-presidents Clynt Taylor, Susan Joseph-Warrick, Joseph Sam Phillip and Wallace, have been in a battle for ownership of the football association’s bank accounts held at First Citizens Bank, as well as the right to use the TTFA letterhead.

First Citizens, through its attorney Kendell Alexander, told both the TTFA and the Normalisation Committee that it would hand over the accounts to any party that presents a legal document showing ownership. (Extracted from Triidad Guardian)

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in action with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Justin Tallis/Pool via REUTERS. are desperate to secure on a new long-term contract, as he ruthlessly exposed City’s defensive deficiencies.

Aubameyang had already shot straight at Ederson with one clear chance but there was no escape for City after 19 minutes when he showed great technique to steer home Nicolas Pepe’s cross with the outside of his foot at the far post.

City dominated possession after the break but squandered their opportunities and Aubameyang made them pay once more in the 71st minute when he raced away on the angle to slide a composed finish under the keeper.

This was a personal triumph for Arteta and completes a superb week after the victory over Premier League cham-

pions Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

And there was so much to admire about Arsenal’s willingness to adopt a courageous gameplan, happy to patiently keep possession - often in their own area - with one such passage of play leading to Aubameyang’s opener.

As against Liverpool, Arsenal were well-organised and resilient at the back, willing to throw bodies on the line to repel the wave of City attacks in the second half as the holders tried to hold on to the FA Cup. David Luiz had the sort of nightmare many believed would end his Arsenal career when they played City in their first post-lockdown game at Etihad Stadium, making a mistake leading to a goal then being sent off after conceding a penalty.

This was the other side of the maverick Brazilian defender, a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and a central figure in this victory.

The spearhead, however, was the 31-yearold Gabon striker Aubameyang, who was a huge threat throughout and illustrated exactly why he is among the game’s elite group of strikers.

An ever-present menace, his two finishes were of the highest quality and demonstrated his big-match temperament.

This is why Arsenal are so keen to get his signature on a lucrative new deal - and why they will have a chance of winning the FA Cup no matter who they face in the final.

Man City’s flaws exposed Manchester City rightly receive plaudits for their classic purist style - but there is a faultline running through this team that manager Guardiola simply must address.

This is a side that can defeat anyone but also has a soft centre that makes them eminently beatable - there is a reason why they have lost nine times in the Premier League this season.

Guardiola’s side can be cut and carved open, as they were twice by Aubameyang here, and this must surely be central to their summer transfer activity.(BBC Sport

BLACK LIVES MATTER

SA elite cricketers show united face in moving Centurion tribute

By Firdose Moonda - South Africa correspondent, ESPNcricinfo

AFTER days of discussion around the Black Lives Matter issue, South Africa’s elite cricketers showed a united face against racism by taking a knee at Centurion’s SuperSport Park ahead of the 3TC match yesterday.

All 24 participating players, support staffers, CSA officials including Graeme Smith, the director of cricket, and members of the SuperSport commentary team - Makhaya Ntini among them - joined in as South Africa staged its first live cricket match in four months.

The gesture, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, came after a fortnight that showed up the fault-lines in South African cricket. On the eve of the match, Smith, Faf du Plessis and Dwaine Pretorius confirmed that they would take the knee, and joined three other white South African cricketers - Anrich Nortje, Rassie van der Dussen and Marizanne Kapp - in supporting Lungi Ngidi’s call for players to join the rest of the world in making a stand against racial discrimination.

With no spectators allowed at the ground, television coverage showed the players standing in a half-circle facing the vacant presidential suite at SuperSport Park to sing South Africa’s national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. The players then

took their positions on the field, with Temba Bavuma’s Kites bowling first, to Reeza Hendricks’ Kingfishers.

As the umpires called time, with the words “we are ready”, the Kites players - batsmen Janneman Malan and Hendricks - and the umpires took a knee on the field. The rest of the teams and everyone else involved stood around the outside of the boundary and did the same, their right fists raised in solidarity.

Cameras panned to Smith, who was flanked by former Springbok World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar and former South Africa quick Ntini, who had made headlines this week as he recalled instances of racial discrimination during his time as an international. In an interview on television on Friday morning, Ntini revealed how he used to run from the ground to the team hotel to escape the “loneliness” of sitting on the team bus, where he said the rest of the squad would move to the back if he was in front and vice-versa.

On the day, on the live broadcast, Ntini and Smith discussed the gestures at the start of the game. Smith told Ntini he could “feel the emotion coming from you”. Ntini replied: “that’s why we stand together.”

“A very important message is being put out today,” Smith said on air, and Ntini agreed, calling it “one of our greatest moments”, while also echoing the call for unity. “Everyone can see that, as South Africans, we all stand up

Andile Phehlukwayo and Lungi Ngidi take a knee before the start of the 3TC match. (AFP via Getty Images) and plough the same furrow together. We stand together,” Ntini said. “The more we do this the more change will happen. Here’s Lungi. He was the first one to voice it, and everyone (who has since supported BLM) stood by him.”

Ngidi’s stance on BLM prompted reactions from both sides with four former players - Rudi Steyn, Pay Symcox, Brian McMillan and Boeta Dippenaar - criticising the youngster for not showing equal solidarity for the fight against the murder of predominantly white farmers in the country.

The quartet drew the ire of 31 former players including Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince, Ntini, JP Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs, and five current coaches including Geoffrey Toyana and Wandile Gwazu who were in charge of Eagles and Kites respectively at the 3TC. The group collectively issued a statement in support of Ngidi and called for CSA and cricketers to support the BLM movement.

Hashim Amla, who wasn’t in the list of signatories to that letter, made public his own thoughts on the matter the next day, thanking Ngidi and others, who had “stood up for just causes in their own way”. On air, Smith said, “There’s no need for Ngidi to be attacked at all. I think he’s handled himself extremely well.”

After the letter from the 36 players and coaches - all of colour - CSA issued a second statement supporting the BLM movement but it was not until Friday that more plans around how it would show that support were revealed when Smith, du Plessis and Pretorius said they would take a knee.

Before, during, and after the game, the players and commentators, as well as CSA officials, wore armbands with ‘Black Lives Matter’ emblazoned on them.

Andile Phehlukwayo, who was playing for the Eagles, also wore a ‘Black Lives Matter’ t-shirt under his team shirt, and showed it off when he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen in the final innings of the match.

Archer fined, given

written warning by ECB GBA president Steve Ninvalle makes the presentation to (L-R) Clive Atwell, Orlan Rogers and Terrence Pool MS

Local coaches complete online course FIVE coaches attached to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) yesterday received certificates after participating in a seminar organised by the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC).

The virtual seminar dealt with the return to boxing after COVID-19 and was held on

July 11.

Orlan Rogers, along with Terrence Poole MS, Clive Atwell, Joseph Murray and Sebert Blake were the participants from Guyana who joined scores of officials from across the Caribbean and Central America at the seminar.

Embattled former FIFA executive Jack Warner to contest T&T general elections

See story on page 23

ENGLAND pace bowler Jofra Archer has been fined and given a written warning by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching bio-secure protocols.

The 25-year-old visited his home in Hove on Monday during his journey from Southampton, where the first Test against West Indies was played, to Manchester, the venue for the second.

Archer was dropped from the squad for the ongoing second Test at Emirates Old Trafford, but can rejoin the squad on Tuesday and is available for the third Test, which starts on Friday.

Archer’s return to the England team is dependent on his returning two negative tests for coronavirus during a five-day period of isolation which began on Thursday.

The disciplinary hearing on Friday evening was chaired by England director

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of cricket Ashley Giles and attended by Archer’s agent and a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

The size of the fine has not been disclosed.

Giles said on Thursday that Archer’s trip home included meeting a person who has since tested negative for coronavirus.

Sussex bowler Archer was due to be the only member of the England pace attack from the first-Test defeat who retained his place for the second.

Although he is now clear to play in the third, which begins on Friday, England’s plans to rotate their fast bowlers during a schedule of six Tests in seven weeks may mean he misses out.

Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran are playing in the second Test, James Anderson and Mark Wood have been rested, and Ollie Robinson

Jofra Archer has taken 33 wickets at an average of 28.12 in eight Tests since making his debut last summer. and Olly Stone are pushing for inclusion.

After play on Friday, England vice-captain Ben Stokes said the team were mindful of Archer’s well-being during his period of isolation in a hotel room at the ground.

“We understand that it can be a very vulnerable and lonely place for him right now,” Stokes told BBC Test Match Special.

“Making sure that Jof is as happy as he possibly can be is the main thing for us. We need to do everything we can to make sure we keep him going.”

(BBC Sport) SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020