Guyana Chronicle E-paper 7-28-2020

TUESDAY 28th July, 2020

' No.106074

19 NEW COVID-19 CASES SEE PAGE 03

...all from Region Nine

Opposition

PAGE

03

attorneys back down ...fail to make submission on Justice Holder’s decision to dismiss Jagdeo’s Application

GuySuCo achieves 79.6% of first-crop target PAGE

11

-Corporation lost $37.9M through ‘strikes’

Eccles fire leaves five homeless PAGE

12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Elections 2020 – Unable to determine a credible count …GECOM must now nullify elections currently overtaken by allegations of fraud – Lewis

MARRED by widespread allegations of fraud, Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections is beyond repair, and therefore, cannot be salvaged, Veteran Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis said as he joined calls for there to be no declaration of the results of the highly controversial elections. In effect, Lewis, like Elections Commissioner Vincent Alexander, is calling for the Elections to be nullified.

In a statement on Monday, Lewis said he has been monitoring the Elections closely, and has taken note of the allegations levelled

against officers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

“During the trading of allegations of irregularities some have pointed fingers at Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, as a perpetrator of alleged electoral rigging in Region Four,” the Trade Unionist said while noting that, to date, there has been no confirmation that the second count declared by Mingo had any legal disputes with respect to the Representation

of the People Act. He said that, as a matter of fact, while there was an attempt to invalidate the March 13 Declaration made by Mingo, no such Order was granted by the High Court, and as such, the Region Four declaration remains the only undisputed results of the March 2 Elections.

Citing a case brought

by Reeaz Holladar and Jagdeo v the Returning Officer, Lewis said it was High Court Judge Franklyn Holder, who ruled that any question surrounding the validity of the declared results could only be addressed in an Elections Petition. This, he posited, was agreed to by Jagdeo’s Lawyer, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes.

The Trade Unionist said while the March Declaration was never invalidated by the Courts, it was international pressure that led to the National Recount. “Unfortunately, bowing to international pressure the President agreed to a recount that has proven to be a huge, but quite a revealing disaster,” Lewis said.

He said it is important to note that, apart from Mingo, others have been accused of rigging the elections. “Others have pointed fingers of accusation at Leader of the PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo, identified as the mastermind behind the massive irregularities- much of which is a soft word for rigging-unearthed during the recount in PPP/C areas, particularly the lower East

Coast of Demerara,” Lewis explained.

He added: “Whereas in the count there were allegations, the recount confirmed widespread irregularities (massive rigging) in all ten electoral districts. None has denied this. Even the CARICOM team witnessing only 18% of the recount noted it to be only ‘reasonably credible.’”

Guyanese, Lewis said, must confront the ugly truth that the 2020 Elections have brought the country at a crossroad with the possibility of electing a government from two choices, both of which are stained by claims of electoral rigging.

“The first rigger accused is identified with a smaller scale rigging in Region four. The first accused rigger is disgraced, condemned and demonised. Whereas the second identified rigger there is massive evidence but persons are being asked to ignore. In the instance of this second rigger, their misdeeds are glamourised, protected and glorified. Some want us to deny one rigger and accept the other rigger, to turn a blind eye to the bigger violator and embrace the skullduggery that was exposed during the recount.

They want us to lay a legal foundation in Guyana for acceptable crimes, to reward electoral thievery (rigging) that is in clear daylight, presumptuous and unrelenting,” Lewis reasoned.

But Lewis said there should be no declared winner of the 2020 Elections based on the simple fact that the electoral process, undoubtedly, has been deeply compromised, and therefore

lacks integrity. The Elections Commission, he implored, should not heed to local and international pressure to declare a result that is based on a process that lacks credibility and integrity.

“We are being pushed to declare an election that will place a stain on Guyana that the mighty Kaieteur and all the waters of Guyana will never be able to wash away.

We are being asked as adults to teach our children, the youth, our next generation, that fraud in high offices is condoned depending on who is breaking the law and who is benefitting. It is being reinforced in this society that wrongdoing by one group is approved and good but evil for another group, whether perceived or real,” the Trade Unionist said.

He added: “We are being pushed to set up a society where might is right and some will never enjoy justice for they are powerless.

A society where truth no longer matters and it is determined by those in power, high places, and supported by greater powers, not by law and fundamental principles.

Such a society will see some placed on the fringes and marginalised to nothingness because they are deemed to be unworthy of equal rights and opportunities.”

Guyana’s Judiciary, Lewis said, should not choose “a celebrated thief (rigger)” over a “non-celebrated thief (rigger),” but rather uphold the Rule of Law. Guyana and only Guyana must come out victorious from these elections, the Trade Unionist posited but said that, for such to happen, the judicial system must not

be compromised by political actors, within or without, who are driven only by a political agenda to reward a rigger that they approve of.

Turning his attention to the Elections Commission, Lewis reminded that Guyanese were promised a “credible count,” and as such, nothing else would do.

“Society expects no more, no less,” he said, adding: “one can argue safely that both counts would lack credibility by virtue of the second count revealing what is in the first count.”

For that reason, he said GECOM should disassociate from any declaration emanating from these elections.

“Today I call on the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh to draw the strength and fearlessness of all her ancestors who fought to free Guyana from the yolk of colonial domination to attain an independent Guyana. Let moral conscience compliment your jurisprudence, to be true to your record as a SITTING judge and denounce electoral fraud, regardless of its source and magnitude,” Lewis said.

Fear, he posited, must not be a hindrance to the condemnation of those who set out to benefit from electoral rigging. To reward known electoral fraudsters is akin to condoning or being an accomplice to the hijacking of Guyana’s elections. “I call on Justice Claudette Singh to be guided by the fundamental principle of justice where one is not allowed to benefit from known, established, and proven wrongdoing as revealed in these elections,” he pleaded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Opposition attorneys back down ...fail to make submission on Justice Holder’s decision to dismiss Jagdeo’s Application for Mingo’s declaration to be set aside

THE Opposition had vowed to rebut arguments by the Attorney General, Basil Williams, that High Court Judge Franklin Holder had ruled that any challenge to the validity of the March 13 Declaration by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, must come by way an Election Petition, but on Sunday, it turned up empty handed.

The Attorney General had referenced to the case – Bharrat Jagdeo and Reaz Holladar v the Returning Officer – in the Court of Appeal on Saturday after Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes had invited the Appellate Court to invalidate the Mingo’s March 13 Declarations. Mendes, who appeared on behalf of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali in the Misenga Jones case, had said there was a “full trial” into the March 13 Declaration and undisputed “ev-

idence” in the court showed that electoral fraud had been committed.

“As a matter of fact, there is no dispute of fact before the Court concerning Mingo’s declaration. None!” he submitted.

But the Attorney General, in shutting down Mendes’ attempt to conceal the decision of Justice Holder, told the Appellate Court that an attempt by the PPP/C to have the Declaration set aside failed after the Court ruled that any challenge to the validity of Mingo’s Declaration must be filed in an Elections Petition Court.

In setting the record straight, the Attorney General had explained that the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, on March 11, had set aside Mingo’s first Declaration made on March 5, on the grounds that there was substantial non-compliance with Section 84 (1) of the Representation of the People Act when the Statements of Poll (SOPs) for

District 4 were tabulated. In handing down her decision, the Chief Justice had given strict orders to the Returning Officer, and according to the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, there was strict compliance with those orders, which led to the second Declaration on March 13.

It was after the March 13 Declaration was made that Jagdeo and Holladar moved to the High Court, for a third time, seeking to have it invalidated. Justice Holder, in handing down his decision, said the core issues raised in the application touched on matters provided for in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution, and as such, ought to be dealt with by way of an Elections Petition pursuant to Section 3 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act. According to Article 163 (1) (b) (i), the High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question on whether, “either generally

or in any particular place, an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been, or may have been, affected by any unlawful act or omission.”

Justice Holder, in his ruling, had also drew attention to the fact that Mendes had agreed that challenges to the lawfulness of a declaration must be placed before an Elections Petition Court.

“Further, Mr Mendes concedes that the complaints made about the Returning Officer’s conduct falls within Article 163 (1) (b) (i) of the Constitution and as such the High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear that complaint,” Justice Holder had said.

The Attorney General told the Appellate Court that it is instructive to note that Justice Holder’s decision in the case brought by Jagdeo and Holladar was never challenged. “It was never appealed,” he emphasized, noting that, like the High Court, the Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM) cannot set aside or invalidate any of the 10 Declarations made in March, outside of an Elections Petition.

Jones’ lead attorney, Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel, John Jeremie, endorsed the case cited by the Attorney General.

But the Attorney General’s reference to the case did not sit well with Mendes and the other Attorneys representing a number of small political parties, in particular Kashir Khan.

Mendes, in response, told the panel of judges led

by Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory that it was not necessary for the Attorney General to reference the ruling of Justice Holder. He then conceded that any question to the validity of Mingo’s Declaration is a matter for an Election Petition pursuant to Article 163 of the Constitution and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act. Khan, however, pleaded

with the Appellate Court for time to respond to the Attorney General’s contention that Mendes had concealed Justice Holder’s decision from his argument. He told the Court that he hadn’t the opportunity to look at the case raised by Williams, and would wish for time to lay over additional submissions. That time was granted to Khan and all the other responding attorneys in the case, including Mendes.

Those submissions were expected to be two pages each, and were due on Sunday.

But when Sunday came, Khan and others came up empty handed. “With regard to the case mentioned at the end of oral submissions made in the Cross Appeals, having had an opportunity to peruse the transcript provided, I am of the view that no additional submissions are necessary,” Khan told the Court’s registrar. Mendes also had no submission.

19 test positive in last 24 hours --all from Reg. 9, CMO reports GUYANA has seen an alarming increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases over the past few days, and it was no different over the past 24 hours, as the country recorded 19 new cases within that time.

Those cases were found following 143 tests, which were done between Sunday and Monday. Health authorities here have so far tested 4,416 persons, with 4,027 proving negative and 389 positive.

According to Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, 181 of those tested positive have since recovered, though, unfortunately, 20 did not make it.

And while there are yet 188 active cases being monitored by authorities, four of those persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

And, of the 57 patients the COVID-19 ICU has so far

seen, 11 have died, 29 were transferred, and nine were discharged.

“For your information, those discharged from both the ICU and the isolation centres are in accordance with the recent World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines which Guyana adopted,” Dr. Persaud said during a virtual COVID-19 update on Monday.

“This ensures that everyone who is discharged is assessed as free of COVID-19,” he added.

Even as persons are being discharged, there is a simultaneous increase in cases, but according to Dr. Persaud, most of those cases are being recorded in hinterland regions.

Testimony to this was the fact all 19 cases recorded on Monday were from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to Ron James, a member of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA),

communities in Region Nine are struggling because resources are limited.

“Some persons are fearful; some of the villages are underprepared for this pandemic… We are calling on health authorities to see if more assistance can be brought to those communities in a timely manner,” James said during a press briefing on Monday.

The APA representative also called for the authorities to “ramp up” testing for COVID-19 in Region Nine and other hinterland areas.

“As you are aware,” James said during the briefing on Monday, “our cases continue to climb steadily, especially in the hinterland regions. The new cases for the weekend came from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), with nine case; on Sunday, four cases for Region Nine, and six cases for Region Six. Today, 19 are coming from Region Nine.”

As Dr. Persaud observed

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

during his update on Monday, “We continue to emphasise that there is need for more community action. Village councillors, gate-keepers and prominent members of the communities, we are asking you to remind those who look up to you to tell them that we can only keep the transmission down if.”

He further advised persons to stay at home and only leave if there is an urgent need, and to wear a mask in public. Persons were also encouraged to practise social

distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 persons and sanitise properly.

Preventative measures are important because there is still no cure or vaccine available for this disease.

“So you have to live with this for a few more months or for as long as the disease persists; therefore you have to ensure that these practices become part of your routine,” said Dr. Persaud.

Considering the prevalence of the disease, Deputy Chief Medical Officer

(DCMO) Dr. Karen Boyle had also said: “I plead with you not to tire of wearing your mask, washing your hands and staying six feet apart. These simple activities are the key to protecting ourselves and others.”

She reminded persons that a collective effort is needed in order for Guyana not to be overwhelmed by the highly-infectious coronavirus disease.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 15.7 million cases of COVID-19, with over 640,000 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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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Robert O'Brien, key Trump adviser, tests positive for COVID-19 (BBC) President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, has tested positive for coronavirus, the White House has confirmed.

Mr O'Brien, 54, has been self-isolating and working from home.

The aide has mild symptoms and there was no risk of exposure to Mr Trump or Vice-President Mike Pence, a statement said.

Mr O'Brien is the highest-ranking official in Mr Trump's administration known to have tested positive.

It is not clear when he and the president last met, but one

President Trump named O'Brien his adviser in September last year

administration official said it had not been for "several

days". The pair appeared together two weeks ago on a

trip to Miami.

The White House statement read: "He has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site. There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice-president. The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted."

Some staff members told CNN they had only learned of the infection on Monday from the media.

One source told Bloomberg that Mr O'Brien had been out of his office for a week and that the adviser had contracted the virus after

a family event.

Anyone near the president is tested regularly for Covid-19.

A number of people in and around the administration have tested positive, including a military member who works as a White House valet, Mr Pence's press secretary Katie Miller, and a helicopter squadron Marine.

Who is Robert O'Brien?

Trained as a lawyer, he has had a long diplomatic career working for both Republicans and Democrats.

He is believed to be the highest-ranking Mormon member of the Trump administration.

He was picked to replace John Bolton as national security adviser last September, after Mr Bolton left amid a rancorous fallout with President Trump.

Mr O'Brien shares similar views to Mr Trump on a number of issues, including criticism of the UN and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal.

Mr O'Brien travelled to Paris this month to discuss foreign policy issues with European counterparts, and gave a speech in Arizona in June comparing Chinese President Xi Jinping with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

Coronavirus 'most severe health emergency' WHO has faced (BBC) The head of the World Health Organization

(WHO) has said Covid-19 is easily the most severe

Tuesday July 28, 2020 –– 11:00hrs

global health emergency it has ever declared.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would reconvene the WHO's emergency committee this week to review its assessment of the pandemic.

There have been five other global health emergencies: Ebola (two outbreaks), Zika, polio and swine flu.

More than 16m cases of Covid-19 have been reported since January.

Coronavirus is the WHO's sixth global health emergency

"When I declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January... there were less than 100 cases outside of China, and no deaths," Dr Tedros said.

"Covid-19 has changed our world. It has brought people, communities and nations together, and driven them apart."

"This is the sixth time a global health emergency has been declared under the international health regulations, but it's easily the most severe. [More than] 16m cases have now been reported to WHO and more than 640,000 deaths, and the pandemic continues to accelerate.

"In the past six weeks, the total number of cases has roughly doubled," he added.

Although the world had made a huge effort in fighting the virus, there remained "a long hard road ahead of us", he added.

At Monday's briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO also said travel re-

strictions could not be the answer for the long term, and countries had to do more to halt the spread by adopting proven strategies such as social distancing and wearing masks.

"It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future. Economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume," WHO emergencies programme director Mike Ryan said.

WHO officials acknowledged however that further lockdowns in countries experiencing renewed outbreaks may be necessary, but suggested they should be as short as possible, and confined to as small a geographic area as possible (ie local lockdowns).

"The more we understand about the virus, the more surgical we can be in controlling it," said Mr Ryan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Public gives cops crucial info on illegal migrants

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is moving on several reports of suspected illegal foreigners housed in parts of the country, including South Trinidad—and he’s reinforced that any T&T national assisting such situations will also be charged.

Griffith confirmed this yesterday after information from certain areas, including South, was received.

This after National Security Minister Stuart Young on Saturday announced a crackdown on illegal immigrants entering T&T and, noting the recent spike in localised COVID-19 cases, moves to penalise boatmen, drivers, landlords, businessmen and legal Venezuelans who are facilitating illegal immigrants.

The latter puts the public at COVID-19 risk.

Last Wednesday 66 people—disembarking vessels, hiding in bushes and found in guesthouses —were arrested in South and Tobago. Several T&T nationals were also charged in connection with that activity.

After Young spoke about the issue during Saturday’s COVID-19 virtual media briefing, members of the public reached out to authorities.

Up to yesterday, police were contacting residents in various areas over suspected “new” foreigners.

Last Saturday, residents of several communities cited problems with illegal migrants and complaints were also made about certain “activities” at premises.

Griffith yesterday said they received reports on suspected foreigners being housed in certain areas, adding some people had very reliable information. He said police would pursue all leads, “and any T&T nationals assisting, supporting or directing such activities will also

be charged.” He urged the public to continue submitting information, including via the 482-GARY hotline.

There are also reports that people in Venezuela are advertising services to bring Venezuelans to T&T. T&T nationals also expressed concern about seeing Venezuelan vessels landing in Chaguaramas to “sell fish” but bringing between seven and 12 people—none of whom were seen wearing masks. In a social media posting, a man noted up to three boats in one morning, querying how they were allowed to operate.

Griffith has also been apprised of information where certain comments on a Spanish social media site had condemned—in extreme terms— T&T police who are holding illegal migrants.

Included was a rant hoping that T&T police “die”.

The writer argued that people were coming to T&T to save their families and illegals shouldn’t be deported.

Another complained of “no protection.”

Griffith acknowledged some people have always passed negative comments on T&T police, but declared, “We do our work - we press on.”

Also, the operators of a Venezuelan social media site have noted T&T nationals who’ve been commenting against the presence of Venezuelans in T&T, citing the need to protect this country.

The site later carried information—in Spanish—to its administrators that T&T nationals were “among” them on the website, watching their steps. It was advised that suspicious profiles be purged, that T&T groups should be blocked, persons should be verified and photos of participants be taken. Venezuelan participants were warned to ‘’take care of themselves.’’

The amount of “chatter” on Venezuelan social media about T&T has prompted certain local concern on whether some fleeing the Nicolas Maduro administration may pose a threat to T&T’s safety.

Only those without criminal records were allowed under T&T’s amnesty. Concerns have also been raised on whether the amnesty cards can be duplicated. Cards carry special security features.

Young didn’t respond to queries on the issue yesterday.

But Opposition MP Roodal Moonilal said with localised cases of COVID-19, there was a genuine concern that some Venezuelans may be carrying the virus.

“We’re now in community spread of COVID. Government has failed with marginal testing when we’d called for wider testing,” he said.

Moonilal blamed Government for the continued influx of Venezuelans.

“We’d advocated a mixture of police, involving police and Coast Guard and international help, but in Parliament Young was arrogant, disdainful and dismissive.”

He said people from many areas have complained about illegal Venezuelans.

“We alert police ... Police are trying their best but you have to prevent entry via sea.

The Coast Guard is National Security’s responsibility— they’ve failed.”

NGO concerned over Stuart's comments The TTV Solnet Coalition for Venezuela says Minister of National Security Stuart Young’s call to denounce landlords and people harbouring illegal immigrants is causing it deep concern at the possible impact against all Venezuelan immigrants, especially those who have the ministry’s T&T permit and United Nations refugee status.

In a statement, the group

Mexico flooding: Tropical depression Hanna drenches north (BBC) Streets in Monterrey in northern Mexico were flooded by heavy rains from tropical depression Hanna on Sunday.

The US National Hurricane Center has warned that continued rains could trigger flash flooding and mudslides in the the northern states of Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas on Monday.

Hanna became the first hurricane of the North Atlantic hurricane season before it was downgraded to a tropical storm.

It made landfall in Texas on Saturday before moving into Mexico.

In Apodaca, the fire service had to tow an ambulance which got stuck in the floods

A search continues for an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have fallen into a stream in Monterrey and dragged away by the current.

There were power cuts

in Monterrey and surrounding areas, while the main highway linking Monterrey with Reynosa had to be closed after a nearby river broke its banks.

Venezuelan children play football under the watchful eyes of T&T Coast Guard officers at the Heliport in Chaguaramas on Saturday. Migrants who enter the country illegally are being quarantined at the venue before being deported.

stated both are categories are legally protected by national and international laws that include freedom of movement and from discriminatory persecution.

The group urged that “clarification or clear distinction on illegal and legal” migrants be made to ensure the safety of all migrants in the T&T under these legal migratory statuses.

“Currently, it’s estimated 24,000 Venezuelans are in T&T that are holders of one or both of these migratory conditions, unfortunately

governmental sources don’t count for Venezuelans without a regular status so this number can be higher,” the group said.

“We’d like to commend the Government for taking firm measures to stop and combat illicit activities involving the smuggling and trafficking of Venezuelans into T&T by local criminal gangs and criminal businessmen. We praise the implementation of the 555 hotline as an official reporting channel, to bring to justice all organisations and individuals

suspected of trafficking and smuggling of innocent people. This is indeed a step in the right direction, which we hope contributes to reducing the amount of human trafficking in CARICOM.” The group urged the UN Commission on Refugees and other agencies to guarantee the protection of Venezuelan migrants, especially during the COVID pandemic, and be guarantors for the handling of detentions, quarantines, returns and possible deportations of Venezuelan migrants.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The Emancipation spirit

GUYANA will join with the rest of the Anglophone Caribbean in celebrating another emancipation anniversary on Saturday. We take the opportunity to salute our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters as they celebrate with the rest of Guyana what is easily the most important day on their calendar and, by extension, the Guyanese calendar.

On August 1, 1838, the wall of formal slavery was shattered, bringing to an end the most inhuman institution in the history of humanity. Emancipation Day, then, is an important moment, for it represented a new beginning for a people whose cultures and identities were forcefully interrupted.

The institution of slavery not only bound people against their will, but it introduced one of the most destructive ideologies—Racism. This ideology eventually became a defining mode of social, political and economic organisation and would go on to outlive slavery itself. Slavery was a global phenomenon designed and executed by Europeans in pursuit of accumulation of the wealth upon which present-day European development was built. This is a critical aspect of the Emancipation story as it explains the current disparity in development among countries. It was this theory that was so ably articulated by our own Dr. Walter Rodney in his famous book-- How Europe Underdeveloped Africa.

Our developmental challenges in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean can be linked directly to the slavery phenomenon. Haiti, which dared to overthrow slavery in the most dramatic way, still pays the price for that act; its extreme poverty ultimately is a result of retaliation from France and other Eurocentric powers. Another significance of Emancipation is that it not only draws attention to the horrors of slavery, but it represents in a profound way the overcoming of slavery. It is often a forgotten aspect of the Emancipation narrative. Resistance to enslavement was an integral part of the period of enslavement. Whether it was the runaway slaves or the numerous slave uprisings, the enslaved Africans did not surrender to slavery. Here in Guyana, the famous uprisings of 1763 and 1823 are inscribed in our consciousness. Emancipation, therefore, came not through the slave masters’ change of heart, but by the persistent resistance of the enslaved.

Emancipation also became the springboard for the historic Village Movement. Mere months out of bondage, the freed Africans bought lands and turned them into villages.

In doing so, they transformed Guyana from a slave castle to a bastion of civilisation. What we now know as the Guyanese nation can trace its practical roots to the Village Movement. This movement is unique to Guyana; it was

not replicated in other parts of the African Diaspora—it is the African- Guyanese gift to Guyana and the world. While Emancipation is an African Guyanese-grounded experience, it has had wider consequences. When African-Guyanese won their freedom, they ensured that other Guyanese who arrived after emancipation could not come in chains. Emancipation freed all Guyanese from slavery. It is, therefore, more than an African-Guyanese phenomenon, it is deeply rooted in the evolution of the Guyanese nation. Finally, we wish to emphasise that Emancipation is both a moment and a process.

The moment in 1838 closed formal slavery, but the legacy of enslavement still haunts Africans all over the diaspora -- what Eusi Kwayana calls “the scars of bondage” are still very raw in some regards. The challenges of African-Guyanese in 2016 can be traced right back to the period of enslavement, so overcoming those challenges requires, first and foremost, a recognition of their origins.

So as we observe another Emancipation anniversary, let us as a nation redouble our efforts to wipe away the blood and tears of slavery and make Emancipation a reality of Freedom, Equality and Justice for the sons and daughters of the enslaved and for all Guyanese regardless of race, ethnicity and culture. In the end, our diverse Guyana is enriched when each ethnic group overcomes.

No more delays in declaration of elections results

Dear Editor

CITIZENS Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) wishes to join those who have expressed alarm at the failure of the incumbent ruling party in Guyana and its supporters to accept the result of the recount of the votes in the general and regional elections in Guyana and to allow the process for the appointment and installation of a new President and Government in Guyana to be implemented in accordance

with the Constitution of Guyana. The elections in question were held on March 2, 2020, so that the Guyanese people have been without a Parliament for the past four months and, indeed, for a much longer period because the previous parliament had become hamstrung because of one member switching support from the governing party.

Despite a clear ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is Guyana’s highest court, that Guyana’s elec-

tions commission should be presented with the result of the recount of votes, the chief elections officer has refused to do so and another supporter of the governing party has now returned to court in an attempt to further delay and thwart the process.

This situation represents a major challenge to the democratic process in Guyana and – by extension – in the entire CARICOM Region. It is clear that one party wants to have the results based on the recount

thrown aside, so that another set of figures can be used, or, as is more likely, the elections will have to be re-run. This is despite that there are legal recourses available to them through the election petition courts.

CAFFE urges the ruling party in Guyana to see that the procedure envisaged by the CCJ in its ruling is followed to allow for the swift conclusion of this increasingly farcical situation. We note, as well, that the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Gonsalves,

has issued a strong statement asking for the results of the recount to be respected. We invite other CARICOM leaders to join in his call. We also ask for all organisations in civil society in the Region to register the strongest condemnation of the conduct of those officials in Guyana who have been delaying the declaration of a result in the election.

Regards Dr. Lloyd Barnett Mr. Anton Thompson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Guyana’s elections APNU+AFC must have been the greatest continue to fight for their rights exercise of democracy I’ve ever witnessed Dear Editor,

Dear Editor

AS a Guyanese native, I am dismayed at the state of the 2020 elections. I’m not at all dismayed by the fact that it has been almost five months with no declaration, or by the incessant court battles. I’m disappointed but not dismayed by the myriad “irregularities” and “inconsistencies” which, to any reasonably objective observer, clearly indicate fraudulent activities in favour of both major parties. Despite all of this, I find the peaceful and transparent process to be a shining example of democracy at work. All parties are working through the elections commission and the courts to fight for their interest which they believe to be “the will of the people.”

Democracy must be guided by our Constitution and laws, rather than by a clock, or some artificial need for expediency. The delay is frustrating, and the “irregularities” should be an embarrassment to all Guyanese, but none of it is undemocratic. Democracy lies in the process and principles by which this mess gets resolved. It is the manner in which the challenges are resolved in a way that gets us back to the true will of the people.

By any objective measure, there is no outcome of the March 2nd election that can credibly reflect the true will of the people. As such, new elections will be needed if we are to truly hear from the people. Procedurally, our Constitution says that the path to new elections goes through a declaration and election petition. My dismay is caused by the self-serving actions of the major parties, the blatant disrespect for Guyana’s sovereignty by various international actors and the inconclusive judicial processes.

Under the current circumstances, all parties need to genuinely act in the best interest of the people and in ways that protect democracy. The courts should exercise greater discretion by ruling in ways that enable closure, rather than ruling strictly based on the shenanigans narrowly presented by the various parties. For example, clearly stating whether Order #60 is valid and, if so, whether it must be executed in its entirety. GECOM and, if necessary, the courts must explain to the people what “reconciliation” means in the context of Order 60. It

is entirely reasonable that GECOM does not have the authority to investigate all claims of fraud. However, it is incredible that it is not to be held accountable for the reconciliation of missing documents as identified during the recount. Why hasn’t the Chief Elections Officer and, more importantly, the people of Guyana been given guidance and clarity regarding this critical task?

Just when it seemed that we couldn’t fail our democracy any worse, I read with absolute horror that the chief elections officer was released on bail after private citizens brought charges against him. Those pressing charges against him presented no evidence to support his charges and claimed that they need to interview hundreds of people prior to presenting their case. This is something that should obviously have been done prior to contemplating charges against any citizen and, in particular, one who has such an important constitutional responsibility during the toughest election in the country’s history. Regardless of whether one agrees with his processes or conclusions, the CEO is the only person in this chaos who has attempted to clearly articulate the legal and constitutional basis for his decisions. It is just simply wrong that the courts should enable such an obvious political stunt.

As an American, I am further dismayed by the blatant disregard for democracy and the rule of law as we violate the sovereignty of my native land.

We, as the self-appointed leader of the free world and keeper of democracy everywhere, are trampling every democratic foundation, while claiming to do so in the name of democracy. Along with other international actors, we are insisting that Guyanese must accept votes which would not be acceptable in our country. The will of the Guyanese people can’t be respected by imposing sanctions or issuing what can reasonably be interpreted as threats against the judiciary on the eve of every significant court hearing. I suspect that history will judge this as the moment where America truly lost all claim to moral leadership. We missed an opportunity to embrace one of the greatest tests of democratic principles in a lifetime. It’s not too late. If we truly care about democracy and the Guyanese people, stop interfering and demonstrating what appears to be a blatant bias for a particular

outcome or party. Instead, encourage the democratic principles we hold so dear. Also, show some leadership and get the political parties to the negotiating table. Democracy is a living exercise. Without changing its fundamental principles, it needs to evolve to protect itself as lessons are learned. Clearly, the Guyana Constitution and elections commission need to be reformed to prevent similar issues in the future. Let’s be true champions of democracy and facilitate that process while incorporating efforts to improve ethnic relations in Guyana.

The process may be long and painful, but the democratic outcome has to be an interpretation of applicable laws that were presented in a manner understandable to the lay citizen. To the average person, this will rest on an understanding of the validity of Gazetted Order #60 of 2020. If Order #60 is in fact valid, the people should expect it to be carried out in a manner that generates the credibility it promised.

GECOM owes all Guyanese a clear explanation of the basis for whatever declaration it makes in these elections.

Everyone is going on about transparency to the international community, various observers and other actors.

That’s just utter nonsense. Guyana’s democracy is for the citizens of Guyana, they are the only ones owed assurances that their elections are free, fair and credible. Observers are welcomed but it is regrettable that they are missing an opportunity protect the principles of democracy, and to learn from this frustrating but amazing exercise in democracy. The United States, Canada, European Union, Barbados, St. Vincent, the OAS and other actors have done a grave injustice to the Guyanese people with their interference. Their collective efforts have resulted in many Guyanese feeling marginalised, re-colonized and sold for the meaer price of $34M USD. For the record, I am not affiliated or aligned with any political party in Guyana or the United States. My thoughts and concerns are about democracy and the rule of law, about the right of Guyanese to express their own will and not have it dictated to them.

Respectfully, A concerned Guyanese-American Citizen

DURING this election cycle, APNU+AFC has, without doubt, been playing by the rules. The rule book, foreign to many, has been a permanent fixture in our armoury.

We live and breathe the political and constitutional commandments. Law-abiding we are because being law-abiding is intertwined in the double helix of our DNA. On the contrary, the other electoral actors have buried, not only the rule book, but also the statutory documents from the ballot boxes. Oaths of identities, certificates of employment and log books were all burnt to unidentifiable ashes in their crematorium. And those were not their only indiscretions.

For even as the ballots were being counted, they invaded GECOM armed to the teeth, driving fear in all and sundry, from Chairperson to charwoman. And their supporters, genotypically and phenotypically anarchist, could not resist the opportunity to cause mayhem.

Their place of terror was

the East Coast of Demerara.

The victims were innocent schoolchildren, peace-keeping policemen and women and innocent passersby who dared to be peacefully heading home. One dead and many hospitalised was the result. Peaceful protesters they were labelled by their political masters. Election observers turned a blind eye, totally consumed with the Region Four tabulation.

Ballots over lives.

And the anarchist’s list went on as even our trusted institutions have become infected with the electoral non-compliance virus which turned out to be much more contagious than COVID-19.

The Chairperson of GECOM led the way as she instructed the CEO to advise her what she wished to be advised on.

In effect, his advice would be her advice. And in so doing, she demonstrated scant regard for the constitution, reducing the CEO to a secretary who simply types what the boss instructed.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

I am sorry: Hamilton Green does not support setting aside of constitution

Dear Editor,

LAST week, in reply to a hypothetical question posed to me on the popular Mark Benschop programme, ‘Straight Up,’ I did use the words set ‘aside the Constitution and laws.’

Standing by itself, these words are inappropriate. They are neither reflective of my beliefs nor stance in the context of Guyana. As such, I publicly express my regrets for these words. I am wedded to the concept and utility of the three branches of governance, the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary.

With respect to the last named, we remain wedded to the importance of the Judiciary, even though we ordinary folk occasionally worry about the way some

judicial officers interpret laws, but this is a universal problem.

For decades, I have promoted the idea of a National Front Government to forge unity, buttressed by a moral and spiritual revival.

A country where our political, religious and civic leaders have a moral sense guided by a sense of decency and are true patriots whereby Guyana is first and foremost, never yielding to the blandishments or temptations from external forces.

The above to be energised by a responsible and credible fourth estate, the media, that gives good guidance whilst seeking the truth.

Regards Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

‘We are stronger ‘Coordinated and aggressive’ together’ response needed to tackle COVID-19 - Stakeholders argue that political stalemate impeding Guyana’s economic resilience

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicolas Deygoo- Boyer

A COORDINATED and aggressive response is needed to tackle the COVID-19 epidemic and its resulting ramifications in Guyana, according to President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicolas Deygoo-Boyer.

The loss of productivity and the slowdown in economies have been implications of the COVID-19 public health pandemic across the globe. At a recent online forum addressing Economic Stimulus and Relief in response, Deygoo-Boyer, a businessman, highlighted that Guyana’s business sector was not spared the adverse ramifications of this pandemic.

He related that because of cash flow and the general financial state of businesses, businesses have been forced to consider retrenching or furloughing employees, or even reducing salaries as a way to cut costs.

These measures have been taken to circumvent the loss of productivity and income due to the pandemic, and reconcile expenditures and costs.

This situation is not unique to Guyanese businesses, though. In fact, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in June, the unemployment rate in Latin America and the Caribbean could rise between four and five percentage points, raising the number of unemployed in the Region to a historical record of 41 million people.

Farther beyond, the ILO reported that more than four out of five people (or about 81 per cent) in the global workforce of 3.3 billion are currently affected by full or partial workplace closures.

However, Deygoo-Boyer argued that while many countries have employed strong fiscal and/ or monetary tools to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic, Guyana has not been able to do so.

This, he posited, has diminished the country’s resilience for the pandemic.

“Unfortunately for us, the political instability and the coronavirus (epidemic) are related…. Having the political instability while facing the pandemic, has [impeded]

Former Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Justin Ram

Guyana’s ability to face the ramifications of that pandemic,” he said.

Essentially, fiscal policy refers to the adjustment of government spending and tax rates to influence the macroeconomic conditions in an economy. Monetary policy involves actions taken by the Central Bank (the Bank of Guyana) to control the supply of money in the economy.

Due to the current political state in Guyana, however, the use of these measures has been impeded.

“Everybody is facing the coronavirus (pandemic) but it is just that some governments have been very well coordinated and very aggressive in the response to the virus, so as a business person you can survive the virus,” the GCCI President said.

Even with a “proper functioning” government, Former Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Justin Ram said that it would be a challenge to navigate the pandemic.

“Trying to react to this economically really relies on a government that is focused, that is not distracted in any way, and I think that what we’re seeing here is very unfortunate,” the economist said.

Outside of the political situation in Guyana, Dr. Ram contended that Guyana has the ability to withstand the adverse effects of COVID-19 because of its burgeoning oil sector.

Even as growth in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to contract by 9.4 per cent, the producers of oil and gas in the Region (Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago) should see a positive economic growth of 3.5 per cent.

Specifically for Guyana, in April, the economy was projected to grow by 52.8 per cent, a revision to the prior 86 per cent growth projection. Though the amount of oil revenues received from the second cargo of oil lifted in June has been less than expected due to the drop in world market prices, the revenues are still substantial for Guyana.

The total oil revenues have been deposited in the United States of America’s Federal Reserve Bank.

As per Part VII of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act, however,

the government is bound to seek parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the Fund. The exception to this falls under Article 27 (1) of the NRF act, where the finance minister can request a withdrawal from the fund for emergency financing, in the event of the occurrence of a natural disaster.

In March, some days after the first cases of the novel coronavirus were recorded in Guyana and other Caribbean countries, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that use of the oil revenues in the NRF to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps a “last resort,” given the stringent rules guiding withdrawals.

Guyana’s Parliament was dissolved in December 2019, and a new Parliament is expected after the completion of the electoral process.

Then, Guyana should be able to access those oil funds.

‘UNCONVENTIONAL’ IS NECESSARY Given Guyana’s unique situation-- contending with the political situation, the public health crisis and resulting economic fallout and previous economic shortcomings-Executive Director of the Guyana Budget & Policy Institute, Dhanraj Singh, stressed that “unconventional policy intervention” is necessary.

“The normal policy tools, even from a fiscal standpoint, are not going to be effective, even if you put them into effect in a timely manner,” he said.

Singh, an economist, suggested that cash should be distributed to citizens and persons who spend in the economy, as a mere containment of the crisis would not suffice.

“This virus is not behind us.

The worst of this crisis is not yet behind us. So how governments approach how they should proceed- the ‘wait and see’ (approach) may not be the best strategy,” he emphasised. “You’re going to have to work and find a way for how you’re going to operate a ‘new normal’ for your economies locally.”

--PAHO, CDB join forces to address mental health across the Caribbean

WIDELY regarded as ‘a blackswan event’, the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) struck like the proverbial thief in the night and quickly swept across the world within months, taking lives and leaving many economies overwhelmed as they struggle to put the pieces back together.

The Caribbean region has been gravely affected by the virus, and on top of this, many islands and countries are now faced with battening down for the hurricane season, which will be even more stressful amid the health crisis.

However, in its attempt to bring peace of mind to those who reside in the Caribbean region, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Monday teamed up with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to launch its ‘Stronger Together’ campaign under the theme, ‘Connecting to Feel Safe, Calm and Hopeful’.

During the launch, which was held virtually in respect to the COVID-19 guidelines, CDB Vice-President (Operations), Diedre Clarendon said that the ‘stronger together’ campaign is a new take on a project that was rolled out last year to address both mental health as well as the stigma associated with seeking help.

She observed that COVID-19 has had such a huge impact on the lives of people in the Caribbean that many are still trying to come to terms with it, as well as prepare themselves for the coming hurricane season.

“The down-stream impacts for these hurricanes are likely to cause heightened stress, fear, depression and anxiety across populations that are already coping with the COVID-19 impacts, [and] personal resilience is the key requirement for sustainable human development, and its nexus with mental wellness and positive coping strategies,” Clarendon said.

She noted that while mental health is often overlooked, with the emergence of COVID-19, the CDB has expanded its scope of collaborations to include it in its programmes.

“This 2020 campaign; Stronger Together campaign,” she said, “we have adapted a number of resources, such as psychosocial search first aid guide, social media cards, and a jingle for use in this effort.”

INFORMATIONDRIVEN Clarendon further noted that the call to action and theme, ‘Connecting Feel Safe, Calm And Hopeful’, aims to offer information and communication strategies to assist communities in promoting mental wellbeing and positive coping strategies, as well as raise awareness to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health and psychosocial support while adhering to

social-distancing protocols.

She said that the aim of the initial project was to conduct needs assessments and action plans, as well as train journalists and health communicators, while the purpose of the updated version is to make way for social media involvement, as the programme will be working with social media influencers such as DJs, and those involved with mobile application technology to reach wider audiences. In her closing statements, Clarendon urged all to come on board with the initiative. “We invite you to use and disseminate this resource widely to support those in need, and to encourage them to seek help as is required, “ Clarendon said, adding: “In this way, we will build resilience and we will be stronger together.”

Meanwhile, Jessie SchuttAine, PAHO's Sub-regional Programme Coordinator, who also spoke at the campaign launch stated that the event couldn’t have occurred at a better time.

“There couldn’t be a better time for this, as we all are feeling the need to connect; to feel safe, and to feel calm and hopeful. It has been six months since the WHO declared COVID-19 an emergency of national concern,” Schutt-Aine said, adding that in those few short months, just about everyone’s life has undergone some kind of change.

“Who would have imagined this unprecedented situation just six months ago! We have been faced with prolonged periods of lockdown, not being able to connect with our friends families, coworkers!” Schutt-Aine declared, adding: “Many people are feeling uncertainty, as large numbers are affected by loss of livelihoods and feeling fear and anxiety. This unprecedented situation has taken a toll on mental health, triggering the reactions of depression anxiety and worry.”

Despite the challenges adults are facing, she stated that children too have to be taken into consideration, with their daily routines being changed, schools closed, as well as dealing with homeschooling, all while not fully understanding what is happening around them.

In addition to the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, Schutt-Aine stated that many in the Caribbean, especially the islands, are still recovering physically and emotionally from some of the major hurricanes of the past few years, including Irma, Maria and Dorian.

Hence PAHO and CDB are responding to the situation with the stronger campaign, which will provide information and tools to promote mental wellbeing coping strategies, and to raise awareness around the stigma of seeking help and psychosocial support.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

An abuse of process …Ramjattan says Lowenfield should sue for malicious prosecution

WHEN the matter of the private criminal charges brought against him has made its passage through the Court, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, should bring a tort of malicious prosecution against those who took him to court without probable cause and with malicious intent.

This is the advice of Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, who made the remarks on Sunday in response to the ill-preparedness of the lawyers who brought the said case against Lowenfield on July 24.

After bail in the sum of $450,000 had been granted to the CEO on three charges relating to alleged fraud and misconduct, the prosecutors, through their Attorney-at-Law, Glenn Hanoman, told the Court that they still had some 800 statements to gather from various witnesses.

They asked for a monthlong adjournment to do so but the Court granted them up until mid-August. One of Lowenfield’s attorneys, Nigel Hughes, said that it was evident that the prosecutors were not ready and had merely set out to bring politics into the courtroom.

In his opinion, Ramjattan said that no forthcoming evidence on such serious charges should have resulted in the matter being thrown out by the Magistrate, Faith McGusty.

“It is an abuse of the process. You do not have statements on the file that can produce a charge, in accordance with the regular law as we know it, and you still proceed to the Court to prosecute? That’s persecution, that’s not prosecution.

Although we do have a right

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan

to bring private criminal charges in Guyana, I believe, strongly, that absolutely --- at the time when they brought these charges --- not having the evidence it ought to have been dismissed,” he said while on an APNU+AFC programme.

On the programme it was noted that back in June 2020, one day before the High Court was set to rule in a contempt case – Reeaz Holladar v. Returning Officer for Region 4 Clairmont Mingo and others, Anil Nandlall – the applicant’s attorney, withdrew the matter over lack of sufficient evidence.

Though not handing down her ruling in the matter, Chief Justice (ag) Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire said that “the evidence is very, very deficient” and, in effect, would have wasted the Court’s time.

On the programme, Ramjattan said that not only do the prosecutors lack evidence but they have brought a case

against a Constitutional office holder who, at all times, did his legitimate duty as CEO, according to the Law and Constitution.

Lowenfield has explained that, if he is to conduct his duties in keeping with the Constitution and law, the National Recount cannot form the basis of a declaration.

Drawing attention to Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), he pointed out that Returning Officers are required to make their respective declarations, and the CEO, in accordance with Section 96 of the Act, is required to consider the declarations in the preparation of his Elections Report.

It is on this basis that he submitted his last Elections Report to the Commission on the basis of the 10 declarations made in March 2020.

Coming out of the Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, had stated that Hanoman made many politi-

cal and personal statements about the CEO, as if he were attempting to make the Court into a “forum for a political battle”.

Ramjattan, in calling for the CEO to bring a tort of malicious prosecution against his current prosecutors said that he agreed with the position of Hughes.

He said: “I agree with him because, obviously, it is being thus done. We should not allow that, quite frankly.

However, I believe also, the lawyers should file --- immediately after --- a malicious prosecution litigation at the High Court for damages…as soon as this thing has ended because it was obviously malicious and it is obviously wrong. I think substantial damages would be awarded in favour of Mr. Lowenfield.”

In dealing with the law, malicious prosecution occurs when one party has knowingly, and with malicious intent, initiated baseless litigation against another party.

This includes both criminal charges and civil claims, for which the cause of action is essentially the same.

Generally, any malicious criminal proceeding that lacks probable cause -- regardless of whether the claimant was tried or even indicted -- may give rise to a malicious prosecution claim.

Ramjattan iterated: “You don’t, for criminal charges where the proof is ‘beyond reasonable doubt’, do that to a Constitutional office holder. It is an absolute abuse of process and I believe that the Magistrate should have revisited it on that day, if not earlier, or the lawyers should go to the High Court with an abuse of process piece of litigation.”

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, (first right) approaches the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court with his lawyers, Senior Counsel Neil Boston (centre) and Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Seymour Arthur (CARICOM Today photo)

President Granger saddened at Owen Arthur's passing PRESIDENT David Granger has noted with great sadness, the passing of former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Seymour Arthur, and has expressed his sympathy to Arthur’s family, friends and the people of Barbados.

Arthur, 70 years old, passed on Monday morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, following a heart attack on July 15, 2020.

“Mr. Arthur, who served as Barbados’ fifth Prime Minister for three consecutive terms from 1994 to 2008, died this morning (Monday) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados after a brief period of hospitalisation. The former Barbadian Prime Minister led recently an 11-member Commonwealth Observer Mission for Guyana’s General and Regional Elections which were held in March. In February, Mr. Arthur and the members of his observer team called

on President Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency,” the Ministry of the Presidency stated in a release.

It added: “President Granger extends heartfelt sympathy to his wife Julie, daughters Sabrina and Leah, other relatives, friends and the people of Barbados.” On July 15, reports from Barbados stated that Arthur had been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a heart attack, but was said to be in stable condition. Unfortunately, his condition worsened over time. Earlier this year, he was appointed Chairman of the financially strapped airline, LIAT. He also headed the 11-member Commonwealth Observer Mission for Guyana’s Elections in March. The mission observed pre-elections, elections and post-elections activities.

Bushmasters’ tour operator dies IAN Craddock, a popular tour operator who moved from the United Kingdom to Lethem many years ago, was found dead on Monday afternoon, close to the airstrip in the border town.

Reports are that the man might have suffered a heart attack .Other reports are that the man might have been bitten by a snake.

According to a neighbour, the man was found unresponsive aback the Lethem airstrip on Monday afternoon. A post-mortem is expected to be performed later this week.

The man’s passing left many in shock, as they noted that he was an upbeat individual who was always full of life.

Daniel Gadje, an executive member of the business community in the Rupununi, noted, in a Facebook post, that Craddock’s passing was a major blow to the tourism sector in Guyana.

Craddock runs the Bushmasters tour company which

Ian Craddock

runs tours in the Rupununi. He is an ex-British military officer and with 10 years of Special Forces training under his belt, he made the Rupununi his home, several years ago.

He came to Guyana back in 2002 and later launched several charity expeditions here. Later he would embark on other major projects, including documentaries for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and National Geographic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Regional leaders mourn death of Owen Arthur –– hail former Barbados PM as passionate leader, strong politician

LEADERS within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) outpoured their support to the family and friends of former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, upon his passing on Monday. They hailed him as a great leader and politician.

In a statement on Monday, CARICOM said that Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and the entire Caribbean Community mourn the passing of the former Prime Minister who was an ardent regionalist. Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in a statement, saluted Arthur as “a titan of regional integration”, an intellectual, and a man devoted to his country and region.

He reminisced on his last engagement with the Arthur during a Zoom meeting on LIAT. “Our Caribbean, our hemisphere and our world have lost a statesman and intellect of the highest quality. We shall miss him. I shall miss my dear friend, Owen, a progressive soul who applied his heart to wisdom. I am personally enveloped in profound sadness, grief and pain at his death, yet full of fond and uplifting memories of him,” Gonsalves said.

In Arthur’s home country, remarks came from Prime Minister of Barbados and former CARICOM Chair, Mia Mottley who announced that she was deeply saddened at his passing, having only visited him on the day before he died. “Barbados lost today our 5th Prime Minister, Owen Seymour Arthur.

Even as I visited Mr. Arthur yesterday, I’m still taken by the quickness of his passing.

Indeed, this is one of the few occasions in public life that I struggle for words,” Mottley said.

A MAN OF ACTION Nonetheless, she described Arthur as a patriot, a strong politician, a teacher, a husband and father who lived by the motto, “Face it and fix it”. Mottley noted Arthur’s efforts to reduce unemployment in Barbados, to forge greater regional integration, to defend his country at the international level, and to work assiduously for the benefit of his people and the Region.

“He discharged his duty as Prime Minister of Barbados, and as a Caribbean leader with distinction. He shall remain in that pantheon of Caribbean leaders. On behalf of

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet

Caribbean diplomat, Sir Ron Sanders

the government and the people of Barbados, we say thank you to Owen Seymour Arthur and to his family, for his service to a grateful nation and to a proud people,” she said.

Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastanet, on behalf of his government and people, extend deepest condolences to Barbados. He said that the hearts of his country go out to Arthur’s wife and daughters, all his family and friends, and to the government and people of Barbados.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness stated: “Today I pause to pay my respects to a man who served Barbados and the Caribbean with distinction, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Seymour Arthur. I am truly saddened by his passing. Owen Arthur was passionate about his country and the dream of regional integration. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he helped to shape the political scene in the region. I extend sincere condolences to the family of Owen Arthur and the

Prime Minister of Barbados and former CARICOM Chair, Mia Mottley

New CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

people of Barbados.”

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris paid tribute to Arthur in a statement on Monday, where he said that Arthur’s sharp intellect and deep-rooted commitment to regional integration will be long remembered and missed.

“As Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Owen Arthur had the lead responsibility for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, and he continued to be a tireless advocate and champion for progress and economic integration in the Caribbean, right up to the end of his remarkable life,” the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis said.

‘SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER’ Added to these, respected Caribbean statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister. He said on Monday that Barbados has lost a great son, and CARICOM a great West Indian. Sir Shridath

said: “We are all the poorer for Owen’s going. His last leadership role was to Chair the Commonwealth’s Observer Mission to the Guyana elections, where he distinguished himself for his courage in speaking truth to power. May his memory be honoured in the upholding of his candour, and may CARICOM for all time be guided by his credo of regional integration that marked his service to Barbados and the Caribbean Community entire.”

Caribbean diplomat, Sir Ron Sanders extended his condolences, noting that he had the privilege to have spoken with Arthur in the last days before he died. “Owen Arthur and I had been talking almost every day over the last few weeks, until he was admitted to hospital. He was deeply troubled by events in Guyana, and about matters concerning LIAT. Most of all, he was worried by dangers of fragmentation in the Caribbean Community in whose cause he worked to the very end. He richly

Caribbean diplomat, Sir Ron Sanders

deserves to be remembered as an outstanding Caribbean Champion,” Sanders said.

Throughout the day, several other leaders within the Caribbean also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Arthur.

The former Prime Minister of Barbados passed away at 12:26hrs on Monday after suffering a heart attack about two weeks prior.

A LIFE WELL LIVED During the course of his life, Arthur obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and History (1971) at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in his native Barbados, and a Master’s Degree in Economics (1974) at UWI’s Mona campus in Jamaica.

In 1983, he was appointed to the Barbadian Senate.

The next year, he became an elected representative in the House of Assembly, where he served the constituency of St. Peter as a member of the governing Barbados Labour

Party (BLP).

He was the longest-serving Prime Minister of Barbados, having held office through three consecutive terms, spanning from 1994 to 2008. In late 2018, he was appointed Professor of Practice at the University of the West Indies, with responsibility for overseeing Economics of Development at the UWI Cave Hill Campus. In January 2020, he was announced as the new Chairman of LIAT’s Board of Directors. The Barbados Government Information Service announced on Monday that commencing July 27, there would be a period of national mourning for three days, throughout which all flags will be flown at half-mast. The Government of Barbados extends sincerest condolences to his wife, Julie; his daughters, Leah and Sabrina; and his extended family.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

GuySuCo achieves 79.6% of first-crop target -Corporation lost $37.9M through ‘strikes’

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), despite its dire constraints and the existing economic conditions, has managed to produce 37,015 tonnes of sugar during the ‘first crop’ period for this year.

Its ‘first crop’ production was equivalent to 79.6 per cent of its target, which was 46,476 tonnes of sugar.

GuySuCo, in a press statement, said the crop was closed with 1,093 hectares762 hectares at Albion/Port Mourant Estate and 331 hectares at Blairmont Estate- of “carried over” canes to be harvested. This translates to 66,000 tonnes of cane that will be carried over to the second crop of 2020.

The actual sugar cane processed for the first crop was 492,910, as against the budgeted 539,460. The budgeted molasses was 19,624 while the actual production was 21,194; a surplus of 1,569.

Meanwhile, the average

attendance rate for the season was 54.3 per cent across the industry. Harvesters’ attendance at the Albion/Port Mourant Estate was 54 per cent, Blairmont Estate was 50 per cent and Uitvlugt Estate was 64 per cent.

“It should be noted that the first crop attendance was impacted by the circumstances surrounding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which saw the employees being off of work for two weeks and this also contributed to the shortfall,” said GuySuCo. There was, however, no sympathy in times of instability, as there were 50 strikes across the sugar belt. Those actions caused the corporation to lose $37.9 million $20.1 million at Albion/Port Mourant, $13.6 million at Blairmont and $4.2 million at Uitvlugt. Total production loss, industry-wide, as a result of the man-days loss, was 2,307 tonnes of sugar.

GuySuCo, however, assured that it continues to

strengthen its partnership with the trade unions and will always recognise them as valuable partners, especially for the achievement of the target in the second crop 2020 and towards building a more resilient business.

The management of GuySuCo is also exploring innovative and creative ways to keep the employees motivated and engaged, despite the “disruptive” transition process which is now compounded by the challenges around the global COVID-19

pandemic.

It was reported that the ailing sugar industry, managed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), is looking to “bounce back” by increasing its annual output and diversifying its core business beyond the cultivation and production of raw sugar.

In recent times, GuySuCo has failed to make positive strides because of high production costs and the loss of lucrative markets, but the corporation believes that it could “rise from the ashes”

with its new “I believe in GuySuCo” initiative.

The initiative, as described by GuySuCo, is an internal stakeholder mobilisaton campaign and a new business plan, which will guide the company for the next five years.

The initiative is aimed at creating a revitalised sugar industry, with production surpassing 150,000 tonnes of sugar annually; competitive products; and a productive and highly-motivated team.

Over the past four years the corporation has been working with a target of 147,000 tonnes of sugar annually.

It is expected that if given the required support and necessary financing, the corporation will return to a position of sustained growth and prosperity.

The corporation, through its new initiative, hopes to change the gloomy image of the industry by modernising its agriculture and factory operations, as well as di-

versifying its core business beyond the cultivation and production of raw sugar.

Emphasis will be on increasing the production of direct consumption sugars and producing white sugars for industrial use. Other new business lines include the generation and export (locally) of electrical energy and service industries, such as ‘sugar’ tourism.

Therefore, as the corporation transitions, it is imperative that the employees and other internal and external stakeholders be integrated into this process, said GuySuCo. Through the campaign, GuySuCo will mobilise employees and other stakeholders around the new strategic direction of the corporation in order for there to be “oneness of vision” and for a more synergistic approach, over the next five years.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Eccles fire leaves five homeless

A FAMILY of five is now homeless after fire, early Monday morning, destroyed their home at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara.

One of the occupants of the home, Kevin Allen, who was still in shock, recalled the events. He expressed, that although he cannot confirm the cause of the fire, he believes that the fire had started from one of the bedrooms on the bottom flat of the home. He stated that he was already at work, when he received a phone call that his home was on fire. Upon arriving on the scene, Allen stated that he made sure his grandmother and cousins were safe because they were home at the time of the incident. He further noted that he tried to control the flames by using a hose that was at the back of the yard but was unsuccessful at doing so. He told the Guyana Chronicle that approximately 20 minutes after he arrived home, the Guyana Fire Service arrived on the scene, but by then, the blaze had become uncontrollable and as such they were unable to save any of the items in the house.

The young man stated that he, along with his grandmother, Carol Beaton, Aunt, Stephie Beaton, and two children, including a three-month-old baby resided at the home. They have lost all of their belongings. The family stated

The house that was completely destroyed by the fire

A distressed Kevin Allen speaking to the media

that they would welcome any assistance that mem-

bers of the public would offer them in this difficult

Stephie Beaton and Carol Beaton being comforted by a neighbour

time. Family members can be contacted on 592 604-

3737 OR 592 668-6038.

The Guyana Fire Service is

currently investigating the origin of the fire.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

More testing needed in indigenous communities says APA

-Donates $29.5M worth of supplies to communities, says more resources needed A noted rise in cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in indigenous communities, has prompted the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) to call for more testing in those areas, as they believe the situation may be worse than it seems.

In recent days Guyana has seen a worrying rise in cases of the disease, with 19 cases being recorded within the past 24 hours alone. And, although this was the “national” figure for Monday, it was all recorded in one region, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) - a region which borders Brazil, where COVID-19 is widespread.

The fact that Region Nine borders Brazil is enough to increase testing in those communities, said Representative of the APA, Ron James, during a virtual press briefing, on Monday.

James lamented that the rate of testing has been slow, although it should have been the total opposite given the prevailing situation. He said communities in Region Nine are struggling because resources are limited.

“Some persons are fearful… some of the villages are underprepared for this pandemic…we are calling on health authorities to see if more assistance can be brought to those communities in a timely manner,” said James.

He said immediate assistance should be in the form of more testing, as cases could easily go under the radar because of the slow rate of testing.

Similar calls have been made for increased testing in Regions One (Barima-Waini)-the epicenter for COVID-19 in Guyana-, Two (Pomeroom-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Health authorities have so far tested 4,416 persons, with 4,027 being negative

and 389 testing positive.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in an update on Monday, said 181 of the persons, who tested positive, have since recovered and 20 persons have died, but there are 188 active cases which are being monitored by authorities. Four of those persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The COVID-19 ICU has so far seen 57 patients, but 11 of those patients have died, 29 were transferred and nine were discharged.

Even as persons are being discharged, there is a simultaneous increase in cases, but according to Dr. Persaud, most of those cases are being recorded in hinterland regions.

Those regions unlike coast-

Executive Director of APA, Jean La Rose

al regions, not only have to worry about the direct effects of COVID-19, but also the indirect effects, es-

pecially since most of the indigenous communities are located in remote areas, where access to cer-

tain commodities is difficult.

The APA in recognising this, has been doing its part to assist with the provision of medical and food/sanitary supplies. And, according to Executive Director of APA, Jean La Rose, the organisation has so far distributed supplies worth $29.5M. Communities in Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine have benefited from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), food hampers and sanitary supplies.

La Rose said while this is an initiative which the APA hopes to continue through assistance from its donor partners, there is still a lot more to be done in hinterland regions, as there have been widespread indirect and direct implications.

“There are many impacts

and I do not think we have arrived at a full assessment of the impact… immediately it would be on health of course, the capacity of various communities to deal with the health issues for instance…The case of where all communities have been underprepared, many had no PPE, no sanitisation supplies and so on,” said La Rose in response to a question asked by the Guyana Chronicle.

She said some communities did not even have any supplies at the start of the pandemic, and it continues to be that way in some cases.

Inefficiencies in primary healthcare for indigenous communities are, however, just one among a plethora of challenges.

La Rose said the “economies of communities” have also been ‘drastically’ affected, as many persons already had to step down on farming, which is a money-making enterprise for indigenous communities.

While a lot needs to be done to improve the agrivcultural system during these times, there is also a need to explore methods of storing food supplies to compensate for a reduction in agriculture.

Households have not only be losing food, but also their livelihood and income. There has also been an impact on education because, unlike coastal regions, hinterland communities do not have adequate internet access so they depend solely on printed materials.

“So we need to consider all of these things… we need to know how the children will catch up, what systems are going to be put in place to ensure they catch up back,” said La Rose.

Crafting solutions amidst instability could prove challenging, but the APA is hopeful that hinterland communities will survive the “turbulence,” once there are adequate interventions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

GMC implements strict safety measures amidst COVID-19

AS the country continues to adjust to the new normal, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) continues to ensure local products are available on the shelves at various supermarkets, under the strictest of health and safety measures, according to a news bulletin from the Department of Public Information (DPI) .

Speaking to DPI, Packaging Facility Manager, Celestine Butters, said the protocols have been implemented to ensure the safety of their employees as well as customers.

“Sinks, door handles are

disinfected every half-hour.

There are disposable gloves, masks, and sanitisers at every desk. For the pack-houses, sinks were also constructed and footbaths are provided.

We have a Quality Assurance Officer on site who is also in charge of the sensitisation sessions with the staff,” Butters related.

“Under the occupational safety and health procedures, our on-site, Quality Assurance Officer, hosts a programme about precautions in the workplace. This includes the importance of maintaining hand washing and respiratory

Guyana Marketing Corporation, Packaging Facility Manager, Celestine Butters

The Guyana Shop Manager, Kevin Macklingam

hygiene and regularly, monitoring the staff’s health. Signs are also erected in the building to give guidelines related to COVID-19.”

She also disclosed that a rotation system for the staff has been implemented, social distancing measures adhered to and the Zoom platform utilised for meetings. Employees are not allowed to travel in public transportation and during the stay-at-home order, they were transported to and from work.

In February, the GMC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, launched a plantain chip factory at Parika. Butters disclosed that COVID-19 pandemic has not affected production.

“At the facility, they work every day, but at reduced hours and have been efficiently producing and supplying demand.”

Meanwhile, Manager

of the Guyana Shop, Kevin Macklingam, said the outlet is focusing on retailing certain products during the pandemic.

Macklingam said the shop is not currently stocking non-perishables such as table snacks and only products that could not survive long periods are being shelved along with the necessities such as rice, flour and sugar.

They also ensure suppliers are responsible for proper packaging and transport.

“When the produce arrives at the Guyana Shop, we use precautions - wearing masks and sanitising our hands. We also follow health tips to avoid contaminating glass bottles, etc.,” Macklingam stated.

Customers visiting their outlet are required to wear face masks and wash their hands before entering.

City Hall implements measures for food and meat inspection for EID-UL-ADHA THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown has reminded all persons who would be slaughtering bovine animals for the EID-ULADHA holiday that the carcasses must be examined and certified by the officers of the Municipal Abattoir. And the M&CC has put systems in place for officers to ensure it follows its protocol for safety.

Where masjids would be utilised for the slaughtering of animals on EIDUL-ADHA, which will be celebrated on Friday, the M&CC said it is imperative that a Meat and Food inspector be on site to inspect and certify the integrity of the meat.

In a release, the M&CC stated that since the meat would be distributed to the public, it is important that trained Meat and Food Inspectors determine its wholesomeness. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown has the responsibility of ensuring the meat and food entering the public domain for consumption is free from tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

Arrangements to have food and meat inspectors on site to inspect and certify the meat can be made by calling the Municipal abattoir on telephone numbers 227-2131 or 226-3700.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Abattoir remains closed following an accident involving a Crane belonging to John Fernandes Ltd. During a City Hall Statutory meeting on July 27 2020, the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, had an-

nounced that he will be calling for a sit-down with the heads of John Fernandes to discuss a way forward as it relates to the repair of the facility.

The meeting between Mayor Narine and the John Fernandes administration comes four months after a crane belonging to John Fernandes Company Limited fell onto the roof of the abattoir, leaving the roof, walls and windows of the kitchen area severely damaged. The roof of the slaughtering chambers was also damaged.

The facility, located at Water Street, South Cummingsburg, remains closed until further notice and, according to the mayor, the City is losing a lot of revenue since the abattoir continues to be out of operation, since its closure on February 28.

Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick disclosed that the John Fernandes management had sent correspondence making a request for a mutual evaluation to gather the estimated cost of damage before they move forward. Mayor Narine had previously said he doesn’t wish to accept money from the company to finance the repairs, but prefers for them to complete everything. “I don’t want a temporary fix, because temporary turns into long term,” he said.

The mayor stated that the issue has been long awaiting a resolution and he is optimistic that this sit-down meeting with the John Fernandes Administration could bring about a suitable way forward.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Human rights body calls for halt on mining in Wapichan territory –– says mining activities exposing villages to COVID-19

THE Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) has joined the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) in calling for a halt in mining in the Wapichan territory here during the pandemic, and for increased collaborative efforts to beat the health crisis.

The CHRGJ, which specialises in issues pertaining to international human rights law, said in a statement on Monday that despite repeated pleas for assistance from the SRDC, the collective governance body for 21 Wapichan villages, villagers are still exposed to the virus. The CHRGJ spoke directly to the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) when it stated that greater effort must be taken to protect these villages which are more vulnerable under such circumstances.

“The Global Justice Clinic echoes the SRDC’s repeated calls for the Guyanese government to take urgent action to protect the Wapichan people, and to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in Wapichan communities. These actions include: halting mining in Wapichan territory for the duration of the pandemic; respecting SRDC authority to monitor entry and access into their territory; increasing the amount of COVID-19 testing supplies available in Wapichan villages and immediately testing those with positive symptoms; and conducting contact tracing. The SRDC also urges the government to cooperate in closely

monitoring the Guyana-Brazil border to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 into Wapichan communities from Brazil, which is experiencing an explosive outbreak,” the organisation stated.

The Global Justice Clinic also sent its deepest condolences to the families of two residents of Potarinau Village who recently passed away following exposure to COVID-19. It reported that since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Guyana in March 2020, the SRDC and Wapichan Toshaos have worked assiduously to protect their communities in the absence of adequate governmental support.

The SRDC conducts regular border monitoring to block illegal crossings along the Guyana-Brazil border; monitors entry and access into Wapichan villages; works with local security and health personnel to implement measures to protect the community; and recently instituted a lockdown in Wapichan villages on July 15, 2020. Even so, the CHRGJ called for a halt to the flow of miners, authorised by the government, into Wapichan villages against their wishes. It has reportedly further exposed Wapichan communities to the spread of

COVID-19.

The Global Justice Clinic stated: “Wapichan villages have been made extremely vulnerable to health challenges and to COVID-19 in particular, through the inadequate healthcare system and lack of supplies in the South Rupununi region, as well as the government’s failure to respect the SRDC’s wishes concerning its territory.

The Global Justice Clinic is alarmed that the government has not only failed to fulfil its obligation to protect the health and welfare of these citizens of Guyana, it has also undermined the SRDC’s efforts to protect Wapichan communities by prioritising mining interests over Wapichan lives.”

In early May, the SRDC had reported that it is particularly worried about the continuous influx of miners into the villages while en route to the Wakadanao and Marudi gold mines, and that business people from Georgetown are also adding to the issue. That month, a Guyanese man with Brazilian citizenship tested positive for the coronavirus, the first confirmed case in the Rupununi. The man fled the isolation facility at the Lethem Regional Hospital, but was arrested hours later by the Brazilian federal police.

M&CC insists on inspection of meat to be distributed for Eid THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is reminding all persons who would be slaughtering bovine animals for the EID-UL-ADHA holiday that the carcasses must be examined and certified by the officers of the Municipal Abattoir.

“Since the meat would be distributed to the public, it is important that trained

Meat and Food Inspectors determine its wholesomeness. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have the responsibility of ensuring the meat and food entering the public domain for consumption are free from tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases,” the M&CC said in a press release.

The M&CC noted that

where masjids would be utilized for the slaughtering of animals on EID-UL-ADHA day, “it is imperative that a Meat and Food inspector be on site to inspect and certify the integrity of the meat.”

To make arrangements persons can call the Municipal abattoir on telephone numbers 227-2131 or 226-3700.

It was then revealed that the man village-hopped several areas in the Rupununi, as

well as parts of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), including Monkey Mountain and Paramakatoi.

Sources say that the man reportedly travelled across SRDC territory to and from the Marudi mines, making stops within several villages along the way.

Rupununi residents are growing increasingly wor-

ried over the state of affairs in neighbouring Brazil, as that country’s positive cases of the Coronavirus have climbed sharply to over 2,400,000 cases in recent days. More than 87,000 persons have died from complications attributed to the virus in the neighbouring country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The beginnings...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 not out, unfurling the full arsenal of stroke-play he would become renowned for, including a couple of signature shots.

“I was also lucky in that I’m not sure the Poms were too thorough when they did their homework on me,” Ponting wrote in his book, At the Close of Play.

“The ball was seaming about but they seemed keen to test me out with some short stuff and I relished the chance to show them I could hook and pull.

“To get off the mark, I pulled a bumper from (Dean) Headley which rocketed to the boundary and the confidence that one shot gave me was liberating.”

And it was on July 26, 1997, that Ponting nudged the off-spin of Robert Croft into the leg side for the single that brought up his maiden Test hundred.

It was the beginning of a legend; over the ensuing 15 years, the Tasmanian would add another 40 hundreds to his name, though he reckons few were better than his first-up 127.

“That day I probably played as well as I have in any Test innings, and that made it even more pleasing,” Ponting said.

“That’d be as close as any (to my best).

“I remember that day, just really being on top of things and feeling really at home at the crease.

“The ones that actually mean the most to you are probably the ones that you think you played better in anyway, so the first one is always going to be remembered a bit more but I just thought I played really well.”

It also helped that Australia won the Test match to go 2-1 up in the series, a lead they never relinquished as they secured the Ashes for a fifth straight time. (Cricket. com.au)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The beginnings of the Ponting legend

…It was on July 26 in 1997 that Ricky Ponting completed his first Test century, on his Ashes debut no less, in the fourth Test at Headingley, Leeds

By Adam Burnett ON the 1997 Ashes tour, Australia were in the middle of perhaps their most dominant period in history against their oldest foe, and is if things couldn’t get more one-sided, they were about to unleash a hugely promising young batsman named Ricky Ponting for the first time in cricket’s greatest rivalry.

Mark Taylor’s side had levelled the six-Test series after a shock defeat in the series opener at Edgbaston, with Steve Waugh’s epic twin tons at Old Trafford in the third Test putting the ledger at one-all.

So the two teams travelled to Leeds with the Ashes very much alive, and it was there that Ponting, who had played six Tests previously but had been

unceremoniously dumped the summer prior, made his re-selection count.

“That was vital for me,” Ponting said of his Ashes debut hundred at Headingley.

“I got picked on the Ashes tour, only in the touring squad, but I didn’t play the first three Tests of that series and came in for the fourth, in Michael Bevan’s spot.”

Australia rolled England for 172 after a fired-up Ja-

son Gillespie took 7-37, but Taylor’s men stumbled in reply, collapsing to 4-50.

Ponting strode to the middle, where he was greeted by another emerging talent, Matthew Elliott (199), and together the pair turned the contest on its head.

Ponting’s maiden Test century on Ashes debut By stumps on day two, Ponting had raced to 86

SEE PAGE 19

Ricky Ponting salutes his maiden Test ton // Getty Images)

England v Ireland to kick off World Cup Super League on July 30

Andrew Balbirnie’s Ireland will take on England in Southampton (PA Images via Getty Images)

IT has been delayed by a couple of months, but the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League will finally get going on July 30 when England and Ireland face off in the first of three ODIs in Southampton.

Featuring 13 teams - the top 12 and Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket Super League 2015-17 - the league will see each side play four home and four away three-match ODI series in a fixed timeframe, with the top seven sides apart from hosts India earning automatic qualification for the next 50-over World Cup, to be played in October-November 2023.

Each team gets ten points for a win, five for a tie, no result or abandonment and none for a loss. The five sides failing to qualify directly will play along with five Associate sides in the World Cup Qualifier 2023, with two teams from the

Qualifier making it to the ten-team World Cup. “The league will bring relevance and context to ODI cricket over the next three years, as qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is at stake,” Geoff Allardice, ICC’s general manager (cricket operations), said in a statement. “The Super League gives cricket fans around the world even more reasons to watch as the drama of league cricket unfolds.

“The decision last week to move the World Cup back to late 2023 gives us more time to schedule any games lost due to Covid-19 and preserve the integrity of the qualification process, meaning it will be decided on the field of play, which is important.”

Ireland are already in England, and their preparations haven’t gone particularly well so far. After an intra-squad warm-up game on July 22,

they lost to England Lions by seven wickets on July 26 - both matches were played at the Ageas Bowl, the venue for the three ODIs. “It’s a privilege to be playing in the inaugural series of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League.

It is obviously going to be a huge challenge taking on the team that won the World Cup just a year ago but we have prepared well and have taken confidence from our form over the early months of 2020,” Andrew Balbirnie, the Ireland captain, said in the ICC statement. “What is important is that we are getting back on the field. I hope international cricket’s return is steady during these challenging times.

“I look forward to the Irish side putting on a good performance in the upcoming series as we start our campaign for World Cup qualification.”

Eoin Morgan, meanwhile, said, “Given the situation, it will be quite different to the last time we played at home, when we lifted the World Cup at Lord’s, but it’s nice to be starting our journey for the next edition of the tournament.

“I’m sure cricket fans all over the world will be excited to see white-ball cricket resume and we’re looking forward to the challenge. Ireland are a talented team who have shown over the years that they can beat the best on their day. We look forward to what promises to be an interesting series.” The three matches will be played on July 30, August 1 and August 4.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

TV umpires to call front-foot no-balls in ODI Super League FRONT-foot no-balls will be monitored exclusively by the third umpire points and teams will be deducted points for slow over-rates in the ICC World Cup Super League, which begins later this week with the three-match ODI series between England and Ireland.

The front-foot no-ball regulation will apply in both ODIs and T20Is and is another step towards taking oversight of the front out of the domain of the on-field umpire in all international cricket.

The ICC has previously trialed the technology to monitor bowlers overstepping during the ODI series between India and West Indies. Positive results there

led to the ICC deciding to leave the adjudication of front-foot noballs solely with the third umpire during the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year in Australia.

“It is something that will be used on Thursday [between Ireland and England] and for the series to be played,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager cricket operations, said. “Certainly there is the importance of the free hit in white-ball cricket, and getting no-balls called accurately.

That is considered to be an important feature. The Cricket Committee has recommended that and it’s in the playing conditions for the World Cup Super League.”

No-balls for height will con-

tinue to be called by the on-field umpires, but their missing linecall no-balls has been a recurring issue in high-profile cricket in recent years. The ICC first trialed the process in 2016, during Pakistan’s tour of England. But it has taken time - as well as growing scrutiny of front-foot calls - to roll it out on a broader scale. On England’s last tour of Sri Lanka, in November 2018, broadcasters counted as many as as many as 12 no-balls missed by the umpires.

In March 2019, umpire S Ravi missed a no-ball off the last ball of a tight IPL game between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. At the World Cup last year, umpires missed a no-ball in Australia’s game

Manchester United’s goal achieved but additions needed for next step

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United’s 14game unbeaten run to end the Premier League season, culminating in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Leicester City, pushed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the Champions League spots but now the club faces a crucial transfer window.

The Norwegian delivered on United’s main goal for this season — they were never expected to challenge Liverpool or Manchester City for the title - but being back in Europe’s elite competition is just part of the journey back to the top.

“That’s another stepping stone.

You have to go and get fitter and stronger and more robust. That’s another part of the Champions League - the financial gain - but that’s not in my head. The club, they know what I feel we need and we’re going to try and pursue it,” he said.

Solskjaer needs to strengthen his squad in two key ways.

United must add more quality to their strongest 11 to bring them closer to the level of England’s top two but they also need greater strength in depth to cope with the additional demands of playing in the Champions League while competing domestically.

“It means, better opposition next year and better games and we need to step it up definitely. It means every midweek when we have Champions League you have to go with your best team,” said Sosljaer.

“It’s not like the Europa League where we can rest players and give a certain amount of minutes for young lads. Now we have to go for every game,” he added.

UNITED PROGRESS United have made progress this

Soccer Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Manchester United - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain July 26, 2020 Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard celebrates scoring their second goal with David de Gea and teammates, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pool via REUTERS/Oli Scar year in improving their first choice lineup with pre-season acquisitions of defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka vastly improving the back four.

But the arrival of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes in late January is rightly credited with transforming the season.

When United trudged off the field after a 2-0 home defeat by Burnley on Jan. 22, they were six points behind Chelsea and 14 adrift of Leicester City but have finished above both clubs.

Fernandes made his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Feb. 1 and it is no coincidence that the team have not lost in the league with his presence in midfield.

Solskjaer can be proud that he has also strengthened the starting lineup by improving Anthony Martial’s contribution in the centre-forward role and introducing and developing talented 18-year-old forward Mason Greenwood.

French World Cup winner Paul Pogba’s return to fitness after the novel coronavirus lockdown has also contributed to United achieving their goal and Nemanja Matic, who looked set to leave a year ago, has been resurrected as a key holding midfielder.

But United lack real competition for places in too many roles and the back-up fringes of the squad do not provide the quality of options that Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola can rely on.

All of which adds up to a real challenge for club chief executive Ed Woodward and his team handling transfer deals.

United still have the chance to add silverware this season in next month’s Europa League but, regardless of the outcome of that competition in Germany, fans will expect to see a number of new faces by the time the Premier League resumes in September.

against West Indies; Chris Gayle was dismissed off the next ball, which should’ve been a free hit.

The ongoing Test series between England and West Indies has also seen a number of no-balls not being called.

The points system in the Super League awards 10 points for a win and five for a tie, no-result or an abandoned game. But as with Test cricket and the World Test Championship, Allardice confirmed a competition points penalty will apply to sides who fail to keep up with the minimum over rates. In the case of the Super League, one point will be deducted for every full over a side has fallen short of bowling in the time allowed.

The league will also, Allardice confirmed, allow two DRS reviews per team per innings.

That increase from one was announced in June and applies to T20Is as well. That is part of an interim change to playing

The ICC had used the technology to monitor front-foot no-balls solely with the third umpire during the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.( Getty Images) conditions - like the ban on using saliva to shine a ball - brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and is due to be reviewed every three months.

“Each format got one extra review,” Allardice said. “That was the plan originally [that it was an interim measure]. We will see how it plays out, is it creating extra delays in the game or is allowing to get the right decision more often. I think it’s one that will have more debate as we get to the end of the interim period.”

No cut-off date has been finalised at the moment for when the league finishes, though it was envisaged as a two-year league.

The top seven sides and India - as hosts - qualify directly to the 2023

World Cup. The ICC has moved that event from a February-March window to October-November, allowing more time for the league to be concluded.

“Obviously we start this league in a time when there is a lot of uncertainty around cricket fixtures generally,” Allardice said. “We bought some more time to be able to play or reschedule series but we’re expecting early 2023 as a cut-off.

There is a World Cup Qualifier to be played during 2023 to identify the last two teams to go into the World Cup. But that will be finalised once we get more input from our members and their scheduling.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Wahab Riaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed in 20-man Pakistan squad for England Tests

PAKISTAN have announced a 20-man shortlisted squad for the three-Test series against England starting August 5.

The experienced pair of Wahab Riaz and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed have returned to the Test set up, while middle-order batsman Ifthikar Ahmed has been left out. Initially, the PCB had announced a combined squad of 29 players for both Tests as well as the three T20Is that follow.

There were expectations of Riaz replacing Haris Sohail, who had chosen to pull out of

the tour due to concerns about the pandemic. Riaz had expressed his willingness to return to the longest format last month after opting out of Test cricket indefinitely last year.

Former captain Ahmed, who was sacked from Test and T20I captaincy the previous October, is the second choice wicketkeeper in the squad, behind the younger Mohammad Rizwan, who also toured Australia last year and played Bangladesh at home this February.

The first Test will be played at Old Trafford, with

the next two games will be played in Southampton before the T20Is start on August 28.

Squad: Azhar Ali (c), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan Sr, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah. (ESPN Cricinfo).

England versus Pakistan fixtures: Test Series:

1st Test v Pakistan: 5-9 August at Emirates Old Trafford 2nd Test v Pakistan: 1317 August at The Ageas Bowl 3rd Test v Pakistan: 2125 August at The Ageas Bowl T20I Series: 1st T20 v Pakistan: Friday, August 28 at Emirates Old Trafford 2nd T20 v Pakistan: Sunday, August 30 at Emirates Old Trafford 3rd T20 v Pakistan: Tuesday, September 1 at Emirates.

Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz

ICC discussing fate of World Test Championship with members

By Sudipto Ganguly MUMBAI (Reuters) The fate of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) will depend on the ability of countries to reschedule the series that have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council said on Monday.

With several bilateral series being wiped out, doubts remain over whether the WTC final between the top two sides could be held as scheduled in June next year at Lord’s.

“We are currently in discussion with members in what their plans are around rescheduling their queue,” Geoff Allardice, ICC general manager - cricket operations, said on a video call.

“Obviously there are teams which have rescheduled them as quickly as

possible and depending on how many of them could be rescheduled within the available time window, that will give us a better view on the most appropriate timing for the final.

“But at this stage the final is scheduled for June 2021. But we are working with the members on that, to understand their rescheduling of the series that are postponed already.”

The nine top-ranked sides are scheduled play three series each at home and away to determine the finalists with India leading the table currently, followed

by Australia.

Earlier on Monday, the ICC said the three-match series between England and Ireland beginning on Thursday will kick off the inaugural Super League, which will determine who qualifies for the 2023 World Cup in India.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(TUESDAY JULY 28, 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) 55 Tests; 165 wickets (2) 89 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Who captained ENG twice in the 1988 Test

series against the West Indies?

(2)How many ENG/WI Test have been played in

the Caribbean to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Geoff Allardice-ICC general manager-cricket operations

England were also the first to host international cricket after a 117-day shutdown when a three-test series against West Indies began in bio-secure conditions in Southampton earlier this month.

Allardice said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had done a “fantastic” job in the resumption of international cricket and safety remains the priority with the situation

regarding the new coronavirus differing from country to country.

“The measures that you might need to resume international cricket in New Zealand, for example, might be very different to what the ECB has put in place,” he said.

Allardice added that the ICC was not currently looking beyond test, 50-overs and Twenty20 formats to spread the game.

England recall Willey and Topley for ODI series LEFT-arm seamers David Willey and Reece Topley have been named in England’s 14-man squad for the three one-day internationals against Ireland.

Willey last played for England in May 2019 before being left of their World Cup squad, while Topley, who has struggled with stress fractures, has not featured since February 2016.

The series begins on Thursday.

“We are developing excellent strength in depth in white-ball cricket,” said selector James Taylor.

England squad: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) captain, Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Tom Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Joe Denly (Kent), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Reece Topley (Surrey), James Vince (Hampshire), David Willey (Yorkshire) Reserves: Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire) England are without World Cup winners Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Mark Wood as they prepare for the three-Test series against Pakistan that starts on 5 August.

David Willey (left) and Reece Topley (right) have taken 68 ODI wickets in 56 games between them.

All-rounder Moeen Ali will be vice-captain in Buttler’s absence and Paul Collingwood will be charge of the team with head coach Chris Silverwood also concentrating on Test cricket.

Willey has taken 52 ODI wickets in 46 games at an average of 36.32, while Topley took 16 wickets in 10 matches at 25.62.

The series will see the launch of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super

League which will determine qualification for the 2023 World Cup, with the top seven teams automatically booking their spot at the tournament in India.

SERIES SCHEDULE First ODI: Thursday 30 July, Ageas Bowl Second ODI: Saturday 1 August, Ageas Bowl Third ODI: Tuesday 4 August, Ageas Bowl.(BBC Sport)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 28, 2020

CPL schedule: TKR vs Guyana Amazon Warriors to kick off 2020 CPL season The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) fixtures for the 2020 season have been announced as the best cricketing talent, from across the Caribbean and from around the world, are set to be part of the Twenty20 tournament which will run from 18 August to 10 September.

The 33-match season will be played in Trinidad & Tobago, with all matches taking place across two stadiums in that country. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will host 23 games, including the semi-finals and final, and the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain will have 10 matches.

The first match will see last year’s runners-up, Guyana Amazon Warriors, take on Trinbago Knight Riders, while the second game will be last year’s champions, Barbados Tridents taking on the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Fans will have to wait until game 22 for a repeat of last year’s final with the Tridents taking on the Amazon Warriors.

The tournament will take place behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment with a series of stringent protocols in place to protect those involved in the tournament and the wider population from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Damien O’Donohoe, the Hero CPL’s CEO, is excited about the upcoming season.

“This year will be a different CPL, but the standard will be higher than ever. We have seen the appetite for live sport since it has returned after a prolonged absence, and the interest in CPL will be higher than ever with it being the first franchise T20 tournament to return.”

Speaking about the an-

nouncement of the tournament fixtures Hero CPL’s COO, Pete Russell, said: “We would like to express our gratitude to the government of Trinidad & Tobago for helping us to put on this tournament in such difficult circumstances. We are delighted that we are able to deliver a tournament that is ensuring the safety of the public and the players and that will be of such a high standard.”

The schedule BRIAN LARA CRICKET ACADEMY 18 August, 10am - Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors 18 August, 5:30pm - Barbados Tridents v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 19 August, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks 19 August, 5:30pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 20 August, 10am - St Lucia

Zouks v Barbados Tridents 20 August, 5:30pm- Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs 22 August, 10am - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks 22 August 5.30pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs 23 August 10am - Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents 24 August 5.30pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks QUEEN’s PARK OVAL 25 August, 10am - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Barbados Tridents 25 August, 5:30pm - Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors 26 August 10am - St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders 26 August, 5:30pm - Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs 27 August, 10am - St Lu-

cia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 27 August, 5:30pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders 29 August, 10am - Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders 29 August, 5:30pm - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs 30 August, 10am - Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks 30 August, 5:30pm - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors BRIAN LARA CRICKET ACADEMY 1 September, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders 1 September, 5:30pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents 2 September, 10am - Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

2 September, 5:30pm - St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors 3 September, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 3 September, 5:30pm - Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors 5 September, 10am - Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks 5 September, 5:30pm - Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents 6 September, 10am - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders 6 September, 5:30pm - St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs 8 September, TBC - Semi final 1 (1st v 4th) 8 September, TBC - Semi final 2 (2nd vs 3rd) 10 September, TBC – Final

Rain holds up England as Windies ponder Wisden Trophy escape plan ENGLAND’s attempts to push for victory in the decisive third Test against West Indies were held up by the Manchester weather, with no play possible on the fourth day. England must win the series to regain the Wisden Trophy - before it is replaced by the new Richards-Botham version - but the sight of a sodden Old Trafford left West Indies the cheerier of the two teams.

The task for the tourists will now be to try and bat through the final day, against an in-form Stuart Broad - still one away from

the 500-wicket mark - and a refreshed England attack.

Jermaine Blackwood’s 95 in the first Test remains the highest individual score for West Indies in the series - but Phil Simmons, the head coach, said after play on the third day that he would be challenging his batsmen to “set themselves targets of getting a big hundred on this wicket”, despite the difficulties of facing Broad and James Anderson, closing in on 600 wickets himself, in helpful conditions.

But while a draw will do for West Indies, England

need to win - which makes forecasts for more rain on Tuesday particularly worrying for the hosts and not the slightest bit dreary for the tourists.

Watching the rain fall at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday, the lyrics and droning chorus line of the Beatles’ “Rain” was particularly apt.

Weather aside, West Indies had some further good news with confirmation that wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich has been deemed fit to bat after suffering a cut lip when he was hit in the mouth by a Shannon

Old Trafford in the rain .(ESPNcricinfo Ltd)

Gabriel delivery which deflected off his gloves on the third day. They also have plenty of players with points to prove, not least the two men at the crease, Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope.

The trouble for them is they are facing a four-man pace attack with a mix of greatness, on the cusp of

greatness, jaw-droppingly talented and “Mr Dependable”. You know who they are.

So, in the interests of a chance to witness something special from someone let’s hope that on Tuesday, in the words of that other foursome - the fab kind - it’s not so much “Rain, I don’t

mind” and more “Shine, the weather’s fine.”

(Scores: West Indies 197 (Holder 46, Broad 6-31) and 10 for 2 (Broad 2-8) need a further 389 to beat England 369 and 226 for 2 declared (Burns 90, Root 68*, Sibley 56).

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp named manager of the year LIVERPOOL’s Jurgen Klopp has been named the League Managers Association manager of the year.

Klopp’s team won the Premier League - the Reds’ first English top-flight title for 30 years.

Emma Hayes recently won the FA Women’s Super League manager of the year award after leading Chelsea to the title.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa won the Championship award after guiding his side to the title and promotion to the Pre-

mier League.

In announcing Klopp as the winner on Sky Sports, former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It was thoroughly deserved.

“The performance level of your team was outstanding. Your personality runs right through the whole club.

“I’ll forgive you for ringing me at half past three in the morning to tell me you had won the league - thank you!”

Klopp’s side amassed 99 points as they won the Premier League title by 18

Jurgen Klopp took over at Liverpool in October 2015.

points from second-placed

Manchester City.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be named the winner of the League Managers Association manager of the year award, for this wonderful Sir Alex Ferguson trophy, named after a man that I admire so much,” said Klopp.

“It feels extra special to win this award because it is voted for by my fellow managers.

“It’s an honour to be in the company of so many managers who have been named as LMA manager of the year before, including of course Liverpool managers like Bill Shankly,

Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Sir Kenny Dalglish and, in recent years, Brendan Rodgers.”

He added: “I am here on behalf of my coaches. I’m OK as a manager but they make us a real special bunch of football brains.”

The FA Women’s Championship manager of the year was Aston Villa’s Gemma Davies.

Coventry City boss Mark Robins was the League One winner, while Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell got the League Two award.

(BBC Sport)

GUYANA’s ‘Golden Jaguars’, the country’s senior Men’s National Football team, will kick off their Qatar World Cup campaign in October, according to CONCACAF’s latest announcement and updated men’s international calendar, which includes a new format for the Concacaf Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and updates on the Nations League and 2021 Gold Cup. According to a release from the confederation responsible for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, the new CONCACAF Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 comprise three rounds and provide all participating Member Associations with the chance to compete for the Confederation’s three and a half World Cup spots.

The First Round (30 teams) will be played between the Concacaf Member Associations ranked 6-35 based on the FIFA rankings as of July 16, 2020.

Guyana is currently ranked 16 in CONCACAF and 166 across FIFA, according to the latest global rankings.

The 30 men’s national teams will be drawn into six groups of five in a seeded draw. The six highest ranked teams, El Salvador, Canada, Curacao, Panama, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago will be pre-seeded into groups A to F respectively.

Each team will play every other team in their group once, playing a total of four matches-- two home and two away. These games will be played in the FIFA match windows of October 2020 and November 2020.

At the end of the first round, the six group winners will progress to the second round.

The second round (six teams) will be played between the group winners from the first round, with the match-ups pre-determined where Group A winner will play the winner of Group F; winner of Group B will collide with Group E winner; and Group C winner will face the winner of Group D. The teams will play home and away in a direct elimination format in the FIFA match window of March 2021. The three winners will progress to the final round.

The final round (eight teams) of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will see the three winners from the second round join the Concacaf

FLASHBACK to 2015! Neil Danns (first from left) celebrates after scoring his second goal against St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Guyana National Stadium in the 2018 World Cup Qualifier. Also in photo, from left, are Samuel Cox and Trayon Bobb. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Golden Jaguars to kick off Qatar World Cup Qualifier in October Member Associations ranked 1-5 (Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, Honduras and Jamaica) based on the FIFA rankings as of July 16, 2020.

The national teams ranked 1-5 had already gained enough FIFA ranking points to guarantee their place in the final round prior to the development of a new format.

Final round teams: (1) Mexico (2) USA (3) Costa Rica (4) Jamaica (5) Honduras (6) Second Round winner (7) Second Round winner (8) Second Round winner.

The final round will begin in the dou-

ble FIFA match window in June 2021 and continue in the FIFA match windows of September, October, November 2021 and January and March 2022.

The eight teams will play each other on a homeand-away basis, with each team playing 14 matches.

At the end of the final round, the top three finishing teams will qualify directly to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The fourth placed team will qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled to be played in June 2022.

Decision on staging London Marathon 2020 delayed until next month

Guyana eyeing Gold Cup berth in new 2021 format THE Guyana Senior Men’s National team, popularly known as the Golden Jaguars, will compete in a new preliminary round of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup next July, under an expanded format, which will effectively mark the Golden Jaguars’ second consecutive appearance at the region’s biggest football tournament.

Four out of 12 teams from the qualification round will progress to the final 16-round of the Gold Cup, with all preliminary and final-stage matches to be played in the United States in July and August next year.

The Golden Jaguars made history in 2019 as the first senior men’s team from Guyana to qualify for the Gold Cup, finishing third in a tough group containing runners-up United States, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago.

The new preliminary Gold Cup round

will be supported by the same level of production, match protocol and promotion as the final 16 round, offering a significant international platform for Guyana and its football brand, with the Golden Jaguars’ matches to be made available to millions of viewers all over the world.

“I am very proud of the players, coaching staff and Technical Development team,” said Guyana Football Federation president, Wayne Forde.

“The positive performance during the Nations League campaign, which allowed us to be in this position, was indeed a tremendous team effort. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the fans, media, sponsors, the Government of Guyana and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.”

“This is truly a welcome announcement

and I would like to invite all of Guyana to work with us over the next 11 months, to prepare our beloved Jaguars to make history once again at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.” Following a positive Nations League competition, including a memorable away draw against Jamaica, Guyana had been scheduled to compete in “Road to Gold Cup” final qualification matches in the first half of this year, but the fixtures were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 12 teams due to compete in those matches will now take part in the Gold Cup preliminary round, starting on July 2.

The final round of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup will take place between July 10 and August 1. Concacaf will announce further details of the format and match schedule in August.

(REUTERS) - A decision on whether this year’s London Marathon can be held has been pushed back until August 7, the organisers said on Monday.

The event, originally scheduled for April 26, was postponed to October 4 after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the international sporting calendar in March.

In an open letter to all participants on Monday, event director Hugh Brasher said the delay was due to a need for further consultation with local NHS Trusts, the emergency services and local authorities.

“We know how important the Virgin Money London Marathon is to you, to charities and in showing the world the wonderful spirit of London, of Great Britain and of our running community,” he said.

“So please bear with

us while we finish the extensive work we have been doing to try to enable us to run together, safely.

“I will be in contact with our final decision and the options available to you no later than Friday, August 7.”

The cancellation of September’s Great North Run raised concerns about the London Marathon going ahead due to the challenges faced by organisers in implementing social distancing protocols.

The London Marathon routinely attracts close to 40,000 participants and this year’s race was set to pit the world’s fastest runners Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele against one another.

The event is last of the World Marathon Majors still hoping to be held this year after Boston, Berlin, New York and Chicago shelved plans for their 2020 races.

TKR vs Guyana Amazon Warriors to kick off 2020 CPL season Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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TUESDAY,JULY 28, 2020