Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-2-2020

2nd August, 2020

' No.106079

‘No silence on the misuse of Recount Order’ …Alexander says as he heads into today’s GECOM meeting

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander

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Emancipation Isn’t over 02 PAGE

-----President Granger says education is an essential element of emancipation

17 new COVID-19 cases Bandits attack

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Corentyne supermarket …owners robbed of cash and valuables

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As part of the Emancipation celebrations, members of this African group, on Friday evening, held their traditional Libation ceremony at the Square of the Revolution. The event was organised by the IFA house of Santaria. Mother Beverly Bacchus who was leading this year’s Libation ceremony told the Guyana Chronicle of the importance of the ceremony, stating that the libation is a period of reflection and appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices of the forefathers and their fight for the abolition of slavery. She said during the libation a drink offering is brought to the ancestors. “At this time we remember them because it was around this time that we got freedom after their call and fight for us to be free. So this is a customary practice that we give homage to them for the service and the sacrifices that they have given for us all as Guyanese as a whole,” explained Bacchus (Carl Croker photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

‘Emancipation isn’t over’ --President Granger rates education an essential element of emancipation

By Tamica Garnett EMANCIPATION for the African slaves was not an event but is in fact a process, and Afro-Guyanese must continue to renew that Emancipation covenant, seeing the annual celebration as a reminder that Afro-Guyanese must continue to work to maintain that freedom and right to respect.

Those were the thoughts of President David Granger as he delivered the keynote address, and fielded questions from a number of eager young persons during a virtual Emancipation Eve event organised by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana on Friday.

Presenting on “Historic Moments and Turning

Points in African Guyanese History”, the president emphasised that Emancipation for African slaves was the single most important turning point in African history, both because of what freedom meant for the slaves, and because it paved the way for all other historical occurrences in Guyana’s history, including the country’s eventual independence from British colonialism.

“There is no other event in African- Guyanese history that is more important than Emancipation. It was like coming out of prison; it was when this nation was born.

It was more important than Independence,” President Granger said.

He highlighted that it was Emancipation that paved the way for “The Village Movement”, which was more than

about Africans leaving the White-owned plantation, but about Africans developing an identity for themselves.

“The Village Movement wasn’t just a physical movement, but a reassembly of the family. Built on four pillars: 1) was the family, they wanted homes; 2) they wanted to build their own farms; 3) they wanted to build their own churches; and 4) they wanted to build schools,” he noted.

“The Village Movement” refers to the developments immediately after the end of slavery, whereby African slaves pooled their money and bought a number of plantations to create their own communities.

He emphasised that the pillars on which the villages were initially established still remain very much relevant to this day, and urged that

President David Granger delivering the keynote address during Friday’s Emancipation-eve event

Afro-Guyanese continue the tradition of the forefathers.

PRESERVING THE FOUR PILLARS “In every village, I urge that we preserve those four pillars. When I go into a village and there’s no farming, schools, or churches, I get very worried because those pillars are necessary,” the President said, adding: “Today, we have to empower our villages; we have to continue to strengthen our villages, because majority of Africans in Guyana still live in villages; in rural areas. We have to make those villages stronger; to encourage them to produce more foods, get into marketing, and to pay attention to the economic foundation of our villages.”

The President particularly emphasised the importance and necessity of education, and the need for Afro-Guy-

anese to continue to see education as their way out of any struggle.

“Education must be like at the time of Emancipation one of the four pillars and remain one of the four pillars of African Guyanese. Next to clothing and shelter, education is the single most important investment father and mothers could give to their children,” Granger asserted.

Just as their forefathers established the village movement so as to provide a better future for their children, Afro-Guyanese must continue to be conscious of the groundwork they lay now, to provide a better future for the generations to come.

Though steep in good intentions, the village movement faced its share of challenges even from its very inception, and diminished over the years as a result of these challenges. Many of the

challenges were purposefully implemented to keep Africans oppressed.

“The village movement did suffer problems, many survived but that period wasn’t without its challenges. Taxation was only one of them. By end of 19 century many of the villages were in difficult circumstances,” Granger noted.

He further noted that “legislative encirclement” was also employed to keep the village movement oppressed. The village movement, Granger noted, was one among a series of undertakings that successively followed emancipation, and which shaped the Guyanese landscape into what it is today. Following Emancipation and the village movement, Granger said there were the labour, cultural and political movement.

Reparations case is stronger - CARICOM Commission says

The CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) joins with all citizens of the English-speaking Caribbean and all others who understand and promote racial justice and equality in observing 1s August as Emancipation Day. “We do this at a most important and inspiring time in our history when the Black Lives Matter and Reparations movements are sweeping the

globe. We do this also while the COVID-19 pandemic is aggressively ripping the plasters from the sores of racial injustice and social and economic inequality in many of the societies in our hemisphere – and elsewhere,” the commission said in a statement.

According to the CRC, the observation of this Emancipation period combines commemoration and celebration

– commemoration of the epic struggles of our ancestors on the mother continent Africa, in the Caribbean and elsewhere to rid the world of the scourge of chattel slavery. We are reminded that it took nearly a century after the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 before the final vestiges of this crime against humanity were eradicated in our region. We celebrate that achievement.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

‘No silence on the misuse of Recount Order’ …Alexander says as he heads into today’s GECOM meeting

By Svetlana Marshall AHEAD of today’s meeting of the Elections Commission, longstanding GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, has vowed to make his voice heard, saying that there will be no silence on the push by a faction of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to dishonour the Recount Order, which was birthed from a commitment to determine a “final credible count” of the votes cast at the General and Regional Elections held five months ago.

“I will continue to let my voice be heard and call it as I see it. There will be no void or silence in the face of GECOM's frolic and attempt to misuse the output of the Order,” Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday.

Today’s meeting, which is scheduled to commence at 10:00hrs, comes three days after the Court of Appeal upheld Order 60 and by extension the 33-day National Recount, on the grounds that any challenge to the legality of the process employed by GECOM or allegations of electoral fraud or irregularities must be done in the form of an Elections Petition following the official declaration of the results of the elections.

The Appellate Court had

ruled on the Misenga Jones Case approximately three weeks after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had handed down a judgment in the Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo v Eslyn David and others case. In its ruling on July 8, the CCJ, while ‘endorsing’ the National Recount, ruled that there no order could result in a new electoral regime but most importantly, that then the election of the president and members of the National Assembly must be done based on information supplied by the Returning Officers in accordance with the Representation of the People Act. “The Presidential candidate on the list for which more votes have been cast than any other list is deemed to be elected as President, and the Chairman of GECOM must so declare. Both the allocation of seats in the National Assembly and the identification of the successful Presidential candidate are determined on the sole basis of votes counted and information furnished by returning officers under the Representation of the People Act,” the CCJ had ruled.

Notably, the procedure for determining valid votes during the national recount varied from the guidelines outlined in the Act, and added to that, there were no Returning Officers during the

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander

recount exercise. According to Alexander, the CCJ’s judgment was inconsistent.

“There were internal inconsistencies in the last CCJ ruling and the subsequent cases of stood on and replicated those inconsistencies.

There is no basis for the half use of the Order. I maintain that GECOM could have called the elections for what it was and refuse to declare,” Alexander explained.

The National Recount, conducted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), unearthed massive

Reparations case is stronger ...

In the CARICOM region, 1st August 1834 is considered by many as the birth of the Caribbean. But it is again an opportunity to reflect on the issues associated with this birth. The CRC does not tire of stating the historical fact that the British government rewarded its planters, enforcers, investors and all others who promoted and profited from the enslavement of Africans with the sum of twenty million pounds – equivalent today of approximately two and a half trillion pounds.

And further, that the debt the British government incurred to pay this sum, equivalent to sixty percent of its then gross national product, was not retired until 2015. This is important as it provides one of the bases for the CARICOM

reparations claim against Britain.

But this is not the end of the historical importance of this emancipation period, CRC said, noting that the British Emancipation Act of 1833 made the British government irrefutably complicit in the enslavement of Africans, for that Act recognized in British law for the first time, that Africans were chattel, property which could be bought and sold, property for the loss of which they paid enslavers.

The assessment of the value of their chattel in the Caribbean by the planters was forty seven million pounds of which the British government could only provide twenty million. The remaining twenty seven mil-

lion was paid to the planters through the period of apprenticeship where the former enslaved were forced to provide free labour to the plantations for the first four years of their supposed freedom. In other words, the enslaved paid with their sweat and blood more than fifty percent of the supposed cost of ‘their freedom’. In the Caribbean region, many will understand the phrase and interpretation of ‘put on put’. The case for reparations cannot be made stronger. The CRC said it is these considerations that prompted Sir Arthur Lewis, who we consider as the father of the reparations movement in the Caribbean, to forcibly impress on Britain that it has an unpaid debt to the

irregularities and cases of voter impersonation. According to the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield there were well over 2,000 irregularities that were unearthed during the recount from missing List of Electors to missing Oaths of Identity and Certificates of Employment. Additionally, there over 4,000 cases of voter impersonation – as a result of this, persons voted on behalf of the dead and Guyanese residing overseas. It was against this background that the Chief Elections Officer had indicated that he could not have

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region of two hundred years of free labour. It is that debt for which the CARICOM governments now demand settlement.

This period of celebration allows us all to bask in the creativity of our people, to recognise our contributions to world culture through intellectual pursuits, the arts and religion and sports and political organization – the barbarity of our past oppression, notwithstanding. The reflection must also provide the basis for the shaping of our future through development planning and the preparedness and commitment to build regional societies in which the challenges of poverty, poor health and education, poor

determined a final credible count but the Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, while describing the irregularities and allegations of voter impersonation as grave, said there was little that the commission could do, and as such, she has insisted that an Elections Report be produced based on the Certificates of Recount generated during the National Recount. It is unclear whether the Chief Elections Officer will be submitting his report today, with the Courts having ruled but Alexander is adamant that there be no declaration.

While making a case for non-declaration last month, Alexander had said while Article 162 does not confer the specific power of annulment, it empowers GECOM “to take such action as appear necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality and fairness.” He said the degree of corruption unearthed during the national recount is so grave that it is “impossible” for the commission to declare a result.

“I posited then that only a new election could ensure the enfranchisement of the eligible voters, and the determination of the result based on the value of the individual eligible votes cast. Since then many pundits, home and abroad, have expressed their views

on the need for a Declaration; and what should be declared etc. I am therefore, herein, rearticulating my pre, peri and post elections positions in an effort to separate myself from the ‘wannabe knowledgeables’, since my articulation would be facts-based and dismissive of the contentions of many of the pundits,” Alexander said.

In doing so, he pointed to five primary facts – that the Official List of Electors is significantly bloated having a voting population of 660,998 persons when the country’s population is 750,000; the bloated list is as a result of the thousands of Guyanese who died or migrated but were not removed from the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB); and the national recount confirmed that unscrupulous people voted in the place dead and persons, who were out of the jurisdiction.

On basis of his initial position that no voter should be disenfranchised and only valid votes should be counted, Alexander said the solution to the challenges currently before the commission is for a non-declaration, and a for a new process to be initiated that reaffirms the enfranchisement of all and negates the impact of fraudulent votes.

housing and infrastructure are eradicated and our people are enabled to live the lives envisioned by those who struggled to make

emancipation a reality.

The CRC again wishes all a meaningful commemoration and celebration in this Emancipation period.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

TikTok: US general manager Pappas says app 'here for the long run' (BBC) The US general manager of TikTok has said the Chinese-owned video-sharing app is "here for the long run", after President Donald Trump said he would ban it in the US. Vanessa Pappas told TikTok users in a video statement that its staff were building "the safest app".

Mr Trump said he could sign an executive order as early as Saturday, amid concerns the app could be used to collect Americans' personal data.

TikTok denies any Chinese control.

The fast-growing app has up to 80 million active monthly users in the US and the ban would be a major blow for the Chinese firm ByteDance which owns it.

It was not immediately clear what authority Mr Trump has to ban TikTok, how that ban would be enforced and what legal challenges it would face.

But Reuters news agency reported on Saturday that

ByteDance had agreed to completely divest TikTok's US operations. Previously the Chinese company had sought to keep a minority stake, with Microsoft reportedly in talks to buy the app.

The move to ban TikTok comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the Chinese government over a number of issues, including trade disputes and Beijing's handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

WHAT DID MS PAPPAS SAY? TikTok's US general manager said the company had heard an "outpouring of support" for the app, and thanked the "millions of Americans" who used it every day.

"We're not planning on going anywhere," she said.

Addressing concerns about data security, she said TikTok was behaving responsibly.

"When it comes to safety and security, we're building

TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance

the safest app, because we know it's the right thing to do," she said.

"We're here for the long run, continue to share your voice here and let's stand for TikTok." WHAT IS TIKTOK? The platform has exploded in popularity in recent

years, mostly with people under 20.

They use the app to share 15-second videos that often involve lip-synching to songs, comedy routines and unusual editing tricks.

These videos are then made available to both followers and strangers. By default, all accounts are public,

although users can restrict uploads to an approved list of contacts.

TikTok also allows private messages to be sent but this facility is limited to "friends".

The app is reported to have around 800 million active monthly users, most of whom are in the US and India.

India has already blocked TikTok as well as other Chinese apps. Australia, which has already banned Huawei and telecom equipment-maker ZTE, is also considering banning TikTok.

Coronavirus: Russia plans mass vaccination campaign in October

Sunday August 2, 2020 - 04:00hrs & 14:30hrs

(BBC) Russian health authorities are preparing to start a mass vaccination campaign against coronavirus in October, the health minister has said.

Russian media quoted Mikhail Murashko as saying that doctors and teachers would be the first to receive the vaccine.

Reuters, citing anonymous sources, said Russia's first potential vaccine would be approved by regulators this month.

However, some experts are concerned at Russia's fast-track approach.

On Friday, the leading infectious disease expert in the US, Dr Anthony Fauci, said he hoped that Russia - and China - were "actually testing the vaccine" before administering them to anyone.

Dr Fauci has said that the US should have a "safe and effective" vaccine by the end of this year.

"I do not believe that there will be vaccines so far ahead of us that we will have to depend on other countries to get us vaccines," he told US lawmakers.

Scores of possible coronavirus vaccines are being

More than 100 possible coronavirus vaccines are being developed around the world

developed around the world and more than 20 are currently in clinical trials.

Mr Murashko, quoted by Interfax news agency, said that the Gamaleya Institute, a research facility in Moscow, had finished clinical trials of a vaccine and that paperwork was being prepared to register it.

"We plan wider vaccinations for October," he said, adding that teachers and doctors would be the first to receive it.

Last month, Russian sci-

entists said that early-stage trials of an adenovirus-based vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute had been completed and that the results were a success.

Last month the UK, US and Canada security services said a Russian hacking group had targeted various organisations involved in Covid-19 vaccine development, with the likely intention of stealing information.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it was more than 95% certain

that the group called APT29 - also known as The Dukes or Cozy Bear - was part of Russian intelligence services.

Russia's ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, rejected the accusation, telling the BBC that there was "no sense in it".

In the UK, trials of a vaccine developed by Oxford University have shown that it can trigger an immune response and a deal has been signed with AstraZeneca to supply 100 million doses in Britain alone.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

Emancipation celebrated amidst COVID-19 measures AN invisible “scourge” in the form of the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been etched into the social construct of Guyana, causing persons to be constrained and confined in more ways than one, but a freedom that it can’t restrict is the freedom from bondage, which was achieved by freedom fighters, in 1838.

On August 1, 1838, descendants of Africans in Guyana regained their freedom after two centuries of enslavement.

That freedom has never been undervalued or forsaken, and testimony to this is the annual celebration of this milestone.

Though this year was not as grand as previous years,

commemorate the sacrifices of the Africans who struggled, suffered and were slaughtered for the sake of the freedom enjoyed today.

The necessary COVID-19 control measures limited the celebration, but the Guyana Chronicle, during a drive around town, observed small groups of people gathered at public areas, such as the seawall and Square of the Revolution.

Other persons chose to celebrate with a good, old fashion “bottom-house” or “front yard” barbecue. “This is a time when we come and celebrate freedom, but due to the COVID-19, it is different… it is not what we’re accustomed to… we are trying our best to cope with the

Royalty Sookram in an invited comment, on Saturday.

Sookram, who who was decked in her traditional African wear, was sharing a light moment with her family, at

of the day for a few persons, but it was, nonetheless, significant to them.

“Today is different, strange…I was

Meet 8-month-old Reign Neruda Willabus.

He struts his African wear for the first time, hand-in-hand with his mom, Nazima Raghubir and dad, Rowen Willabus

Sookram.

Her sentiments were echoed by other persons, who chose to celebrate the day with their close family or relatives.

Tamika Gibson-Sue, a mother of two, also tried to give her children a small “taste” of the yearly experience.

Together with her children, Gibson-Sue, decked in her traditional wear, visited the Square of the Revolution and other public places with her family.

She said it was her little way of celebrating the day and showing her children that all was not lost, despite the current situation.

“This is a time when we all celebrate and have African

Tamika Gibson-Sue and her children sharing a light moment in front of the 1763 Monument (Delano Williams photo)

Persons gathered in small groups at various public spaces around the city, to commemorate Emancipation Day (Delano Williams photo)

Guyanese found innovative and subtle ways to celebrate and

situation and celebrate in whatever little way we can,” said

the Square of Revolution.

This seemed to be the order

coming to town and I saw the place ‘dead’… it is really not what we are accustomed to… we are used to coming together as one people, one nation and one destiny to celebrate our freedom,” said Sookram.

She recalled how Guyanese would gather in the National Park or on Main Street for the usual festivities, something, which she hopes will return soon.

“We have no choice though, we have to cope with the current situation… it, however, does not change anything…we have won freedom, and we have to remain resilient and keep the faith,” said

foods, share special moments and so on… and like every other holiday, it is not Afro-Guyanese who celebrate this day, but also the entire nation.

“With our culture and diversity, we would celebrate each and every festival…we do not do racism here, we take part in every culture,” said Gibson-Sue. As written in a past Guyana Chronicle Editorial, 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.

Muslims observe Eid-Ul-Adha THE festival of Sacrifice or Bakrid, well known as EIDUL-ADHA is celebrated in the last month of the Islamic calendar. This holiday marks the commemoration of the sacrifice of the patriarch Ibrahim (Abraham) who was called upon by Allah to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to the Almighty. He was later stopped by God and given a lamb to sacrifice instead.

Even though, things were a bit different this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic plaguing Guyana and the world at large, on Friday, Muslims from all across the country gathered at their re-

spective masjids in adherence with the COVID-19 preventative measures to distribute meat to their family, friends and the less fortunate.

In an Interview with the Guyana Chronicle , Imam , Sheik Moeen Hack , from the Central Islamic oragnisation (CIOG), told this newspaper that this year they were unable to account for the number of people they were expected to distribute meat to due to the COVID-19 guidelines.

He added, that the objective of the sacrifice is not the meat, but is towards the intentions of doing good, while parting ways with

whatever the Almighty lends us , in the form of the animal sacrifice for the benefit of the poor and the needy.

He urged his Muslim brothers and sisters to remember that “we all sacrifice to obtain or achieve something that is of greater good, but through this we should not sacrifice our morals for material things , because in death , these things will eventually come to an end.”

Across at the Kitty Masjid, Imaan Sajid Khan delivered the EID message to the Muslim Community, articulating, that “EID-UL ADHA, this year allows Muslims to reflect more

Members of CIOG preparing and packaging meat for distribution

on the blessings of the Almighty, by being submissive and thankful in all their doings.“Eid-ul-adha signifies submission and this is a lesson that we learn from the teachings of prophet Abrahim, when

he was ordered by God almighty to sacrifice his son and so in place of that sacrifice, he was ordered to sacrifice a ram instead but the test there was to see whether he would submit to God in the form of sacri-

ficing his son. I urge all my brothers and sisters to uphold the significance of this day, which is submission to God and to remember in all situations whether bad or Good, to continue being obedient to God Almighty”.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

Emancipation in its larger context

YESTERDAY Guyana observed the 182nd Anniversary of the end of chattel slavery in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Because of the Covid19 pandemic, the usual observances were muted; many organizations confined their activities to virtual platforms. Nevertheless, the significance of the day was not lost on the masses of Guyanese who offered their reflections wherever they could.’ It is a testimony to the growing consciousness of the importance of Emancipation to Guyanese independence; that it is not a moment but an ongoing process.

This anniversary comes in the midst of a global movement for racial justice which was triggered by the murder of George Floyd in the USA. That incident and the movement it spawned are a brutal reminder that the promise of emancipation is still to be fully attained. The world is still to come to grips with the equal value of the lives

of the descendants of the formerly enslaved. Here in Guyana, while we have made tremendous strides in that regard, we are still far behind when it comes to recognizing the profundity of slavery.

How many times have we not heard Guyanese dismiss slavery as a thing of the past that should be forgotten? It is that simplistic sentiment that stands in the way of a more cohesive Guyana.

If we silence our history, we open the door to a grave distortion of our collective identity which inevitably flows from that history. Slavery was particular to African Guyanese, but its effects have shaped the experiences of all ethnic groups. Further, emancipation meant freedom not only for African Guyanese, but it meant that those groups who arrived in the colony after 1838 did so not as enslaved people.

It is undeniable, then, that Emancipation is perhaps the most important stop sign in our independence journey.

As Guyana continues its experiment

od a joint nationhood, it could draw strength from the emancipation example. The example of persistent resistance—never giving up, always fighting back against injustice. The example of overcoming against great odds; the often-muted narrative of emancipation. The example of thinking beyond chains of bondage—the source of the historic village movement. The example of love—the love that was necessary to repel the urges for bitterness.

Emancipation is a reminder that Black lives matter. Those words are more than just an empty slogan.

They are an affirmation that seeks to highlight the continued inhumanity towards Black people. The ask the question—what it is to be an equal human being? Those who seek to amend the affirmation to a baseless universal slogan, are justifying the inequities that gave rise to the need for it in the first place. Black Lives Matter is an eman-

cipatory doctrine emanating from the bowels of Black alienation and aimed at a world which is still to slow to acknowledge its sloth when it comes to racial equality.

We observe this year’s anniversary in the midst of an ongoing electoral impasse with ethnic and racial undertone.

In the last four months, race relations have deteriorated considerably. One just has to peruse social media to get a feel for this development. The ugly words and images remind us of bygone days. The assault on Blackness, in particular, has sunk to new lows. It would take an intentional campaign of reconciliation to repair the damage.

Finally, as we remember those who made Emancipation possible, let us do so with an appreciation for the odds they were up against.

They are the heroes and heroines of Emancipation—the living ancestors. May their spirits continue to inspire us to be better than we are.

It is Emancipation-we must confront race and racism, head on Dear Editor Race and racism must be confronted, head on. They must no longer be the elephants in the room no one wants to have honest, open and frank discussion on.

Each group has its story and experiences to share and we must be allowed to do so.

As an African, marking this 182 years since the end of chattel slavery, a brutish system that subjected my ancestors to the worst form of injustices inflicted by one race against another, it not happenstance I am here but by the determination of my forebears to fight the abominable system and overcome. As heir of their sacrifices and indomitable spirit I bring to theirs and mine experiences the innate and uncompromising desire to be treated with dignity and respect!

The United Nations (UN) acknowledges race as an important characteristic of human existence. This body seeks to promote racial equality, as adumbrated in its Universal Declaration on Human Rights, by removing all forms of barriers/discrimination that would hinder same. Given our historical experiences of racial conflicts, as a member-state, Guyana’s adoption of these principles could aid in the creation of better policies, programmes and laws.

Race must be considered a premier developmental factor in national planning and a mechanism to confronting racism.

The National Census requires of us the identification of race as part of its clusters in calculating data of the various demographics in our society. This data should not only be used for accumulation or seen as assessment of electoral value. Data on race must be used to play a fundamental role in informing effective and efficient planning at all tiers of government. It is something we must demand of our elected representatives.

The demand for inclusion, respect and dignity is not racism. Racism speaks to the enactment of policies, programmes, laws and other acts designed to deprive a person or group their rights and equal participation as citizens of society. Pride in one’s ancestral lineage(s) is not racism. As a man of African descent, born in Guyana, I proudly identify as African Guyanese.

Being Guyanese is not a race but a nationality- the country/geographic space within which one is born or has adopted as his/her land of citizenship. Identifying the physical characteristics/heritage of my ancestry does not diminish or obliterate the land my ancestors happened to move to, be it voluntarily or not. I draw strength from both experiences and can learn to avoid the pitfalls that had befallen both. I am who I am from both experiences and would want to be treated with dignity and respect notwithstanding such experiences. I am equally

convinced this principle is shared by others who reside here or moved to other countries.

Thus, we cannot ignore what are irrefutable facts of life.

Racial equality will remain elusive when we ignore the fundamental factors to achieving it. For instance, based on statistical data, racial groups are predisposed to certain health challenges, given lifestyle in diet, genetic make-up, etc.

You cannot properly plan to ensure these persons have access to quality health care- preventative and curative- ignoring the issue of race. We talk about tackling poverty, but how can this be effectively tackled through the allocation of resources and the creation of institutions ignoring the pockets of poverty, some of which are race specific and location driven.

We must return to a system of national planning for development that sees value in encouraging and promoting racial dignity at all levels. Development must be promoted on Guyana’s pride as a land of six peoples and the motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

Let us not take for granted, as a newly independent nation, the structures put in place to decriminalise religious beliefs/ practices and placing them on the national calendar. Let us not take for granted an indigenous education system that sought to reverse racial animosity by creating the

space and opportunity to get to know each other better, to see diversity as a strength and unifier, and the importance of respecting same as integral to peaceful co-existence. Let us not take for granted efforts at telling, understanding and respecting the lived experiences of those historically discriminated against. Even as we respect their experiences, let it be known ours is no less deserving of similar respect. This we must maintain is uncompromising!

Together, we must not take for granted every man’s innate desire to be treated with dignity and respect. Our Constitution, in spite of its warts, offers us this by enshrining a political system of “inclusionary democracy” as outlined in Article 13.

Emancipation was a fight worth having and we cannot quit now. It is time we move to give deeper meaning to same by taking our seats at the table, invited or not! It is time we show up and let them know Black Lives Matter as All Other Lives Matter.

It is time to build on the struggles and achievements of our forebears, for without them we could not have been, and if we drop the ball it will not augur well for our offspring.

Up, you Mighty People. Onward, Upward May We Ever Grow!

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

South Rupununi District Council refutes statements by Region 9 REO Dear Editor WE state categorically that most of the statements made by the REO of Region 9 and carried by Kaieteur News in a Letter to the Editor on 29/07/2020 are grossly inaccurate and misleading.

The SRDC is deeply worried that he is being misinformed by hearsay information. Given his position of authority, this can potentially influence decisions, resulting in catastrophic and devastating consequences for the SRDC’s villages and the region at large, as we grapple with a pandemic.

Firstly, the REO is grossly misinformed as it relates to the unfortunate death of the snake-bitten patient from Achawib last Tuesday night (21/07/2020).

A report coming from the Toshao of Achawib, Vannasia Richards, indicated that the Community Health Worker was in his farm, almost 2 hours away from the village, and had to be transported back to the village to attend to the patient. Those responsible for the gate were aware of the case and were ready when the patient left Achawib. The patient left the village after 6 pm heading to Aishalton, however, the ATV transporting the patient could not have crossed several creeks and water-logged areas, due to the water being high and had to take detours to reach

Karaudarnau. At the Karaudarnau gate, a Senior Councillor arrived over an hour before the ATV, to let them through. For the REO to claim that the 5 hours delay was due to our communities’ failure to monitor our gates is false and misleading.

Rather, this tragedy showcases the difficulties our communities face in accessing adequate and prompt medical care, and the need for additional support during this public health crisis.

Secondly, we again condemn the REO’s seeming abdication of government responsibility in his statement that “Help will be summoned but none will be forthcoming”. The justification for this sentiment appears to be a fundamental misunderstanding of our ways of life, Village Council’s responsibilities and of the resources our village councils and Toshaos have at their disposal. Toshaos present at the Region 9 Taskforce meeting have acknowledged previously to the REO that we have had a situation in which the Toshao and his council were not aware of a particular family hiding a relative who was returning from Brazil.

As we have explained to the Task Force, however, our villages are doing our best with the limited resources we have to monitor the border crossing points. Our Toshaos simply do not have the resources to be able to know all happenings around

the village. It is precisely for this reason that we have repeatedly sought assistance from the Regional Task Force in monitoring the border and blocking off entry points along the border.

Furthermore, it is inaccurate for the REO to state that offers were made for budgets to be submitted when villages noted via a Newsroom report in July that he claimed that there were little to no funds available in the Region and that he had submitted a budget to the National Covid 19 Task Force. Support from the RDC has been limited to 2 communities, namely Sawariwao and Sand Creek, in the form of fuel which was provided since last April - no support has been given since.

The SRDC would like to reiterate the urgent need to collaborate and take joint action to protect our communities and Region. Now more than ever, let us stop the back and forth and start acting. To date, there has not been any Disciplined Services patrol along the border from Sawariwao’s river-mouth to Bashaizon.

We have given significant information about all the crossings, those that have been blocked and those that have been reported to be active to the Region 9 Task force. However, as stated before, little collective effort has been made to put in place a proper mechanism to protect our

border. Instead, our Village Councils are being accused of being complacent in protecting that vast 180 km border of the South Rupununi. Meanwhile, we note that the GDF, whose task it is to protect our international borders, is engaged in recreational activities in Lethem, almost on a daily basis.

It is deeply regrettable that politics have become intertwined with legitimate attempts to support communities during these difficult times. We are particularly disturbed by reports of political operatives deliberately spreading misinformation in some of our communities, with the aim being to undermine the efforts of village councils and the SRDC to combat this pandemic. We implore all political parties to desist from using the COVID-19 pandemic for political mileage.

Lastly, we urge the REO to verify information with the SRDC and respective village leaders before hearsay and misunderstandings escalate into distrust and dispute.

We hope we can set aside our differences and that the REO and Region-9 COVID-19 Task Force will work with us to protect our communities and our region from this public health threat.

Regards Executive Committee, SRDC

All employees are under the control of their employers Dear editor, I am a medical consultant in Acute Medicine. One day my CEO gave me a call to inform me that there is a crisis in Accident and Emergency where many critically ill patients are awaiting beds in Acute Medicine.

I was then instructed by said CEO to discharge as many patients as possible so as to create beds for those in Accident and Emergency. On receiving this instruction I gathered up my junior doctors to an impromptu ward rounds. Unfortunately I was not able to discharge any patient despite my best effort.

Mr. Editor, what have you noticed about that narrative? You would have noticed that the CEO made a request i.e. patients being discharged. She was not prescriptive in how I arrive at that that outcome. Also in that request she recognised that the outcome could have been neutral, i.e. no patients discharge.

The question that may be asked by many is why the CEO showed deference despite I am being under her control? The answer is simple. Control is not analogous with dictate. Simply put, the CEO recognised, both her limitations and my professional expertise hence I was permitted to do what I was contracted to do.

Now let’s examined the storm in a teacup between GECOM CEO, Mr. Keith Lowenfield and Chairwoman ret. Justice Claudette Singh. Both the High Court and the Appeal Court ruled that Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield is a creature of GECOM and is subject to their control. That is not unusual since all employees are under the control of their employers to the extent that is described in their contract. Now let’s do a closer examination of the word “control.” The Merriam Webster dictionary defines control as “the ability to direct the actions of someone or something.” To translate, this means that the Chairwoman can direct the

CEO to prepare a report but she cannot dictate to him on the methodology of the report preparation, its tabulation and ultimately his conclusion.

So where do we go from here? To offer an opinion, I will need to place myself in Mr. Lowenfield unenviable shoes. So with me being Mr. Lowenfield, I would have fed the Chairwoman and all involved, rightfully or wrongfully, their exact words. I would have prepared a report taking into consideration all that was evident at the recount stations. It is irrelevant whether the process was unconstitutional. The important issue is that the process was transparent, CCJ words, and witnessed by all. That would have informed my decision on the advice to the Chairwoman. Using her words, I would have stated that based on the “serious anomalies,” her own words, seen at the transparent recount process, I would humbly advise that a non-declaration should be made. Many may argue that article

177(4) states that a declaration must be made. I would argue that the constitution never stated what type of declaration must be made. It could be a positive declaration which is a winner, it could be a non-declaration which is neutral or it could be a negative declaration which is a loser. The constitution never stated that the CEO must be specific in his advice i.e., declare a winner. It simply stated that he must advise on a declaration. Once provided with the CEO advice, where he clearly followed the court rulings, the Chairwoman is obligated to follow his advice. If she chooses to be a Lone Ranger (CJ words), then we will have serious problems and the President may need to intervene.

This is my argument for which I’m abundantly confident.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc Med. Ed

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

GAWL condemns attacks on judiciary, judicial officers GAWL’s focus is premised on its motto “Women Supporting Justice and Equality” and not on political issues. However, we feel compelled to address these attacks which have not gone unnoticed. Those attacks have since escalated stemming from recent matters adjudicated by the courts which relate to Guyana’s General and Regional elections.

GAWL takes this opportunity to remind members of the public that these persons are carrying out their functions in accordance with the offices held and in execution of their professional duties. Consequently, the making of disparaging remarks and attacks, personal

or otherwise, have the potential for making these persons and offices become subject to ridicule, engender disdain and, also may cause a weakening of public confidence in the judicial system. It has been observed that statements made were disingenuous, malicious and on occasions ethnically motivated.

These statements have been published, uttered and communicated through various platforms, and have specifically targeted female attorneys-at-law and judicial officers in the due exercise of their duty.

The GAWL unreservedly denounces these attacks and ask that persons cease from peddling, broadcasting, transmitting or in any

way disseminating such information that on the face of it bring the judiciary and legal officers into odium. While there is free speech, such expressions must be within the parameters of the law and must not be unfounded or baseless. The rule of law is the backbone of our society and by extension, those, who in the exercise of their duty try to maintain it, should at all times be respected. The Association is also mindful of reported verbal attacks on female police officers while in execution of their lawful duties. In similar vein, GAWL condemns these unfortunate occurrences and urge restraint and respect for police officers as they execute their lawful duties.

Respect must at all times guide the interaction of citizens with all persons including and especially those who are required to execute their designated and lawful functions.

The GAWL urges all persons to be prudent and respectful to the judiciary and judicial officers, and all other professionals who are functioning in the course of duty, when making statements, utterances or issuing words in the expression of their views and opinions.

Regards GUYANA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS

In 2020, Black Lives Must Matter in Guyana Dear Editor, On behalf of OVP, I salute those who painted the words “BLACK LIVES MATTER” on the road in front of the monument honouring the great 1763 Revolution.

It is a creative and profoundly symbolic way for Guyanese to join in the call of the already historic BLM Movement in a meaningful way, especially in the lead up to this Emancipation Day. More than two months after the murder of George Floyd, the BLM Movement continues to gain momentum. United across ethnicity, class and gender, under the clear and simple message couched in the hash tag “BlackLivesMatter”, hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in every corner of the globe. The power of this proclamation lies in the direct challenge it poses to the global system of White Supremacy and its offshoots - imperialism, capitalism, neo-colonialism and racism. This global revolt is part and parcel of the inevitable decline of the racist US/Euro Empire and the disintegration of its bogus liberal democratic

arrangement. As Trump orders the army onto the streets of US cities, with teargas, rubber bullets and brutal force, the naked fascism of the Empire is there for all to see. The COVID 19 pandemic has exposed capitalism’s inherent flaws and fault lines as never before. We must remember that White Supremacy came into the world as capitalism. As Malcolm X stated: “You can’t have capitalism without racism.” White Supremacy, Capitalism and Neo-Colonialism constitute a web of oppressions – each feeding off the other. To challenge one is to challenge all.

The good news is that people everywhere have had enough and are resisting. We in Guyana must hold down our corner. If we want to be on the right side of history, we must understand these issues as they confront us and the ways in which they have prevented our progress. Obsolete and oppressive systems do not crumble of their own accord.

Throughout history, it is the conscious and decisive action of the people that finally deals the death blow.

Other Caribbean nations have expressed their support for the BLM Movement. On

June 23, 2020, the Barbados House of Assembly passed a resolution expressing support for the principle that “Black Lives Matter” and endorsed the notion that “it will not be possible to unequivocally assert that ‘all lives matter’, unless and until Black lives are, in theory and practice, treated with the respect and regard that is their due”.

To the Guyanese detractors who are crying “all lives matter” on social media, we recognize this response for what it is; a convenient cover for the anti-Black racism that engulfs Guyana and has torn this country apart. Whenever we, Black people, speak for ourselves, assert ourselves and articulate our demands, we are almost always met with castigation and accused of excluding others. Interestingly, this does not occur when other ethnic groups organize around their concerns. The Black man and woman, as the first inhabitants of the earth, are the parents of all humanity. It is this inherent parental love that makes Black people the most inclusive of all peoples. Those who truly understand the origin, condition and suffering of Black people, know that when

Black Lives Matter, then all lives will matter in Guyana and across the world. In the words of the great Caribbean writer, George Lamming, “The Black man and woman in their own self-emancipation will emancipate all of oppressed humanity in the process.”

As Black people, we must develop revolutionary consciousness and unity amongst ourselves before attempting to unite with others. However, authentic Black consciousness and the revolutionary African personality referred to by Kwame Nkrumah are not by definition anti any other race or ethnicity. On the contrary, an African-centered worldview does not permit discrimination against any other human person based on their ethnicity or colour.

In 2020, Black Lives Must Matter in Guyana. The time has come when we can settle for nothing less.

Regards Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

Understanding Energy

Certainty needed to realise benefits

THE events of this week are another reminder that time is not on the side of Guyana’s fledgling oil and gas industry.

Political gridlock continues and with it a softening of investor confidence in Guyana’s ability to execute projects crucial to its national development.

Wood Mackenzie, a respected global consultancy on oil and gas, released a fiscal benchmarking study comparing Guyana’s oil agreements and economics to countries of similar characteristics around the world.

The report highlights the promise of the world class discoveries in the Stabroek block, especially in the current price environment, but makes clear that continued delays could postpone first oil for phases 3 – 6. This would decrease the overall project and state’s share

value by US$2.2 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively.

When compared to ten countries including Mexico and Argentina, Guyana’s fiscal terms scored better than half of the countries in key areas - most notably State share, payback period and price resilience. The discoveries made to date offshore Guyana have put us in an advantageous position, given that relatively low cost of production and breakeven point means the Stabroek block can still be profitable even at historically low oil prices.

At present, however, 75% of the resources of the Stabroek block are yet to be developed.

The already sanctioned Liza Phase 1 and 2 accounts for 25% while phase 3 of the Payara Field, the Pacora Field and the Liza Deep Field account for 16%. The future phases

of 4-6 account for 59%. The sooner Guyana achieves first oil in the phases 3-6, the sooner the country will be able to benefit. As the saying goes; a dollar in your pocket today is worth more than a dollar in your pocket a year from now.

A day in the world oil markets, in addition to the political stalemate, can change the fortunes of our country. Continued uncertainty increases the likelihood that other discoveries could eclipse Guyana’s finds and see investment go elsewhere. Just Tuesday of last week oil company Apache Corp and its joint venture partner Total SA announced an oil find at & Kwaskwasi-1 well drilled offshore Suriname in Block 58. Investors will go where political risk is lower and certainty in policy is found.

Halfway around the world, work continues feverishly on the FPSOs slated for the yet to be developed phases. These critical investments and many others represent billions of dollars that have been committed by partners, predicated on a smooth approvals process for the continued development of the Stabroek block. Despite the challenging global oil market and COVID-19, Guyana’s partners have forged ahead, securing crucial cargo lifts that have so far resulted in almost US$200 million to Guyana.

Continued delays could have ripple effects for hundreds of Guyanese suppliers and workers being trained for jobs within the industry.

It cannot be over-emphasised that Guyana’s time is now, not 6, 12 or 18 months from now.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

COLOUR IN CONTEXT

WRITING on the eve of the 182nd year of Emancipation, in the context of black oppression, leading communications strategist, Imran Khan, warned about “a clear and present danger” of our people of African descent being returned to the “hardships and brutality” of the past.

The Khan whom I have come to know over several years, does not mince words. He speaks boldly, intimately and with authority when he said: “I am married to a black woman. My wife is not an uptown black woman. She is from Linden – the epicentre of Jagdeo’s oppression of black people. She is not a high-colour black woman. My wife is black, beautiful, intelligent and highly educated”.

I can say “amen” to that as Tamara Khan, an attorney-at-law, is the President of the Women for Change (WFC) movement; and she has been the Human Rights and Legislative Affairs Coordinator at the Office of the Prime Minister.

RACIST RESPONSES That Facebook post by Imran Khan seemed to be a reaction to the political and racist responses against “Black Lives Matter” murals at the Square of the Revolution in the Capital and in other towns predominantly populated by blacks.

It also jolted my mind back to the “black power” struggles in the United States and the Caribbean.

The initial racist response came shortly after the battle-chant “Black Lives Matter” ignited like a fire of fury in the United States and around the world, following the brutal murder of George Floyd. One Indo-Guyanese “chutney” singer mockingly posted on Facebook that his life as a brown “coolie babu” mattered. The post was taken down in a jiffy after a hurricane of objections erupted that the remark was both racist and insensitive.

That race hate was then directed inwards against leaders of Indian descent in the multi-ethnic Coalition Government.

“Spit-on-dem” was a low-life, dirty form of inverse racist violence that has

been propagated by another so-called “Chutney Babu”, who is aligned with the PPP.

PECULIAR CONTEXT No one has said that the lives of other peoples do not matter.

I am a Guyanese of Indian descent. But I understand the peculiar context in which the “Black Lives Matter” movement has developed in the United States, after three centuries of systemic inhumanity, oppression and exploitation of which Blacks have been the main victims.

It is distasteful for anyone to ignore this context in the fight against mindless racism, blatant discrimination, extra-judicial killings and naked police brutality.

I recall that context in which the slogan “Black is Beautiful” had emerged in the United States during the late 60s. It was embraced by the Black Power movement of which the fire-brand, Trinidad-born Stokely Carmichael (later Kwame Ture) was a leader.

It might appear unlikely that I should have made acquaintance during the 60s with Stokeley Carmichael and, almost simultaneously, with my life-long charismatic comrade, Rosie Douglas of Dominica. Although I did not accept their definition of imperialism as “white”, I embraced “Black Power” as a liberation ideology in the Caribbean.

In our context, Black includes Brown and Yellow, and all other marginalised and oppressed peoples to whose just causes we had committed ourselves.

PROPHETIC MINORITY The iconic revolutionary sister, Angela Davis, speaking about her America, once remarked famously that “racism is embedded in the fabric of this society”.

I saw her then as a powerful voice and presence among the “prophetic minority” that would bring about a revolution in race empowerment.

It was by choice upon her release from jail in 1972, that Sita and I named our eldest daughter, Angela - after Angela Davis.

For me, it has been and still is self-evident that the struggles in the United States against racism and apartheid (under Jim Crowism and “separate but equal” doctrine) and for justice, respect, protection and equality under law had become the cause of our own peoples in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.

While the erudite writer-preacher, Michael Dyson, in his book “Race Rules” examined racism from the black-and-white angle, radical nationalists such as Eric Williams (“Capitalism and Slavery”) and Cheddi Jagan (“Race, Class and Nationhood”) had given a class distinction to racism as a weapon of imperialist domination.

That latter perspective was incorporated in the original preamble of the 1980 Constitution of Guyana which referred to the “epic struggles” of our forefathers who displayed “relentless hostility to imperialist and colonial domination and all other forms and manifestations of oppression”.

Today, it is such a shame that there are elements in our midst who not only use racism in their bid to grab power, but have abandoned all nationalist credentials in a cheap sell-out to foreign interests and domination.

BRING BACK BETTER We cannot return to the distant or recent past. We should, to borrow the slogan of US Presidential Hopeful, Joe Biden: Bring Back Better!

The APNU+AFC Coalition of six parties had brought back better in Guyana after

taking office in 2015. There is evidence everywhere that under the Coalition all lives mattered.

We brought an end to extra-judicial killings that were executed by the dreaded Death or Phantom Squads for which former senior government officials, including a Minister of Home Affairs, were cited. Their American visas were revoked.

The Coalition vigorously combatted the illicit drug trade, and almost ended piracy and smuggling under which the crippling under-ground economy had flourished.

Guyana was elevated to Tier 1 category for its fight against human trafficking.

LIVES IMPROVED The Coalition brought back better when the nation’s children were assisted to attend school with the provision transport facilities such as boats, buses and bicycles; and they were also given breakfast, books, boots and bags. Many teachers and children benefitted from free lap tops, tablets and internet connections.

The economy grew steadily. The lives of workers, farmers, women, students and pensioners were improved. Business thrived whether in banking, mining, construction etc..

There was no visible strain in race relations.

This is the Guyana for which “our heroes of yore” had fought, many suffered martyrdom. We must not allow hate-mongers to set us up against each other, or to pull us apart

Justice, fairness and stability lie in fresh elections

WHEN the pens of historians attempt to document and investigate the Guyana elections 2020, it is difficult to see how questions about doubts over what exactly was the will of the Guyanese people expressed on March 2, 2020.

In this, they will be compelled to castigate or pour scorn on the long delay which, if prosecuted fairly, will invariably conclude that the will of the people delayed is the will of the people denied. Even if only by public perception, the verdict delivered by the Guyanese people on March 2 has been blurred to the point of being extremely dubious due to five months of cataclysmic political, geopolitical, electioneering and constitutional wrestling. As a consequence, it would be ill-advised and counterproductive to have a candidate become President or a government formed based on this murky series of events.

The mother of all elections has been vastly compromised and for this reason, justice, fairness and stability lie in fresh elections.

JUSTICE, FAIRNESS AND ELECTIONS There is absolutely no debate over the inseparable connection between justice, fairness and work of key institutions in any given polity.

These institutions remain the repositories for the sacred principles mentioned above. In this regard, elections commissions are charged with the responsibility of delivering arguably the most

important of these noble ideals in a democracy.

That being, free, fair and credible elections which, if executed most transparently and swiftly, teems with the potential to lift a nation to unheralded levels of national confidence and if not, the possibility of chaos is ever-present. As such, public trust, public confidence and above all, public perception of the electoral process, elections bodies, and elections officials are of non-negotiable supreme importance. In discussing electoral integrity, the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security noted: “at its root, electoral integrity is a political problem.

It depends on public confidence in electoral and political processes. It is not enough to reform institutions; citizens need to be convinced that changes are real and deserve their confidence. Inclusiveness, transparency and accountability are all fundamental to developing that confidence’.

In this regard, the delay of an election result by five-six months in the context of the cauldron of politics in a highly-polarised multi-ethnic society makes it virtually impossible to achieve the kind of public trust and confidence that ought to accompany elections in a fledging democratic society. The series of events and the conduct of the media, political actors, diplomats and members of the Guyana Elections Commission within this regrettable electoral interregnum have completely torpedoed any chance of a candidate and team acceding to office with the most basic confidence of the population.

In such a context, in the interest of na-

tion-building should, it is never wise to proceed on a zero-sum game.

IMPLICATIONS Any government or leader who proceeds based on the dubious raw national recount numbers will face a daunting task to exercise tutelage over large swathes of communities across Guyana.

Such a circumstance will undoubtedly result in lawful resistance which will make it near impossible to govern with the legitimacy that is required for a country on the cusp of tectonic transformations at the ‘mother of all elections.’

In addition to this, once there is legal resistance, the state apparatus will respond with repressive tactics and therein lays the definite emergence of a repressive state. For this reason and others previously mentioned, the pleadings of Kofi Annan are quite applicable: “Elections are at the heart of democracy.

When conducted with integrity, they allow citizens to have a voice in how and by whom they are governed”.

FRESH ELECTIONS In consideration of all things mentioned thus far, it would be prudent to consider fresh elections after the rule of an interim government whose main purpose would be to pass a new Electoral Reform Bill.

This writer is absolutely convinced that the elections enlightenment Guyanese have received

over the past months, has provided enough civic education that makes them much the wiser about our electoral system. As a consequence, with a new Electoral Reform Bill and an elections savvy citizenry, it would be difficult for persons to cast doubts over the results without solid evidence. This approach will certainly imbue the necessary public confidence that ought to ensure any government that accedes from the results, can retain airtight legitimacy.

In conclusion, when the March 3 Region Four declarations were completed, a section of the population got their justice by engaging in extra-legal agitations. That justice was delivered in the form of the national recount. After this, the national recount’s unverified numbers sparked a sense of injustice on the part of another section of the population.

The only way to ensure justice, fairness and stability is achieved is to either sort the data to produce a credible result, or allow for a non-declaration that will facilitate fresh elections.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

Bettencourt cashes in on Emancipation Day fever –– with mouth-watering original West African foods

AS Guyana joined several former European colonies across the Caribbean on Saturday in celebrating Emancipation, popular local eatery, Bettencourt’s paid homage the best way they know how by offering customers a choice of various authentic West African dishes at its D’Urban Street, Wortmanville outlet.

Company Deputy CEO John Raymond Metemgee galore à la Bettencourt’s

A close-up of traditional Ghanaian Red-Red Stew told the Guyana Chronicle that the idea behind the choice of foods that day was to treat customers to a Taste of Africa with

a decidedly Ghanaian twist. He stated that after realising that COVID-19 was going to put a damper on things somewhat this year, the company decided that they would play a part in ensuring that the show goes on.

Raymond, who also doubles as chef occasionally, stated that he decided to base all of the dishes off of one West African nation, and after some research for availability of ingredients here, he decided on Ghana. Among authentic Ghanaian dishes the restaurant had on offer on Saturday were Banku, Red-Red, Ochro Soup, and Red Chilli with Beef.

Giving a little insight into the dishes and how they are made traditionally,

Chez Bettencourt’s (Photos by Delano Williams)

Bettencourt’s John Raymond at your service on Emancipation Day Raymond said that Banku, for instance, is made by cooking a proportionate mixture of fermented corn and cassava dough in hot water into a smooth, whitish paste, and serving with either soup, Okra Stew or a pepper sauce with fish.

He said that because some of the ingredients are not readily available here, they had to use cassava and cornmeal instead.

Red-Red Stew is primarily black-eyed peas cooked in preferably palm oil to give it its signature red colouring, or alternatively vegetable oil, and eaten with fried plantains.

In addition to traditional West African dishes, Bettencourt’s also prepared several of the traditional local African foods such as Cook-up rice, Metemgee, Cassava Pone and even thirst-quenching Mauby for the observance of Emancipation.

Raymond stated that the company is elated to have had the chance to bring this type of authentic African food to their menu especially for Emancipation Day. “We knew that there was going to be a

need for this kind of celebration, so we decided that we are going to fill this need by creating an African buffet,” he said.

In addition to the Emancipation Celebration, Bettencourt has also been playing its part in the COVID-19 fight by preparing meals for frontline workers through its ‘Feed our Frontliners’ project, which was launched in April, and has been daily providing frontline workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) with meals and snacks.

He said they have since extended the service to include ranks of the Brickdam Police Station, thanks in no small measure to the generous donations of loyal Bettencourt’s customers.

“Largely, donations are made by customers to facilitate this effort,” Raymond said, adding: “Persons have been making donations from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, sending their money by CashApp, MoneyGram and so on. So we have a lot of persons responding to the need that we have seen and wanted to be a part of.”

Batavia COVID-19 case tally climbs to 14 … Region Seven village working to contain pandemic

THE small indigenous village of Batavia, in Region Seven, (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) has seen a spike in coronavirus cases this week, as 10 new cases of the pandemic has been recorded there.

Toshao Oren Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that the new cases were disclosed to the village, on Friday, following a series of tests conducted by medical officials last week. Some 15 tests in total were conducted at the riverine village this past week.

Williams said that health teams are expected to return to the village on Monday to

carry out further tests.

He said the new cases carry the total number recorded in the village within the past two weeks to 14, adding that the village is taking all health precautions to contain the spread of the virus. “Everyone is advised to stay at home and wear a mask when going out essentially,” he said adding that, “I’m trying to have everyone adhere to all necessary precautions.” Batavia has a population of 550 persons.

The cases at the village are said to be

imported ones, and, according to the village leader, the first persons who tested positive from the village, were tested at ‘Devil Hole’, a busy trans-shipment point for miners in the Cuyuni, close to the Venezuelan border where a number of cases have been recorded by the authorities. They have been placed in quarantine at Bartica while the new cases have been placed in isolation at Batavia.

The village leader noted that most of the persons from Batavia who have tested positive for the disease are miners and boat operators. “We are trying our best, it is a

very difficult time for us here,” he said regarding containment of the cases.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Public Health reported that 17 new cases of the pandemic had been recorded in Guyana, carrying the total recorded to 430. To date 185 persons have recovered from the Coronavirus while 225 persons are in isolation.

Thus far, 4801 persons have been tested in Guyana while 4371 negative results have been recorded. The number of deaths attributed to the virus remains at 20.

11

Emancipation and Guyana’s Oil and Gas Wealth

By David Hinds

THIS weekend Guyana joins the African Guyanese community in observing yet another Emancipation anniversary.

This year’s observances come as the country nervously awaits the outcome of the March 2 elections. It is difficult, then, to avoid speaking about Emancipation outside of the larger political context. What then are the linkages between Emancipation and the current political situation?

Emancipation in 1838 brought a formal end to plantation slavery in Guyana and the wider Anglophone Caribbean society. The moment was pregnant with a sense of both triumph and anxiety. The now free people had triumphed over a system of socio-economic, political and cultural domination that was steeped in the inhumanity of mankind against mankind. The profound story of Emancipation was and is the spirit of overcoming—no other group of people had undergone that level of inhumanity and for so long before and after.

The institution of slavery had profound implications for global developments during the period it was practiced and for the post-Emancipation era.

I am arguing that one cannot grasp the reality of Guyana from 1838 to the present outside of the institution of slavery. I know that there is a reluctance by some people, high and low, to explain the present as a consequence of the past. Such presentism conveys a flawed understanding of the challenges Guyana has continued to face as we advance deep into the twenty first century.

If we downplay or silence slavery and its consequences from the national consciousness, we erase

the true character of the African Guyanese contribution to Guyana and distorts those of other ethnic groups that came before and after

David Hinds

them.

It is not that African Guyanese should be elevated to a special status; it is that the scars of the long and sordid bondage they experienced must inform not only an African Guyanese praxis, but the larger Guyanese and African diaspora praxis. It was the overcoming of enslavement that triggered another wave of migration in the form of indentureship.

But that migration was not forced in the same manner as Africans were, nor was it grounded in the notion of the inhumanity of its victims. That is a most important and central observation that must form the starting point of any analysis of the present.

The coming of the oil and gas economy to Guyana has to be linked to Emancipation and beyond. For African Guyanese the possibilities are greatly significant. The ailments that have afflicted African Guyanese in the post-Emancipation era and for which they are sometimes blamed

stand the best chance of being erased with the coming of the expected oil and gas wealth. The African Guyanese condition relative to that of other ethnic groups has been a source of concern, debate and political acrimony.

Some have urged the group to alter its condition through a spirit of “Black Uplift” that ignores the role of broad governmental emancipatory policy. Others, like this writer have argued that that model is inadequate to meet the demands of a condition that is directly and indirectly the consequence of centuries of dehumanisation and de-empowerment.

The African Guyanese condition is not the consequence of any inherent flaw in the collective psyche—it is the consequence of deliberate policies aimed at exploiting their labor for the enrichment of others and the perpetuation of underdevelopment of the African.

So, if grand overarching policies are responsible for the present condition of the group, then it would take overarching policies to alter that condition. I am clear about that and I want African Guyanese who present themselves as leaders to grasp that truism. The African Guyanese condition cannot be overcome by sermonisation and demonisation as some of us have been swayed to do, but by the use of institutions, including the government to advance emancipatory policies.

That is my Emancipation plea.

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@ aol.com

IDB-OAS: Efforts to improve cybersecurity in the Americas increase, but work is needed

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) last week launched the joint study “Cybersecurity: Risks, Progress, and the way forward in Latin America and the Caribbean ”. This is the second edition of a report that assesses the state of cybersecurity readiness in the region.

According to the report, since the last study carried out in 2016, more than half of the countries of the region have improved their cybersecurity mindset by developing and implementing national strategies and/or legal frameworks to better respond to evolving cyber threats, including increased protection of citizens’ personal data.

However, the report also revealed that further efforts are still needed to strengthen cybersecurity in the region. More than threefourths of the countries observed in this report currently lack the critical infrastructure protection plans nec-

essary for responding to cyberattacks, a particularly worrying fact in a COVID-19 context. The majority of the countries of the region are also in need of more systematic and efficient capabilities to monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents, as well as central bodies tasked with coordinating cybersecurity activities.

While important shifts in funding were detected, even greater governmental resources should be dedicated to help reduce the social and economic impact of cyber incidents, which in 2019 alone cost over $90 billion dollars. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the document highlights the need for more active cooperation among all stakeholders for increasing their cybersecurity readiness, particularly to address some common threats such as cybercrime, cyber intrusions into critical networks, and politically motivated cyber operations. “The message of this report is clear: Latin America and

the Caribbean need to do more to improve its cybersecurity situation now,’’ said Ana María Rodriguez, the IDB’s Vice President for Sectors. “The findings are crucial to guide government efforts in the region, especially as the COVID-19 crisis accelerates our reliance on digital platforms in our professional and personal lives.”

For Farah Diva Urrutia, OAS Secretary for Multidimensional Security, “this report can serve as a roadmap for Member States and diverse stakeholders who are continuously looking for ways to adapt to emerging cybersecurity threats affecting our region.

Although there is still work to be done, we are proud to be supporting the development of these capacities through our Cybersecurity Program and will continue to promote awareness of this issue, together with important partners such as the IDB.”

OP-ED

OP-ED

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

I see a return to the horror days

By Adam Harris WHEN the national motto was coined it was a hope, a huge hope that has not been realised after more than five decades of independence. Life in Guyana continues to be ‘we and them’, the ‘we’ being one group of people bent on self-satisfaction. The other group comprises the ordinary man.

It is no wonder that nearly half of the population do not want the People’s Progressive Party in Government. For twenty-three years it was the ‘we’ who made sure that friends and family benefitted from the fruits of the labour of the ‘them’.

A simple look at the distribution of land, television licences and land would bear me out. I was at Kaieteur News when Anil Nandlall said to me, “Adam, Glenn want radio. He got he newspaper and cussing we every day. If he get radio he will cuss us every minute.”

That party never gave Glenn Lall his radio licence. The coalition did.

Jagdeo took away his firearm licences. The coalition returned them. I saw selective employment practices, selective distribution of Guyana’s wealth and selective targeting of the less fortunate in the society for punishment. How else can the nation explain the extra judicial killing of so many? How else can one explain simple people going to jail for a petty infraction of the law? How else can people explain the deliberate destruction of the capital by leaving tons of garbage lying around sensitive locations?

I saw more drug addicts on the streets than at any time in the history of the country. Young men and women were targeted to be drug mules. They filled jails overseas, some as far as away South Africa.

Guyanese were seen as drug couriers even if they were decent people. There is a woman who narrowly escaped jail because a man who had travelled on the same flight returned to the United States Customs to declare some packages stacked in his suitcases.

He had already cleared immigration and customs and was heading home when he went into his suitcase to get a phone. He wanted to call someone to pick him up. It turned out that the packages that he turned over were identical to those found in the woman’s luggage. By then the woman had cried herself to the point of exhaustion. It was then that a customs officer said to the man that he had just saved a woman from jail.

The woman had travelled on Delta Airlines to the United States.

She returned home almost as soon as she was released. The airlines simply refunded her the money she spent on the ticket and said nothing about the incident. I, on one of my trips to New York, was given a thorough luggage search. I normally travel very light, just with a carry-on. My

Adam Harris

reason for doing so was because I did not want anyone to put drugs in my suitcase.

This time when I arrived at the Immigration booth the officer took a year and a day to process my application. He then sent my passport to the customs. There the officer asked me if I had currency in excess of US$10,000. I answered in the negative and proceeded to count the money I had in his presence.

He emptied the few pieces of clothing I had. Then he took the carry-on piece to some section where I suspected they drilled holes in it.

On his return I asked him whether he had ever seen a drug courier as old as me. He answered in the affirmative. When I asked him if this would be a regular treatment for me he merely said that he would not be there the next time I returned.

That was the Guyana in which I lived. There were instances where the authorities replaced the entire shift that worked the aircraft loading area. Drugs were coming in on the plane from Guyana and some of the ground staff were complicit in removing the illegal substance.

On another occasion as I was entering the terminal I heard one officer say “Let us hurry. That flight is from Guyana.”

Visas were hard to obtain so people sold their properties to get money to buy their way to the United States. Many are still there living by the grace of the Almighty. Crime was at a peak. There was scarcely a day that some Berbice family was not attacked. Georgetown was no different. People were killed in their homes and many of these went unsolved. It was under the very PPP Government that ministers took to sleeping in hotels rather than in their own homes despite the guards they hired.

Those were the bleak days in Guyana and I am afraid they will return. The government has a lot of favours to honour. I can see the waiving of certain concessions. On the diplomatic scene we do not have to worry.

TURN TO PAGE

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Book review:

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

A review of David Granger’s The Emancipation Movement: The pursuit of dignity and liberty HISTORICAL events are never the outcome of any single factor or circumstance. Rather, they could have their origins in incidents and movements which took place long before those events occurred.

Understanding historical occurrences, therefore, requires examining these various movements and events.

David Granger’s The Emancipation Movement: The pursuit of dignity and liberty examines the various events which culminated in 1838 in the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the British West Indies.

His scholarly publication is bound to reignite the debate over the importance which should be accorded to each of these events.

Granger examines the Emancipation Movement in four chronological phases –resistance, rebellions and revolts; the industrial revolution and emergence of laissez-faire capitalism; the abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Trade in Captive Africans in 1807; and the introduction of amelioration measures in the decade prior to Emancipation. The relative importance of each phase continues to be debated.

Granger argues, from the outset, that the Emancipation Movement was a continuous struggle by enslaved Africans, aimed at dismantling the system of enslavement through acts of rebellion, resistance, runaways and marronage. This idea, however, does not enjoy universal acceptance. African resistance was not always aimed at dismantling the system of human enslavement. It also involved attempts at escaping the system.

Michael Craton (in the General History of the Caribbean), for example, makes a case for distinguishing between rebellions aimed at destroying and replacing the slave-plantation system; rejecting such a system without aiming for its destruction; and undermining the system from within.

Winston McGowan, (in

the Survey of Guyanese History), in turn, classifies resistance to enslavement as two basic types – passive and active. Passive resistance, he notes, involved deliberately misinterpreting orders, ridicule and satire and acts of sabotage such as malingering, doing sub-standard work, damage to property and absenteeism. Active resistance, on the other hand, made use of homicide, physical violence and open revolt.

Guyana had several serious slave revolts, the most significant being in 1763 and the last, sixty years later in 1823. Both of these revolts were unsuccessful in their original objectives. Despite Granger’s reference to numerous other revolts – in Berbice in 1733-34, 1749, 1752, 1762 and 1763-64; in Essequibo in 1732, 1772 and 1834; and in Demerara in 1795, 1804, 1807 and 1823 – these, collectively, hardly constitute a pattern of impactful active resistance over the more than 200 years of African enslavement in the West Indies.

They do highlight, however, the fact that the enslaved Africans did not passively accept their lot. This is not to suggest that African resistance had little influence on the eventual decision to abolish African enslavement. The Demerara Revolt of 1823 definitely galvanized public attention inside and outside of the British Parliament and helped to revive the Abolitionist movement which had been in the forefront of demands for Emancipation.

Granger’s The Emancipation Movement: The pursuit of dignity and liberty records the important economic role which the evolution from mercantilism to laissez-faire capitalism played in the demise of enslavement in the West Indies. The book argues that, by the end of the 18th century, a new form of

capitalism that was based largely on manufacturing and commerce had emerged. This new form of capitalism pro-

mercantilism. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade, however, still continued and British West Indies sugar production

moted the idea that Britain could attain greater wealth by buying cheaper sugar from other territories than propping up the high-cost, low-volume and inefficient, slave-grown sugar from the West Indies and the Guianas.

The Industrial Revolution transformed British capitalism emphasizing the profitability of free trade over protectionism and free labour o v e r

remained profitable, despite the abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

Granger recognizes, but deemphasizes, the role of abolitionists in the eventual decision to end African enslavement in the British West Indies and the Guianas.

He chooses to situate these efforts within the broader public opinion in support of abolition in West-

ern Europe. He traces this humanitarian movement to the ideas of the Enlightenment and the ideals of the Evangelism both of which triggered intolerance towards enslavement.

The anti-slavery movement was a product of changing economic and political conditions and circumstances in Europe and was instrumental in the eventual dismantling of enslavement.

Abolitionists were influential in the passage of legislation regulating the number of enslaved Africans that could be transported on ships as early as 1788. Yet, strangely, Granger devotes only a single paragraph to this movement which others have viewed as having a decisive role in the eventual decision to abolish human enslavement.

Granger concludes by noting that the movement for African emancipation was “far from simple and straightforward. It arose out of the complex circumstances of the early 19th century, involved people on both sides of the Atlantic and was ramified with economic, humanitarian and political ideas.”

The treatment of such complex circumstances, would normally require a more comprehensive examination than his book would allow. David Granger, however, has achieved a balanced and concise examination of the factors which contributed to the end of African enslavement. His book synthesizes and summarizes, authoritatively, the factors which led to the abolition of African enslavement in the British West Indies and the Guianas.

David Granger has stayed clear of apportioning relative ranking to the various antecedents of Emancipation.

The text disproportionately emphasises the importance of African resistance above those of the other factors, however. This may be purely accidental or it may be sub-

liminal.

David Granger has drawn on a rich body of sources in his research. These include Themes in African-Guyanese History which he co-edited along with Winston McGowan and James Rose; Walter Rodney’s A History of the Guyanese Working People, 1881-1905; and his own extensive publications on African-Guyanese history such as Crime Against Humanity: The Atlantic trade in captive Africans.

This book is richly illustrated. It contains evocative depictions of the rebel assault on Dageraad during the course of the Berbice Revolt of 1763; the massacre at Bachelor’s Adventure during the Demerara Revolt of 1823; and the Essequibo Revolt of 1834 at La Belle Alliance. It is no coincidence that these revolts occurred in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, the country’s three colonies and, later, counties.

The book is a reminder that the transformative events in history are often the product of both endogenous and exogenous factors.

It is difficult to divorce the impact of slave resistance, revolts and rebellions from the humanitarian efforts of the abolitionists, just as it is inconceivable to assume that human enslavement would have been abolished had there not been compelling economic grounds for so doing. The book weaves these strands in a single narrative about the pursuit of freedom and human dignity. No one deconstructs history better than David Granger.

The Emancipation Movement: The pursuit of dignity and liberty is a work of great economy. It is a digest of the various movements in history which culminated in the landmark decision to abolish human enslavement. It is a rich examination of how history is made not by men alone but also by movements.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

Virtual Emancipation show lived up to hype

AS Guyanese celebrated Emancipation on Saturday, the COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not stop the African culture from being showcased and enjoyed.

The Emancipation Cultural Showcase and the Emancipation Virtual Concert were hosted by the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Culture and were filmed virtually yesterday, due to the global pandemic. The two programmes were aired on the National Communication

Network’s (NCN’s) ‘Facebook Live’ and comprised of performances done by Afro-Guyanese who showcased features of the African culture.

The Emancipation Cultural Showcase began at 13:00hrs and saw African dances, drumming and songs that all told stories of the ‘day-to-day’ lives of Africans. These spectacular performances were done by the National School of Dance, the Conga Nya Drumming group, Silinci Nigusi, Limlair Village

The ‘Calabash’ dance being done by the members of the National School of Dance

dance group and the Fyrish Dance Group, among others.

Giving a brief history on the African Dance was the Director of the National School of Dance, Linda Griffith.

According to Griffith, African dances were brought to the Caribbean, South and North America by the slaves and indentured servants when they were transported to the New World by the Europeans. The dances which involve rhythmic body movements and sometimes, theatrical presentations, most times, were not allowed to be done openly on plantations but the slaves would secretly dance. The slaves were only given the opportunity to dance freely at Christmas to entertain the slave owners and maybe themselves.

The Director noted that African dances are polyrhythmic, meaning that the movements are done simultaneously with the sounds of drums when the movements of the dancers and the sounds of the drums would be in sync.

She added, “more than one movement are played out at a time. While the dancers are dancing, their heads are moving, their shoulders are doing another movement, their torso and hips are doing another movement, while their feet maintain contact with the earth.”

In describing the dance, Griffith went on to say, “African Dance embodies athleticism, graceful beauty flowing with the rhythm of the music. These dances are a means of life, encouraging abundant crops, healing the soul and the sick and it is also done for enjoyment.

There are no onlookers in the African Dance, all dance together.”

Griffith noted that African dances have spiritual purposes and the movements are taken from the day-to-day lives of Africans. The ‘washer women dance,’ ‘the sugarcane dance’ and the ‘Calabash dance,’ are just a few of

Nekeita, also known

Alabama perform

many African dances. Taking over NCN’s Facebook Live at 15:00hrs was some of Guyana’s hottest, biggest and best black musical performers during the Emancipation Virtual Concert.

Opening the curtains was Calypsonian, Bill Rogers, who captivated the viewers with his song ‘Say no to racism.’ The song recently written by Rogers spoke on how black people are treated as inferior due to “mankind’s mentality on skin colour”. In his song he highlighted that slavery was abolished years ago but racism is continuing to grow, adding that racism is a crime.

“No, no, no to racism, it’s a heinous crime; no no no to racism, tek it off your

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

Bill Rogers during his performance on Saturday

n as Tennicia De Freitas, during her performance

ming at Saturday’s Emancipation Virtual Concert

mind; no no no to racism, respect skin colour; no no no to racism, lets love each other; no no no to racism it’s a racial hate; no no no to racism, don’t discriminate. The human mind does behave so sick; racism is worse than a pandemic,” Sang Rogers.

Next up was Linden’s very own, Diana Chapman who graced the stage with her empowering performance as she sang Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption song.’ She also performed her remix of Beyonce’s ‘Brownskin girl’ which recognised and glorified the beauty of Afro-Guyanese woman in society.

Chapman was followed

by Mark Batson who reminded viewers that Black Lives Matter. During his

performance he noted that the statement ‘Black Lives Matter’ does not mean that every life does not matter. However, due to black people being treated and viewed as inferior, black people around the world, the statement stands as a much-needed reminder that black lives are not inferior to any other race and should not be treated that way.

Up next was ‘Alabama’, followed by Nekeita, also known as Tennicia De Freitas and, Charmaine Blackman who all brought reggae vibes to the stage. Bringing the curtains down was Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts who rocked the stage with her patriotic songs ‘Rage’ and ‘I am 592.’

Silinci Nigusi performing ‘Soiree’

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

Overlooked for Senior Counsel

…Timothy Jonas now challenges the appointment of four others ATTORNEY-AT-LAW and Executive Member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) has initiated legal proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of President David Granger to appoint four Attorneys-at-Law, Senior Counsel. Jonas himself was overlooked for the title and had caused a public row over the matter, which was initiated by attorney, Sanjeev Datadin. Attorney General Basil Williams had said then that Jonas is a junior attorney and did not have the weight of years.

In his Fixed Date Application filed in the High Court late last month, Jonas is asking the court to grant an Order of Certiorari to quash the appointment of Attorneys-at-Law Jamila Ali, Roysdale Forde, Mursalene Bacchus and Stanley Moore as Senior Counsel. The Attorney General was named as the respondent in the matter.

In laying down the grounds for his application, Jonas said “the power and discretion to admit persons at the Bar of Guyana, to preside over such persons, to discipline, suspend and disbar such persons is conferred by the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and common law on the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana.”

He noted that the Full Bench of the High Court has from time to time exercise a discretion to confer on Attorneys-at-Law who have practiced with distinction before the court the dignity of ‘Senior Counsel.’ As such, he is of the opinion that the President Granger’s announcement last December that Forde, Ali, Bacchus and Moore will be appointed Senior with effect from January 1, 2020 is unlawful.

“There is no statutory or other power conferred on the President of Guyana whether as President or otherwise to make such a decision or to appoint Attorneys-at-Law to the dignity of Senior Counsel, and the decision by the President as communicated in the said publication is entirely void and of no effect,” Jonas submitted to the court.

He added: “Insofar as the President, a member of the executive, purports to make a decision within the province of the inherent discretion of the High Court, his trespass into the realm of the judiciary violates Article 122 of the Constitution, and is illegal and void.”

SOLE DISCRETION OF THE PRESIDENT However, in January 2019, when a controversy erupted over allegation that Jones was “disrobed” of the FROM PAGE

11

I see a return...

The power shakers will ensure that Guyana’s interests are protected, even if briefly.

But it is what will happen at home that has me worried. People will once more leave school and wonder why they went to school in the first place. I still remember the Bertram College being targeted because of the perception that only black youths were being trained.

It was this perception that led to the establishment of the University of Guyana campus at Tain, Corentyne. The then government wanted to see a large cadre of people of Indian ancestry go to the university. That was not the case. Young Berbice Blacks grabbed the opportunity.

The fear of one section of the society is palpable.

Many grew up in an era in which they had to pay bribes for simple things. I saw the rapid transformation of ordinary officers to multi-millionaires with money that they did not earn. There will be contracts to anyone who says he is a contractor, once he looks like the people awarding the contract. Roads would last a mere five or six weeks and the ordinary worker will have to pay.

At this point I hear the song, “Many a tear has to fall, but it is all in the game.”

If politics is a game, I am not playing.

Attorney Timothy Jonas

noble title of Senior Counsel, the Attorney General Basil Williams had explained that it is the sole discretion of the President to bestow the title of Senior Counsel on Attorneys-at-Law. The Attorney General had explained that the procedure includes the chancellor of the

judiciary after consultations with the judges, sending to the President a list of names of counsel she was recommending to be elevated to the dignity of Senior Counsel.

Williams explained that the protocol staff at the Ministry of the Presidency would then contact those individuals

who have been recommended, to ascertain whether they would accept the honour before the list goes to the President for his final approval.

It was noted that the list then goes to the President, and he, in his own deliberate judgement would consider the names and determine who he would elevate. “In determining names, he is guided by certain criteria: length of time of practice; quality of that practice and integrity.”

Williams had said.

In the case of Jonas in 2019, he was not among those shortlisted, and therefore was not selected to be elevated to the dignity of Senior Counsel.

Since taking office, President David Granger has been conferring upon deserving attorneys the title of Senior Counsel. His

first announcement was made in 2016 bringing an end to a 20-year hiatus.

Among those conferred with the dignity of Senior Counsel are: Neil Boston, Charles Fung-A-Fat, Justice Alison Roxane McLean George-Wiltshire, Clifton Mortimer Llewelyn John, Rafiq Turhan Khan, Vidyanand Persaud, Rosalie Althea Robertson, Justice Claudette Margot Cecile Singh, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, Kalam Azad Juman Yassin, Josephine Whitehead, Fitz Le Roy Peters, Andrew Mark Fitzgerald Pollard, Shalimar Ali-Hack, Stephen Fraser, Carole James-Boston, Robert Ramcharran and Rajendra Poonai.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

From hired hands to successful farmers

--the evolution of former Wales Estate employees AS success stories go, the banding of themselves into a Farmers Advancement Network (FAN) by former Wales Estate employees is an achievement that has made their former boss immensely proud.

As he recalled recently at the launch of the organisation, National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL)’s

Mr. Charles Brown said he remembers telling them just last year that they could do far better for themselves if only they would come together.

Today, he is quoted in a NICIL press release as saying that the farmers, having heeded his advice, have since elected an executive body, and are currently in the process of preparing a

Constitution. “They are now finalising the final aspect of their registration, and I remain confident that with the interest and determination being shown by most of the members, they would certainly go a far way,” Brown was happy to report.

FAN’s more than 70 members are all former employees of State-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation

FAN President, Mahadeo Deokarran at his farm

(GuySuCo), which, due to circumstances beyond its control, was forced over the years to shut down several of the sugar estates it inherited from the country’s former colonial era.

“When we closed the Wales Estate, we sought various avenues to help in ensuring that lands that were once used for sugar production can be effectively and efficiently utilised. As such, we recognised that a number of former sugar workers were using the lands for various agricultural proposes to continue generating an income,” Brown said in an exclusive interview.

And the response to that offer of help, he said, was overwhelming. “There were barrages of requests coming in, as many persons were seeking to grab as much land as possible, with the view that they were going to engage in some form of agricultural production,” Brown said, adding: “We had persons seeking to do cattle rearing, while others sought to do cash-crop production.

And some even wanted to venture into food processing, so the requests were coming from everywhere.”

As part of their routine, the group meets weekly to hammer out details to guide the new entity, especially on matters of the marketing of their produce.

“These farmers plant individually; from peas, corn, peppers, egg plants, bora etc.

But when they are ready to sell, they do it collectively to one buyer who takes whatever they have in whatever amounts they have. This will help them, as while the price being offered is not superb, the farmers are satisfied and confident that as they grow in production, so shall the

FAN member, Rishan Deokarran points to the irrigation system that he has set up to help fellow farmers water their crops

An evidently excited Joy Beharry shows off her recently cultivated crop of red beans

demand for their produce too,” Brown said, adding: “These farmers are happy, as they do not have to leave their farms to go and seek markets, as the buyer comes to them. They plant, reap and sell from the comfort of their gardens. The excellent thing is that they sell collectively, but are paid individually. So it’s not a case where their monies are paid over to the group, but rather each farmer receives

his/her payment directly.”

NICIL’s ‘Two-heads-better-than-one’ policy clearly favours the Farmers Advancement Network, Brown emphasised.

“The businessman takes everything that they reap, and he has assured them that he will continue to take whatever they reap when they increase their production so their markets are guaranteed,” he declared.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

17 COVID-19 cases recorded in 24 hours THERE continues to be an alarming rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with Guyana recording 17 new cases in 24 hours.

Even as government continues to adjust the existing control measures to reduce the spread of the disease, there seems to be no end in sight.

Health authorities have so far tested 4,801 persons for COVID-19, with 4,371 being negative and 430 positive. Of the positive cases, 185 persons have recovered and 20 persons have lost

their lives, but authorities are still monitoring 225 active cases. Three of those persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

It was reported that control measures instituted by the Government of Guyana to guard against the spread of COVID-19, are being reviewed daily, but President David Granger believes Guyanese need to play an equal role in the fight against the dreaded disease, as measures without compliance would be futile.

“The government cannot

only enforce, we are calling on the population to observe those measures. If the measures are not observed, the population is at risk. And, only then will the government need to act,” said President Granger.

The president said government and other agencies need to engage, educate and explain what is happening, as these actions must precede enforcement. Enforcement, he believes, is the last stage, but engagement is the earlier stage.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Per-

Virtual learning the ‘new norm’ for GSA

--as new school year approaches EARLIER this year, schools and other educational institutions were forced to close their doors and commence classroom sessions virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Having had to make some adjustments, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) also began offering its courses Online, and will continue to do so for the current crop of students, as well as those who wish to enroll for the new semester in September.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle by phone on Friday, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brian Greenidge related that the GSA, like many other institutions here, began working with its students in an Online setting via Zoom.

Acknowledging that the GSA is not like the normal schools, Greenidge noted that students may remain in their Online classes, since most of their field and course work are done through teamwork, as are the festivals and other activities that allow them to display and market their products, all of which do not lend to their practicing or maintaining social distancing.

“All courses are now being offered Online, so unless there is a drastic change in the situation, then we can go back to the way we were,” Greenidge said. “But for now, we are working from Online,” he added.

He also noted that there have been no discussions about having the classrooms reopened amid the relaxed

guidelines, but if that were to be done, the school will adjust and impose strict guidelines in accordance with the Health Authorities.

“What we have to do is follow the guidelines; we can’t run from that,” he said.

“Anything we have to do, we will follow the guidelines put out by the Ministry of Health.”

Despite the current situation with the pandemic, he noted that the school has been in receipt of numerous applications from eager students who wish to further their studies in agriculture, hence GSA has made its application forms accessible via the Internet to encourage persons to enroll.

“We have applications coming in all the time, so we are looking towards the future to see how things would change,” the CEO said, adding: “We also would have to change; we would be glad to go back to the old normal, but we have to work with the new normal.”

He noted that the school has been managing fine with the Online courses, and will soon be bringing the semester to a close.

“We are doing fine,” he said. “Our programmes are being in the run right now, and we are coming to a close; the final term will be coming to a close on the 1st of August.”

Greenidge disclosed that some 120 students will be saying their goodbyes to the institution when the final term is complete, but due to

the COVID-19 restrictions, he is unsure what the plans are to send the scholars off with a well-deserved and proper graduation, since it is mandatory for persons to desist from large social gatherings.

Nevertheless, a system will be in place for students to uplift their certificates and diplomas. And as it relates to the newcomers, given the current situation and the decisions made by the relevant authorities, a virtual orientation will be held to welcome the new students to the school and into their first semester.

Greenidge also related that the Online courses being offered are: Certificate in Agro-processing and Certificate in Forestry, which are both one-year programmes; as well as a Certificate in Agriculture, Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, which are all twoyear programmes.

Those desirous of enrolling at GSA can access the application form on the school’s website: http:// gsaapplicationsgy.com/ Completed applications can be sent by e-mail to its Mon Repos campus: gsa. campus@gmail.com or to horatiorramdass@gmail. com at its Essequibo Campus.

Applications are to be submitted no later than August 25, 2020.

saud, in an update on Tuesday, had said persons need to take note of the existing situation, especially in the hinterland regions where cases continue to rise daily.

The country, in the early days of the pandemic, had grown accustomed to Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) being the epicentre for the disease, but this has since changed, and Regions Seven and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are

now the “hotspots” for the disease.

Region Nine shares a wide border with Brazil, where COVID-19 is rampant. Globally, Brazil ranks second for the most cases of COVID-19 after the United States of America, and has reported over two million cases, with over 88,000 deaths. Dr. Persaud, however, sought to reassure persons that the Ministry of Public Health is doing

everything possible to keep Guyanese safe.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 17.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 668,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

Bandits attack Chinese supermarket owners –– escape with cash and other valuables

A POPULAR East Berbice Chinese supermarket was, on Friday evening, robbed by three men who carted off with $1.4 million in cash, a quantity of phone cards valued $50,000, two cellphones valued $144,000 and $35,000 along with an additional $10,000.

According to information received, at approximately 19:55 hours, the trio who were masked and armed with two guns and a cutlass entered and demanded the own-

ers, who were at the registers, to hand over the cash. They also held a staff at gunpoint and made the customers lie face down on the floor.

A surveillance video seen by this publication showed that the men entered through the main entrance at the front.

One of the proprietors, 48-year-old Qui Jing Zou, was at the register attending to a customer while her husband was standing in front.

As the men entered they pushed the customer and Mr.

Zou aside and brandished the cutlass towards the proprietress in the booth. They then bent over the counter grabbing the money from the register. Another then placed a gun towards the husband as they continued their demands. After relieving the business owners of the cash, the bandits turned their attention to the next booth, where they held 21-year-old staff, Saroja Ramdial called “Naresha”, at gunpoint and ordered her to place the money into

a bag. Ramdial was also relieved of her cellphone.

Baosheng Zou 22, who was also sitting in the booth was kicked about his body and beaten to his head with a gun where he was forced to hand over the large sum of money and his cellphone.

Satisfied with their loot the men quickly made their escape by getting into a waiting car.

The young man had to seek medical attention at the Port Mourant Hospital, One of the bandits in the act

which is located opposite the supermarket, for the injuries sustained.

Traumatised customers who were in the supermarket immediately rushed out and

went along their way.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested one person in connection with the robbery as the investigation continues.

‘Women in Oil and Gas’ launches signature project --to help develop all-inclusive local workforce to meet growing demands of emerging energy sector Women in Oil and Gas Guyana (WIOGGY) has continued with its aims of developing the skills of women in the industry with the launch of its DevelopHER Project where it will be not only suspending ALL membership fees until May 31, 2021, but continue its excellent work, using relevant digital platforms.

The 'DevelopHER' Project, under the theme, ‘First Oil, First Step, focusing on Women: New beginnings, inclusion a must’, comes as an alternative for the June 2020 Women in Oil and Gas Summit, which had been organised prior to the rapid spread here of COVID-19.

According to WIOGGY Director, Marissa Lowden in a recent release, “The idea is to engage women and girls in Guyana's new oil and gas economy. “We intend to discuss a range of opportunities for women and girls, and implement capacity building initiatives.” She explained that a series of virtual events will be organised, and relevant topics will be discussed featuring experts within the oil and gas and other related industries.

The first virtual event slated for the month of August under the DevelopHER theme will focus on inspiring women and girls to enter the field of Oil & Gas and Energy. One of WIOGGY's objectives is to ensure that women are not left behind,

WIOGGY Director Marissa Lowden

and that Guyana becomes made a recognised international model for achieving gender diversity in the oil and gas industry.

The organisation sees men, who are already at the forefront of the oil and gas business, as partners, and rely on their guidance, expertise, and experience to help women and girls manoeuver and make headway within the oil and gas industry.

WIOGGY intends to keep up the momentum throughout the rest of the year, and hopes that COVID-19 is contained soon, so that it can facilitate more face-to-face interaction types of initiatives. In the meantime, the organisation is finding new ways to continue its work, and is urging other women to follow its Facebook and Linkedin pages for frequent updates on its activities, and oil and gas news.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 2, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

Sir Ian Botham to play it with straight bat after elevation from Lord’s to Lords SIR Ian Botham chose cricket over football and leave over remain.

While the 64-year-old briefly swapped pads for boots during a stellar sporting career, his support of Brexit has been unwavering.

He played the question of Britain’s departure from the European Union with a straight bat, saying “enough’s enough”.

That resolute backing has led to a peerage from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whom he appeared alongside at a County Durham

Sir Ian Botham took 383 Test wickets. (PA)

event in the lead-up to the 2016 referendum.

“I have been lucky enough to grow up in a wonderful country, a country that has always been able to look after itself,” he said.

A member of England’s Greatest Test XI, ‘Beefy’ represented that country with distinction on the cricket field.

He made his name as an all-rounder and, across 102 England Tests between 1977 and 1992, took 383 wickets, scoring 5 200 runs.

After breaking into the Test side aged 21, Botham wasted little time in establishing his star quality.

He recorded five wickets for 74 on debut at Trent Bridge to help England go 2-0 up in the 1977 Ashes Series, before returning even better figures of five for 21 as his side regained the urn in the next Test at Headingley.

But it was the following summer that Botham set new heights which have not been matched to this day.

In the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, he began by scoring his third England century, a first-innings knock of 108, before ripping through the tourists’ line-up in the second innings, taking eight wickets for just 34 runs while bowling eight maidens in 20.5 overs.

Botham was also a talented footballer but, believing he was better at cricket, opted for the sport he is best

From back page

Sir Ian Botham, right, appeared alongside Boris Johnson ahead of the Brexit referendum. (Peter Byrne/PA) known for as his full-time career.

Even so, he still turned out as a defender for Yeovil and Scunthorpe in the Football League between 1978 and 1985. In December 2017, he was named the Irons’ club president.

He was knighted in 2007 in recognition of his services to charity and cricket, having completed several charity walks between Land’s End and John O’Groats for leukaemia research.

On the political front, he felt domestic power had been “eroded by Brussels”, adding that if the EU were to invite the UK to join afresh, we would “give it a very wide berth”.

A man of many talents, elevation from Lord’s to the Lords adds another string to his bow.

(PA Staff)

India won’t be able to replicate Wagner’s bounce, says Australia’s Wade MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia batsman Matthew Wade expects India’s pacemen to make use of the short ball when India tour Down Under, but says none will be as effective as New Zealand’s Neil Wagner with the bouncer.

Wade was left battered and bruised after short-pitched assaults by Wagner when New Zealand toured in the last home summer and paid tribute to the fiery left-armer.

“I don’t think anyone in the game has bowled bouncers the way he bowled and been so consistent, and not gotten scored off while also picking up wickets,” Wade told Cricket Australia’s website (cricket.com.au).

“I think we’ll see it a bit (from India) but I don’t think it will be as effective as Wagner. He’s done it for a long time now.

“To be honest, I’ve never faced a bowler who is so accurate at bowling bouncers.”

Though Wagner made his mark

New Zealand’s Neil Wagner reacts v England - Second Test - Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand - December 2, 2019. (REUTERS/Ross Setford) with 17 wickets, including multiple dismissals of Australia’s best batsmen Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, Tim Paine’s side dominated the Black Caps to claim the Test series 3-0.

India were more successful in the previous summer, becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia with a 2-1 result.

‘Pybus was excellent’ - former batting ...

Australia were without Smith and Warner for that series, who were serving suspensions for ball-tampering.

However, India’s pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma bowled superbly throughout the series and humbled the hosts’ vaunted trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on their own pitches.

Wade said Wagner’s angles and accuracy would nonetheless be hard for India’s quicks to reproduce.

“He’s always between your shoulder and the top of your (helmet) peak, or in your armpits,” said Wade.

“They barely had anyone in front of the wicket. They had really cagey fields, catchers in good places, they were trying to take wickets all the time, it wasn’t negative bowling.

“Hats off to him, he bowled unbelievably well.”

Australia meet India in a fourTest series starting in Brisbane on December 3.

win over England and also matched up to the highly ranked tourists in the One Day International format where they secured a 2-2 draw.

For some critics, the performances had nothing to do with Pybus; but it was merely a case of the team beginning to discover their full potential. Radford, who served as a member of Pybus’ staff, however, disagrees.

“I thought he was exceptional. Where Richard Pybus was very good was setting the agenda of where he believed the team could go, and getting the players to buy into ‘this is where we were headed,” Cameron told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“I remember the way he drew up on a flip chart, ‘what does a world’s number one look like?’ ‘If you took the world’s best team what is it that they do in Test match cricket?’ He got the players to write down what they needed to deliver.

“We have to bat for 120 overs. We have to get 350 plus.” He had all these things and the players were coming up with it, so it gave the players ownership. The players bought into this vision of what we were trying to deliver. So there were clear targets,” he added.

“Another thing he brilliantly did he put the list of 11 players up, he put the England 11 up and he started to do match-ups. He would say ‘Shannon, you have to take more wickets than Anderson’ and it was great there was competition for players with the opposition number.

“He had all these kinds of things. I think he was excellent as a manager and motivator.”

(Sportsmax)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

FIFA not genuine with fixing T&T football - Wallace WILLIAM Wallace, the ousted president of the T&T Football Association, has said that recent developments with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Switzerland is confirmation that the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to govern T&T football had nothing to do with fixing the sport in the twin-island Republic, but rather, keeping certain people in power who it feels will support them in the end.

On Thursday, a report from Switzerland stated that criminal proceedings against Infantino had been launched and a special prosecutor was appointed this month to investigate dealings between Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber and the head of world football.

According to the report, “Mr Lauber offered to resign last week after a court concluded he covered up a meeting with Mr Infantino and lied to supervisors while his office probed corruption surrounding FIFA.” Wallace who has been leading his team’s (United TTFA) challenge against the FIFA after it decided to appoint a normalisation committee in March, was in a confident mood after Wednesday’s first court proceedings at the High Court in Port-of-Spain that ended with an adjournment until August 13.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports on Thursday, Wallace said: “When we look at what’s happening with the FIFA president Infantino, and we have been following this story for quite some time, and you look at what’s happen-

ing in T&T, you realise that these are the persons who are responsible for sending persons to T&T because they feel that we have a problem that needs fixing, and the very organisation, the very persons who are making those decisions, are persons who have come under serious questions.”

“This, for me, and I am sure that before long, other things would emerge to show that this has nothing to do with fixing T&T football, but was purely a political act of keeping certain people in power who you think would support you at the end of the day.”

Wallace’s team of Joseph Sam Phillip, Clynt Taylor, Susan Joseph-Warrick and himself, was replaced by a normalisation committee that comprised chairman Robert Hadad, Attorney Judy Daniel and former banker Nigel Romano, on March 27. The group had assumed office following the TTFA annual general meeting (AGM) on November 24.

However, their attempt to achieve justice through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland was withdrawn by Wallace and his legal team on May 18, sighting institutional bias and moved their challenge to the high court in T&T, asking the court to sit on the matter. However, FIFA counted by saying that the T&T court has no jurisdiction and the matter should be decided by CAS. FIFA is contending that CAS is the appropriate court, as stated in their Statutes and the TTFA constitution.

Former TTFA president William Wallace However, TTFA believes that they will be given a fair trial at the T&T court, although they are aware that suspensions could be forthcoming for their actions.

Despite the legal battle, Wallace still did not rule out mediation, saying: “We have always asked for mediation, and it’s not out the window yet because mediation can take place at any time. Yes, we had the first part of the case starting Wednesday, but that does not mean that is the end of mediation.

“So even if this goes to trial and we hope that it does and T&T justice system rules in our favour, even if they do, there is still an opportunity for mediation.” (Extracted from T&T Guardian)

Briana Williams signs on as Digicel brand ambassador BRIANA Williams has signed a three-year deal to become a Digicel brand ambassador. As an ambassador, the 18-year-old Williams joins track and field legends Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as well as dancehall icon Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price, who already represent the Caribbean’s leading telecommunications provider.

“Bold. Strong. Brave. Briana speeds over to take her place in our league of Brand Ambassadors. Help us welcome Briana Williams @briana.nichole,” Digicel posted on Instagram Friday.

“With extreme delight and boundless confidence, we welcome Briana as our newest brand ambassador. She is truly an inspiration to many, and we are very optimistic about what this means for the future of our relationship with our customers, as she helps us to accelerate us along this new path to becoming their digital lifestyle partner,” Nasha-Monique Douglas, Chief Marketing Officer for Digicel Jamaica, added.

In her new role, Williams will help to keep Digicel’s customers engaged with its suite of apps while engaging the wider community through mentorship

New Digicel Brand Ambassador Briana Williams and her performances on the track.

“This is a dream come true for me and so I feel humble and grateful to be representing such an iconic brand with such a rich history of supporting athletics in Jamaica,” Williams said of this latest milestone in her burgeoning career. “I look forward to representing Digicel the best way I can, alongside the other amazing ambassadors across sports and entertainment.”

At the age of 16, Williams - coached

by Ato Boldon and represented by USbased agents HSI Sports as well as Jamaica-based brand managers, LEEP Marketing - won 2018 World U-20 sprint double in Tampere, Finland.

Her winning time of 22.50 in the 200m was a personal best and championship record.

She also won the NACAC U-18 100m title in Mexico and the Pan Am U-20 100m title in Costa Rica in 2019.

During that span, she also won six gold medals at the CARIFTA Games in The Bahamas and Cayman Islands, respectively, and was awarded the coveted Austin Sealy Award as the game’s MVP on both occasions. In doing so, she became the first Jamaican since Usain Bolt in 2004 to win back-to-back awards.

Williams also holds the national junior record of 11.02s set in New Mexico in June 2019.

Special Olympics champion, Alphanso Cunningham and reggae storyteller, Jesse Royal are also brand ambassadors for Digicel.

This is the Nike-sponsored Williams’ second endorsement deal this month, having signed with GraceKennedy on July 1 (Sportsmax)

Cameroon 1990 World Cup captain Tataw dies at age 57 DOUALA, Cameroon (AFP) - Stephen Tataw, the man who captained Cameroon to a landmark place in the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals, died yesterday after an illness, the country’s football federation FECAFOOT announced.

Tataw was 57.

“Stephen Tataw died this morning in Yaounde following an illness,” FECAFOOT wrote on Twitter.

Tataw was Cameroon captain when the team made the last eight at the World Cup in Italy 30 years ago. They were knocked out by England, but famously defeated reigning champions Argentina in the opening game.

Cameroon also saw off Romania and Colombia to become the first African nation to reach the quarter-fi- Stephen Tataw was captain of Cameroon nals. they reached the Two years earlier, as quarter-finals of the the Indomitable Lions 1990 World Cup in had won the African Italy. (Getty Images) Cup of Nations with Tataw at the heart of the defence.

Tataw played his club football at home as well as in Japan. After retiring, he worked with the federation in supervising the national teams.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday August 02, 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) Stuart Broad (ENG) (2) Styuart Broad (ENG)

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the recent WI/ENG Test series?

(2) When was the last time the WI won a Test series in England?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

Bairstow bashes the bowling as England win by four wickets SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) Jonny Bairstow’s quick-fire 82 in half as many deliveries proved enough to help England beat Ireland by four wickets in the second of their One Day Internationals at Southampton yesterday.

Bairstow’s innings laid the foundation for a second victory in three days over the Irish, sealing the series win with one game left to come on Tuesday.

Ireland, who won the toss and chose to bat, scored 212-9 in their 50 overs, with newcomer Curtis Campher again top-scoring. England replied with 216-6 in 32.3 overs.

Sam Billings (46 not out) and David Willey (47 not out) saw England home after a mid-innings collapse gave the visitors a glimmer of hope against the world champions.

Bairstow passed 3 000 ODI runs in a demonstration of power hitting that threatened to end the match early before chasing a wide ball from Josh Little and edging through to wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker.

But after he departed at 131-4, Little also removed England skipper Eoin Morgan second ball without scoring and vice-captain Moeen Allie for a duck three balls later.

But there were no more breakthroughs and England made it home with 105 balls to spare.

Ireland were again slow to get going and lost their first four wickets for 44 runs in just 16 overs.

But they built partnerships after that with Harry Tector and Tucker putting on 34 runs for the fifth wicket and Campher and Simi Singh 60 for the seventh wicket.

US Open confident in health, safety plans

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) US Open organisers say they are confident in safety plans a month ahead of the Grand Slam tennis event in New York even as US COVID-19 outbreaks increase.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) said yesterday it “continues its plans to

Novak Djokovic stage the US Open” as well as an ATP and WTA tune-up event the week before the Flushing Meadows fortnight.

The US Open is scheduled to begin August 31 in a bubble quarantine setting without spectators at the National Tennis Center.

“We remain confident that our top priority, the health and safety of all involved in both tournaments, remains on track,” the USTA said in a statement.

Just what those health and safety details are, however, remains unknown.

The USTA says it will release details of its health and safety plans “at a later date closer to the tournaments” but notes it has worked with both tours in all aspects of health and safety.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have entered the Western and Southern Open, the tune-up event normally staged in Cincinnati, but said nothing certain about the US Open.

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka have committed to playing in the US Open but world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia says she will skip the tournament.

The New York area was the first major US hot spot for COVID-19, conditions so tough that a temporary hospital was established on the grounds of the US Tennis Center.

But cases have been kept down in recent months, although there has been concern people visiting from other outbreak areas could raise New York COVID-19 levels.

“Working with our Medical Advisory Group and security team and the state of New York, we have developed a strong health and safety plan to mitigate the risk of infection within the contained environment comprised of the tournament site and player hotels,” the USTA said.

“New York State continues to be one of the safest places in the country as it relates to the COVID-19 virus.”

Campher was eventually out for 68, getting a thick edge to Saqib Mahmood’s delivery and being caught in the deep by Adil Rashid.

The 21-year-old South African-born all-rounder, who qualifies to play for Ireland through an Irish grandmother, scored 59 not out on his ODI debut on Thursday, when England won the first game by six wickets.

There was also again a late flourish from Ireland’s No. 8 Andy McBrine who made 24, losing his wicket to the last delivery of the innings as Reece Topley finally got some reward on his return to the England team after a four-year absence.

Adil Rashid was the best home bowler with 3-34. The last match of the series is again at Southampton.

Jonny Bairstow blasted 50 off just 21 balls - England’s joint fastest in ODIs. ( Getty Images)

South Africa tours of West Indies, Sri Lanka postponed indefinitely

With more bilateral series postponed, South African players will have to wait longer for international cricket. (BCCI) SOUTH Africa men’s tours of the West Indies and Sri Lanka have been postponed indefinitely, CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith has confirmed.

The tour of the Caribbean was originally set for July-August comprising two Tests and five T20Is, and the one of Sri Lanka had three ODIs and as many T20Is scheduled for June, but both were postponed earlier because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johnny Grave had recently said they were looking at September to host South Africa for either five T20Is or two Tests, but there is a slim gap between the CPL that ends on September 10 in Trinidad and the IPL, which is set to start on September 19 in the UAE. Smith said in a press conference yesterday their players “will be needed” at the IPL which ended the possibilities of the bilateral series happening soon.

“West Indies (tour) has been postponed indefinitely. We are struggling to find a time with the IPL being fitted in,” Smith said. “It looks like our players are going to be needed from the beginning of Sep-

tember, government-permitting, and travel permitting.

Sri Lanka also (postponed). I expect that once things get up and running, our team, on the men’s side, I would say from November onwards, if all goes well, it will be a really busy period for South African cricket, probably playing in times that we haven’t played before and trying to cram in a lot of the missed tours.”

Even though COVID-19 cases aren’t as high in Sri Lanka and the West Indies compared to other parts of the world, the rising threat in South Africa has shut their international borders.

It meant five South Africans couldn’t make it to the Caribbean for the CPL starting August 18 and the participation of all South African players, barring Imran Tahir, in the IPL also remains uncertain. Tahir had been in Pakistan for the PSL in March when many international borders started closing and is the only South African set to play in the CPL. Whether it’s the men for the IPL or the women for the tour of England, they will all need government permission to get out of South Africa.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 2, 2020

Five memorable West Indies Test wins this century

By Karthik Krishnaswamy

TO perk up West Indies fans after their 2-1 series defeat in England, here are five of their most memorable Test wins from the 21st century, leaving aside the obvious candidates: St John's 2003 and Headingley 2017 Won by 155 runs v India, Kingston, 2002 After the first four Tests of a draining, seesawing series, the decider seemed to hinge as much on who had more left in the tank as on cricketing skill. Only 18 wickets fell across 444 overs during the fourth Test in Antigua, and India, who had bowled second and bowled 248 overs - with Anil Kumble injured and off the field for the

In 2007, Chris Gayle led West Indies to their first Test victory in South Africa. ( AFP) bulk of them - were running on fumes by the time they got to Sabina Park.

They chose to bowl first on a greentop, but couldn't make use of the conditions, and Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle punished them with a century-stand that laid the platform for a total of 422. Mervyn Dillon, Cameron Cuffy, Pedro Collins and Adam Sanford formed one of the least nightmare-inducing pace quartets in West

Indies' history, but they bowled with verve and discipline to secure a match-winning 210-run lead.

It was a matter of time, but the weather threatened to dampen their party.

The start of the final morning was delayed, but rain kept away for just long enough for West Indies to secure the series win. Half-an-hour after they'd taken the final wicket, a torrential deluge, which lasted 11 straight days, enveloped all of Jamaica.

WON BY SEVEN WICKETS V SRI LANKA, KINGSTON, 2003 This was a fast bowlers' Test over the first three innings, which produced totals of 208, 191 and 194, five-wicket hauls for the slingy Fidel Edwards, on debut, and the fast and erratic Prabath Nissanka, and a seven-wicket haul for the accurate Corey Collymore.

Then, with West Indies set a seemingly tricky target of 212, with Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan to contend with, the script changed abruptly. Ramnaresh Sarwan coasted to 82 off 110 balls, and Brian Lara cracked an unbeaten 80 off 90, as West Indies romped to victory at nearly five runs an over.

The unfortunate Nissanka bore the brunt of the punishment, conceding 64 in eight overs, as Sri Lanka's hopes of a maiden Test and series win in the Caribbean went up in smoke.

WON BY 128 RUNS V SOUTH AFRICA, PORT ELIZABETH, 2007 West Indies hadn't won a single Test out of their last 20.

They'd never won a Test in South Africa and had lost eight of their nine previous Tests in the country. No one expected a thing from them. They had a new captain, though, in Chris Gayle, and he made the earliest and loudest statement he could possibly have made, slashing 66 off 49 balls after South Africa chose to bowl first.

On an extraordinary run in 2012, Marlon Samuels scored 123 and 52 against New Zealand in Kingston. (DigicelCricket.com/Brooks LaTouche Photography) That was followed by more substantial contributions from Marlon Samuels (94) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104), and West Indies posted a more than competitive 408. Then they were in dreamland, three wickets each from Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell and a tail-mopping four-for from Dwayne Bravo securing a 213-run lead.

South Africa bowled a whole lot better in the second innings than they had on an erratic first day, but that still left them chasing 389, and that was just too steep a task, despite the best efforts of Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers.

WON BY FIVE WICKETS V NEW ZEALAND, KINGSTON, 2012 After winning the first Test comfortably, West Indies were under the pump in the second. New Zealand made only 260 after being sent in, but they had four fast bowlers and had reduced the hosts to 17 for 2 when Marlon Samuels walked in.

Wickets kept falling at the other end - it was 113 for 6 at one stage - but Samuels kept playing his shots, scoring 45 of the 47 runs that the last three wickets contributed to West Indies' total, and finished with 123 off 169 balls.

New Zealand still led by 51, but West Indies kept clawing back courtesy of

off-spinners Sunil Narine and Narsingh Deonarine, who shared seven wickets to bowl the visitors out for 154 in their second innings.

It was still anyone's game with a target of 206, but Samuels - who was having an extraordinary year in which he averaged 86.60 in Tests apart from winning the World T20 final almost singlehandedly was not done yet.

His 52, and forties from Chanderpaul and the nightwatchman Kemar Roach steered West Indies to a five-wicket win.

WON BY FIVE WICKETS V PAKISTAN, SHARJAH, 2016 In the entire history of Test cricket, only one opening batsman has batted twice in a Test match and finished notout both times.

In a Test match in which 35 wickets fell for 28 runs apiece, Kraigg Brathwaite batted twice and faced 429 balls without being dismissed. First, he carried his bat and scored 142 to guide West Indies to a 56-run lead.

Then he made 60 to ensure they got to their target of 153 with five wickets in hand.

All this led West Indies to their first away win, outside of Bangladesh, in almost nine years. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup, yesterday, as play resumed behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Pool via REUTERS/Adam Davy) ARSENAL’S talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang worked his Wembley magic once again as they came from behind to beat Chelsea and win the Heads Up FA Cup for a record 14th time.

Chelsea took the lead inside five minutes through Christian Pulisic’s smart finish but then fell victim to the brilliance of Aubameyang, who was also Arsenal’s hero when he scored twice in the semi-final win over Manchester City.

The Gabon forward drew Arsenal level from the penalty spot before the break after he was fouled by Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, then produced a moment of world-class finish-

ing to make the defining contribution to the first behind-closed-doors FA Cup final.

Chelsea were hampered by a first-half injury to Azpilicueta and were struggling even further when they lost the outstanding Pulisic to a hamstring problem after the break.

As the Blues battled to overcome those setbacks, the brilliant Aubameyang was able to give Mikel Arteta silverware in his first season as the Gunners’ manager.

Aubameyang, whom Arsenal are understandably desperate to secure on a new long-term contract, turned Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma in-

Aubameyang double wins FA Cup for Arsenal

side out in the 67th minute before delivering the most audacious finish, chipping over keeper Willy Caballero from an angle.

Chelsea’s agony increased further when Mateo Kovacic was very harshly sent off for a second yellow card, awarded by referee Anthony Taylor for the most innocuous of challenges on Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal closed out the win to secure a place in the Europa League next season but it was bitter disappointment for Chelsea manager Frank Lampard at the conclusion of his first campaign in charge.

Arteta’s delight at the final whistle was obvious as he secured his first ma-

jor trophy as a manager, having only succeeded Unai Emery in December.

There have been some mixed moments - but in recent weeks, Arsenal have shown their development by defeating new Premier League champions Liverpool and ending Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the FA Cup by beating them to reach the final. Now the Gunners have the trophy in their hands after seeing off Chelsea.

In each game they have shown character, courage and resilience - all qualities they have regularly been accused of lacking - and have a world-class spearhead in Aubameyang. (BBC Sport)

‘Drop your friend’ - Wallace bemoans Holder’s lack of aggression

West Indies captain Jason Holder

FORMER West Indies and Barbados batsman Philo Wallace has pointed to team captain Jason Holder’s lack of aggressive killer instinct as one of the issues that affected the regional team in its recent loss to England.

The 28-year-old all-rounder has faced expected scrutiny in recent days, following a mid-series collapse against the Englishmen, which clouded over a promising start to the series.

Holder had marshalled his troops to an impressive four-wicket win to begin the tour but the introduction of pace bowler Stuart

Broad midway the second Test coincided with the team coming apart at the seams, with displays of less effective bowling and dismal batting.

Wallace believes a more aggressive stance from the typically laid-back captain would have been more beneficial.

“Jason handled the side well in the first Test match. We won that match convincingly. If you look at the second match and the third and how he handled them, again, we see deficiencies in his aggression. I don’t think he’s aggressive enough,” Wallace told the Mason and Guest radio

programme.

“I don’t think he’s aggressive enough. When Ben Stokes decided to come around the wicket we saw things change. We didn’t see a lot of aggression from our captain and that’s why bowlers did not show the aggression,” he added.

Wallace was also highly critical of Holder’s continuing support for a struggling Shai Hope during the series.

“Obviously, when Jason decided to continually defend Hope, it’s a massive statement to defend a man who hasn’t scored runs in Test match cricket for a long time.

Yet, you have the extra batsman

available to you and you did not play him,” Wallace said.

“You went down the road with Shai Hope and Shai Hope did not deliver for you, so that is a massive responsibility for a captain to take on board,” he added.

“Sometimes we need to be honest with ourselves about West Indies cricket. If West Indies cricket is to move forward, sometimes you have to make some harsh decisions. You have to drop your friend to bring in the man who will fight and perform for you. You cannot pick a friend and keep getting beaten.” (Sportsmax)

‘Pybus was excellent’ - former batting coach Toby Radford FORMER West Indies batting coach Toby Radford has spoken glowingly of sacked interim coach Richard Pybus, insisting that he was a fan of the Englishman’s methods.

Pybus, a former Director of Cricket,

served in the post from January to April of last year before being replaced by Floyd Reifer, a few weeks ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Although his tenure was brief, Pybus is credited with orchestrating an outstanding performance from

the West Indies cricket team that hosted England last year.

The Test team went on to reclaim the Wisden Trophy with a 2-1 series See page 24

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Sacked interim coach Richard Pybus SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020