Guyana Chronicle E-paper 8-9-2020

9th August, 2020

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A celebration fit for a king

No.106086

SEE PAGE 13

--as Guyana installs Dr. Irfaan Ali as its 9th Executive President

At the President’s inauguration ceremony on Saturday at the NCC (Photo by Delano Williams)

03 Gov’t working on COVID-19 ‘stimulus package’ at household level PAGE

Suriname commits to forging closer ties with Guyana

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Toddler is Reg. 2’s 08 latest COVID-19 patient PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

'Irfaan will be a phenomenal leader' --says First Lady Arya Ali

By Jared Liddell WITH a new government elected, the country has a new President in His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali and a new First Lady, in his wife, Arya Ali. The country’s new First Lady, an economist by profession who was previously attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), beamed with pride as she spoke on how ‘proud and privileged she feels to be Guyana’s new First Lady.

The First Lady, in her first message to the nation, aired on Newsroom, said that while this is a new post for her, she is still very determined to serve the people of Guyana with not only pride, but also to the best of her ability alongside her husband, President Ali, as they lead this nation for the next five years. She further stated that she intends to be

a hands-on First Lady, and will work to help erase some of the social and cultural inequalities that are seen in the Guyanese society, as well as promote the celebration of the beauty and diversity of Guyana.

“You will see me in your towns, your villages and your homes, if you let me. I want to hear from you. I want to see you; I want us to talk about your dreams, no matter how big or small. And I want us to work together as individuals; as communities, and as a country. We can build this nation together, and love each other, as we do so,” stated the First Lady.

The First Lady grew up in Lusignan and Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, and is one of two children for her parents. She lost her father at the tender age of nine, and stated that although the family was struck with this devastation, her mother sacrificed

President Irfaan Ali with First Lady Arya Ali and their son, Zayd at the inauguration on Saturday (Saajid Husani photo)

as a single mother to ensure that she and her brother were always well taken care of.

The First Lady explained

that she always knew the importance of education, and always strove and pushed herself to pursue higher ed-

ucation. She said that after completing school at Sacred Heart Primary and St. Joseph High School, she pursued

her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at the University of Guyana, TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Government working to secure $4.5B for COVID-19 relief at household level -Creating COVID-19 Response Unit

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S economy, like many others around the world, has taken a hit because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, especially at the household level, where jobs were lost, income dried up and, in some cases, hunger crept in.

The conditions were exacerbated further because of the political instability caused by a protracted electoral process, which only ended last Sunday. But, the new administration has “hit the ground running” and, according to newly-elected President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his government is working to secure $4.5B as emergency response to help at the household level.

“We have reached out to several multilateral and bilateral sources with a view to urgently mobilise financial resources of the magnitude that is necessary to overcome the effects of this pandemic.

I must say the response has been encouraging,” said Dr. Ali during his address at the inauguration ceremony, on Saturday.

To further ease the strain on persons, government had met with the Governor of the Central Bank and directed him to extend regulatory permission so as to allow for bankers to continue extending moratoriums.

Government has also looked at the possibility of adjusting the “reserve requirement” which will allow the banks to have more disposable resources and tie that adjustment with lower interest rates.

“We have started to examine, from a fiscal perspective, what support we can give to the private sector and other groups all with the view of supporting a resumption of the economic activities and putting people back to work,” said President Ali. Guyana has so far recorded 554 cases of COVID-19, with 22 deaths. And, cases are climbing with every passing day.

“Every life in our nation matters and my Government will ensure that every life is protected from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed too many lives. Everything possible

President Irfaan Ali

must be done to protect our people from this dreaded and dreadful disease,” said President Ali. That is why, as President, he promised to personally and urgently participate in his government’s programme

to stop infection by the coronavirus, curb its spread, and safeguard the health of Guyana.

After completing a rapid assessment, the President already started to establish a structure to tackle the virus as

effectively as possible.

Part of the structure includes the creation of a COVID-19 Response Unit comprising Government policymakers, represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, and regional and international partners such as CARICOM, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and UNDP. The Unit, he said, will be guided by a collaborative policy to address medical responses and to create a COVID-19 impact socio-economic plan for Guyanese.

Since taking office in just one week, the new administration has mobilised and received 46,000 rapid antibody test kits, Personal Protection Equipment; approximately 240,000 surgical masks, and face shields, gowns and other urgently needed supplies.

In addition to the rapid test kits, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Mottley, has sent an additional 15,000 PCR test kits.

And, by next week Guyana should receive another 10,000 PCR kits from PAHO, with a commitment to supply an additional 40,000 PCR

'Irfaan will be a phenomenal ... and later a post-graduate diploma in Developmental Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of the West Indies.

She encapsulated her and the President’s journey since first meeting in 2015, saying, “I met Irfaan in 2015, and I must say his charisma and charm won me over. Two years later we got married, and now have a son, Zayd, who will join us on this journey as we serve as your First Family.”

She stated that she intends for all Guyanese citizens to feel as though they are a part of the First Family, saying: “This is one Guyana; we are all in this together.” She added that the love and passion the people of Guyana have exhibited for the country is the same love and passion she intends to portray while her husband holds office.

“I know my husband is very determined to achieve the goals that he and his team have set for our nation, and I promise you that he will work

very hard each and every day to secure a bright future for all of us, because all of us belong to this one Guyana. Irfaan will be a phenomenal leader, you can count on that,” she stated.

She said that during her time as First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, she intends to be very proactive, by fashioning her role and office to best represent her. In closing, Mrs. Ali said that she will, in the near future, disclose some of the projects on which she will be working.

kits.

“We have accessed three PCR testing machines with two more being sourced, and plans are in motion to train persons, including persons from the hinterland areas, in the use of the PCR machines and rapid test kits,” said President Ali. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

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‘You will see me in your towns, your villages and your homes, if you let me. I want to hear from you. I want to see you; I want us to talk about your dreams, no matter how big or small. And I want us to work together as individuals; as communities, and as a country’ – First Lady Arya Ali

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Beirut explosion: Angry protesters storm government ministries (BBC) Protesters in Beirut have stormed government ministries during a fresh demonstration over Tuesday's huge explosion that left at least 158 dead.

Several thousand people took to the streets protesting.

Police have fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators.

Sounds of gunfire have also been heard from central Martyrs' Square.

In a televised address, Lebanese PM Hassan Diab said he would ask for early elections as a way out of the crisis.

"We can't exit the country's structural crisis without holding early parliamentary elections," he said. The issue will be discussed in cabinet on Monday.

Many Lebanese are furious at the failure to prevent the explosion at a warehouse storing over 2,000 tonnes of

ammonium nitrate.

The material had been seized from a ship six years ago but never moved. The government has promised to find those responsible.

The blast at the port devastated parts of the city and has deepened distrust of what many had already seen as an inept and corrupt political class.

An anti-government protest movement erupted last October, fuelled by an economic crisis and a collapsing currency.

What is happening at the ministries?

Dozens of protesters stormed government ministries and the headquarters of the country's banking association.

The raids started after a group of people chanting anti-government slogans and burning a portrait of President Michel Aoun en-

Sunday August 09, 2020 – 8:30hrs

Dozens of protesters entered the foreign ministry in Beirut

tered the foreign ministry and called for all ministries to be occupied.

"We have it. It's all ours.

The police is outside the gate.

They could not stop us," one of the protesters, who identified herself as Rebecca, told the BBC's Newshour.

The protesters at the foreign ministry - at least 100 - included retired army officers. Entry to the building was said to be easy as it had been damaged by Tuesday's explosion.

Media reports said the army drove the original group of protesters out of

the foreign ministry several hours later, but other buildings remained occupied.

TV footage showed protesters breaking into the energy and economy ministries.

Soldiers were also seen patrolling the streets in vehicles mounted with machine guns.

What else has been happening?

Crowds estimated at between 5,000 and 10,000 gathered for the protest on Saturday, including a march from one of the most devastated areas near the port to Martyrs' Square.

Skirmishes with the police began early on. Some protesters hurled rocks and sticks, and the police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. There were flashpoints at barricades designed to prevent demonstrators reaching parliament.

Police confirmed to Reuters news agency that live ammunition had been fired in central Beirut, though it is not clear who fired.

A police officer is confirmed to have died during the protests. He fell into the lift-shaft of a hotel, reportedly after being chased there by protesters.

The local Red Cross said it treated 117 injured people at the scene. Another 55 were taken to hospital.

As the protests got under way, mock gallows were erected in Martyrs' Square to hammer home the demonstrators' view of the country's political leaders Apart from showing the city's anger, the march was also meant to remember victims of the explosion, which injured 6,000, according to the latest update. Around 300,000 people are homeless.

UN agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, including

possible food shortages and an inability to continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday world leaders are scheduled to take part in a virtual donor conference organised by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Many countries have already offered aid, including the UK, whose PM Boris Johnson spoke President Aoun on Saturday and conveyed the UK's "deepest sympathies to the Lebanese people", Downing Street said.

Lebanon's president and prime minister have said the ammonium nitrate - which is commonly employed as a fertiliser but can also be used to create an explosive - had been stored in a warehouse at the port without any safety precautions since 2014.

The decision to keep so much explosive material in a warehouse near the city centre has been met with disbelief by many Lebanese.

Mr Aoun has promised a transparent investigation but dismissed demands for an international inquiry.

Twenty-one people have been arrested - among them Badri Daher, the director-general of Lebanon's Customs Authority.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Venezuela: Former American soldiers jailed over failed coup (BBC) A Venezuelan court has sentenced two former American soldiers to 20 years in jail for trying to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.

Luke Denman and Airan Berry were found guilty of conspiracy, illicit trafficking of weapons and terrorism.

The pair were among 13 people arrested in May as they attempted to enter Venezuela by sea from Colombia.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab said proceedings will continue against others accused of assisting the raid.

In a tweet, Mr Saab shared images of vehicles, weapons and identity documents, and said the American "mercenaries" had "admitted their responsibility for the facts".

US President Donald

Trump, long an opponent of socialist President Maduro, has denied accusations by Venezuela that he was behind the incident.

The US backs opposition leader Juan Guaidó and recognises him as the country's legitimate leader.

What is the background to this?

Denman, 34, and Berry, 41, are former special forces soldiers who appeared in video shown on Venezuelan state TV earlier this year.

In the video, Denman appears to confess to his involvement in "Operation Gideon" - a plot to either kill President Maduro or kidnap him and take him to the United States.

He explained that he was hired to train Venezuelans in Colombia before returning to Caracas and taking control of an airport to allow

Mr Maduro to be taken out of the country.

Denman said he and Berry were contracted by a Florida-based security company, Silvercorp USA, to carry out the operation. The firm is headed by Jordan Goudreau, an American military veteran who has openly admitted involvement in the operation.

The Washington Post has published a document which it says is a contract between Silvercorp and the Venezuelan opposition worth $213m (£170m) to invade Venezuela and overthrow President Maduro.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó denied having anything to do with Mr Goudreau.

Relations between the US and Venezuela are tense. Mr Maduro has accused America of manipulating political opposition

The Venezuelan military said it captured mercenaries after the attempted coup

to steal the country's vast oil wealth. America and

Mr Guaidó, meanwhile, have blamed the president

for Venezuela's economic collapse.

Arsonist called 'The Resistance' sets fire to Ministry of Health (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Two days before the General Election, an arsonist set fire to the Ministry of Health in the early hours of Saturday morning and left a message saying it was because of the Ministry’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fire started in around 1.30 am on the lowest floor of the building after at least one person threw a flammable object into it.

Fire officers from the Wrightson Road station responded and spent several hours trying to contain the blaze which was contained on one floor. A senior fire officer said early investigations pointed towards arson.

Before setting the fire, the person/s wrote on the wall at the back of the building with red spray paint, "COVID 19 IS ALL ABOUT THE NEW WORLD ORDER. STOP IT NOW. #THERESISTANCE".

Around 2 am, the little vehicular traffic in Port-ofSpain was blocked by police from heading north on Edward Street just after Duke Street and from heading west along Park Street from Richmond Street.

Persistent rainfall kept onlookers away, as only security guards from two nearby buildings observed as firefighters worked to stop the blaze, which continue into the morning.

Officers had to break a glass in the building and used oxygen tanks because of the thick smoke emanating from inside.

One witness, Martin Hunter, told Guardian Media that he was the first to smell the smoke while having a meal outside Scotiabank, one block away on the corner of Park and Richmond streets.

However, he said by the time he reached the scene, he did not see who carried out the arson.

The Ministry of Health

has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 fight over the last few months, and while it has received glowing tributes in several quarters, it has had its detractors.

It is responsible for the Public Health Ordinances which have imposed restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus that has already claimed over 724,000 lives

across the world.

As of early Saturday morning, Trinidad and Tobago's death toll from the virus was eight out of 225 people who tested positive so far.

The Ministry had announced on Friday that 15 people had newly contracted the virus, of which 12 required epidemiological investigations to determine the

origins.he Ministry scheduled a regular news conference for 11 am Saturday, to give updates on the virus and to announce any further measures that it deems necessary to contain it.

At the time of this report (4 am) there was no indication as yet on whether that news conference would still be on.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Finally, a show of maturity in Guyana THE peaceful transition of political power in Guyana on Sunday, after fierce bickering over the results of regional and general elections held on March 2, is a feather in the cap of the Guyanese people and a demonstration of that country's commitment to respect for democracy.

While we acknowledge that the dispute is not over, given the indication from the previous ruling coalition, A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)), that it will file election petitions challenging the results, the fact is that the country simply needed to settle down to avoid the possibility of violent conflict had the matter been left hanging for much longer.

As it now stands, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won the most seats in the 65-member Parliament — the APNU+AFC got 31 seats, and the other political parties-- one seat, under Guyana's proportional representation electoral system.

On Sunday, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the country's ninth president, and was congratulated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland; Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Western Affairs at the US State Department, Michael Kozak; and the Organisation of American States (OAS)Secretary-General, Luis Almagro.

We note with interest that the Alliance for Change (AFC), the

second largest party in the former coalition Government, said that while it was satisfied with the “peaceful transition” of Government, it was nonetheless “disappointed” with the decision by the Guyana Elections Commission to disregard what the party described as the “obvious and countless discrepancies and irregularities” in the electoral process.

The AFC, we believe, has displayed maturity in this matter, stating that the peaceful transition is a demonstration that civility and democracy are alive and well.

It will be to the country's benefit that the election petitions are dealt with and settled quickly, and in a manner that will restore public confidence.

As well, Guyana will need to

properly and adequately address the issues of race that have fuelled ethnic tensions, and influenced politics for years.

That, we admit, won't be easy, and will not change overnight.

However, if the Guyanese people are to truly benefit from the discovery of oil off the country's Atlantic coast, there needs to be political and social stability there.

The oil, we are told, is estimated at more than eight billion barrels. It has the potential, according to the World Bank, to push economic growth in Guyana to an estimated 51.7 per cent this year, 8.7 per cent next year, and 2.6 per cent in 2022.

This is coming on the back of a 4.7 per cent expansion of the economy in 2019, with anticipated

oil revenues spurring expansion in non-traded sectors.

Of course, falling oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative effect on that projection. Additionally, the World Bank pointed out that weak public service delivery and monitoring systems can constrain the development of policies to reduce poverty and protect the vulnerable.

Dealing with the social, political, and economic challenges at the same time will prove quite a task for the Guyanese Government and people. However, it needs to be done, as the country truly deserves to realise its full potential. (Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer)

President Ali’s promise of results, transparency, efficiency, and accountability very inspiring Dear Editor, The PPP/C is off and running speedily to move Guyana forward again, now that the knees of the PNC are off the nation’s neck. It has always been a case of PNC destroys, PPP/C rebuilds. President Ali’s promises of being results-oriented, and promises of transparency, effi-

ciency, and accountability are very refreshing and inspiring. The PPP/C has come to power with enormous goodwill from people locally and from many people, countries and international organisations abroad. Everybody was cheerleading and rooting for the PPP/C. The whole world was arrayed against the PNC as it attempt to

rig, and once GECOM made its declaration, Mr. Granger was unceremoniously gone quietly in the night, and only now surfacing to go place a wreath at his idol Burnham’s tomb (maybe asking forgiveness for attempting to rig so clumsily and being unsuccessful).

To offer some words of advice to the PPP/C and

President Ali, we have now entered an era of “vote them in, vote them out.” Do not take the people for granted; the people are sovereign.

Your government has a oneseat majority and that is not cause for any triumphalism. All it takes for you to be voted out is for 5,000 people to be mad at you in 2025, and there are enough of these crossover voters to

make that happen. The new parties have also won many hearts during the five-month impasse. So be humble; arrogance of ministers and functionaries would not be tolerated and will undermine your foundations. Your Cabinet took oaths to be “public servants” not “public Lords” so we look forward to “servant leadership.” Be prepared to use the Kamla

Persaud-Bissessar approach of replacing ministers if they are found to be corrupt or ineffective. One of the lessons of the March 2020 elections is that the people will no longer tolerate dictatorship and kleptocracy by any party.

You should know that the people are paying careful attention to your words and TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Our courts should review two of its key practices

SINCE the NCM in 2018, the courts have impacted our political destiny as never before. This impact, with an elections petition looming, could soon become even more game-changing.

In the rulings of the recent election cases, several court practices raised my concerns. I here highlight two of them, which may have implications for the quality of our jurisprudence going forward.

The first concerns the trustful reliance by our lawyers and judges on prior case laws (precedents) that likely were decided in judiciaries polluted by local politics. Many of these precedents were birthed in countries ranging from weak democracies to full totalitarian; or were birthed in societies now described as democratic but during a period of undemocratic governance.

In such countries or during such times, judiciaries would have been assaulted by direct political pressure, political meddling or full political control.

Regardless, every prior court decision from every corner of the Commonwealth seems to have the power to shape or bind opinions in our courts. That these prior cases have not apparently been vetted for their moral and legal legitimacy is troubling and undermines the quality of our jurisprudence.

No doubt, assessing the political context behind

court decisions from Africa to Asia to the Caribbean is an enormous challenge. It is a challenge normally taken up by legal academics and law departments.

Whether these are up to the task or not, our courts must be more vigilant in their use of prior cases from countries whose politics and political history have influenced the outcome of cases as much as, or even more than, good law.

Secondly, I see no wisdom in the practice where our Court of Appeal (CoA) does not issue a single majority decision, but instead allows each judge to offer individual opinions. This practice, if indeed it is, undercuts the quality of rulings as these do not benefit from the expertise and experience of all CoA judges working together. For clarity and consistency, courts must speak with one voice, whether singly or as a synchronised majority. Where differences of opinion exist within a panel of judges, our CoA would do well to present its rulings to the public in the highly-structured manner used by the US Supreme Court.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe

President Ali’s promise of results, transparency... looking to see if your actions match them. Not everyone who criticises you is your enemy to be squashed; that person may be your best friend telling you the truth, warning you to mend your ways and to get back in line.

Be nice to the people you see on your way up, it will be the same people you see on your way down (and they will laugh at you as you are coming down).

Guyana has always been well endowed with the most natural resources of any CARICOM country yet we remained poor not because of natural disasters, but because of, manmade disasters called “politicians.” It was not the shortage of resources that kept us poor, it was the corruption of our lying, cheating, stealing politicians. It is now time to stop this vicious circle of underdevelopment and it’s high time for all of our people to live the good life. All lives matter. We are impatient and

will not stand idly by while greedy politicians and their friends think political office gives them a right to plunder state resources. With all the resources with which we have been blessed, including our new-found oil, there is no reason any Guyanese should be poor.

So, Mr. President, if you are going to be “results oriented” set some targets for your ministers and if they fail, replace them. You face a LGEs in two years. Mediocrity has no place in the cabinet.

Our entire government is inefficient and not customer friendly. As bad as the coronavirus, is a disease in the Guyana government called “come-back-titis.” For example, if you go from Berbice to GRA in Georgetown to get a driver’s licence, that’s not a same-day transaction.

You have to spend more time and money to go back another day to collect it. This is the antithesis of efficiency.

Put an end to these kinds of things that sap the energy of the people. This is the 21st century. We need quick responses from government, and need a new “customer service” orientation. Inefficiency is what fuels bribery to speed things up.

Mr. President, your promise of transparency is crucial especially in oil. Please release all oil-related agreements. Please recruit more people trained in oil. You need a large team of technocrats to help our fresh, new Minister of Natural Resources. Jan Mangal, Melinda Janki, Charles Ramson, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Vincent Adams, Christopher Ram, Nigel Hinds, Evan Persaud, and others in the Diaspora must be recruited and included to help in this area where we are weak and being taken advantage of by a huge corporation.

Your government will not be forgiven if it fails to renegotiate all contracts.

As important as oil, is our education sector with the largest budget. There is no current education plan for the country. The website is outdated. There is no way you can email anyone in the ministry. I tried to send them some resource information on how to prepare for opening schools in the COVID-19 environment but the website does not allow for that. I could not find any information on how the ministry is addressing COVID-19 issues in education. So, who was minding the store there?

The system, as is, fails more than half the students who do not pass their CXC exams. We cannot benchmark ourselves with the tiny Caribbean islands and delude ourselves that we are doing OK compared to CARICOM countries. Posing with five academically-gifted students who passed 15+ subjects is not reflective of the success rate of all the students. So,

Minister Manickchand has a lot of mess to clean up.

This is a senior minister with enormous experience, but she needs to surround herself with a strong technocratic team who are experienced education practitioners, who can help us transition to a 21st century system, redesigned to accelerate remote instruction in the COVID-19 era. Many in the diaspora may be willing to assist her, but the government as a whole must not see diasporans as a large fundraising and lobbying farm, but must be willing to deliberately recruit, encourage and welcome meaningful diasporan involvement. A Ministry of Diaspora Affairs is not a bad idea.

Regarding accountability, the people are tired of seeing the Auditor General’s Reports and Public Accounts Committee reports indicating much wrong doing, but nobody is going to jail or being

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charged for malfeasance in office. Every dollar that is stolen steals medicines from our people, steals that road or bridge we have been waiting for all our lives to be built, steals that library that could be built for our children, and diminishes us all. We need a new accountability that swiftly dispenses justice to wrong doers. The people are tired of corruption, Mr. President.

We do believe that the PPP/C will do much better this time around as the people are ever vigilant.

To our PNC friends, please stay quiet, reflect on your sins, and do penance. The more you continue to talk about fraudulent elections, you remind people of your election wickedness, and that is traumatic.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Toddler is Reg. 2 latest COVID-19 patient

REGION Two has recorded another positive case, according to Dr. Shineer Reid. This disclosure was made by Dr. Reid at the Regional Health Emergency Committee on Friday at the Regional State House.

During the meeting, she said a two-year-old from the Karawab Amerindian community is the recent and youngest COVID-19 victim within the region and as such a medical team will be dispatched to the community to conduct screening with close relatives. She also disclosed that the region has five positive cases.

Commenting on the convenience at the Suddie Public Hospital, Dr. Reid said that there is a temporary holding institution used for quaran-

tining; some patients are currently in isolation. Surprisingly, Dr. Reid said that the two-year-old child who was diagnosed with the virus was earlier admitted to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity, but did not display any flu-like symptoms. All staff and patients who had immediate contact with the child will now be subjected to screening by the health team.

Outlining some of the challenges the health team faces, Dr. Reid said one is the lack of medical gear.

She also mentioned that most times health officials are forced to re-use gear that are not reusable. She also used the opportunity to call on the newly elected government to provide more resources to help combat the pandemic.

In commenting on the issue, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt thanked members of the health committee for the work done over the past months. He however feels that the committee members need to review the present measures and more measures need to be implemented to tackle the pandemic. He also said he is dissatisfied with irrelevant staff being part of the committee; some of those he believed were not necessary. ”I have seen that field officers, stores clerk on such committee. I am not debating their competence but I just don’t see them contributing medically. I strongly believe that the border needs more monitoring and screening should take place,” Mr. Ramdatt said.

He also told the committee that

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has secured thousands of testing kits for the continuation of COVID testing.

Chairman of the Regional Health Emergency Committee, Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran said that the committee usually meets on a regular basis. He said to his understanding the first three cases had addresses in Region Two, but were not living there.

Some of the measures taken by the committee over the past months include continuous screening at ports of entry, sensitisation, and fumigation of schools. Samples taken from suspected cases are usually sent to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for confirmation and testing.

Programme head managers who attended the COVID-19 task force meeting.

Persons at the meeting held at the Regional State House, including Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran.

Region Two chairman and team.

Dr. Reid speaking at the meeting.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Suriname commits to forging closer ties with Guyana

By Navendra Seoraj

THE future seems bright for Guyana’s relationship with its territorial neighbour to the East, Suriname, as the country’s newly-elected President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, has committed to strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Guyana and Suriname, over the past few years, seemed to be siblings in a race, as both countries have inherited lucrative oil reserves and, most recently, experienced regime changes.

As reported in the international media, Santokhi was elected the new President of Suriname, replacing former military strongman, Desi Bouterse, whose National Democratic Party (NDP) lost its majority in the Parliament in the May 25 general election. The 61-year-old Santokhi is a former justice minister of Suriname.

Similar to what obtained in Suriname, the then opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of Guyana, managed to unseat the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, after a protracted electoral process which started on March 2, 2020.

Guyana’s electoral process concluded just last Sunday, with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declaring the PPP/C winner of the elections. And, as a result, the party’s Presidential

President Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali, greet Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Mrs. Santokhi (Delano Williams photo) Candidate, Dr. Irfaan Ali, was sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana.

“We would like to congratulate the newly elected President and congratulate the people of Guyana,” said President Santokhi in an invited comment on the sidelines of President Ali’s Inauguration Ceremony.

Santokhi, who was a special guest at the inauguration ceremony, told this publication that Suriname stands committed to strengthening its friendship with Guyana and examining what is needed between the two countries.

“The two presidents also have a responsibility to bring prosperity for both nations and both peoples…we have

expressed commitment today that we will do everything to have good co-operation, good friendship and to bring development for both nations,” said President Santokhi.

In an earlier address on Saturday, President Ali said he looks forward to working closely with Santokhi, in the interest of the two nations and the people of the wider Caribbean Community.

President Ali, in his speech, also recalled that it was the PPP/C Government that secured the maritime border with Suriname under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 2007.

“We settled that border which has already opened

the doors to offshore oil and gas development for both countries,” said Guyana’s President.

Only last year, the Guyana Chronicle reported that Guyana and Suriname had agreed to consolidate their bilateral relations in the areas of trade and investment, culture and the environment, when His Excellency, Ebu Rohno Jones, presented his Letters of Credence to former President, David Granger as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Suriname to Guyana.

With Guyana and Suriname forming part of the Guiana Shield – one of the world’s largest blocks of tropical forest – the Head of

State said the Environmental Cooperation between the two countries could become a model for the protection and sustainable management of their forests and biodiversity.

Ambassador Jones, in his remarks, said collaboration between Guyana and Suriname entered into a new phase in 2010, when former President, Desiré Delano’ Bouterse, entered into office.

“It is worth mentioning that the first foreign visit of President Bouterse, shortly after taking office, was made to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. It is also of crucial importance to highlight, that the bilateral meetings between the two Heads of State, resulted in the revitalisation

of the Cooperation Council consisting of representatives from both countries,” the Suriname Ambassador recounted.

He said the Suriname Government acknowledges the potential of both countries and will continue to work closely with Guyana.

“The cooperation between our countries, given the diverse and regional nature of it, is of strategic importance for the development objectives of our nations. The Government of Suriname believes that the main focus of cooperation should be placed on achieving sustainability in the pursuit of development for our countries and peoples,” Ambassador Jones said.

He underscored the importance of maintaining an atmosphere of peace, togetherness and friendship.

He noted that the countries’ common interest should be the driving force to further intensify their relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, good neighbourliness and mutual benefits.

With Suriname having 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, he said that country is willing to share its knowledge with Guyana and, if necessary, to support the further development thereof.

He had also said Suriname is more than ready to deepen the cultural relationship the two countries share, and to intensify economic trading activities.

Zorg sea defence fast deteriorating –– Regional Chairman dissatisfied with the project A SEA defence project which has cost the Government of Guyana millions of dollars is now engaging the attention of Region Two officials, since it is showing signs of erosion.

The rip-rap sea defence project at Zorg village on the Essequibo Coast was awarded, back in 2017, to BK International, at the cost of $US5.1M. The project is still in its defective period, and, according to Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, remedial works need to be done. During an inspection, Ramdatt, along with his team, visited the Zorg area where he met with Mr. George Howard, an officer attached to the Ministry of Public Works, sea defence work services group.

During the inspection, it

The team on site at Zorg

The rip-rap sea defence work

was observed that there were huge gaps in the structures and a portion of land was inundated with clumps of bush. He, therefore, called on the sea defence engineer to assist in clearing the area so that residents living in Zorg can continue to use the area for recreational purposes. The project had ended some 1 kilometer and there was a huge gap that

was preventing residents from effectively using the structure.

On the spot, the representative from the Ministry of Public Works, Mr Howard, said that he will be making representation on the issues raised and noted that the trees will be trimmed and the huge bush will be cleared. He also said that he will be meeting with

the consultant of the project and he will forward all the complaints relating to the erosion. He however said that, due to climate changes, there were a lot of changes in the sea defence work.

Region Two Chairman, therefore, thanked Mr. Howard for his timely intervention and called for prompt remedial works to commence on the project.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

‘Politicised task force led to ineffective COVID-19 response,’ says Health Minister

MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony says that the ineffective response by the former government to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana has led to the current situation in the country.

The newly appointed minister uttered these comments during an interview on the televised programme, ‘Government in Focus.’

Since being sworn in last Wednesday, Anthony has already met with several key personnel to craft a more effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The response to the pandemic is being revamped from several positions, the minister disclosed.

He noted that the previous government’s response was more political, which led to it being unsuccessful.

Their response, he pointed out, also lacked the technical know-how at the leadership level, which hampered the structure from making an impact.

“When we came in, with a quick assessment we found that the task force was highly political. If you are managing a pandemic what you need is political will and leader-

ship, but you must have the technical people to lead the process,” he underscored.

Further, he stated that while there was a National COVID-19 Secretariat which was operational, it was not necessarily addressing the onset of COVID-19 because it was politicised.

“You had a secretariat – a very extensive structure, but upon review, we realised that some of the people employed in the secretariat were not people needed for the fight against this disease; meaning that they do not have the technical know-how and so forth.”

For these reasons, upon being sworn into office President Ali instructed that a new structure be created.

The new policy-coordinating committee for COVID-19 has already met; Prime Minister, (ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips is chairing that committee.

Those on the committee are Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony; United Nations Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, as well as representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Pan Amer-

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (left)

ican Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), and former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

“In terms of the UN Rep-

resentative [and] the UN’s reach, it is a massive organisation and they have been able to develop lots of best practices from other parts of the world. We are hoping to

get some of those and apply it to our context. They are also involved in harnessing resources, so that can be essential to aid our national efforts,” Minister Anthony

explained.

The overall response by the Health Ministry is results-oriented and people-centred, Minister Anthony said (DPI)

Rotary Club, Latter Day Saints come to aid of COVID-affected families

IN a joint effort, the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,

have undertaken to distribute 1000 food hampers to vulnerable citizens in Berbice, that are affected

financially by the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus.

At a ceremony at the

Greenidge Air Cooling showroom at Lot 13 Strand, New Amsterdam, President of the Rotary Club Ms Charlyn Ar-

tiga, noted that the coronavirus has prevented in-person work by the service organisation.

However, with the support of the church, an opportunity presented itself to achieve one humanitarium project , which is the distribution of hampers to persons who have been severely financially affected.

Hampers will be distributed from West Coast Berbice to Moleson Creek along the Corentyne coast.

Chairperson and Director of Public Affairs Ms Sanjay Y. Pooran, explained that the church's approach is to develop a balanced spread of benefits for families and communities that are affected by the pandemic.

Along with the distribution of food hampers, the religious organisation had also conducted the water

sanitisation project in several schools across the region . The project allowed over 5000 students to benefit from pure, drinkable water.

That aside, the church had provided the Civil Defence Commission with $20M to support vulnerable families and communities and assisted the government during the 2005 flood, In addition, frontline workers attached to the health sector were issued with personal protective equipment.

Meanwhile, among those attending the ceremony were Mr Orin Moses, President of the Berbice Guyana District of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Past President of Rotary New Amsterdam Mr Noland France and members of the Rotary fraternity.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

‘A nation cemented in unity’ – President Ali promises

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his wife, First Lady, Arya Ali

AT the inauguration ceremony yesterday morning President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, committed to preserving Guyana’s democracy and working in the best interest of all Guyanese regardless of race, political affiliation, or social and economic standing.

A packed audience comprising Government Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Community and special invitees from sister CARICOM countries, including President of neighbouring Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, witnessed the inauguration of one of the youngest Heads of State in Guyana’s history.

Dr Ali said he is the President for all the people of Guyana and will govern with affection, without discrimination and with every attention to fairness and equity.

“In my service to Guyana, I will not see a nation divided by ethnicity; I will see a nation cemented in unity. This land of Guyana is our common homeland; it is our common heritage. And every citizen within it, is equal and will be treated equally” he promised.

He called on all Guya-

nese at home and abroad to join to peacefully transition the country to a pathway of economic and social development.

“From this day forward, we must, each of us, become our brother’s and sister’s keeper, ensuring that in our journey to progress and prosperity, no one is left behind.”

His PPP/C Government, the President said, intends to fulfil the pledges made in the Manifesto on which it contested the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Central to fulfilling those pledges will be the collaborative and consultative relationships with various stakeholders, including the private sector, which will see Guyana becoming a hub of economic activity.

He said that while Guyana is being built to give a better life to the current generation, the foundation is also being laid for generations to come. It is for this reason that he has appointed many young persons to form his Cabinet.

President Ali has come to office after more than five months of the political impasse that was buttressed by an electoral deadlock.

He recognised local sup-

porters and stakeholder, those in the diaspora, CARICOM, and the international community for “staying alert” with the party during what he said were “dark days”.

“All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate,” he recalled.

President Ali was sworn in last Sunday following a declaration made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which concluded the General and Regional Elections held on March 2.

This paved the way for the return of the PPP/C government which boasts a young, dynamic Cabinet.

His inauguration ceremony, saw the review of the Honour Guard by the President and a 21-gun salute; prayers by the three main faiths – Muslim, Hindu and Christian; cultural dances

by Indigenous, African and East Indian troupes as well as a moving performance of “Guyana” by local singer Jackie Jaxx. (DPI)

Technicians to be trained to test for COVID-19 MINISTER of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, has disclosed details of how the PPP/C Government plans to build capacity and expand testing for COVID-19 in Guyana.

These efforts, he emphasised, will properly assess and respond to the COVID-19 situation in Guyana.

Minister Anthony was, at the time, speaking on the televised programme ‘Government in Focus’ with Host, Michael Gordon.

The Health Minister noted that a major constraint in efficiently and effectively rolling out testing is the human resources gap.

He disclosed that just a few persons were initially trained to conduct COVID-19 tests, which is insufficient to achieve the set goal of having the public sector process 300 PCR tests daily. Therefore, more laboratory technicians

will be trained.

“We have a collaboration right now with PAHO, and as of next week, we want to start training for maybe about 20-30 technicians in the area of PCR testing. That training is going to be done by a virologist out of Washington DC. We are going to do that training online, and once that training is finished, they are going to be able to do the practical component of that training in the national reference lab,” Minister Anthony said.

The objective of the training is to have a corps of skilled professionals who can be deployed to the several sites that the ministry has identified to process PCR tests for COVID-19. These are apart from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Currently, the Reference Laboratory is unable to accommodate additional staff and equipment; however, the

Health Minister indicated that there are other government facilities with the equipment and laboratories that can be utilised.

He said a laboratory committee has been established with the necessary technical personnel. The group has already begun to examine expanding testing at the Reference Laboratory while utilising other offsite facilities.

Dr. Anthony explained that private health facilities are likely to come on board as well.

“In a lot of the private entities, an average PCR test would cost maybe about $20,000 to $25,000 per test…

Next week, I am going to be meeting with these hospitals.

The government is willing to give them the test kits, and if we give them the test kits, then the price would have to come down for the persons who go there for testing.”

Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health (left) sitting with Host, Michael Gordon on the programme, ‘Government in Focus’

It was also revealed that the ministry has already secured test kits to facilitate the expansion and building of the country’s testing capacity for COVID-19.

According to the Health Minister, dealing with the shortage of test kits was a priority of the PPP/C government, and this was addressed immediately.

“Over the last couple of days, one of the things we would have focused on is the acquisition of test kits, and you would have heard the

President mention that we have gotten from Barbados 15,000 test kits. In addition to that, we have been working very actively with the PAHO, and by next week, we will get an additional 10,000 test kits from PAHO and, hopefully, by the end of the month we are expecting another 40,000 test kits.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony has indicated that rapid tests are going to be used locally to aid in identifying positive COVID-19 cases quicker.

“We have received from

CDEMA [Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency] 48,000 anti-body test kits – these are rapid test kits; so if somebody was infected and they developed antibodies and they use this, it would show that they are positive.

With these kits, in 15 minutes you can get a result, so that can at least give you a preliminary indication.”

(DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

A celebration fit for a king --as Guyana installs Dr. Irfaan Ali as its 9th Executive President

By Navendra Seoraj THE bright rays of the sun glistened off a helicopter flying over the city of Georgetown on Saturday on its way to the National Cultural Centre (NCC) where citizens converged to witness one of the biggest and most momentous events in recent times, the inauguration of Guyana’s ninth Executive President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Below the “metal bird” was a motorcade of presidential vehicles which was guided by mounted officers and led by outriders. It was a setting like no other; one fit for a king. The path was clear, and the destination was decorated and ready for his arrival.

Arriving before President Ali was a man who is equally honourable, the Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips. It is safe to say that Prime Minister Phillips, who

President Irfaan Ali makes his way to the National Cultural Centre in grand style (DPI photo)

spent more than 20 years in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), would have reminisced while being greeted by familiar faces, or at least men in familiar attire, after he exited his vehicle.

Not long after his arrival, the helicopter could be heard making its way to the NCC. The “man of the moment” was mere metres away. The moment, or preferably, the person whose arrival everyone was anticipating had arrived. President Ali, clad in a navy suit, and, as is customary these days due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a mask, stepped out and was greeted by his prime minister and military officers.

His first order of business was to inspect the Guard of Honour. President Ali, though having no military experience, marched crisply as he did his inspection. This was followed immediately by the ceremonial 21-gun salute.

PATRIOTISM AT ITS BEST It was patriotism at its best, but it was just the beginning of a simple yet significant event, which was coordinated in conformity with COVID-19 measures. Unlike previous years, attendees, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, added face masks to their attire, and were subjected to a temperature check. They were also required to sanitise their hands.

The necessary precautions, however, did not restrict the moderate celebrations which started immediately after President Ali and his wife, First Lady Arya Ali, were escorted to their seats on a well-decorated stage.

Their view was of the people who turned out to “inaugurate” President Ali, and the crowd’s view was exactly what they wanted to see: TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

13

President Irfaan Ali inspects the Guard of Honour (Delano Williams photo)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d President Irfaan Ali as he takes the 21

Guyanese songbird Jackie Jaxx melodiously renders her patriotic song (Delano Williams photo)

This in

President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Sa the inauguration ceremony for Presid

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

d) Mark Phillips stands beside 1-gun salute (Delano Williams photo)

ndigenous cultural group did not fail to impress the crowd with a traditional dance (Delano Williams photo)

antokhi and Mrs. Santokhi joining others at dent Irfaan Ali (Delano Williams photo)

TURN TO PAGE

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President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali hand in-hand being escorted into the NCC (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

MBW Energy Support Services to offer oil-and-gas consulting services WITH Guyana’s emerging oil-and-gas sector set to jump start the country’s economy and propel Guyana into the future, several companies have positioned themselves to become involved in the sector through offering innovative ideas and solutions to ensure that Guyanese citizens and businesses can best make use of this new resource.

MBW Energy Support Services Inc, a unique brand which is owned solely by women, is set to make its mark by offering consulting services for companies that are looking to enter the oiland-gas space in Guyana.

Already boasting clients in Trinidad, the USA, Dubai

and Africa, the company said it is ready to facilitate all aspects of the burgeoning industry in Guyana. The company’s Corporate Solutions Division will offer a wide variety of services such as plant maintenance, project management, shut-down planning, lifting & rigging, and welding and fabrication.

At the helm of the company is Abbigale Loncke, who in the last decade has established herself as a forward-thinking and award-winning young entrepreneur, once recognised by former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Before heading MBW, Loncke had already established herself for her lead-

Head of MBW Energy Support Services Inc, Abbigale Loncke.

ership in the health care services industry, and as the host and organiser of an annual Women in Business summit.

The summit has attracted participation from across the globe and Loncke says she is excited to be leading the

A celebration fit for ...

The President of a bountiful and diverse nation, who was sworn in after the conclusion of the country’s longest general and regional elections, and during a time when the world is fighting an invisible enemy called COVID-19.

While the view remained the same, there were added attractions, but like any honourable event, it started with the National Anthem, which was played by the Guyana Police Force Military Band, and was followed by prayers from different faiths, a subtle indication of Guyana’s pluralistic society.

What better to follow than one of the country’s most patriotic songs, “Oh beautiful Guyana”, which was performed by the Guyana Police Force Military Band.

A true depiction of the country’s beauty were the cultural dances by the X Factor Dance Company; the Swami Vivikenanda Cultural Centre and an Indigenous cultural dance group. The dancers later converged to do a “unity dance”, as a show of what Guyana should be.

HISTORY AND HOPE Another message was directed to Guyanese, through a poem titled “Our History, Our Hope”, which was written by Kyhreem Bacchus of Annandale Secondary School and recited by Nikhil Sankar, a student of Queen’s College.

The words contained in the poem were even acknowledged with a nod of the head by the President himself, especially at times when Sankar said, “One People, One Nation and One Destiny”,

Guyana’s precious motto.

It was no coincidence that the message of the day was unity, diversity and togetherness, as every aspect of the programme covered these key elements of any

could thrive.

The crowd grew silent as they listened to the patriotic rendition, and it was almost as if they were doing some introspection or visualising the Guyana which Ms. Jaxx

Minister Mia Mottley, also appreciated Jaxx’s vocals.

Other guests who enjoyed the celebration included members of the diplomatic corps; Cabinet members; members of various political

relatively new energy support services company at a time when Guyana is establishing itself as a major player in the industry.

“We believe that Guyana is entering a new and exciting era, and we are more than glad to be part of this journey where the possibilities are endless, and which in the end will uplift both the Guyanese spirit and empower its people,” she said philosophically.

Loncke further added that she understands the importance of support services to the energy sector and as such, the company is uniquely positioned with the experience and the expertise to provide a range of services to address

FROM PAGE

kings in the country’s best interest, he will never lose “the common touch”.

“My first and last responsibility will be to the people of Guyana; all of them…

From this day forward, our

Former President Donald Ramotar and Mrs. Ramotar were among some of the distinguished guests at the inauguration ceremony (Delano Williams photo)

progressive nation.

To crown it all, Guyana’s very own songstress, Jackie Jaxx, took to the stage to render a song which has been on the airwaves for quite some time, her very own “Guyana” song. In that song, she melodiously asked Guyanese to “rise up” and build a country in which everyone

was singing about.

While her voice and message would have been a bit more sentimental to the Guyanese in the crowd, there was no doubt that distinguished guests such as the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and Mr. Edmund Hinkson, who represented Barbados’ Prime

parties, including Mr. Carl Greenidge, a senior member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and other persons from all walks of life.

It was indeed a celebration fit for a king, but the President, in his remarks, reminded attendees that while he will have to walk with

People Solutions, Corporate Solutions and Facilities Management Solutions.

“We are not just facilitating companies in the oil-andgas sector, but we are effectively facilitating change; and we are facilitating transformation,” she said.

In addition to the consultation services that the company will be offering for the oil-and-gas sector, MBW currently helps companies already operating in, or seeking to come to Guyana, in recruitment, relocation and training services in addition to facilities management solutions such as HVAC Services, as well as electrical, plumbing, and janitorial services.

one nation and our people must join together to peacefully transition our country to a pathway of economic and social development at home, and respect and regard abroad,” President Ali said.

THE ROAD AHEAD The road ahead is not

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expected to be smooth, but some of the very guests at the ceremony promised to do their part to make it as smooth as possible.

As reported by the Department of Public Information (DPI), UNICEF Deputy Representative to Guyana, Mr. Irfan Akhtar commended Dr. Ali on his vision to take the country forward, saying, “From the UN’s side, we believe we need to collaborate and support the implementation of his vision.”

While speaking to reporters, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch also strove to reassure the people of Guyana that the US will continue to support the government’s vision for the country, and lend both tangible and intangible support wherever possible.

Dr. Ali officially became the 9th President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana last Sunday, ushering in a new era with a promise of bold action to lift the country out of its present economic morass, and help unite its citizens, who, though badly bruised from a divisive elections campaign are already beginning to show signs of recovery.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, August 9, 2020

Region Two Chairman concerned over security for gov’t properties - decries non-supervision of drainage pumps

Region Two chairman Devanand Ramdatt meets with Captain Hope and Commander Crystal Robinson

REGION Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt is concerned over the supervision of government properties especially at the various multi-million-dol-

lar drainage pump stations along the Essequibo Coast. On Friday he met with key stakeholders in the security sector within the region to advise them on the way forward.

During his meeting with Regional Police Commander Crystal Robinson and Officer In-Charge of the Anna Regina Army Base, Captain Othneil Hope, he mentioned that many of the pump sta-

tions along the coast are unsupervised and therefore questioned the commander as to how often are police patrols done. In response to his question, commander Robinson said that frequent police patrols are usually conducted in areas that were relayed to her office.

According to Ramdatt, his concerns are centred on the security of government properties, buildings, equipment, and vehicles. He therefore requested that the police make spot checks on governmental officers’ residences and assets in a more structured way. He has also called on the commander

The Region Two chairman addressing security officers on tightening security in the region

to monitor the patrols to ensure that they are carried out.

“I have been getting reports that there was no police supervision at the Lima pump stations; we have millions of dollars there,” Mr. Ramdatt said.

SECURITY OF BORDERS Speaking to Captain Othniel Hope, he called on him to monitor the influx of persons coming from the Moruca district and other riverain areas to control the spread of coronavirus. In response, Captain Hope said that

he will have to write the Region One Chairman advising him that the only persons permitted to travel from the Region One area will be the sick. Once the person is travelling through the Pomeroon River, then they must have a referral letter. He also stated that in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines, only one person would be able to use the boat to transfer the sick. He therefore promised the regional chairman to work in close collaboration to tighten security, especially around the borders.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

David Granger’s ‘Forbes Burnham and the Liberation of Southern Africa’ DAVID GRANGER’s Forbes Burnham and the Liberation of Southern Africa examines one of the more enlightened foreign policy initiatives of Forbes Burnham’s administration between 1970 and 1985. This book provides unassailable evidence of Guyana’s support for the liberation wars in Southern Africa.

Support for the liberation wars and the condemnation of apartheid and white-minority rule in South Africa were among the guiding principles of Forbes Burnham’s foreign policy from which he never deviated. Other precepts were support for the Non-Aligned Movement, Caribbean regional integration, African-Caribbean-Pacific collaboration, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the primacy of international law in relations between states.

Granger points out that Burnham’s Southern African policy was part of his wider opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism, and predated the radicalization of Guyana’s foreign policy. Granger recalls Burnham’s condemnation of the barbarous killings perpetrated by the colonial powers in Nyasaland (now Malawi) in 1959 and his denunciation of the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960.

Granger did not set out to disabuse assertions of the link between Burnham’s international relations and the radicalization of national politics. He does provide, however, indisputable evidence of Burnham’s opposition to the white-minority rule in the South African government when Burnham said: The whole South African Government’s policy is to be deprecated and the shootings at Sharpeville and Pondoland were just the culmination of the most disgusting policy.

Not only are the native Africans – the original inhabitants of the country – robbed of their political rights but they are also destitute of human rights. They are not allowed to organise trade unions in the same way as the whites are; it is an offence for them to strike, and the trade union leaders, from time to time, are prosecuted.

This book – Forbes Burnham and the liberation of Southern Africa – provides proof of the various forms of support which Guyana provided to the liberation movements in Southern Africa. These included diplomatic, financial, political and sporting sanctions.

Burnham’s support was remarkable considering Guyana’s economic difficulties at the time and the likely pressure such support was likely to evoke within the imperialist camp.

United States Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, on Christmas Eve day in 1975, asked his Ambassador to Guyana to request Burnham to deny the use of his country’s refueling facilities for planes transporting Cuban troops and supplies to support the Movemento Popular de Libertaçao de Angola (MPLA) in Angola. Another directive was issued, one week later, urging the US Embassy in Guyana to do all that was possible to urge the Government of Guyana to deny permission for the use of the Timehri International Airport for refueling the planes transporting Cuban troops to Angola. Burnham never

Republic of South Africa to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in November 2016, the Guyanese President recounted the practical steps which Guyana took in helping to dismantle apartheid, liberate southern Africa and ensure majority rule in the Republic of South Africa. He recalled that: Guyana employed every available international forum – including the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations – to agitate for an end to apartheid in South Africa. Guyana sponsored and co-sponsored resolutions, at the United Nations, which condemned this racist system and which called attention to acts of brutality committed against opponents of this system. We welcomed Oliver Reginald Tambo to Georgetown in July 1987. We celebrated Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. We exulted in the introduction of majority rule in the Republic of South Africa.

These events and achievements vindicated the solidarity between our peoples. acceded to the US demands.

The Forbes Burnham administration understood the risks involved in pursuing such a courageous policy and especially through the specific measures and political postures which were adopted. Those measures included granting Guyanese passports to African freedom fighters, imposing a ban on persons with sporting ties to South Africa, allowing refueling stops and advocating African liberation within the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.

Guyana’s support for the African liberation struggles was consistent and has been so acknowledged. Addressing a ceremony to mark Guyana’s 51st Independence anniversary in May 2017, the Public Works Minister, Nathi Nhleko said: “Guyana ardently and unapologetically became an activist state against the continuation of imperialism, colonialism and racism in Africa, and stood firm for the liberation of the oppressed peoples the world over.”

The book – Forbes Burnham and the Liberation of Southern Africa – is structured logically in three sections. The ‘Introduction’ establishes the historical record of support for African liberation; the second section, titled ‘The Struggle against Colonialism’, examines Burnham’s policy of support for ending colonial rule in Africa, and the third section, entitled ‘The Struggle for the Liberation of South Africa,’ addresses Guyana’s anti-apartheid policy, including the actions it took in pursuit of this policy.

The book demonstrates how a small state can punch above its weight in international relations. Guyana stood out as beacon of support for African liberation. Forbes Burnham was an indefatigable champion of that cause.

David Granger published this book two years before he assumed the Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. As President, he made it his duty to ensure that Forbes Burnham’s and Guyana’s contribution to the liberation struggles in Southern Africa were never forgotten. In his address at the accreditation of the High Commissioner of the

Scholars and students will find this book an invaluable source of information of a key pillar of Guyana’s foreign policy. David Granger is a scrupulous researcher. He has acknowledged earlier research by Vincent Alexander, Ronald Austin, Rashleigh Jackson and others and tapped into sources including policy speeches, newspapers, and unpublished manuscripts, government publications, newspaper columns and books.

The book’s greatest value is to be found, however, in its contribution to understanding the craft of policy-making. It reveals how Guyana constructed a policy predicated on ideology and principle and explains the manner in which it gave effect to that policy, including the forging of strong personal relations.

This book – Forbes Burnham and the Liberation of Southern Africa – is a permanent testimonial to Burnham’s admirable and bold policy towards Southern Africa.

It is a policy which cannot ever be disabused or diminished.

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Several Corentyne communities flooded

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

… major losses suffered by residents, poultry farmers

A NUMBER of villages between Number 53 and Number 60 in East Berbice-Corentyne have been inundated by heavy rainfall on Saturday morning.

In some communities water was waist high and res-

idents said they blame poor drainage and an inoperative sluice in the communities for the flooding.

The main drainage canal for the villages is the #52 canal which has a two-door sluice. According to res-

idents, the sluice was not opened during the last low tide and the canal was filled to capacity; with the heavy downpour that lasted for about two hours in the wee hours of Saturday morning, all the internal drains were A yard at Number 55 Village under water filled and overtopped, causing the water to flow into the yards and lower flats of houses.

Many residents were unaware that their homes were flooded until daybreak, which resulted in damage to their properties, appliances, groceries, furniture and livestock.

According to Rasheed Latif, 59, he has a plot of land aback Number 57 Village where he rears thousands of chickens; he said around 05:00 hrs. on Saturday he arrived at the farm

chickens at eight weeks old that were to be sold later in the day, plus an additional 200 that were six weeks old.

Latif said they had suffered a similar fate in 2011 when they lost millions also.

After the loss then they filled the land and moved the pens to a higher lot. He noted that they complained several times to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) about the dumping of garbage on the lands opposite them which caused the drains to be blocked; their complaints however fell on deaf

Rasheed Latif and his wife Bibi Shaheeda Latif stand in their flooded chicken pens and was met with the most horrific sight.

“When I reach I could not tell the dam from the trench and the water was knee-deep into the yard. I watched as thousands of chickens, baby chicks and big ones float up dead in the pens. All three pens were flooded with water; all I could do was call my wife and cried to see our labour and investment go down the drain.”

He added as help arrived he managed to save only a few hundred chickens out of the 5000 plus he had that were between three to six weeks old.

The loss was estimated at $4M, including some 1500 baby chicks that were only put in a few days ago; 2100

ears, Now that the damage has been done, he is seeking assistance to help continue his business and wonders if the NDC would now pay attention to his complaints.

A resident of Number 55 Village, Chanradai Sukhra, 60, related that he suffered major losses, especially to his kitchen and grocery items.

“All the grocery in the kitchen get wet; I had nothing to cook,them chairs and rug and everything damage, me just had to throw it away.”

He said his family and grandchildren had to stay in the upper flat throughout the day as they could not come down in the filthy water.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Protracted electoral process to be reviewed –– persons who sought to pervert, corrupt system will be held accountable

NEWLY elected President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has committed to initiating a review of the events related to the protracted electoral process, which concluded just last Sunday, with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) declaring the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

corrupt the system.”

Earlier in the electoral process, Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson Jnr. had filed criminal proceedings against Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo and APNU+AFC’s Volda Lawrence for the alleged forging of documents so as to defraud the nation.

President Irfaan Ali makes a point while delivering his speech at the inauguration ceremony (Delano Williams photo) (PPP/C) the winner of the elections.

Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

“All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate,” said President Ali while delivering his speech at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, on Saturday.

The President said everyone has an obligation to the nation and to themselves, to ensure that there isn’t a repeat of the “unlawful behaviour,” and adversities experienced during the process.

To this end, President Ali said: “Therefore, a review of events - related to the electoral process over the last five months - will begin shortly in order to determine, forensically, exactly what transpired, and to hold accountable any persons who sought to pervert and

It was reported that the particulars of the offence state that Mingo, having been procured by Lawrence on or about March 5 at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the results for Region Four, knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana.

And, in more recent times, Lowenfield appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to three private criminal charges brought against him for alleged fraud and misconduct. He was granted $450,000 bail.

Lowenfield appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plead to the indictable charges. There were two offences of conspiracy to commit a felony and one charge of misconduct in public office.

He was granted $150,000 bail on each charge. The CEO is expected to make his next court appearance on August 14.

In addition to those legal challenges,

the APNU+AFC coalition has threatened to file an Election Petition, as part of an attempt to be vindicated about claims that there were irregularities and anomalies in the electoral process.

Despite the threats, President Ali made it clear that he will move forward and pursue the necessary reforms to make Guyana’s democracy stronger and its electoral process more transparent.

“To do so will require certain con-

stitutional reforms which will be formulated in consultation with the people.

We will conduct a national conversation in which all ideas will contend, and all voices will be heard,” said the president.

He also committed to enhancing parliamentary democracy, supporting an independent and efficient judiciary and ensuring that the rule of law and the constitutional rights of every Guyanese are respected by all.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

23

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Woakes, Buttler propel England...

From back page

a superb catch. Initially given not out, Stokes (9) was aghast when a review showed the ball had brushed his glove.

Pope (7) had no chance when a ferocious full-length Afridi delivery reared up and caught his glove before looping up to Shadab Khan at gully.

There seemed no way back for England but Buttler and Woakes began playing with freedom, putting on 50 in 49 balls to put some doubts into Pakistan heads.

By the time they were parted, the victory that had looked so unlikely was all but assured.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 326 ENGLAND 1st innings Rory Burns lbw Shaheen Afridi 4 Dominic Sibley lbw Mohammad Abbas 8 Joe Root c Mohammad Rizwan b Yasir Shah 14 Ben Stokes b Mohammad Abbas 0 Ollie Pope c Shadab Khan b Naseem Shah 62 Jos Buttler b Yasir Shah 38 Chris Woakes b Yasir Shah 19 Dom Bess c Asad Shafiq b Yasir Shah 1 Jofra Archer c Mohammad Rizwan b Shadab Khan 16 Stuart Broad not out 29 James Anderson lbw Shadab Khan 7 Extras: (b-8, lb-4, nb-8, w-1) 21 Total: (all out, 70.3 overs) 219 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-12, 3-12, 4-62, 5-127, 6-159, 7-161, 8-170, 9-197.

Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 18-4-51-1 (w-1, nb-4), Mohammad Abbas 15-6-33-2 (nb-3), Naseem Shah 16-4-44-1, Yasir Shah 18-2-66-4 (nb-1, Shadab Khan 3.3-0-13-2.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings Shan Masood c Jos Buttler b Stuart Broad 0 Abid Ali c Chris Woakes b Dom Bess 20 Azhar Ali lbw Chris Woakes 18 Babar Azam c Ben Stokes b Chris Woakes 5 Asad Shafiq run-out Dominic Sibley 29 Mohammad Rizwan lbw Ben Stokes 27 Shadab Khan lbw Stuart Broad 15 Yasir Shah c Jos Buttler b Stuart Broad 33 Shaheen Afridi c Rory Burns b Ben Stokes 2 Mohammad Abbas not out 3 Naseem Shah b Jofra Archer 4 Extras: (b-4, lb-5, nb-4) 13 Total: (all out, 46.4 overs) 169 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-33, 3-48, 4-63, 5-101, 6-120, 7-122, 8-137, 9-158.

Bowling: James Anderson 9-2-34- 0 (nb-1), Stuart Broad 10-3-37-3 (nb-1), Jofra Archer 6.4-0-27-1 (nb-1), Dom Bess 12-2-40-1, Chris Woakes 5-1-11-2, Ben Stokes 4-1-11-2 (nb-1).

ENGLAND 2nd innings Rory Burns lbw Mohammad Abbas 10 Dominic Sibley c Asad Shafiq b Yasir Shah 36 Joe Root c Babar Azam b Naseem Shah 42 Ben Stokes c Mohammad Rizwan b Yasir Shah 9 Ollie Pope c Shadab Khan b Shaheen Afridi 7 Jos Buttler lbw Yasir Shah 75 Chris Woakes not out 84 Stuart Broad lbw Yasir Shah zz 7 Dom Bess not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, nb-5) 7 Total: (7 wkts, 82.1 overs) 277 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-86, 3-96, 4-106, 5-117, 6-256, 7-273.

Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 15.1-1-61-1 (nb-4), Mohammad Abbas 16-4-36-1 (nb-1), Naseem Shah 13-4-45-1, Yasir Shah 30-2-99-4 Shadab Khan 8-034-0.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

‘Unfinished business’ fires Smith’s Ashes ambition STEVE Smith admits he left last year’s Ashes campaign in England, which he dominated like no other post-war batter, feeling “disappointed” because his team failed to win the series despite retaining the prized urn.

And it’s the unfulfilled ambition of claiming victory on the arch-rival’s home patch – which no Australia men’s outfit has achieved since Steve Waugh’s group in 2001 – which has Smith already eyeing the return bout, currently scheduled for 2023.

The 31-year-old has nominated a triumphant Ashes tour to England and a Test series win in India (where Australia are scheduled to tour in October 2022 under the current ICC calendar) as the “mountains” he hopes to scale before retirement.

He came close to realising the former last year when his double-century in the fourth Test at Old Trafford enabled Australia to retain the trophy, only to lose the final match at The Oval a week later where the series ended deadlocked 2-2.

Smith was awarded the Compton-Miller Medal as player-of-the-series after scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57 from four Tests played - an Ashes series aggregate in the UK surpassed only by Don Bradman (974 at 139.14 from five Tests in 1930) and Mark Taylor (839 at 83.9 from six in 1989).

However, having received the Medal and joined his teammates to lift a replica of the tiny terracotta urn at The Oval last September, Smith concedes he left the London venue that evening with conflicting emotions.

“To know that we’d got the Ashes back was pretty special,” he told The Unplayable Podcast’s Ashes Revisited special this week.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t win them which is something I’d still like to do.

“It just doesn’t feel the same … you get to the end of the series and we’re there holding up the Ashes but we’d just lost the last Test match, and we actually hadn’t won anything.

“It was cool to get them back, but I was actually more disappointed that we hadn’t won them.”

Smith was a member of previous Australia Ashes touring parties that lost 0-3 in 2013, and then 2-3 two years later and he acknowledges that last year’s campaign proved the most successful Australia have mounted on British soil in almost two decades.

But he also holds a clear view on whether the 2019 sojourn can be deemed a successful mission given Tim Paine’s team returned home in notional possession of the Ashes for the first time in five trips, or if it continues to burn within as ‘unfinished business’.

“It depends who you ask,” he said.

“From my personal perspective, I think it’s unfinished business.

“It’s great to retain the Ashes but it just doesn’t sit right with me when you don’t win it.

“We drew the series – good, but not great.

“So I probably left at the end of the fifth Test (feeling) more disappointed than a sense of achievement.”

The final scoreline might have been

different if Smith – who scored centuries in each innings of the opening Test at Edgbaston that Australia won by 251 runs – had not been felled by a blow to the neck from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the second Test at Lord’s.

The incident saw Smith retire hurt on 80 before he returned later in Australia’s first innings to add 12 runs to his score.

He was then diagnosed with delayed concussion and ruled out for the remainder of the match, and was also forced to sit out the third Test at Headingley which England won by one wicket thanks to a remarkable unbeaten 135 from all-rounder Ben Stokes, who added 76 for the final wicket with Jack Leach (one not out).

Smith revealed he had watched replays of the Lord’s incident several times since the series concluded last year, and added he was finding it difficult to see the ball against the busy backdrop of the historic Lord’s pavilion and in failing light during that rain-affected match.

“I’ve seen it a few times. It’s not hard to watch,” he said of the Archer blow.

“I remember it pretty vividly.

“It was a pretty difficult period of time batting, it was starting to get a bit dark from memory and I was actually struggling to pick the ball up a bit from that end.

“It’s probably one of the most unique places in the world to bat, there’s a bit going on behind the (bowler’s) arm with all the members sitting there and the windows of the pavilion.

“There are a few distractions there, so

it was difficult but it was a good spell of bowling on that wicket, at that stage.

“I’ve looked back at the knock a few times, and I just count myself lucky at times to have been able to get up from it and to only have a concussion.”

When Smith returned to action, for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, he effectively decided the Ashes’ fate by scoring 211 in more than eight and a half hours at the crease in a match where the next-highest individual score was 82 The fact that contribution also came from Smith, in Australia’s second innings to set up their 185-run victory, underscored his dominance.

He listed his double-century among his all-time favourite Test knocks along with his twin tons at Edgbaston a few weeks earlier and his second innings century on a diabolical pitch at Pune that set up Australia’s rare away victory against India in 2017.

That was the first Test of Australia’s most recent visit to the subcontinent, and the tourists’ failure to win another match on that fractious tour means success in India sits alongside Ashes glory in the UK as Smith’s burning ambition.

“They’re the two big mountains to climb and if you can do that, it would be pretty special,” he said.

“Hopefully I get another crack at it; we’ll see how we go.

“I’m getting a bit old now. You never know how long I’ve got left, and you never know what the future holds.

“But it’s certainly something to strive for, that’s for sure.” (Cricket. com.au)

Nets, Magic fill out East playoff field TOBIAS Harris scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lift the hosts Philadelphia 76ers past Orlando Magic 108-101 Friday near Orlando, but Magic ended up the day’s big winners nonetheless.

Despite the loss, Orlando clinched the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot after Washington Wizards lost to New Orleans Pelicans later in the day.

Joel Embiid added 23 points and 13 rebounds while Alec Burks scored 22 points.

Al Horford had 21 points and nine rebounds and Shake Milton handed out a career-high eight assists for Sixers, who won their third in a row. Sixers played without All-Star Ben Simmons, who will remain sidelined indefinitely with a partially dislocated left kneecap.

Nikola Vucevic led Magic with 21 points and 12 rebounds while Evan Fournier added 22 points. D.J. Augustin scored 16 points, James Ennis III added 14 and Markelle Fultz had 13 for Magic, who fell to 32-38. Terrence Ross missed all 10 of his field-goal attempts and did not score a point.

Brooklyn Nets 119 - Sacramento Kings 106 Brooklyn improved to 3-2 since the restart and rebounded nicely from a 149115 loss to Boston Celtics on Wednesday

night to join Magic in clinching an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Caris LeVert made 9 of 21 shots and also handed out seven assists as Nets shot 48.8 percent, made 17 3-pointers and handed out 30 assists. Joe Harris added 21 points and centre Jarrett Allen nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high eight assists.

Kings fell to 1-4 since the restart after going 10-5 in their final 15 games before the pause on March 11. Sacramento dropped to 13th in the Western Conference, 3 1/2 games behind eighth-place Memphis. Bogdan Bogdanovic led Sacramento with 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting.

Boston Celtics 122 - Toronto Raptors 100 Jaylen Brown scored 20 points and Jayson Tatum added 18 as Boston rolled to a victory over Toronto. Raptors had won seven consecutive games, including their first three contests, since the resumption of play.

Kemba Walker scored 17 points in a contest in which Boston never trailed and led by as many as 40. Brad Wanamaker added 15 points, Daniel Theis contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds, Semi Ojeleye tallied 11 points and Robert Williams III scored 10 for the Celtics.

Fred VanVleet scored 13 points to lead Toronto. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Kyle Lowry, Norman Powell and Pascal Siakam added 11 points apiece and Terence Davis had 10.

San Antonio Spurs 119 - Utah Jazz 111 Derrick White poured in 24 points and Jakob Poeltl added 19 points and 10 rebounds as San Antonio overwhelmed short-handed Utah at the HP Field House near Orlando in a key NBA seeding game.

Jazz played without four starters - Mike Conley (right knee soreness), Rudy Gobert (rest), Donovan Mitchell (left peroneal strain) and Royce O’Neale (right calf soreness).

Lonnie Walker IV and Rudy Gay added 14 points for Spurs. DeMar DeRozan hit for 13 and Dejounte Murray scored 11 for San Antonio. Jordan Clarkson scored 24 points off the bench for Jazz, with Tony Bradley adding 15 points and 11 rebounds, Miye Oni and Emmanuel Mudiay contributing 14 points each and Joe Ingles pumping in 12.

Memphis Grizzlies 121 - Oklahoma City Thunder 92 Dillon Brooks scored 22 points to lead Memphis to a win over Oklahoma City.

The Grizzlies win snapped a five-game

losing streak that dated back to before the season was put on hold by the pandemic.

It also kept Memphis in the eighth spot in the Western Conference, a game ahead of Portland with three games remaining.

Memphis shot 55.4 percent from the field, including 8 of 11 shooting for Jonas Valanciunas, who added 19 points. Ja Morant also scored 19. Chris Paul led Thunder with 17 points. Oklahoma City shot just 35.1 percent from the field, their worst shooting performance of the season.

New Orleans Pelicans 118 - Washington Wizards 107 Jrue Holiday scored 28 points as New Orleans overcame the absence of Zion Williamson to keep Washington winless in five games since the restart.

Williamson, who has been on a minutes restriction (conditioning), was held out as Pelicans were playing their second game in as many days. Brandon Ingram added 17 points, JJ Redick started in Williamson’s place and scored 15, Frank Jackson scored 13 and Derrick Favors had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Rui Hachimura led Washington with 23 points, Thomas Bryant scored 22, Troy Brown Jr had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Ish Smith had 18 points and 10 assists.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Vivo’s IPL 2020 New Zealand, Australia exit is not a accept World Cup decisions ‘financial crisis’

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - New Zealand said yesterday it could have probably hosted the women’s Cricket World Cup next year but supported the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to postpone the event for a year.

Cricket Australia (CA) have also downplayed any suggestions they were annoyed at having the hosting rights of this year’s postponed men’s Twenty20 World Cup pushed back to 2022, allowing the powerful Indian board to retain the 2021 tournament.

The ICC decided on Friday to shift the women’s 50-over tournament to February 2022 because of uncertainty around COVID-19 and to shift the men’s Twenty20 tournament that was

due to be held this October to late 2022.

“This is obviously a disappointing decision for cricket players and fans around the world,” New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement yesterday about the postponed women’s tournament.

“The organising committee in New Zealand has been working with the government to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament could be played.

“We could have done it in 2021, but now we will look to 2022. As a government we have reiterated our commitment to supporting the tournament.”

The ICC last month postponed the men’s Twenty20 tournament but had not decided on a new date.

The Indian cricket board, accord-

ing to media reports, was reluctant to sacrifice the 2021 slot for Australia and host back-to-back World Cups in 2022 and 2023.

CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley, however, said his organisation had been ready to host the tournament in either 2021 or 2022, while there was no problem with India holding onto their tournament next year.

“No, not at all annoyed,” Hockley told reporters on a conference call yesterday. “We are very respectful.

“Postponing it to 2022 in Australia gives us a better chance of putting on the event we all originally planned for and were hoping for. We hope by 2022 that the world is back and we have got some normalcy.”

England’s white-ball tour to India postponed over virus MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - England’s upcoming whiteball tour to India has been postponed due to disruption caused by coronavirus, cricket chiefs announced Friday.

A programme of three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 games, originally due to start in late September, would have been ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia, later in the year.

But that tournament has now been put on hold and India is struggling to contain the outbreak of COVID-19.

Officials from England and India are in talks over dates for an all-formats England tour to India from late January to late March and India’s

Test tour to England due later in 2021.

England, who are the reigning world champions in the 50-over format, are currently scheduled to play five Tests in India from January to March next year.

“International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and we look forward to working with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to firm up the schedules for these eagerly anticipated tours as soon as possible,” said ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) chief executive Tom Harrison.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: “I am pleased with the way BCCI and ECB have managed the situation. The

rescheduled tour is also being redesigned in a way to accommodate both red and white-ball formats.”

If health conditions do not improve, the fixtures could be staged in the United Arab Emirates, which will stage the lucrative Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) from September.

The only major international cricket being staged anywhere in the world at present is in England, who are hosting Pakistan in a three-Test series.

It follows a Test series against West Indies and a one-day series against Ireland.

All of the matches are taking place behind closed doors, with strict anti-virus protocols in place.

‘They have to look in the mirror’

.... Windies legend Roberts insists better infrastructure won’t help WI batsmen

LEGENDARY West Indian fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts has pointed to a poor work ethic on the part of the region’s batsmen as a major factor in the team’s inability to take a step up to the next level.

Following the promising start but a disastrous end to the tour of England, a lot of discussions surrounding how to improve the team’s performance focussed on increased technological infrastructure around the region.

The typically fiery former pace bowler was, however, quick to point out that such investment is unlikely to make a difference if the attitude and work ethics of the batsmen do not improve.

“Infrastructure will not make you a better player. You have to make yourself a better player and I don’t think the commitment is there from a lot of West Indies players,” Roberts told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“It’s not just the Test players but a lot of people

who play cricket in the West Indies. I don’t think they commit themselves enough. If you did, you would not be averaging 30 in first-class cricket and that is what we are getting.”

In the recently concluded series, it was Jermaine Blackwood that averaged the most for the team with 35.17 but he was the only one to get to 30. Overall, for the series, the team averaged closer to 20. In fact, the team’s highest batting average in a Test series consisting of at least two matches since 2017 is 34.66 and that was against Zimbabwe in 2017.

“You can’t beat any quality team with that type of average. So, our guys first have to stand up in front of the mirror and think: what am I doing to improve myself? Because, until our players improve their batting we are not going to score runs against a strong team.” (Sportsmax)

- Sourav Ganguly THE exit of the Vivo as IPL’s title sponsor for the 2020 season is a “blip” according to BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, and not a “financial crisis”.

The title sponsorship is a significant part of the IPL’s commercial revenue, part of which is shared by the eight franchises. In 2015, Vivo replaced Pepsico, who pulled out as IPL’s title sponsors two years before the contract ended.

In 2017 Vivo formally bagged the IPL title sponsorship until the end of the 2022 season, paying nearly US$241 million.

While BCCI is yet to announce how it would find a replacement for Vivo for the 2020 IPL which begins on September 19, Ganguly said the board was well prepared to handle the situation.

“I wouldn’t call it as a financial crisis,” Ganguly BCCI president said yesterday while speaking Sourav Ganguly during a webinar organised by Learnflix, an education app in India. “It’s just a little bit of a blip and the only way you can do it is by being professionally strong over a period of time.

“Big things don’t come overnight. And big things don’t go away overnight. Your preparation for a long period of time gets (you) ready for losses, gets you ready for successes.”

“You keep your other options open. It is like Plan A and Plan B. Sensible people do it. Sensible brands do it. Sensible corporates do it. BCCI, it’s a very a strong foundation - the game, the players, the administrators in the past have made this game so strong that BCCI is able to handle all these blips.”

Ganguly also touched briefly on ICC’s decision on Friday to retain India as hosts for the 2021 men’s T20 World Cup. “India was designated (to host) the 2021 and 2023 World Cups so there is not a big change in that. Yes, the COVID-19 situation had kept everybody alarmed, but that’s the way it is.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday August 09, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Barbados Tridents (2) Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many games are slated to be played in CPL 2020?

(2) When and where is the final game of CPL 2020 scheduled to be played?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

Lewandowski dazzles as Bayern crush Chelsea to move into last eight MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - Robert Lewandowski struck twice and set up two more goals as Bayern Munich cruised past Chelsea 4-1 on Saturday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals with a 7-1 aggregate victory and remain on course for a treble of titles.

The Bavarians will be on an 18-game winning streak across all competitions as they head into next week’s Final Eight tournament in Lisbon, where they will face Barcelona.

“We’re already excited. Barca are a quality side but we want to compete with them,” Bayern defender David Alaba said.

“We will go to Portugal with confidence and, after the last few months, we have nothing to hide from.”

Bayern, who won the domestic league and Cup double and have won all eight of their Champions League games, quickly killed off the tie with

Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg - Bayern Munich v Chelsea - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - August 8, 2020 Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their fourth goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) REUTERS/Michael Dalder.

Still too early to talk about moving Boxing Day Test - CA MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) Cricket Australia (CA) interim chief executive Nick Hockley has said it was still too early to determine whether they would shift the Boxing Day Test match against India from Melbourne as the state of Victoria battled novel corona-

CA chief executive Nick Hockley virus resurgence.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has hosted a Test match from December 26-December 30 in all but one year since 1980 and the game has become a staple on the Australian sporting calendar.

The Sydney Morning Herald, however, reported yesterday that the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust were considering mounting a bid to host back-to-back Tests

over the Christmas-New Year period if the COVID-19 situation in Melbourne did not stabilise.

“In terms of Boxing Day, it’s one of the most iconic events in the Australian sporting calendar, and we are working full steam ahead,” Hockley told reporters on a conference call yesterday.

“As long as circumstances allow, we will be doing everything we can to play the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. At the moment, we are planning to have things go ahead.”

Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state, is at the centre of a second wave of infections in the country, accounting for more than two-thirds of the national tally of nearly 21 000 cases.

The southeastern state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has recorded 181 deaths, almost 70% of the Australia’s fatalities from the pandemic.

Hockley said the new wave of infections only showed that CA had to be “agile and flexible” with their plans for not just the four-Test, three-one-day-match tour by India but the entire domestic and international schedule.

“As we have seen with the winter codes, we need to be agile and flexible all the way through,” Hockley said.

“As, when and if things change, we are doing everything we can to make sure we have all the backup arrangements and can get cricket played.”

a ninth minute Lewandowski penalty, after having won 3-0 in London in the first leg in February.

Polish striker Lewandowski, with 53 goals in 44 matches in all competitions this season, turned provider to set up Ivan Perisic in the 24th minute as the hosts showed no lack of fitness despite a five-week gap since their last competitive game.

Chelsea, who conceded seven goals in a two-legged European tie for the first time, did not lack match practice having played in the FA Cup final last week.

But half a dozen players were missing through injury, including Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pedro, or suspension.

“We had individual errors that gave them goals and at this level that will finish you off,” Chelsea coach Frank Lampard said. “It is a good exercise for us to go up against Bayern and their Champions

League experience, with a lot of our players having debut seasons.

“I can see where I want us to go and I know we’ll be back.”

Chelsea did get onto the scoresheet with Tammy Abraham’s tap-in from a Manuel Neuer pass a minute before the break but it was Bayern who were in control in the second half.

Bayern substitute Corentin Tolisso restored their two-goal lead in the 76th minute with a well-timed volley from a Lewandowski cross.

The forward then bagged his second eight minutes later with a towering header to make it 13 goals in the Champions League this season, confirming Bayern’s status as one of the favourites for the title.

The three-month stoppage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means that the remainder of the Champions League will be played at neutral venues in onelegged showdowns.

No CPL for Patriots’ Fabian Allen after ‘mix-up’ with flight PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – A missed flight has cost West Indies all-rounder Fabian Allen his place in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) starting here this month, and dealt a severe blow to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ chances in the competition.

Reports said the 25-year-old, who has played 13 Twenty20 International and 14

Patriots all-rounder Fabian Allen One-Day Internationals, failed to make the flight from his native Jamaica to Barbados where players and officials gathered on Monday for their charter flight to Trinidad.

Once Allen missed the flight, there was no other way he could reach Trinidad since the country is closed to regular commercial air traffic.

Allen is one of four players who will now miss the Patriots campaign after fellow Jamaican Dennis Bulli, South African Rassie van der Dussen and the United States’ Sunny Sohal were all forced out for varying reasons.

Bulli, a left-arm spinner, tested positive

for COVID-19 before leaving Jamaica while batsman van der Dussen struggled to obtain a travel visa.

In the absence of the quartet, Patriots have been only able to draft in three players as replacements with Trinidad and Tobago leg-spinning all-rounder Imran Khan, Leeward Islands wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton and New Zealander Nick Kelly all called up.

Patriots also had their coaching staff ruled out for the tournament after Australian head coach Simon Helmot tested positive and his assistant Malolan Rangarajan became unavailable because of his IPL commitments to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

All players, officials and administrators were tested before leaving their respective jurisdictions and again on arrival in Trinidad and CPL’s tournament operations director, Michael Hall, said the protocols established by organisers had been a success.

“These withdrawals are a sign of the testing protocols that CPL put in place are working as they should, and while it is disappointing for the players and coaches involved it is vital that CPL does nothing to compromise the safety of all those involved in the tournament and the public of Trinidad,” Hall explained.

“There have been other changes to the squads and support staff as a result of other logistical challenges with the difficulty of travelling at the current time.”

Patriots will boast the likes of Australian Chris Lynn and Ben Dunk, along with West Indies fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Alzarri Joseph for the tournament which bowls off August 18 and concludes September 10.

The franchise has never won the CPL, finishing fourth last year after bowing out at the playoff stage.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 9, 2020

FIBA approves the implementation of the 3x3 AmeriCup THE Americas Board was informed about the decisions of the FIBA Executive Committee regarding the FIBA Calendar for World and Senior Continental Competitions in case the November window of the AmeriCup Qualifiers will not be possible to be played.

FIBA said will continue the preparations and will exhaust all reasonable op-

Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis presented the concept and plans for the implementation of a Zone cup – the 3x3 AmeriCup, as well as Zone/SubZone qualifiers to the 3x3 AmeriCup that will be organised in 2021. The plan and structure for this project was also approved by the Americas Zone Board.

“With our competition schedules for 2020 and 2021

Guyana’s Patrick Haynes (right), along with Chairman of FIBA 3x3 Commission, Former NBA great Andrei Kirilenko from Russia (centre), and Deputy Chairman Uganda’s Ambrose Tashobya. portunity (including special safety measures) to play the games in November. In case this is impossible due to the pandemic, the games in November would be postponed to February 2021, and the games in February 2021 would be played in a window during July 5-13 2021 (games on July 8-9 and 11-12), after the Olympic Qualification Tournament.

The dates of AmeriCup Women 2021 and AmeriCup 2022 remain the same, as communicated in our previous correspondence and in the letters from the FIBA headquarters.

The Americas Board has ratified the 2021 Competition Calendar for Youth competitions, Senior zone & sub-zones competitions and Club competitions, as prepared by the Regional Office in the Americas.

In addition to the ratification of calendars, FIBA

and the plans to implement the 3x3 AmeriCup now formalised, approved and scheduled for September 2-5, 2021, the America’s Regional office will now focus on the operations and execution of these events, while maintaining the health and safety of all our players, teams, staff and stakeholders as a priority,” basketball’s global governing body said in a release.

Guyana’s Patrick Haynes, who serves as CONCENCABA’s Secretary, reasoned that FIBA’s 3x3 AmeriCup has been formalised and approved, “the Central America and Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CONCENCABA) sub-zone will execute two FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup qualifying events in 2021, FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup Qualifier - CBC (March 19-21) in the Caribbean and FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup Qualifier COCABA (April 23-25) in

Central America.”

The CONCENCABA Secretary, said that they

will also be “focussing on executing all Centrobasket Championships in 2021

including Centrobasket Women’s Championship (January 31 - February 8), Centrobasket U-15 Championship for Men and Women, (March 10-14), Centrobasket U-17 Quali-

fiers for Men and Women, (April 28 - May 2), Centrobasket U-17 Women Championship (July 1418) and the Centrobasket U-17 Men’s Championship (July 21-25).”

England’s Chris Woakes celebrates winning the match v Pakistan, at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain yesterday as play resumes behind closed doors, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

(REUTERS/Lee Smith/Pool)

First Test at Old Trafford…

Woakes, Buttler propel England to unlikely win over Pakistan

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - A magnificent partnership between Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler helped propel England to an unlikely three-wicket victory over Pakistan in a topsy-turvy first Test at Old Trafford yesterday.

Woakes joined Buttler at the crease with England having slumped to 117-5 in their pursuit of a daunting 277 on a bowler-friendly pitch. But they launched a superb counter-attack to turn the tide with a sixth-wicket stand worth 139 runs.

Buttler was eventually out lbw for 75 to leg-spinner Yasir Shah with England requiring another 21

for victory, briefly reviving Pakistan’s flagging hopes.

Stuart Broad was also dismissed lbw attempting to knock off the last four runs but fittingly Woakes edged a boundary to clinch victory, ending unbeaten on 84.

Pakistan earlier boosted their overnight 137-8 with 32 quick-fire runs to be bowled out for 169 - a frenetic flourish that looked to have put the visitors in control on a dry pitch offering bounce, pace and spin.

England had reached 86-1 in reply with skipper Joe Root looking in control, but quick wickets left them reeling in their attempt at the second-highest successful fourth-innings run chase seen at Old

Trafford.

When Ollie Pope gloved an unplayable brute of a Shaheen Afridi delivery to gully, England still needed 160 with five wickets left.

But Buttler, and more surprisingly Woakes, took the game by the scruff of the neck.

“It was a fantastic win, it looked a long way away on Friday,” Buttler said. “I think from the position we were in to get over the line was a fantastic effort.

“We wanted to be positive and put pressure back on Pakistan and try to replicate a one-day chase.”

The only sad thing was there were no fans at Old Trafford to witness another great advert for Test cricket.

AUDACIOUS SIX Pakistan blotted their copybook on Friday when, having earned a 107-run first-innings lead, they slumped to 137-8.

They were still in the driving seat though and more so after an extraordinary start yesterday when Yasir Shah added 21 runs to his overnight total, including one audacious six off Broad.

Broad eventually had him caught behind for 33 and Jofra Archer bowled 17-year-old Naseem Shah to restore order.

England openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley looked relatively secure as they negotiated the opening burst from Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi before Abbas dismissed Burns lbw to leave England on 55-1 for at lunch.

Sibley dug in after the break and, with Root looking increasingly comfortable, the pendulum swung England’s way.

But having made a patient 36, Sibley was tempted into a drive at Yasir Shah and edged to Asad Shafiq at slip.

Root (42) was undone by a well-directed delivery from teenage quick Shah that took the splice of the bat and flew to Babar Azam at first slip.

Pakistan were cock-a-hoop when the impressive Yasir pitched one in the rough outside off stump and the ball pitched up at England dangerman Stokes and flew to keeper Mohammad Rizwan who juggled See page 23

New governance report calls for restructuring, diversity in CWI board BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Not for the first time, a governance report has urged Cricket West Indies(CWI) to undertake “comprehensive reform”, and has recommended a restructuring of its board to achieve greater efficiency in managing the sport across the region.

The Independent Task Force for Corporate Governance, headed by Jamaican businessman and senator Don Wehby, this week submitted its final 36-page report to the regional governing body, which has called for a reduction in the size of the board and a greater diversity in gender and skillset in its composition.

Further, the report has also proposed a redefinition of the roles of the president and vice-president to make them more “non-executive” and has mooted a drastic reduction in internal committees in an aim to address the old bureaucratic structure.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt, whose administration commissioned the report after coming to office last year, said it was now in

CWI president Ricky Skerritt the hands of directors but hoped to see its ultimate implementation.

“Governance reform is one of the important promises vice president Kishore Shallow and myself made prior to our election last year,” Skerritt said.

“When all is said and done, we expect that the Wehby Report will be seriously considered by the Directors and member representatives. The task force and stakeholders can be assured that we will do all

we can to ensure the implementation of this report.”

University of the West Indies vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, along with former West Indies vice-captain Deryck Murray, Jamaican businessman OK Melhado and prominent Caribbean lawyer, Charles Wilkin QC, comprised the task force which “drew from a wide cross section of expertise from knowledgeable stakeholders in the West Indies as well as in the global game.”

While praising CWI for having the vision to commission the project, Wehby said he believed once the recommendations were implemented, they would enhance the body’s governance capabilities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of my Task Force for their selfless dedication to the completion of this project, over the past year,” Wehby said.

“Their time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the finalisation of this report a reality. We would also like

Task Force chairman Don Wehby to commend CWI President Ricky Skerritt and his Board of Directors for seeing the need for governance reform and giving us the opportunity to make a contribution to the sport we love, and for which we wish the utmost best.”

He added: “Our Task Force has met formally sixteen times over the period and we have spent many hours preparing the report submitted. We are positive that, if implemented, the recommendations of the Wehby

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Report will improve the governance of CWI and result in positive effects on team performance.”

The report calls for reform of the governance structure “using key principles of modern governance to provide greater accountability and transparency” and also takes aim at the size of the board of directors, making the case for “a smaller and more balanced board of 12 … with an eventual reducing to nine including at least two women.”

Currently, the board comprises 18 members and a single woman – Trinidadian attorney Debra Coryat-Patton.

The report has also recommended the formation of a nominations committee to “identify and evaluate potential directors and to nominate future directors and committee members” and a slashing of the current committee structure from 12 to five.

“The principal roles and responsibilities of the Board are organisational and financial planning and reporting, decisions on investments and capital projects, preserving the assets of the company,

establishing policy, selecting the executive, general oversight of the executive and exercising other powers given to it by the constituent documents of the company,” the report said.

“The membership of the Board should reflect a wide cross section of the skills and competencies required for carrying out its roles and responsibilities.”

The report is not the first of its kind, however. The 139page Patterson Report of 2007, authored by distinguished former Jamaica prime minister PJ Patterson, called for the then West Indies Cricket Board to give way to a “more representative body” and urged the creation of a West Indies Cricket Commission to enable better governance.

Wilkins then chaired another governance review in 2012 while a CARICOM-commissioned panel, headed by UWI Cave Hill principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau, in 2015 famously labelled the board as “anachronistic, antiquated and obsolete” while recommending “its immediate dissolution”.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020