Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-03-2021

TUESDAY 2nd March, 2021

' No.106288

Several to be bestowed with Order of Democracy

SEE PAGE 03

NEVER AGAIN –– a look back at the attempts to hand the APNU+AFC victory at the March 2, 2020 elections through electoral fraud and the efforts that ensured democracy prevailed

See pages 10 to 15 Flashback! Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, reportedly fell ill during the processing of information from the Statements of Poll (SoPs). Mingo was forced to revert to the use of the SoPs to tabulate the election results after he had suddenly introduced spreadsheets with numbers widely condemned as fictitious by stakeholders, including international observers. The spreadsheets with Mingo’s numbers showed victory for the then ruling APNU+AFC Coalition, but the numbers contained therein were later discredited by the national recount, agreed to by the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C, and supervised by CARICOM

'RIGGERSVILLE' DISMANTLED

–– deceptive nature of APNU+AFC exposed

SEE PAGE 02

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

‘Riggersville’ dismantled –– deceptive nature of APNU+AFC exposed says Dr. Singh

By Navendra Seoraj A LAST-MINUTE attempt by the former A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration to construct what was labelled as ‘Riggersville,’ amidst confusion, uncertainty and tension during the five-month electoral impasse, was obstructed by the election of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to office on August 2, 2020.

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.

In this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as they observed an attempt by the then incumbent APNU+AFC Coalition to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.

Though Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, sought to defend the coalition by saying that claims of their attempts to rig the recent elections cannot be substantiated, Senior Minister in the Office of the

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said that there were concurrent, ulterior actions which would soon be justified by the release of critical evidence.

Dr. Singh argued confidently during the final day of the budget debates that the coalition used the fivemonth impasse as a cloak to conduct a land grabbing exercise, which will soon be exposed.

“They believe people do not know…these things will be disclosed… they were holding onto power between March and August for this and you will know when the facts are disclosed and charges are laid… they were busy establishing Riggersville…they think people do not know,” the senior minister said.

This pattern of deception, he argued, was set out

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon

over the last five years and actually manifested itself again over the past five days of debates, during which the coalition exposed its true, deceptive nature.

“The Guyanese people have been watching and paying attention… they were paying attention for the last five years, during the five months [electoral impasse] and they have been paying attention… they [APNU+AFC] displayed to the Guyanese people and reminded them of the true and deceptive nature of this APNU+AFC assortment,” Dr. Singh contended.

In his view, the coalition’s arguments against the Government’s proposed $383.1 billion 2021 Budget were inconsistent and disjointed. The basis for his conclusion was Harmon’s prior presentation,

which was centered on the coalition’s track-record, their readiness to engage in national development and the Government’s purported diversion from inclusionary governance.

Aside from arguing that the proposed budget was deficient and defective because the opposition was not consulted, Harmon, in the same breath, encouraged President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to engage the coalition on matters of national interest.

“He spoke of the fact that they are ready to work together for national development, how they are ready to act and engage…

I contrast that statement with the invitation extended by the President to former President [David] Granger to meet at a forum of former Presidents which was declined,” Dr. Singh argued.

TURN TO PAGE

03

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Several to be bestowed with Order of Democracy

President, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced the introduction of a national award, the Order of Democracy, in recognition of the contributions of the individuals and organisations who defended democracy during the brazen attempts by elements who attempted to rig the March 2, Regional and General Elections.

In a statement to mark one year since the dark period in Guyana’s history, the President said the names of those to be invested with the Order of Democracy will be announced later this year.

One year has passed since the General and Regional Elections of 2nd March 2020.

The Guyanese people went out to vote peacefully and orderly on that day, little suspecting that after the counting

of the votes at the places of poll a devious plot would be triggered to subvert the democratic will of the people.

“Fortunately, this plot did not succeed. The Guyanese people were determined to resist and repel the public mischief which was being orchestrated. Were it not for the vigilance, courage and resoluteness of our Guyanese people, supported by the international community and witnessed by the international election observers, our country would have returned to the dark days of tyranny,” the President said.

He acknowledged the brave men and women – of all ages, classes, ethnicities and political affiliation – who came together in a heroic battle to defend Guyana from

one of its gravest threats: the attempt to trample the democratic will of the people.

The defense of this right and the fact that it enjoyed the support of a wide-cross section of fair-minded Guyanese, the President said is manifested in the resolve of Guyanese to live in a free society as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

“March 2nd has therefore become a celebration of our people’s stoic defense of democracy. It represents the determination of our people to maintain Guyana as a democratic state which respects the rule of law, the separation of powers and the expressed will of the people through free and fair elections,” the President said.

‘Riggersville’ ...

In dismantling the Opposition Leader’s presentation, the senior minister said the world watched how “morally bankrupt,” “technically inept,” and “insincere’” the APNU+AFC Coalition is. The coalition Parliamentarians’ presentations over the past five days, like the last five years and the five-month impasse, show how disrespectful they are to the intelligence of the Guyanese people, the minister lamented.

Heckling from the opposing side of the House clashed with the ceremonial pounding of the desk in agreement with a salient point from the Government’s side, when Dr. Singh referred to Harmon’s remarks about the accusations that the APNU+AFC attempted to stall democracy being a joke and it did not happen.

This was described by the senior minister as perhaps the most blatant disregard for the intelligence of the Guyanese people, since the entire world watched as the events unfolded between March and August.

Dr. Singh went as far as to cite clear examples of the coalition’s attempts to derail and delay the process.

“The Leader of the Opposition would have us believe that we all imagined [the efforts to delay the process] when the Carter Center was told [they] cannot come back to Guyana. Barring international

observers from coming back to observe the recount.

“Did we imagine these things?

Do we remember that the observers were brought in by a special flight and were waiting to observe? Then they were told that the conference centre had to be fumigated? Did they imagine that?” the senior minister questioned, adding: “It is okay to adopt a magnanimous tone, but stop insulting the intelligence of the Guyanese.”

Even if the images of the recent events were to evade the memories of Guyanese, Dr. Singh “rolled the tape back” to former President, David Granger’s unanimous appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in 2017.

“Three lists of six upstanding Guyanese people were submitted to the former President, following the standard procedure… all 18 persons were cast aside for not being fit and proper, unsuitable to be appointed Chairman of GECOM… the reason was not obvious, we thought it was momentary disrespect and in violation of the Constitution.

“That appointment would later be struck down by the highest court of our land [CCJ] as unconstitutional. At that time, people did not understand the significance of that move… the pieces were being put

FROM PAGE

02

in place,” Dr. Singh reasoned, adding that Guyana later saw the “true colours” of the APNU+AFC. The APNU+AFC’s actions are enough to justify their inability to represent anyone in the National Assembly, Dr. Singh said. This aside the coalition sought to challenge the PPP/C’s compassion for public servants, noting that the budget does not include anything for them.

The senior minister believes, however, that the coalition is in no position to comment on the wellbeing of public servants, since it was them who launched political attacks on former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon and himself, among other longstanding public servants.

Additionally, the minister said the coalition’s “moral bankruptcy” is illustrated too by their failure to deliver on promises and their “policy acts” of deception. One particular act of “policy deception” was the coalition’s increased taxation instead of a reduction, as was promised.

Contrary to the coalition’s purported act of deceit, the Government will be looking to return close to $60 billion in annualised benefits to the pockets of Guyanese, through tax relief and other measures announced during the presentation of Budget 2021.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

3

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Timeline of events * In November 2018, former President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, filed a motion of No-Confidence against the coalition government, citing massive corruption and an unemployment crisis. * On December 21, 2018, former Alliance for Change (AFC) back-bencher Charrandass Persaud voted in favour of the Opposition-sponsored motion against his government, toppling what would become a one-term Presidency for Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger. Persaud maintained that it was a vote of conscience. * That night, former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, led all the Government MPs, with the exception of Persaud, into an emergency meeting, where it was agreed that the debate on the motion was an open and transparent one and it must be recorded in Parliamentary democracy. At an urgent press conference that night, the Prime Minister conceded that the APNU+AFC government was toppled by the motion. * The successful passage of the motion activated a section in the constitution which stipulated the need for fresh elections within three months. But this did not happen * On Christmas Eve, 2018, an interpretation for what constituted an “Absolute Majority” in the National Assembly was floated and later adopted by the coalition. The coalition argued that the PPP/C needed not one, but two extra votes for the motion to be successfully passed. The coalition proffered that half of 65 was 32.5, but since there could be no half vote, the figure would be rounded to 33. And, an absolute majority could only be garnered from 34 votes or more * From this point forward, a lengthy legal battle ensued and began at the High Court, where the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, ruled that the motion was validly passed. A dissatisfied

Charrandass Persaud being abused by his colleagues on his left and right minutes after he voted in favour of an Opposition-sponsored No-Confidence Motion.

APNU+AFC engaged the Court of Appeal and then the final appeal went to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s apex court * On July 18, 2019, the CCJ ruled that the No-Confidence motion was successfully passed and 33 was indeed the majority of 65. Charrandass’ dual citizenship status was also legally challenged, but the courts ruled that this did not affect his vote in favour of the motion * Elections were further delayed over the selection of the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) when former President David Granger, unilaterally appointed Justice (ret’d)

Tuesday March 2, 2021 –– 04:30hrs

Former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, flanked by former ministers Joseph Harmon and Amna Ally, accepted defeat on the night of the No-Confidence Motion.

James Patterson. The PPP/C challenged his appointment all the way to the CCJ; the CCJ ruled that Mr. Granger

did not have the power to make the unilateral appointment and so, Patterson had to vacate the office * After many months of exchanging lists on a suitable candidate, Mr Granger and Mr Jagdeo finally agreed to appoint Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh as the Chairperson, but GECOM then had to deal with the cleansing of the voters’ list and houseto-house registration. Probes into fake certificates and concerns were conducted as GECOM began preparations for the polls * By the end of September, March 2, 2020, was fixed as the date for Regional and General elections. This meant that the Regional and General Elections would be held more than a year after the No-Confidence motion was passed, and just a few months shy of when elections were initially, constitutionally due. On December 30, 2019 Parliament was finally dissolved TURN TO PAGE

05

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Timeline of events

FROM PAGE

4

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George

* Dr. Irfaan Ali, 40, a former Housing Minister was selected as the presidential candidate for the PPP/C on January 19, 2019 * On March 2, just about a week after Guyana commemorated its 50th Republic Anniversary, citizens went to the polls.

At the end of that day, the elections were hailed as “free, fair and transparent” * Before the next morning, the PPP/C completed its internal tabulations using their Statements of Poll (SOPs) from 2,339 polling stations. Throughout the official tabulation, the figures matched the SOPs and the party was poised to win the elections after the tabulation of Guyana’s largest voting region- Region Four. It seemed as though it would take a miracle for the APNU+AFC coalition to return to government. * Clairmont Mingo, the Returning Officer for Region Four fell ill, stalling the tabulation of the region. His replacement also fell ill, and before long, it was night and the tabulation was stalled until the next morning. When the tabulation resumed, figures that did not match the SOPs secured by the PPP/C, were called out by GECOM; these inflated the votes garnered by the coalition and showed them coming back from certain defeat * After a thinly-veiled threat to revoke accreditation and one bomb scare later, Mingo read out the figures which indicated a coalition victory, and another one-seat majority in the National Assembly. * Immediately, an injunction, supported by the PPP/C was filed, blocking the swearing in of President Granger for his second term. This began the second round of court action. Chief Justice George annulled the results of Region Four and ruled that a partial recount should take place, verifying the results of the contentious region * This recount, dubbed the Spreadsheet edition, saw the tabulation resuming in the presence of party agents and observers. The twist was that Mingo read results directly from

Justice (ret’d) James Patterson takes the Oath of Office in October 2017 before former President David Granger at State House

a spreadsheet, which did not match the SOPs gathered by the other parties. Something seemed amiss * The International Community made it clear that the Mingo’s results were not credible and would not be accepted. And Chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley came to Guyana with a team of CARICOM Ministers in an attempt to mediate between Mr Jagdeo and Mr Granger. This is when the agreement for a full recount of all votes cast in all ten regions was reached between the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC. But then, Guyana started to record cases of the deadly COVID-19.

TURN TO PAGE

07

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Infrastructural, housing developments and Budget 2021 GUYANA, being a small country of approximately 214,969 km squared in area, has over the years experienced infrastructural challenges such as overcrowded and damaged roads and limited exit and entry points, especially in the main city of Georgetown.

Region Four, the largest region in the country, has been the region with the greatest attraction sites and is filled with an abundance of opportunities for all, especially for professionals in the world of work, along with students who are in pursuit of primary and secondary education, whether through public or private institutions.

Consequently, this contributes to rush-hour sessions in the mornings and afternoons on the West Bank and East Bank of Demerara, resulting in delayed schedules and limited trade options. The interior regions are also affected by poor transport measures, which also have an impact on business operations and development of the communities.

In Budget 2021, accommodation has been made to reduce these

issues, of which $23.7 billion was allocated for roads and $1.9 billion for bridges. There will be a Linden to Mabura Hill Road which will improve accessibility between the hinterland and coastal cities. The road link seeks to expand the transportation route from Georgetown to Lethem on the south-west coast border. This project will help to develop the communities and encourage economic activities along with providing environmental protection to preserve the ecosystem. Jobs will be created; small and medium enterprises will have access to financing, markets and other services needed to carry out business operations.

Ecotourism will also be boosted by having access to the nature reserves such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest.

Currently, the roads are constantly being destroyed during the rainy season; this results in adverse effects on transportation in and out of the region, along with delayed and limited trading services. This investment will improve these roads and increase trade, especially between Guyana and Brazil by constructing a road that will last all year round

and cause little to no hindrances to the daily operations of the region.

This will also result in communities having better access to basic essential services, rather than depending solely on the capital city.

The hinterland roads will also be upgraded in 2021. The hinterland region is filled with many resources and the government seeks to ensure that this region becomes developed to benefit the people there and give them access to opportunities that any other areas of the country experience.

The West Demerara and the East Bank of Demerara are highly populated areas that depend on the main city of Georgetown for essential services on a daily basis, and as such, results in heavy traffic along the Demerara Bridge area in the mornings and afternoons, as was mentioned earlier. To overcome this challenge, the government has invested in new routes to redirect the traffic to allow for easier travel on the East Bank of Demerara. These new routes are Diamond to Mocha, which will be linking to a connecting network at Herstelling to Eccles and Eccles

will be linked to Mandela Avenue.

Works have already commenced on these routes in 2020 and are expected to be completed this year.

This will also allow for more trade to occur as the travel time will be improved and accessibility will be easier and faster.

A high-span bridge over the Demerara River will be constructed within the next four years, but discussions for a suitable contractor will be done this year. The bridge will allow for maritime traffic and vehicular traffic to travel simultaneously without having a retraction schedule. This will also reduce travel time, as commuters would not have to leave their homes hours earlier to avoid the heavy traffic which gives them more time to commit to other important matters. Trade will also increase, as the travel time will be reduced for vehicular traffic and maritime traffic does not have to wait until a particular time to travel along the river way, thus enhancing their business operations.

In Region Three, there will also be new road links to reduce the traffic congestion along the

West Bank of Demerara. There will be a link from Schoonord to Parika, which is just off the Demerara Harbour Bridge connecting from one end to the other end of the region. This will open up many opportunities such as house lots, small businesses, jobs, and contracts for construction companies; the banking sector will be blooming, business operators and suppliers will benefit from spin-off effects of this investment.

As taxes were removed from building materials and the mortgage ceiling was raised, many will have better chances of affording to build their own homes. There will also be a road link between Bartica and Parika, which will allow for increased and more efficient trade. Travel time will be reduced immensely as there will be limited ferry services to conduct trade. These routes are set to be surveyed in 2021 and plans for financing and construction will then be determined.

Some ‘big ones’ at the ERC should know that the good books teach not to be greedy Dear Editor,

IS there partial or impartial ethnic disparity in the composition of the 10 learned members of Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, notably only two ladies versus eight gentlemen? Looks and names can be misleading and deceiving and are not a perfect representation to qualify or quantify the individual’s ethnic identity. A person’s political affiliation can also influence the ethnic opinion on any conflagrating controversy not demanding a unilateral or biased summation.

Traversing one step backwards to analyse the background and backbone of this institution, it is rather interesting to characterise the individuals employed to administer the functions of the day-to-day operations of this institution. Is there unprejudiced employment practices exercised in the hiring process and equitable distribution in ethnic components which are relatively essential and paramount to truly identify and represent the significance of this meaningful body? Are the faces a manifest of Guyana’s six races? Does a need

arise to increase or decrease the staff in order to have an even keel to replicate indiscrimination? Is this organisation highly overstaffed or grossly understaffed? Is the budgeted dollars compensative or a waste of taxpayers’ dollars? Can the production of this organisation be measured for justification purposes? Is the output satisfactory or deplorable, acceptable or repulsive? Are the attitudes of the members arrogant or tolerant? At this stage, Guyana is bombarded with curious enquiries and passionate questions with an alacrity for clarity and answers.

Two commissioners and the chairman have been embroiled in the dissemination of information and the urge to establish the truth, reveal the lies and dissociate themselves from the reckless propensities the ERC has postulated. The minutes of some of the meetings have exposed the recorded transactions and speak volumes.

Facts cannot be changed, figures do not lie and numbers do add up.

Confirmation has intimidated speculation. Guyanese are not surprised by this quandary and are only further embarrassed that “religious leaders”

are caught up with defamation. There have been pronouncements from a Muslim cleric and a Christian cleric.

Guyanese need to hear the voices of the Hindu Pandit, the Brahma Kumari representative and any other member of any other faith who is a commissioner. There have been statements, confessions and declarations from Afro Guyanese and Indo Guyanese.

Guyana needs to read about divulgence and utterances also from the other ethnicities on this Committee.

There has been no published communication from the female compatriots of the ERC. Taxpayers have a right to learn about their acknowledgements and admissions. It takes courage to succumb to honesty and integrity. Do these remaining committee members have the gall to satisfy the public, or, will they simply have the temerity to fade away in the background, remain in deep and disturbing silence and continue to be paid handsomely for a job not well done? These members can provide the water to calm this blazing inferno. Can they face the fire and step up to the plate?

While Guyanese suffer in poverty and misery, would you not share $150,000 free money with

those in dire and real need at a time of peace, joy and happiness? Isn’t there a reason for the season? How can you even consider the humungous figure of $200,000 as a bonus when you know to your conscience that you did not lift a finger to earn one dollar? Where is the sense of justification? The good books teach not to be greedy. Are you not God’s teacher? All Guyanese householders are receiving $25,000 as a COVID-19 relief package. What makes you think you are above the law? Who gave you the right to bless yourself with $150,000? Even the past president, Mr. Granger lauded this initiative. He received $25,000 and not $150,000. There was no “curry favour.” Instead, he generously donated his amount to a worthy cause. Did the godly man as a leader exemplify such nobility and answer the call to serve instead of being served? Who in their righteous minds refused to stain their hands with such promiscuity and did not accept such a debauchery? The true colour of character is tainted with stain. The house of worship warns, “Waste not, want not.” Why indulge in

unnecessary extravaganza, only to burn good money to ashes? To utilise immediate funds in order to make more funds available or to quantify a means and qualify a cause? Window dressing is for a decorative purpose only. The ERC is a transparent window from being dirty inside and dark outside! The ERC has dishonoured its sense of virtue and has desecrated the sanctity of its ultimate purpose. Most of the members have failed to live up to Guyana’s expectations and have allowed themselves to be made fools and be used. Only two so far can hold their heads above water and walk the streets with straight necks and not cower with heads touching their chests. The ERC needs time out, or, its time is up. Perhaps there is a need for mutual concession from all the members to resign and not wait for their contracted time to expire. If you cannot get the job done correctly the first time, then it’s time to move on.

Respectfully, Jai Lall.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Timeline of events

FROM PAGE

5

Barbados PM, Mia Mottley with CARICOM heads of government during a visit to attempt to mediate between the political leaders during the electoral crisis

* This recount, though demanding patience from all parties, was seen as a credible solution to the entire process, as claims of irregularities emerged in other regions. A private citizen, Ulita Grace Moore, was not pleased though; she filed for an injunction (yes, another injunction) blocking the national recount. As this matter engaged the judicial system, time passed by. And while the rest of the world battled COVID-19, Guyana was dealing with an electoral epidemic within the pandemic

* About two months later, on May 6, the national recount finally got underway, with COVID-19 precautions in place. CARICOM sent a three-member team to scrutinise the recount. But as the 34-day recount went on, claims of dead voters, migrant voters and electoral fraud were highlighted by the coalition, but there was nothing substantial to invalidate the elections. A month later, the recount was completed and yes, it showed a PPP/C victory

* However, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, in his first elections report, stated that he could not determine the credibility of all votes. As such, he invalidated thousands of votes, giving the APNU+AFC a victory. Another private citizen,

Eslyn David challenged the credibility of the recount. It was back into the courts again - albeit COVID-19 style - while “fresh elections” became the new clamour TURN TO PAGE

08

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Timeline of events

Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh takes the oath as GECOM Chairperson in July, 2019

* On June 22, 2020, the CCJ invalidated Lowenfield’s move to discard votes, and elucidated what constituted a “valid” vote. There was no other conceivable avenue that could be pursued to stall the swearing in of the PPP/C Presidential candidate yet, Lowenfield found one. He either submitted the incorrect elections report (that is, not based on the national recount)

or just outrightly did not submit a report to GECOM so that a winner could have been declared. Somewhere in between visa sanctions, growing tensions and ever-increasing COVID-19 cases, Misenga Jones approached the courts aiming to deter the swearing in of a PPP/C government. The phrase “Res Judicata” was introduced; it meant that matters that were already adjudicat-

FROM PAGE

7

PNC activist, Carol Joseph; PNCR Chair and former minister, Volda Lawrence, and Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in October.

ed may not be pursued further by the same parties * The Court of Appeal then ruled on Jones’ petition and determined the recount was legitimate and should be used to declare the winner of the elections. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the CEO’s actions should not stall the declaration any longer as he was not

a “lone ranger” * The declaration of Irfaan Ali as the ninth Executive President of Guyana and his swearing in happened in one swift motion on August 2, following more than a year of delays manifested by the APNU+AFC coalition. * Subsequently, Chairperson

of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, APNU+AFC activist from Region Five, Carol Joseph; Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, were all charged with electoral fraud. Their cases are still pending in the courts

No gov’t has committed as many violations as the APNU+AFC –– Teixeira MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has contended that since independence to now, no government in Guyana has committed as many constitutional violations as the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

Teixeira’s comments were made on Monday, during the final day of the debate on the national 2021 budget. The Government Chief Whip accused the opposition of having an unprecedented level of “Control-freakism,” which she said has badly injured the country.

“If you weren’t on their side, you were of no worth,” Teixeira argued. She told the National Assembly that poor decisions made by the former government have had a ripple effect that deprived Guyanese of “the

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, defending her government’s budget during the final day of the debate on the national 2021 budget

good life.”

The minister informed the House that on the contrary, the PPP/C’s 2021 budget seeks to improve the lives of all the people of Guyana, particularly those who are vulnerable.

“When you look at the PPP/C budgets, there is a

large section to do with pro-poor and a large section to do with pro-growth in order to expand the economy to allow for the growth of businesses, and for the betterment of all of our people,” Teixeira posited.

TURN TO PAGE

09

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

PPP/C hails preservers of democracy “NEVER again!” says the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) as it points firmly to the old maxim “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives”.

The party, in a statement, said this declaration constitutes the first principle on which Guyana’s political, economic and social system is founded, as detailed by the Constitution.

This sovereignty is bolstered by an affirmation of democratic values--fundamental human rights-- including the right to vote and the rule of law.

“In the past year, Guyanese endured the barely-concealed mischief of the APNU+AFC Coalition, aided by elements still embedded in the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in undermining our democratic values, the right to vote and the rule of law. The Coalition’s saga of the conspiracy to steal the elections of March 2, 2020 was undertaken with the clear objective of ensuring that, ‘by hook or by crook’, power was retained,” the party (PPP/C) pointed out.

However, it noted that power for power’s sake sits on quicksand, a lesson the APNU+AFC Coalition ignored and felt that they could ride roughshod over the Constitution, the laws and the

people Guyana.

The attempt to subvert the will of the Guyanese people by frustrating the finalising of the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections saw a five-month struggle that gave meaning to the declaration that ‘sovereignty belongs to the people’, the party observed.

The APNU+AFC Coalition, it said, failed to recognise that much had changed since the 1980s and they miscalculated the power of the democratic will of the Guyanese people – the broad based democratic forces and new and young pro-democracy voices, coupled with international and regional support.

“The dog-whistles sounded by the PNCR-led Coalition were ignored. The activism seen undoubtedly opened up a space for a dynamism that our nascent democracy

needed. Our democracy was won through struggle and its preservation demands the same. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) remains grateful for the stand taken by the Guyanese people, particularly our supporters, as well as the international community, in defending our nation’s hard-won democratic gains,” the party said.

EFFORTS BEING MADE The PPP/C also noted that to reinforce its commitment to ensure that the country is never placed in such a position again, the party reiterates that efforts are being made in the following areas, among others: A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into what took place during the March 2020 electoral process, which will be staffed by independent professionals from the international community; prosecution of those who committed elec-

No gov’t has committed as ...

She maintained that the ‘pro-poor, pro-growth approach’ adopted by the new government will diversify and advance the country’s economy in multiple ways.

Teixeira told the House that the PPP/C’s budget has once again highlighted the philosophical difference between this administration’s style of governance as compared to the Coalition, which she said had governed only for the elites.

Minister Teixeira accused the former David Granger-led administration of being focused on draining the country’s resources.

This, she said, led to skyrocketing of the standard of living, by way of heavy taxation, while failing to

redirect revenue to the people.

“You took all that you could. You sucked the country of its oxygen. People were suffocating under your leadership and you never recognised it. You never saw it. You refused to believe it,” Teixeira argued.

She contended that the PPP/C’s policies are designed to take the country forward. “We are the enablers and facilitators to make sure that our people are able to reach the heights that they supposed to have, to get the opportunities to do that, to get the support of the government and whatever goods and services we offer in order to be able to reach

FROM PAGE

08

that,” she added.

Teixeira said that the relationship being nurtured between the PPP/C government and the people of Guyana is one that is sacrosanct, and that Budget 2021 clearly depicts the intention of the Irfan Ali administration to facilitate rebuilding of the nation through massive infrastructural development, enhancement of social services and continued support for the advancement of the health sector.

Minister Teixeira was adamant that the PPP/C government would accomplish these goals and reduce the disparities that exist within the country.

tion offences; a return of professionalism to GECOM, to repair the damaged public trust and confidence in the Commission; and efforts to amend the Representation of the People Act to: ensure transparency; clear methodology on how counting ballots are to proceed – including the publication of all Statements of Polls (SoPs) in the newspapers and the official gazette; and penalties for election fraud, among other issues.

Simultaneously, work is also ongoing to heal hurts and bridge divisions that were created and exacerbated during the five months leading to August 2, 2020.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has launched a One Guyana Commission. The Commis-

sion is tasked with taking practical steps to cement Guyana’s one society, encompassing and respecting the diversity from which our “oneness” springs. The Commission will also examine ways to ensure equal opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship, and the institutional strengthening of the existing Ethnic Relations Commission to make it more effective.

The party noted that the persons who have engaged in profligacy and corruption, the likes of which has not been seen in the country’s contemporary history, and were the most ardent advocates for democratic subversion, are now busy trying to reinvent their public images, present-

ing a façade of piousness.

“To them we say ‘the memories of Guyanese are not short and there will be no success in manipulating this façade into truth’. Finally, it must be stressed that central to our progress as a nation is our democracy. Prominent author, Sydney J. Harris, once said: ‘Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be.’ This statement is underpinned by the principle of accountability – one that the PPP remains committed to as we move forward together for a better and stronger Guyana,” the statement from the PPP/C concluded.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

(Content for most of the stories that appear on pages 10-15 was provided compliments of News Room, Guyana’s leading online media house)

Commonwealth points to persistent electoral malpractice THE Commonwealth Observer Group to the March 2 , 2020 General and Regional Elections was constituted and deployed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, following an invitation from the Government of Guyana. The Group withdrew from Guyana on March 15, 2020.

It is the clear and considered view of the group that the tabulation processes conducted by the Returning Officer for Region Four, Mr Clairmont Mingo, were not credible, transparent and inclusive.

The series of events that the Group observed in the tabulation of the Region Four results between 3-14 March are of grave concern. Specific issues include: The repeated cessations

of the tabulation process for a variety of irregular reasons.

The group did not observe any material or substantive impediments inside the tabulation room, which might have prevented resumption of the tabulation process. It is the group’s clear view that robust exchanges between political party agents in the room only occurred when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) repeatedly halted the tabulation process.

The unlawful declaration made by Mr Mingo on March 5 around 2pm, despite the tabulation process being halted.

The unlawful March 5 declaration of Mr Mingo was undertaken under heavy police guard; and his departure from the tabulation centre was guided and guarded by six police officers.

The continued failure of the Returning Officer Mr Mingo to comply with the March 11 and 13 orders and judgements of the acting chief justice. On March 13 the chief justice made it patently clear that actual statements of poll should be shown to entitled parties present. For the avoidance of doubt, the acting chief justice demonstrated herself how this should be done and enquired “what was the difficulty in doing so” during the contempt of court proceedings.

However, on resuming the tabulation after leaving the court on March 13, Mr Mingo refused all requests from those entitled to be present to view the actual statements of poll and did not display the spreadsheet being populated.

This compromised the process of ascertaining the credibility

of the statements of poll relied on by Mr Mingo to tabulate the results; and, it was impossible for party agents and those entitled to be present to observe that the numbers being called out were being accurately entered on the spreadsheet.

In some cases, the tabulation totals announced by Mr. Mingo on March 13 reflected more voters than were entered on the list of eligible electors for certain polling stations.

At no point did the leadership of the Guyana Elections Commission halt or rectify these blatant instances of disregard for the rule of law and electoral ethics, despite its vested authority to inde-

pendently ensure credible elections.

Despite the serious and persistent electoral malpractices observed by the group from 3-14 March, the group welcomed the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) initiative, at the invitation of President David Granger, to deploy a high-level team to Guyana to supervise a recount of the ballots. The group notes with regret that the team has now departed Guyana having been unable to complete their task.

The Commonwealth Observer Group commends the people of Guyana for peacefully exercising their right to vote for the government

of their choice on March 2.

This is a sacred constitutional and universal right. This right of the Guyanese people is respected when every vote is transparently and credibly counted.

In accordance with our Terms of Reference, the group will submit its full report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will forward it to the Government of Guyana, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, leaders of political parties, and to all other 53 Commonwealth governments.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Commonwealth says wait for elections result unconscionable

–– urges GECOM to conduct credible recount THE Commonwealth Observer Group accredited for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections notes the April 15, 2020 statement of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) indicating that the commission has decided to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast (Regions 1-10).

It is expected that GECOM will ensure that a general final count is undertaken and concluded in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of the Guyana’s Representation of the People Act (RoPA).

Further, GECOM must ensure that this is done in a credible, transparent and timely manner, bearing in mind that the people of Guyana have now waited an unconscionable 45 days to

The Commonwealth Elections Observer team to Guyana was led by Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur

bring this electoral process to finality.

This delay in credibly concluding the electoral process is now even more alarming as the entire world seeks to contend with the disruptive

and devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on economic, social and political life.

The RoPA is unambiguous and specific on the technical modalities by which a general final count is bound and we strongly urge the leadership of GECOM not to depart from these legal stipulations.

The Commonwealth Observer Group commends the people of Guyana for peacefully exercising their right to vote for the government of their choice on March 2.

This is a sacred constitutional and universal human right. The rights of the Guyanese people will be respected when a general final count is credibly administered in accordance with the law and given full effect.

OAS urges GECOM to remove partisan persons from recount process The Chief of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) to the March 2 General and Regional Elections in Guyana, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, remains concerned that, after more than six weeks, an accurate and credible result that would allow a duly elected government to assume office has not been determined.

This is especially regrettable in light of the global health crisis that requires every government to take decisive actions and to be able to command the confidence of its people in order to mobilize them in thwarting the spread of the Coronavirus.

The political crisis in Guyana is not intractable. As the Mission had previously noted – and to the credit of

Chief of Mission of the OAS, Bruce Golding

all the stakeholders, especially the voters themselves – the casting and counting of ballots on March 2 was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.

All that remained was for the count from each polling station to be accurately tabulated and declared. There is an abundance of evidence that this was not done in the case of Region 4 and this has led to the decision for the ballots in all ten regions to be

recounted.

The proposal by the Chief Elections Officer that would have required five months to recount less than 500,000 ballots is unheard of in any democracy and would be unacceptable under any circumstances. The Mission notes that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has ordered that a revised timetable be prepared.

The Mission urges GECOM to ensure that the procedures for the recount are transparent and consistent, that the instructions to election officials conducting the recount are unambiguous and based on the provisions of the relevant laws and that the public be fully informed of the methodology to be used.

In particular, the Mission requests GECOM take particular care to ensure that: TURN TO PAGE

15

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Mandela’s ‘Elders’ Group says UN calls for credible results of recount must be declared elections results that reflect

The Elders, a group of independent global leaders working together for peace, justice and human rights, founded by Nelson Mandela, had insisted that a declaration of the results of the March 02 elections must be made based on the results of the national vote recount.

“Nearly four months have passed since Guyana’s elections. The will of the people expressed in the elections and confirmed in the recount must be respected,” The Elders had noted on Twitter.

An electoral declaration based on the recount should be made without delay,” the stated.

the will of the people

L-R: Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Graca Machel, first education Minister of Mozambique serve as vice-chairs and Chairman of the Elder’s Mary Robinson, First woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

We are following with concern the latest developments in Guyana.

We take note of the statements issued by international observers and Ambassadors accredited in Georgetown raising concerns regarding lack of compliance with national legal procedures and the need to resume the tabulation of results for Region 4.

We encourage the rele-

vant Guyanese authorities to finalize the process in a manner which leaves no doubts as to the credibility of the results that reflect the will of the Guyanese people.

The United Nations calls upon all sides to act with calm, patience and in full respect of human rights, the rule of law and Guyana’s constitutional order.

Indian Gov’t underlines importance of fair, transparent electoral process here

The Government of India has joined other foreign powers in calling for a credible elections process in Guyana and said it is following developments closely.

“As a democracy itself, and a time tested friend of Guyana, India would underline that is important that

Guyana’s electoral process are credible, fair and transparent,” said Raveesh Kumar, an official spokesperson for the Government of India.

He added: “It is in the interest of all parties that the elections are so assessed, both by the people of Guyana and the international community.”

Scotland says Lowenfield’s report contrary to Commonwealth Charter –– Statement from the Commonwealth The Commonwealth continues to be concerned that the 2 March 2020 General Election process in Guyana is not yet concluded. In this regard, I note and welcome statement from the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Barbados, The Hon. Mia Amore Mottley, QC. On 15 June 2020, I welcomed the CARICOM Observer Report on the recently TURN TO PAGE

15

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Recount confirmed democratic choice of the people –– Statement from US, Britain, Canada and the EU

L-R: US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chaterjee and EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Cantó

The Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Sarah-Ann Lynch, the British High Commissioner, H.E. Greg Quinn, the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E. Lilian Chatterjee, and the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Fernando Ponz-Canto are concerned that 114 days

after the 2 March elections the people of Guyana continue to await the declaration of an election result.

It is important in our view that every vote, cast by every voter, be reflected in that declaration, in order to ensure that the will of the people of Guyana is respected. That respect includes an election

declaration of results that mirrors the order and integrity displayed by the people of Guyana, GECOM and party officials, as witnessed by domestic and international observers during the 2 March general and regional elections.

We also note that the CARICOM observer mis-

sion, referred to as “the most legitimate interlocutor” by President Granger, concluded on 15 June that “nothing we witnessed, warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of results of the March 2, 2020 elections.”

We believe election results are long overdue and, in that regard, we applaud the patience and peacefulness displayed by the people of Guyana. Pending the outcome of the appeal to the CCJ, we trust GECOM to meet its constitutional duty to issue a Declaration on the basis of the results of the Recount as confirmed

by CARICOM, to ensure the democratic choice of the people is fulfilled.

U.S. Senate call on Granger to honour will of people -- Statement from the US Nearly four months since their national election, the Guyanese people are still waiting for an official result following the general and regional elections in their nation. This is unacceptable.

“We share in the frustration expressed by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and other international stakeholders, and call on the Guyanese authorities to issue an official election declaration that reflects the results of the March 2nd election which were confirmed in the official recount by CARICOM’s observer mission.

“Recent reports suggest questionable maneuvers by interested parties designed to continue forestalling a final declaration of results, which members of the press say indicates a defeat for the incumbent government. President Granger should honor the will of the Guyanese people and concede.

“We extend our support and solidarity to the people of Guyana, who have borne more than their fair share of patience during this process. For their sake, the future of democracy and the rule of law in our hemisphere, the ongoing uncertainty and gamesmanship must end.”

On May 12th, Risch, Menendez, Rubio, and Cardin had led several colleagues in a letter to President Granger

encouraging a free, fair, and transparent recount of the presidential election.

The statement was issued by then Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Rank-

ing Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.)

Sir Shridath Ramphal hails CARICOM report, applauds GECOM Chair

Sir Shridath Ramphal

As one who pleaded that we, Guyanese, “do not descend into the pit of lawlessness,” I applaud the Chairman of GECOM, Claudette Singh, for elevating the rule of law above all other considerations.

The CARICOM Report on the recount of the votes in the March 2nd general elections is more than a milestone in democracy in Guyana; it is a landmark in democratic eth-

ics throughout CARICOM. President Granger emphatically said that “CARICOM was the most legitimate interlocutor” in the Guyana electoral crisis. And he was right. So it is. As long ago as 2001, CARICOM Heads of Government (including Guyana’s) have stressed that the Region had a long-standing tradition of respect for the will of the people expressed through free and fair elections on a regular basis and pledged to work together to maintain and strengthen the institution and processes essential to democratic Governance.

The CARICOM scrutineers have gilded that pledge, and the Chairman of GECOM, in respecting the legalities their Report ordained, has married law to democracy.

The outcome of the Guyana General Election 2020 must be an example – not only in Guyana but regionally and world-wide – of the strength of law and democracy.

14

U.S. visa sanctions target those undermining democracy The United States targets “senior officials” responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana, Michael Kozak, acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Western Affairs of the U.S. State Department has said.

The U.S. first announced visa sanctions two weeks ago and followed up today with more.

Following his announcement, Kozak took to Twitter to pile further pressure on President David Granger’s and his Coalition to accept that they have lost the elections and should step aside and allow the swearing-in of the PPP’s Irfaan Ali. In a tweet, Kozak stated Thursday night: “The U.S. will not stand by as the Granger administration continues to defy the will of the Guyanese people. “Democracy must prevail.”

In announcing further visa sanctions he said that the Granger administration and its allies continue to defy the will of the Guyanese people by refusing to accept the vote count.

UK Gov’t says ‘consequences’ to flow if recount results not used

It has been over 4 months since elections in Guyana – no electorate should have to wait that long for a result.

The UK is disappointed by the ongoing attempts to frustrate the will of the people. The Caribbean Community scrutinised recount cleared the way to declare a legitimate result. That should now happen.

Ambassador Michael Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State

He noted that the count has been certified as valid by international observers OAS and CARICOM, Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s highest courts.

He vowed that the United States and the rest of the Western hemisphere will not go along with the farce and “will continue to act until the Granger administration accepts the will of Guyanese voters.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

“Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation and consequences – we have started the process of putting those consequences in place.

The UK pays tribute to the patience displayed by the people of Guyana during this challenging time.”

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

Brazil joins calls for swift declaration of recount results The Brazilian government has been following closely the developments in the general and regional elections held in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on March 2 of this year.

Four months after the election, the Brazilian government considers that delaying the conclusion of the electoral process poses a serious threat to stability in Guyana and a departure from the democratic commitments that the country must observe in the regional and hemispheric context.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

The Brazilian government calls on Guyanese political forces to respect the popular will emanating from the elections, in line with the recent sentence of the Caribbean Court of Justice, in order to guarantee the prompt

official announcement of the country’s new representatives.

The Brazilian government endorses the conclusions of the CARICOM electoral observation mission regarding the smoothness

of the recount procedure and endorses the calls made by the Community and the Organization of American States for the conclusion of the electoral process. Likewise, Brazil adds to the statements of CARICOM, the OAS, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, pointing out the absence of impediments to the declaration of final results based on the votes cast in the recount process.

The Brazilian government calls on Guyana, an Associated State of MERCOSUR, to remain among the South American nations committed to the highest democratic principles.

US Foreign Relations Committee endorses sanctions

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on announced that the United States will be revoking visas from individuals “responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in a tweet shortly after the announcement said “I applaud @StateDept’s actions today to hold accountable Guyanese officials who have undermined democracy & delayed results from #Guyana’s March elections.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on He added that “it’s long past time GuyaForeign Relations Jim Risch (Photo: nese authorities begin a democratic transition Bloomberg/Al Drago) of power that reflects the confirmed results.”

They had also dispatched a letter to the Risch had previously joined other US Senators calling on President David Granger President on May 12th encouraging a free, to honour the will of the Guyanese people and fair, and transparent recount of the presidential election. concede defeat at the March 02 polls.

Norway calls for elections results to be declared from recount

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Nils Martin Genneng

Norway –Guyana’s major financial partner on climate change –on Thursday renewed calls for a fair and transparent conclusion of the ongoing electoral process here.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Nils Martin Genneng posted on twitter that “Norway joins the call for a fair and transparent conclusion of the #GuyanaElections.”

He added that the declaration of the results “must be based on the national

recount,” as witnessed by the three-member CARICOM scrutineer team.

This statement is in accordance with similar sentiments expressed by Norway on March 7 – days after the elections – calling for a credible and transparent process.

Genneng supported statements made by the Chairperson of CARICOM Mia Mottley and Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the European Union in Guyana.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

OAS calls on APNU+AFC to Carter Center welcomes CARICOM begin transition to allow PPP to report that recount results acceptable, take its place as legitimate Gov’t winner should be declared

Jason Carter, Co-Leader of the Carter Center observer mission

The Carter Center commends the Guyana Elections Commission on the completion of the recount process and welcomes the CARICOM report, which indicates that despite minor flaws in the process, the recount results are acceptable and provide the basis for a declaration of results from the March 2 election.

Although the Center is

disappointed that it was not allowed to return to Guyana to directly observe the recount, it is encouraged by CARICOM’s largely positive report on the recount process.

The Carter Center has previously stated that while electoral preparations and voting and counting procedures met international standards, the March tabulation process for Region 4 gener-

ated results that were deemed by the Center and other international and domestic observers as not credible.

Going forward, The Carter Center calls on all Guyanese to prioritize efforts to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions and advance constitutional reforms to move beyond the winner-takesall system.

OAS welcomes GECOM decision on Guyana’s Election The Organization of American States (OAS) welcomes the decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on June 16, 2020, to declare the results of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections based on the data compiled by the national recount.

As previously noted, the decision to conduct a national recount of all ballots cast on March 2 was supported by stakeholders in the electoral process as a means of determining a final credible result that was acceptable to all parties. The majority of these

stakeholders, as well as local and international observers present for the recount, have confirmed that the process was impartial, transparent and reliable and delivered a result that reflects the will of Guyanese voters.

The OAS commends the people of Guyana for their patience during this extended electoral exercise and thanks the electoral workers for their diligence – both on Election Day and during the recount – in ensuring that the voices of all Guyanese voters were heard and respected. The constant vigilance of polit-

OAS urges GECOM to ...

the officials to be engaged in the recount are selected based on their impartiality and those who have displayed partisan behavior are excluded; the duly authorized representatives of political parties and accredited observers are allowed to see (but not handle) each ballot;

the legal provisions for challenging the determination of ballots are fully respected; an ascertainment is made as to whether the number of ballots cast corresponds with the number of persons recorded as having voted; the result of the recount for each polling station is

ical parties and the service of local and international observers were also key to the final outcome and must be acknowledged and applauded.

The OAS looks forward to the formal declaration of the results and the eventual swearing-in of the newly elected government. In this regard the Organization remains available to provide such support that is required, as the new administration addresses the issues and challenges emanating from the 2020 electoral process.

FROM PAGE

11

compared with the Statement of Poll signed by the Presiding Officer.

The Mission remains engaged to assist the people of Guyana in ensuring that their will prevails and that Guyana’s position as an internationally respected democracy is restored and preserved.

The decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on April 3, 2020, to proceed with a national recount, and the eventual initiation of the process on May 6, were welcome developments in the ongoing electoral process in Guyana. Following the very irregular occurrences in the tabulation process for District Four, which undermined the credibility of the results for that electoral District – the largest in Guyana – a national recount of all ballots was deemed the best approach to ensure a result that was acceptable to all stakeholders.

The OAS notes that the decision to proceed with the recount had the full support of all stakeholders in the March 2 General and Regional Elections. The Official Order of the Recount, No. 60/2020, gazetted on May 4, 2020 notably states “ … the President and the Leader of the Opposition and all contesting parties agreed to a CARICOM proposal for a total recount of all electoral districts as a means of assuaging the contesting parties and determining a final credible count;..” This support was reiterated in public statements by the President of Guyana and other key stakeholders as the recount proceeded.

The Order of the Recount requires that ‘ascertained and verified’ matrices of the results for each of the ten electoral districts be submit-

ted to the Chief Elections Officer, who will then tabulate these results and submit them to GECOM, along with a summary of the observation reports prepared for each District.

OAS notes that the report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer on June 13, records multiple “allegations” of irregularities by a contesting party in each District, which are then used as a basis for determining

that the electoral process in each of the ten Districts was not credible. There is little evidence in the CEO’s report of efforts to investigate or otherwise address any of the alleged irregularities presented. His contention that the entire election be set aside on this basis alone is astonishing.

In its statement of April 15, 2020, prior to the commencement of the recount, the OAS had recommended the exclusion of any official who had displayed partisan behaviour during the electoral process. While the CEO’s approach to his report is therefore disappointing, it is

not unexpected.

As noted in our statement of June 4, OAS observers present on each day of the national recount have reported that the process was conducted in a professional, transparent and impartial fashion, which allowed members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political parties and other stakeholders to accurately determine the results for each polling station. OAS reiterates that there is no reason not to support the results of the recount process.

OAS further takes note and wholly supports the findings of the CARICOM team of scrutineers that the results of the recount were transparent and credible, and nothing prevents the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission from now declaring the election, based on these results.

Elections are held to determine the will of the people and once the people’s wishes are clearly stated they must be upheld – not only in instances where they favour the incumbent. In this case, the results published in the report of the Chief Elections Officer himself make it clear that the opposition PPP/C has won the favour of the majority of Guyana’s eligible voters.

Their will must be respected.

The OAS calls on the current administration of Guyana to begin the process of transition, which will allow the legitimately elected government to take its place.

Scotland says Lowenfield’s report ...

FROM PAGE

concluded recount in Guyana. The CARICOM Report was clear that the recount results represented the will of the people of Guyana as expressed on 2 March 2020 when they exercised their right to vote.

It has recently been reported that the Chief Elections Officer has presented results to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that do not reflect that which was certified at the end of the recount process. If this is indeed true, it would be

contrary to the fundamental principles which are treasured by the Commonwealth family and are enshrined in our Commonwealth Charter.

We call on all responsible parties to consider the consequences to Guyana’s reputation as a democratic country if such an approach was allowed to stand.

We commend the people of Guyana for your continued patience and peace and we encourage you to continue to do so. The Commonwealth Charter recognises the in-

12

alienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live and for this right to be protected and respected.

Guyana is a valued member of our Commonwealth family and I encourage all stakeholders in Guyana to honour their constitutional duties by ensuring a fair and transparent political process.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

CXC 2021 exams officially set for June-July

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) 2021 examinations will be written between June 14 – July 16; however, students registered for the 2021 exams have the option to postpone writing their subjects until 2022, and will be given up to May 1, 2021, to apply for deferrals if they so choose.

Students who defer their sitting of the 2021 exams will be able to choose whether they want to sit their exams in January 2022 or May/June 2022. These students will still be able to use the same scores

from their School Based Assessments (SBA) for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Internal Assessments (IA) for their Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

The 2021 sitting will see the examinations returning to their normal format to include the writing of both the Paper One and Paper Two components, in addition to Paper Three for private candidates. However, CXC will continue to moderate 100 percent of the SBAs submit-

CXC Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley

ted by students, akin to what was introduced at last year.

These developments were confirmed by CXC officials during a virtual press conference held on Monday.

During the press conference, CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Wayne Wesley, explained that the chosen strategy of allowing exams to go forward while still allowing desirous students to defer, was the most optimum compromise from a number of options deliberated, because it caters for the varying levels of students’ preparedness.

“While there are individ-

Dr. Wesley affirmed that the selected timeframe for the exams is not expected to change outside of extenuating circumstances.

“If, God forbid, COVID-19 continues to impact that, nothing can be done; certainly, we would have to rethink what obtains.

But all things considered, the broad position is that this is the definitive position,” Dr. Wesley declared.

Students choosing the deferrals will sit the examinations at the same centre where they are currently registered. Students taking the option must apply for

CXC 2021 exams will be written from 14 June – 16 July

uals experiencing challenges in their preparations, there are others who are ready to write.

So, we presented a situation for both groups; it gives us the best of both worlds,” Dr. Wesley commented.

Dr. Wesley was joined at Monday’s press briefing by CXC Director of Operations, Dr. Nicole Manning; Chair of COHSOD, Jeffrey Lloyd, who is also the Minister of Education in The Bahamas; as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Clive Landis and a representative of CARICOM. Dr. Manning informed the media that the final timetable for the 2021 examinations is expected to be published by the end of this week.

“There is a draft timetable on the website. We are not expecting much [sic] changes there and that will be finalised before the week is out,” Dr. Manning noted.

their deferrals through the schools, while private candidates can apply for their deferrals through the local exams office in each respective nation.

“No fee will be implemented for deferral of subject. CXC will be working closely with the MoE (Ministries of Education) and local registrars to ensure implementation of changes will be done smoothly and in the best interest of our students,” Dr. Wesley said.

Over 102,000 individuals across the Caribbean are registered for the 2021 CSEC, while over 27,000 individuals are registered to write the 2021 CAPE. Dr. Wesley noted that the final decision on moving forward with the 2021 examinations was done following extensive consultations with the education ministries of the respective countries where the exams are administered.

TURN TO PAGE

18

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

More than $1 billion worth of public ‘meds’ have expired THE Ministry of Health, under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, did not purchase drugs and other medical supplies since 2018, according to subject minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, who lambasted the coalition government for leaving the health sector

projects undertaken by the previous administration. “…where more than $1 billion was spent; yet it was inoperable; our government had to fix all the deficiencies, buy all the equipment, and find the staff to make the facilities operable. We were able to start services on September 1, 2020, and to date, we have treated approximately 700 patients,”

Opposition Member of Parliament, Catherine Hughes making her contribution to the 2021 budget

plagued with deficiencies.

“In terms of drug shortages, we inherited a messy situation where drugs and medical supplies were not purchased since 2018 and that more than a billion dollars’ worth of drugs in the bond had expired,” Dr. Anthony informed the National Assembly on Monday in his contribution to the 2021 budget debate.

In defending the budgetary allocations to his sector, Dr. Anthony said that a decision has been taken to allow for the emergency procurement of supplies that could fulfill the country’s immediate medical needs. “…we are hopeful that with this year’s allocation of more than seven billion dollars, we will stabilise the situation,” the minister informed. He continued, “These problems are systemic, and while some progress has been made, it would require a lot more work to permanently correct the deficiencies left by the previous administration.”

Dr. Anthony said that other challenges facing the sector include a number of botched and inadequate infrastructural initiatives, as well as a lack of ambulances throughout the country. He pointed to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, as being “the most famous” of the questionable infrastructural

Dr. Anthony posited.

The Health Minister also referenced the “incomplete” construction of the Ruimveldt Polyclinic as well as the Ministry of Health’s Head Office which commenced in 2017 at the cost of $365 million, with a oneyear deadline, “[It] is still not finished,” Dr. Anthony said.

He added that the contractor for the project was paid some $304 million, which represents 85 per cent of the contract sum. Of the payments made, $233 million was paid without any valuation certificates “To complete the project, we will have to plaster the walls, fix the ceiling, internal and external painting, installation of a lift; tiling, plumbing and electrical works. The contractor has since been terminated, and a new tender for a contractor to finish the job will be advertised shortly,” Dr. Anthony noted.

He went on to address the Primary Health Project, explaining that since 2016, budgetary allocations were made even though no project had materialised in 2017, 2018 or 2019.

“In 2020 when we returned to office, we realised that no work was done on this project for all these years; within months we were able to restart the negotiations with the Exim Bank of India; tenders were advertised, firms that bid

were evaluated, and a recommendation was made to contact the company that would design the West Demerara Hospital, the Suddie Hospital and the Bartica Hospital. That would start in a few months,” Dr. Anthony posited.

TURN TO PAGE

18

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, defending his ministry’s budgetary allocation for 2021

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

COVID-19 death toll now at 197 –– 10 new cases recorded A 64-year-old male from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 79-yearold female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), have died from COVID-19 while receiving medical treatment.

The two patients died on February 28, taking the total number of deaths since Guyana recorded its first case in March 2020 to 197.

Meanwhile, Guyana recorded 10 new cases of COVID-19 from 461 tests,

taking the overall number of confirmed cases to 8,595.

Of the new cases, one was recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), four in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

No other regions recorded new cases, and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remains the only region which has not documented new cases of the

coronavirus within the past 15 days.

Five persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 26 are institutionally isolated, while 374 persons are isolated at home while five persons are institutionally quarantined. The number of active cases is now 410 and the total number of recoveries stands at 7,993.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when

leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If you or anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

FROM PAGE

16

CXC 2021 exams ...

“For the approach adopted this year, we ensured we had consultations at the national level. All the relevant stakeholders were consulted and recommendations were made to the CXC from the respective territories on their national standpoints. In administration of all our exams, we will ensure they conform with the respective national protocols,” Dr. Wesley informed.

In measures implemented to better facilitate writing of the examinations, CXC has also extended the date for submission of the SBAs in addition to conducting training across the Region to ensure that concerns regarding SBAs are addressed.

Dr. Wesley noted that the CXC will not be issuing any interim scores awarded for the SBAs and

cautioned against students using such scores as a prediction of their final grades.

Results for the 2021 exams are expected to be issued by the end of September, 2021.

Cognisant that this could affect students applying to colleges and universities, Dr. Wesley explained that CXC has been in contact with several tertiary institutions to seek consideration for those students who will be affected by the change of customary dates. The CXC exams are customarily written in May/June with results issued by August.

Professor Landis took the opportunity to announce that special measures are being implemented at the UWI application process to give consideration to this situation.

FROM PAGE

17

More than $1 billion ...

Additionally, the minister noted that under the United Kingdom (UK)-funded SMART Hospital Initiative, efforts are ongoing to complete the transformation of the Diamond Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara, which is slated to be reopened later in the month. “...and before the year is finished, we expect to complete the Leonora, Mabaruma and Lethem Hospitals, and the Paramakatoi Health Centre,” the Health minister told the House.

Dr. Anthony said that his ministry will also be pushing assiduously towards strengthening maternity infrastructure across the country. He noted that a new maternity home will be opened within the next month in Lethem, Region Nine.

“We will commission the new maternity ward at the New Amsterdam Hospital later this year, and we will work on the maternity waiting home at Kato and Moruca,” Dr. Anthony noted.

The minister also addressed the Opposition’s concerns regarding an allocation of $99.8 million to equip the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port Mourant, Berbice.

“To set the record straight, we handed over a National Ophthalmology

Centre in 2015, that was doing hundreds of cataract and other surgeries, and in 2020, we received a dysfunctional hospital with broken operating microscopes, where little or no surgeries were done,” Dr. Anthony related.

He said that just about two weeks ago, 15 surgeries were conducted at the facility. “This was more than was done by the APNU +AFC in 2020. We have committed resources to fix the hospital to its former glory, where many more surgeries will be done this year,” the minister noted.

He also reminded of the ministry’s efforts to develop a cancer control programme which will focus mainly on breast and cervical cancers that affect women and prostate cancer in men. Meanwhile, in her presentation, APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Catherine Hughes used her time on the floor to call for the increase in wages and salaries for public servants, as well as the increase of the private sector’s minimum wage.

Responding to Minister Anthony’s criticisms of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Hughes defended that the facility was transformed into a specialty space, in “record short time”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 2, 2021

20,000 COVID-19 vaccines from China to arrive today

–– over 180,000 doses by end of March GUYANA will be receiving 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China, slated to arrive on Tuesday night at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, while an additional 180,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca will arrive by the end of this month from India and the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who, in his COVID-19 update on Monday, noted that 80,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to arrive in the country on March 8, 2021, from the Government of India. This means that there will be 100,000 doses that will be available to immunise the population by the second week of March.

Additionally, the COVAX facility is also slated to provide 100,800 doses to Guyana sometime this month; the date is being finalised. Guyana received its first 3,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine via donation from Barbados last month, which was used to vaccinate frontline healthcare workers and employees at the CARICOM Secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The additional doses, however, will far surpass the number of frontline workers and, as such, the Ministry of Health has taken the decision to administer the jab to persons categorised as “high risk”, including persons with underlying medical conditions and the elderly.

Dr. Anthony explained that the Health Ministry will be working with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to target pensioners to receive the vaccine; the old age pension database will be utilised.

“We’ll have a sense of who those persons are, where they are living and

so forth, and we will then be able to use that to reach those persons. The persons with co-morbidities (underlying medical condition), as you would expect, a lot of people would come to our public health facilities and because a lot of people are coming to our services, we would have a list of patients at each of those clinics who are diabetic, or hypertensive or have cardiovascular diseases, or pulmonary diseases, renal diseases.

“We would be able to determine that and, therefore, health centres, district hospitals, regional hospitals, would be able to help us identify, and through that process, we would be able to give those vaccines,” the Health Minister explained.

Minister Anthony reminded that while Guyana will be receiving a significant number of COVID-19 vaccines, the country is still a far way from achieving herd immunity. He explained that between 70 per cent to 80 per cent of Guyana’s 760,000 population would need to be vaccinated, in order to achieve herd immunity. This would require a significantly larger number of COVID-19 vaccines.

“We are still a far way from herd immunity because with the allocation of 200,000 doses, that would mean that only 100,000 persons would be able to be immunised,” Dr. Anthony said.

The vaccines are administered in two doses and must be done weeks apart. Meanwhile, the Health Minister assured that the government is working strategically on more bilateral strategies in an effort to get more vaccines. He noted that once the vaccines arrive in the country, the 35 trained teams will make their way countrywide to administer the vaccines to members of the public.

19

A dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine being administered to Dr. Dave Persaud recently, at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Skerritt hails Red Force ‘show of force’, endorses TTCB use of senior players

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt, has labelled Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s domination of the just concluded Regional Super50 Cup as a “remarkable show of force” and says their title conquest has reiterated the value of senior players in the territorial board programmes.

Red Force played the entire tournament unbeaten, climaxing their campaign with a 152-run victory over Guyana Jaguars in last Saturday’s final under lights at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

“This was a remarkable show of force by Trinidad

from start to finish,” Skerritt said in a statement on Monday.

“It was a total team effort and Red Force found a match-winner at every stage. The other five franchise teams, including losing finalist Guyana Jaguars, all worked hard and showed good fighting qualities to varying degrees.

“But The Red Force was more dominant and consistent than ever, and simply unstoppable.”

In a shortened tournament due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Red Force stormed through the five preliminary games to top the standings, before also thrashing Jamaica Scorpions in the semi-final last

Wednesday.

Veterans Lendl Simmons and Ravi Rampaul, both age 36, came to the fore for Red Force throughout the tournament, to feature prominently in the batting and bowling aggregates.

Simmons hit a half-century in the semi-final and followed up with a career-best 146 in the final to finish with 316 runs while Rampaul snatched four-wicket hauls in both the semis and the final, to end with 14 wickets.

Skerritt praised the vision of Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath, for not discarding the former West Indies stars and recognising their contin-

ued value within the national setup.

“Congrats on a great tournament and final victory for TTCB and your team. This incredible performance should emphasize the vital importance of planning and preparation,” Skerritt told Bassarath.

“I hope it has also reminded us why cricket administrators should not simply throw away senior players while these players still have such good value to their team and country.

“Successful cricket teams employ a healthy balance of youth and experience, just like your team did in winning this tournament.”

Participation open to Guyana for Caribbean Games

GUYANA has been named by the Association of Caribbean National Olympic Committees (CANOC) as one of the 29 countries that has the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Caribbean Games, which is to be hosted in Guadeloupe.

The event, a quadrennial one geared to feature athletes under the age of 23, suffered the same fate as every other sporting affair when the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

CANOC and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president, Brian Lewis, told insidethegames. com that Guadeloupe proposed the postponement of the Caribbean Games, but reaffirmed its commitment

to host the event.

The Competition was scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 4 of this year, just weeks before the delayed Olympics are set to begin in Tokyo. New dates in 2022 are now being considered for the Caribbean Games.

An inaugural edition had been scheduled to be held in Trinidad and Tobago as far back as July 2009.

However, this was cancelled due to the global spread of the novel influenza, a virus at the time.

Meanwhile, if the commencement comes to fruition, then netball, despite not being a staple, sportwise, in Guadeloupe, will be a compulsory sport, alongside athletics and swimming, at the Caribbean Games with the island territory introducing the sport with assistance from CANOC. Nations interested in participating at this event must enter through their Nation’s

Olympic Governing Body.

<<GUADELOUPE’S PANDEMIC STATE>> Guadeloupe has been named by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a nation with a very high risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Since the country identified the first case on March 12, 2020, they have recorded 164 deaths following the confirmation of 9,968 cases.

The country’s spike in cases for the pandemic was what caused the postponement of the games. <<THE BLUEPRINT>> These Games were born out of discussions with the CARICOM Governments in conjunction with the CARICOM Sports Directors and the CANOC. It was thought that the Caribbean has such excellent athletes who perform internationally at high level meets,

including the Olympics, but never ‘at home’ in front of their countrymen.

The Caribbean Games will provide a platform to showcase elite Caribbean athletes as a means of motivating young sportsmen and sportswomen to aspire to international standards and achievements.

It is intended that the Games should expose Caribbean audiences to the best Caribbean athletes.

A maximum of seven sports are set to be in the competition among which must be two team sports, to be chosen from football, basketball and volleyball. Non-core sports must be selected from among Olympic sports disciplines.

Qualifying standards for the Games are established in consultation with the international and regional federations. Individual sports have no age limits, although there is an age limit to participants of team sports.

Plan for Russia’s readmittance to World Athletics approved RUSSIA is closer to having its suspension from World Athletics for doping offences lifted after the sport’s international governing body approved plans for reform.

The 31-page plan is described as a “last chance and urgent attempt” for change after Russia’s 2015 suspension.

A number of deadlines for reform have been set for the coming year, including targets for wider drug testing.

World Athletics president Lord Coe called it a “roadmap to rebuild trust”.

“This is not the end but the beginning of a long journey, with an incredible amount of work for Rusaf (the Russian Athletics Federation) to do to rebuild trust,”

said Coe. No date has been set for Russia’s readmittance to World Athletics, but a detailed timeline relating to the sport’s governance, funding, anti-doping re-

World Athletics president Lord Coe

gime and education of athletes has been set out and is to be monitored.

Among the changes demanded are for policies to be introduced to encourage whistleblowing, measures to “punish those regions resisting change”, and to increase athlete input into how the sport is run in the country.

The report says that Rusaf believes it can achieve its targets but also notes that “irreversibly changing a culture will in fact take a generation”.

World Athletics also says it will consider whether Russian athletes proven to be clean can take part in the Tokyo Olympics this year, when its council meets on 17 and 18 March.

(BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Why are England batsmen taught to sweep instead of using their feet against spinners?

By Ian Chappell

They are panicking and trying to attack from the crease rather than stepping out to get the bowler to change length VIRAT Kohli described the recent day-night third Test, in Ahmedabad, as “bizarre”, a word that aptly describes the England batsmen’s attempts to cope with India’s spinners.

India’s decision to select three spinners for the Test was prompted by England’s batting on a tricky Chennai pitch, where their batsmen - Joe Root excepted - displayed a distinct ineptitude against spin. India correctly calculated that would result in mental scarring and used it to their advantage.

From the moment Axar Patel conjured up the ultimate thimble-and-pea trick to dismiss Jonny Bairstow with a straight delivery, England were in a spin. Is the ball over there? No, it’s here.

When faced with a serious spin challenge, the England batsmen didn’t trust their defence, which eventually re-

sulted in panicked attempts to attack the Indian spinners.

Their choice to reverse-sweep rather than to leave their crease to change the bowler’s length is a classic example.

How can a risky premeditated shot be less dangerous than what was previously a trusted technique to unsettle good spinners?

One of the first principles of batting - especially on a pitch assisting spinners - is to keep the odds slightly in your favour.

Following the memorable 2000-01 series in India where VVS Laxman made a magnificent 281 on a testing surface, I asked Shane Warne how he thought he had performed. “I didn’t think I bowled badly,” he replied. “You didn’t,” was my response. “When a batsman alters your length drastically by coming out three paces and then is quickly onto the back foot when you toss the next delivery a little higher and shorter, that’s not bad bowling, that’s excellent footwork.”

Shrewd use of footwork

not only helps negate the spin but also puts a batsman in a position to direct the ball where he wants, rather than where the bowler would prefer it to be hit.

To be fair, this is a skill to be learned at a young age.

Which prompts the question: why is it not widely taught in England, where sweeping is misguidedly touted as the secret to playing spin bowling successfully?

Another prominent theory is to take block on off

Flashback: Doug Walters of Australia gets a hug from a spectator during his innings of 112 in the 3rd Test match between West Indies and Australia at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, 23rd March 1973.

The wicketkeeper for West Indies is Deryck Murray.

Australia won the match by 44 runs (Photo by Patrick Eagar/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

stump when the ball is spinning back in to the batsman.

This flawed theory closes off scoring opportunities through the on side. It’s designed to reduce the chances of being dismissed rather than to create scoring opportunities, which is always a bad option.

It also causes batsmen to play balls towards leg slip. Why deliberately hit the ball where there’s a catching fielder?

I asked former Australia batsman Doug Walters: “How do you get caught at leg slip when an offspinner is bowling?”

“You can’t,” he replied.

Walters is the best batsman I’ve seen against topclass offspin bowling. He scored a century in a session on a tricky Queen’s Park Oval pitch against Lance Gibbs and crafted a brilliant hundred against Erapalli Prasanna on a Chepauk pitch that was every bit as difficult as the one in the recent Test there between India and England.

On both occasions he used lightning quick footwork to both negate the

spin and manipulate the field placings against two champion offspin bowlers.

Back in Ahmedabad, Ollie Pope decided to use his feet against the Indian spinners. He had the right idea but the wrong execution.

Firstly, he jumped rather than glided out of the crease. Secondly, his front foot pressed forward but the back one lingered, as if searching for the safety of the crease.

I was told two crucial things about footwork when I was very young: “Get stumped by three yards not three inches,” my coach said, “and never think about the keeper when you leave the crease.”

Pope was conscious of the keeper as he tentatively ventured out of his crease, which meant he was worried he would miss the delivery.

That results in footwork that hinders rather than helps.

It’s never easy against good spinners on a challenging surface, but it is possible to play well; just not the way England are going about it (Cricinfo).

Tom Moody appointed as Sri Lanka’s director of cricket England appoint Trescothick, Lewis & Patel as coaches TOM Moody has been appointed Sri Lanka’s director of cricket, a broad new role that will have Moody overseeing Sri Lanka’s international programme and domestic tournaments. The appointment was made on the recommendation of Sri Lanka’s new technical advisory committee headed by Aravinda de Silva.

The role will see Moody spend at least 300 days in Sri Lanka over the next three years focusing on “analysis of the future tour programme, focusing on the domestic tournament structure, player welfare, education and skill development, coaching and support staff structure, high performance, and data analytics”.

Moody had been Sri Lanka’s coach between 2005 and 2007 - years in which Sri Lanka tasted considerable success in the Test format and became World Cup runners-up. Since then he has been a coach at the IPL, the

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:05 hrs Just Judy 08:40 hrs Mcebisi 09:15 hrs Fred 09:50 hrs Way Of The World 10:25 hrs Say When

Caribbean Premier League’s director of cricket and has had several other high-profile positions.

“Tom has worked with Sri Lanka Cricket in the past and has shown results, and I am sure with his working

Tom Moody had been Sri Lanka’s coach between 2005 and 2007 (Getty Images)

knowledge of the system, Tom will add greater value to our game,” SLC’s CEO Ashley de Silva said.

American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race 1 Dolly Dear Race v Princess Avril Race 3 Gift From Mom Race 4 Tico Thunder Race 5 Vale Of Evesham

On why Moody was specifically sought out for the role, Aravinda had told ESPNcricinfo that his committee needed “someone responsible and neutral working on certain areas with an open mind, who understands the culture, the players, the country’s culture, someone who’s been around. We need to blend and get the administrative side as well as the cricketing side.

“Tom has got a lot of experience and understands more things about what some of the other countries are doing right, and we need to get the best things out of those countries that will suit our culture and then implement those.”

Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan, who played under Moody during his tenure as coach, are also on the advisory committee.

Moody stared his contract, yesterday1. His contract runs for three years.

FORMER England batsman Marcus Trescothick is among three ‘elite’ coaching appointments made by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Trescothick, 45, who made 5,825 runs in 76 Tests, becomes batting coach.

Former England seamer Jon Lewis will assume responsibility for fast bowling, with ex-New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel in charge of spinners.

The three will work across all England men’s teams, from age-groups to the Lions and senior sides.

Paul Collingwood and Graham Thorpe remain as the assistant coaches to head coach Chris Silverwood.

Trescothick leaves his post as Somerset assistant coach to effectively replace Mark Ramprakash, who left in 2019.

England have used sev-

Race 6 Sky Writer Race 7 Hardly Swayed

11:00 hrs Relkadam 11:30 hrs Lleyton

English Racing Tips Catterick 08:30 hrs Real Stone 09:00 hrs West To The Bridge 09:30 hrs Chuvelo 10:00 hrs Henry’s Joy 10:30 hrs Gold Runner

Leicester 10:10 hrs Ring The Moon 10:40 hrs Jack Valentine 11:10 hrs Destin D’Ajonc 11:40 hrs Aroalina 12:10 hrs Fumet D’Oodairies 12:40 hrs Cat Tiger

eral short-term consultants since then, including former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis on this winter’s tour of Sri Lanka and ex-England batsman Jonathan Trott during the current series in India.

Marcus Trescothick retired from first-class cricket in 2019

Patel and Lewis are currently in India, with Lewis helping fill the void left by Silverwood’s promotion after Trevor BayNewcastle 12:00 hrs Who Dares Wins 12:30 hrs Madeeh 13:00 hrs Kehailaan 13:30 hrs Culture 14:00 hrs Imperial Command 14:30 hrs We SAtill Believe 15:00 hrs Dutch Decoy

liss stepped down as head coach in 2019.

Former Gloucestershire bowler Lewis, 45, played one Test and steps up from his role as England Under-19 head coach.

He will be replaced by Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson, who departs Nevil Road with Ian Harvey taking his position in the interim.

Off-spinner Patel, 40, played 24 Tests for New Zealand and took 473 wickets in 124 first-class matches as Warwickshire’s overseas player.

England are without a full-time wicketkeeping coach after Bruce French retired in November.

Former England players James Foster and Chris Read have shared a consultancy role on the tour of India. (BBC Sport)

Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 10:20 hrs Call Me Rocky 10:50 hrs Auckland 11:20 hrs Baltimore Bucko 11:50 hrs Buchasson 12:20 hrs Cedarwood Road 12:50 hrs The Chapel Field 13:20 hrs Whosgotyanow

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Andre Mc Carthy goes a notch above his peers By: Charwayne Walker SINCE sponsored Regional one-day cricket started in 1976, several players have completed the double; scoring a century and capturing five wicket hauls.

But only Jamaican Andre Mc Carthy could boast of scoring three centuries, capturing two five- wicket hauls and snaring a hat-trick.

The Jamaican maestro have Regional Super 50 centuries with 118 vs ICC Americas in 2016 at the Frank Worrell Memorial ground, St. Augustine; 105 vs Guyana at Coolidge in 2018. He also has two five-wicket hauls: 5 for 26 vs the Leeward Islands at Coolidge in 2018 and 6 for 16, including a hat-trick vs Barbados, at Coolidge in 2021.

The following players have completed the double: Lockhart Sebastian 105 vs the Leeward Islands

at the Botanical Gardens, Roseau Dominica (1982); 101 vs Trinidad & Tobago at Guaracara Park (1983) and 5 for 34 from 7 overs vs Jamaica at Mindoo Phillip Park St. Lucia in 1980.

at Mindoo Phillip Park, St. Lucia in 1980.

Phillips Simmons 105 vs Windward Islands at Guaracara Park (1990) and 5 for 36 vs Windward Islands at Guaracara Park (1983). Wilden

Andre McCarthy boasts of scoring three centuries, capturing two five wicket hauls and snaring a hat-trick

Richard Austin (deceased) 124 not out vs Leeward Islands at Sabina Park (1982) and 5 for 37 from 9 overs vs Windwards Islands

Cornwall on debut, 126 vs the USA at Kensington Park Jamaica (1998) and 103 for Antigua & Barbuda vs Trinidad & Tobago at Beausejour,

St. Lucia (2002) and 6 for 36 vs Guyana at Albion (2004).

Ramnaresh Sarwan 5 for 10 vs Bermuda (1998) at Hampton Court, Essequibo; 113 vs Leeward Islands at Lucas Ground, Barbados (2005); 106 not out vs Barbados at North Star Ground Bridgetown (2005), and 113 not out vs Leeward Islands at Bourda (2005). Jonathan Carter 5 for 26 vs Windward Islands at Kensington Oval (2013), and 109 vs Jamaica (2014); 100 vs Leeward Islands (2021) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Andre Russell 6 for 46 vs Barbados (2010) at Sabina Park and 108 vs Kent (2017) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Rovman Powell 5 for 36 vs Trinidad & Tobago at Coolidge (2018) and 106 vs Leeward Islands (2019) at Conaree Ground St. Kitts, and 100 not out vs Canada at Warner Park (2019).

Saunders says he’s got the tools to beat Canelo BILLY Joe Saunders says he’s the boxer with the style to undo Canelo Alvarez. They will clash in a huge WBC, WBA, WBO super middleweight unification bout on May 8, live worldwide on

have to dare to be great and you aren’t going to be a great if you don’t beat the greats. I believe I am the only one with the footwork, knowhow, skillset, mindset and brain to unlock that door in Canelo.

beaten good names, but nobody is unbeatable, and I believe I have got the tools to beat him if I use them properly and if the game plan comes off that I believe works.

Area to world titles, I could say ‘I’ve won it all, been to the Olympics, I’m unbeaten – I’ll see you later’. But I’ve only just turned 31, I’ve got no miles on the clock, haven’t

Canelo Alvarez

Billy Joe Saunders

DAZN (except Mexico). The site is to be announced.

“Canelo, I’m ready to rock and roll,” said Saunders. “You

“He’s the main man in the sport and the face of boxing.

You have to give him respect, he hasn’t ducked anyone, he’s

“I am looking at the golden ticket to cement my legacy, and that’s how you have to go in there to beat him. I’ve won everything from Southern

taken any punishment – I believe he’s been in harder fights than me and has more miles, so I want to cement my legacy and beat him.” (Fightnews)

Woods thankful as top golfers show support by wearing red and black

World number eight Rory McIlroy in red and black as he finished in a tie for sixth at the WGC-Workday Championship Tiger Woods expressed his gratitude after seeing several male and female golfers show their support on Sunday.

Former world number one Rory McIlroy was among those who wore red and black - the colours Woods is known for wearing in the tourna-

ment final rounds.

The 15-time major winner, 45, is recovering from leg injuries sustained in a car accident last Tuesday.

“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the TV and saw all the red shirts,” Woods tweeted.

“To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”

McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Patrick Reed and

Tony Finau were among those who wore red and black while competing at the WGC-Workday Championship in Florida, which was won by USA’s Collin Morikawa.

Phil Mickelson did the same at a PGA Tour Champions event in Arizona, as did Annika Sorenstam at the LPGA’s Gainbridge Championship.

“I guess for us it’s just a

gesture to let him know that we’re thinking about him and we’re rooting for him,” said McIlroy, 31.

“Things are looking a little better today than they were on Tuesday, but he’s still got a ways to go.

“If there was no Tiger Woods, I just think the tour and the game of golf in general would be in a worse place. He’s meant a lot to us; he still does mean a lot to us.”. (BBC Sport)

Police make arrests after search of Barcelona FC offices

Former Barcelona club president Josep Maria Bartomeu CATALAN police say they have made four arrests after searching the offices of Spanish side Barcelona.

The identity of those involved have not yet been confirmed by police, who said their investigation is continuing.

The police operation was conducted on Monday after an investigation into financial issues at Barcelona.

The club’s presidential elections take place on Sunday after their previous president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, announced his resignation in October.

According to Spanish media reports, Bartomeu is among those arrested - although police have not confirmed this.

In a statement, Barcelona said the police searches related to the “contacting of monitoring services on social networks”.

“FC Barcelona have offered up their full collaboration to the legal and police authorities to help make clear facts which are subject to investigation,” the club said.

“The information and documentation requested by the judicial police force relate strictly to the facts relative to this case.

“FC Barcelona expresses its utmost respect for the judicial process in place and for the principle of presumed innocence for the people affected within the remit of this investigation.”

According to reports in Spain, the investigation relates to the ‘Barcagate’ scandal of February 2020, when the club were forced to deny hiring a firm to attack their own players on social media. (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, March 02, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Jeff Dujon-20 dismissals (18 catches/2 stumpings) (2) Rumesh Kaluwitharana-20 dismissals (14 catches/6 stump

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) When & where did the WI play an ODI game for the first time?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Jaguars still have reasons to smile, says disappointed Johnson ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson believes despite their heavy defeat to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the Regional Super50 Cup final, the tournament was still a “success” for his side.

Jaguars were hoping to break a 16-year drought in the 50-overs competition but went down by 152 runs in last Saturday’s final at Coolidge Cricket Ground, after failing to chase down a massive target of 363 runs.

Pointing to the performances of the batting group and the outstanding efforts of left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie who ended as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps, Johnson said there had been reason for Jaguars to hold their heads high.

“I think [the tourna-

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson

Hetmyer, Chase belatedly pass fitness tests … both players now available for Test selection-Adams BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC )– Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounder Roston Chase will be available for selection for the twoTest series against Sri Lanka later this month after passing the required fitness tests.

The news comes just four days after Cricket West Indies announced that the pair, along with fast bowlers Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell, had been ruled out of selection for the Twenty20 and One-Day

dard” and would now be considered for selection.

“The next selection meeting would be around the Test matches coming up later in March, so they are now available for selection having met that minimum standard,” Adams announced.

Only Sunday, Chase and Hetmyer were named in two 13-man squads for a four-day practice match at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua from March 8-11.

All-rounder Roston Chase

International series because they failed “to reach the minimum fitness standard in time for selection consideration.”

Director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, said yesterday Hetmyer and Chase had subsequently “met that stan-

Batsman Shimron Hetmyer

Chase will lead one squad while Hetmyer will feature in the side to be captained by Kraigg Brathwaite.

Both players missed the recent two-Test tour of Bangladesh last month after joining several others in opting out due to COVID-19 fears.

However, they featured for their respective franchises in the just concluded Regional Super50 Cup won by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

West Indies face Sri Lanka in the opening Test starting March 21 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua and renew rivalries eight days later at the same venue.

ment] was a success. Obviously we would’ve loved to go one better and win the tournament but getting to the final is an achievement in itself,” said the long-standing skipper.

“We had three centuries in the tournament, Motie finished with the most wickets and (Kevin) Sinclair backed up his very good season [in 2019] and got a call to the West Indies team so it’s not the end of the world.

“We would’ve loved to come out on the winning side but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Johnson was one of the three Jaguars batsmen to reach triple figures with the others being veteram all-rounder Chris Barnwell and West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer.

The 21-year-old Sinclair,

meanwhile, who starred with 13 wickets in the last Super50 Cup in 2019 for West Indies Emerging Players, claimed only five wickets but his economy rate of 3.48 was outstanding, and earned him a spot in the West Indies side to face Sri Lanka in the white ball series starting later this week.

Johnson also praised Motie’s performance and said he expected the 25-year-old to play international cricket soon. “[He’s] definitely [one for the future]. He’s represented West Indies at the youth level and the A-team level as well. (Veerasammy) Permaul was missing for the majority of the tournament and he really stepped up and did well,” Johnson pointed out.

Despite winning the toss

and opting to bowl first on a good track in Saturday’s final, Johnson said there were no regrets about the decision-making as Jaguars had simply not stepped up their game.

“I fully back the decision to bowl first. They put up [362]. I think the wicket was still good but I think the execution of our shots early in the power-play cost us,” Johnson explained.

“You saw down at the back end how easy it was when Raymond (Reifer) and Gudakesh were batting as well.”

Jaguars slumped to 55 for six in their run chase before Reifer hit an unbeaten 97 to provide a face-saving rearguard action, which included a 71-run, ninth wicket stand with Motie who made 28.

Harper hopes young pace bowlers aspire to standards set by veteran players like Edwards Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief of selectors, Roger Harper, hopes the selection of veteran players like Chris Gayle and Fidel Edwards gives young players a good idea of the kind of standard required for selection heading into the team’s World Cup title defense later this year.

The talismanic batsman, Gayle, who is 41-years-old, and Edwards, who is 39, were both selected as part of the T20I squad ahead of the team’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Despite being past the age many other players have retired from the sport, both men have expressed an interest in representing the team at the T20 World Cup, in India, in October.

On the back of an impressive IPL campaign, for Kings XI Punjab, few would have issues with Gayle suiting up. Edwards would have been more of a question mark, however, as he was not available for selection, due to a Kolpak contract, for the last eight years. The bowler recently showed he is still more than capable of hostile bowling at express pace.

In the recent Abu Dhabi T10 league final, Edwards was seen hurrying young in-form compatriot Nicholas Pooran. According to Harper, despite the player’s age, he still brings

exceptional quality to the team.

“I would hope it (selection) sends a message to the young players of the standards they need to attain,” Harper told members of the media via an online Zoom press conference.

“You would recall in some of the T20 games, for example in New Zealand,

us losing some games and where we were deficient,” he added.

“I would hope the message that is sent is that these are the standards we need to attain and the sort of players that we need to have in these sort of teams; guys who will work harder at developing their skills to get to that level.” (Sportsmax)

Chris Gayle who is 41 years old, Edwards, who is 39 were both selected for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka

Skerritt hails Force

SEE PAGE 24

endorses TTCB use of senior players

Red Force captain Kieron Poweel (left) and Head coach celebrate with the Sir Clive LLoyd Super 50 trophy

Bright-eyed Gayle eager for T20 series win over Sri Lanka upon return

―Says goal is to win upcoming T20 World Cup title

By Clifton Ross RETURNING West Indies star opener, Chris Gayle, said he’s in the best shape of his life and is eyeing one more T20 World Cup title before considering hanging up his gloves and bat for good, adding that his return to international cricket for the Sri Lanka series is the first stepping stone towards his quest.

The “T20 Universe Boss” during Monday’s Zoom meeting, engaged with members of the West Indies media ahead of the upcoming 3-match T20 home series versus Sri Lanka, which bowls off March 3.

The 41-year-old said he was in top shape and relishing his return to Windies colours. “I’m a fit man, I’m doing a lot of physical training, doing a lot of running and it’s just about how you manage your [sic].

Those things (training) have been a trend in West Indies cricket and I’ve been a part of it, so keeping the fitness is important”, said Gayle Arguably the most decorated T20 batsman in franchise cricket and among the greats in T20 internationals, the Jamaican said that at one point he almost called it quits but decided to dedicate the latter part of his career

to entertaining his fans as a franchise T20 mercenary while keeping the door open for a storied end to his international career.

“It’s the desire I have to perform. Back then, I thought about walking away, but I decided to continue. I wasn’t thinking down this road; I was thinking of now. I don’t mind being a mentor.

I still have a lot to offer to both senior and junior players I would love to share”, explained the opener.

Speaking about Guyanese batsman, Shimron Hetmyer, who was left out of the Sri Lanka series after failing Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) new fitness assessment, Gayle urged the fellow lefthander to ens u r e h i s

cricket is the primary objective at this time.

“It’s very unfortunate he (Hetmyer) is out of the squad. It’s up to him if he really wants to represent the West Indies, because he’s such a talent; it’s just unfortunate. Hopefully, things can work out; he’s the future. I like him, we need him and we don’t want to lose him and I’ll speak to him again whenever I see him”, said the legendary batsman.

Although the upcoming T 2 0 Wo r l d Cup has some time

yet, Gayle said it was important for the team to get themselves into that mode as they will seek to utilize the upcoming respective tours to further sharpen their prowess ahead of the competition.

“We want to win the series; Kieron Pollard is a very strong captain and we have a lot of good senior players.

It’s really good to be back, like I said. I just want to perform and do good for my team. The bigger picture is to get three T20 titles under my belt. The goal is to win the upcoming T20 World Cup; we have a lot of cricket coming up, so we need to keep fit and get the energy going.

He ended, “At 41, it’s more mental than physical. It’s the willpower of the mind. I’m still in that capacity that gives me that extra drive. So, if the mind stops operating like this, then I will have to ask myself a big question, but until then, then , I’ll make sure I have a clear m i n d , because with a clear mind, you can do anyA fully-restored Chris Gayle said he wants thing”. to perform big against the Sri Lankans

Participation open to Guyana for Caribbean Games SEE PAGE 24

CANOC and TTOC president, Brian Lewis

Jaguars still have reasons to smile, says disappointed Johnson Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SEE PAGE

27

| TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021