Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_03_06_2020

FRIDAY 6th March, 2020

' No.105931

Coalition

takes lead SEE PAGE 03

* * *

secures 136, 335 votes in Region Four preliminary results show APNU+AFC at 237,140 to the PPP’s 229,450

Jagdeo's tabulation way off mark from GECOM’s

Coalition supporters started the celebrations after GECOM released the results of the Region Four votes that showed APNU+AFC in an unassailable lead (Adrian Narine photo)

‘Elections were orderly, lawful’

Soldier who died in fireworks incident laid to rest

…President Granger reminds Western diplomats the executive does not interfere in the work of the Commission

SEE PAGE 08

…President attends viewing, sympathises with relatives

SEE STORY ON PAGE 09

Allegations of Russian meddling surface …three deported after being found with spy equipment

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Two arrested for unruly conduct at GECOM command centre …chairman forced to leave through back door, police called in

By Svetlana Marshall PANDEMONIUM broke out at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre at Hadfield and High Streets when agents attached to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) clashed with the police as they tried to invade an office, in which the Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, was operating in.

It was alleged that the GECOM Chair was “dead,” “sick,” and even held “hostage” but these allegations were proven to be untrue, as she was alive and well. According to reports, moments after the Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica) Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, declared, amid loud

heckling and chants of ‘NO,’ the results for the general and regional elections for his district, the chairman proceeded to her office.

It was not long after that PPP/C Executive Member and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, appeared at the Command Centre with a Court Martial to serve Justice Singh with a High Court order, however, calls to the GECOM Chair went unanswered. She remained locked in the room for an extensive period stretching several hours.

An ambulance with Emergency Medical Responders would later arrive at the Elections Commission Command Centre with an oxygen bottle and other apparatus but they were not allowed to enter the office of the chair, located on the

Anter Narine, an observer attached to AmCham Guyana being taken into custody

second floor of the building.

It was unclear who called in the Emergency Medical Responders but the Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that it was not Justice Singh.

Though a number of local journalists were barred from entering the Command

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo alleging that GECOM’s Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh had been held hostage. This was proven not to be true

The scene inside of the Commander Center as a number of persons broke into one of the offices so as to reach the GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

Joshua Kanhai, the founding member of The New Movement (TNM) being taken into police custody.

Emergency Medical Responders leaving the Command Centre

The ambulance outside of GECOM’s Command Center on Hadfield and High Streets

Centre, a live Facebook feed from inside the building showed the Leader of Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, telling International Observers that Justice (Ret’d) Singh was being held against her will and the police is complicit.

“Let’s see the chair! Let’s see the chair! Let’s see the chair,” a number of persons were heard chanting amid heavy police presence within the facility. The chants later turned into a physical confrontation with ranks of the Guyana Police Force as the

agents associated with the PPP/C and a number of other smaller political parties attempted to bulldoze their way into the room in which the GECOM Chair was located.

“All we want to know that she is okay,” Jagdeo was heard telling the police as they guarded Justice (Ret’d) Singh’s office door in full view of members of international Electoral Observation Missions. It is believed that the opposition leader and his supporters were attempting to have access to Justice

(Ret’d) Singh so as to have her served with the Court Order, intended to block the elections commission from proceeding with the declaration of the results for the general and regional elections.

But even as senior ranks of the police force were asking persons to clear that section, another group of people pushed opened the door of another office located right next to the one the GECOM chair was in. It was the scene of physical confrontation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Coalition takes lead

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--secures 136, 335 votes in Region Four ---Jagdeo’s tabulations way off mark

By Lisa Hamilton THE total results declared by Returning Officers (ROs) for all 10 Administrative Regions in the Regional Elections show that the coalition government has taken the lead by over 7,600 votes. With Region Four (Demera-Mahaica) being the last set of results to be declared, APNU+AFC jumps ahead with 237,140 votes to the PPP’s 229,450.

The long-awaited results for the single outstanding Region was declared on Thursday, indicating that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 77,258 votes in Region Four, while the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) gained 136,335. This represents a 59,097 lead in the Region, which is known to be an APNU+AFC stronghold. Regional votes oftentimes being almost identical to votes in the General Elections, could very well mean that the coalition government comes out as the victor in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is yet to make a final and official declaration on which party has won the elections, and disagreements at the level of the verification of the Region’s Statements of Poll (SOPs) could see a fresh verification process on the same. On Wednesday morning, there was a breakdown in the verification of the Region’s SOPs after its Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo fell ill and had to be rushed to the hospital.

The process was then taken up by a GECOM Clerk, but disagreement ensued when a summarised spreadsheet was used and the numbers did not match. There were attempts to complete the process that night, but these failed. On Thursday, with plans to recommence the verification process at 09:00hrs, leaders, representatives and agents of all political parties, along with members of Elections Observer Missions (EOMs) and members of the diplomatic corps gathered at GECOM’s tabulation center on High and Hadfield Streets.

But for reasons unknown, the verification process did

Chair of The Carter Center Mission to Guyana Jason Carter speaking to the media

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward and Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo

not recommence, either at the said time or later, whereby the SOPs for Region Four were being verified “statement- to-statement”. Later on Thursday afternoon, the media got word that Mingo had recovered and returned to the GECOM tabulation center, and at around 17:30hrs, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward released the declared General and Regional results for Region Four signed by the necessary signatories.

ure now that went out on the declaration by Mingo, fraudulent,” he said. “This is totally fake; a fraudulent declaration by 22,000 votes added out of nowhere.”

From then to now, the Guyana Chronicle has not been able to reconnect to the site on which the PPP once portrayed the results of their own tabulation. And now that the declaration has been made, Jagdeo says that the PPP/C will be requesting a recount.

Meanwhile, head of ElecSHOUTED DOWN toral Observers Missions Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo When Mingo initially tried (EOMs) have agreed to declare the results that GECOM should to those within the refer to the previous Center, shouts erupted “statement-to- statefrom Party affiliates ment” verification present over the RO’s process, which came voice, but this did not about as a result of stop him from going discrepancies with ahead with what he set the introduction of a out to do. Sometime spreadsheet, before after, the results were they recognised the made known to the declared results of the media. The General Region as valid. Chair Elections results for of The Carter Center Region Four does not Mission to Guyana, differ much from that Jason Carter said: of the Regional, as it “The fact that there shows that the PPP was no transparency has obtained 77,329 of the results that were votes, as opposed ultimately announced The scores of ‘Coalition’ supporters who had gathered at the barricades to the APNU+AFC’s today means that those outside GECOM’s center on High and Hadfield Streets 136,458. It represents a results lack credibility.”

59,129 lead for the coaCarter, who is also fewer than what was eventually the A New and United Guyana lition government.

Chairperson of the Car(ANUG); five less to Change ter Center’s Board of Trustees Before the results were declared.

And whereas the results Guyana; 113 more to the LJP; and grandson of former US declared, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo had on declared by GECOM showed 226 more to the PRP; eight President, Jimmy Carter, said one occasion shared with the Change Guyana (CG) receiv- less to the TCI, which did not that one way of fixing the probmedia his party’s own tabula- ing 913 votes; the Liberty and contest the Regional Elections; lem is by granting the recount tions of the votes cast in Region Justice Party (LJP) 757 votes; seven more to TNM; and nine requested by the PPP/C. “I see Four, and according to those the Organisation for the Victory extra to the URP. Following both sides have claimed that calculations, the PPP/C had of the People (OVP) 117; the the declaration of the SOPs and they think they’ve won,” he secured 80,344 votes and the People’s Republic Party (PRP) much commotion at the Center, said, adding: “If that’s true, APNU+AFC 114,345. In other 383; and the United Republi- an emotional Jagdeo exited the then what they want is to win words, the Opposition Leader can Party (URP) 91, Jagdeo’s building, sticking to his previ- in a credible, transparent way gave his party 3,086 extra votes tabulation was far off the mark. ously announced tabulations. and so urge GECOM, and we and the APNU+AFC 21,990 He gave five more votes to “This is the manufactured fig- urge the political parties and

the people of Guyana to come together and pay close attention to how these results are going to be verified.”

COALITION SUPPORTERS ELATED On Thursday evening, hundreds of supporters, elated with the declared results, gathered at the APNU+AFC’s headquarters on Lamaha Street in Georgetown awaiting a brief address from President David Granger, who was also at the location. There, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon made it clear to supporters that the party has not made a declaration because, by law, this is the sole responsibility of the Elections Commission.

When the President did speak, he thanked Region Four in particular for its overwhelming support, based on the declared results, and assured them that his party is committed to making life better for all Guyanese, but urged them to celebrate, but to do so in moderation.

“Don’t attack anybody,” he cautioned. “Let us go about our business, and when the sun rises; when the President is sworn in again, let us go forward in dignity. We are Guyanese, and we are building a country for our future; for our children. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Caricom concerned about tabulation

The Caribbean Community said it is concerned about the allegations being made about the Guyana elections, with respect to

the tabulation of results based on the Statements of Polls (SOPs) in Region 4.

In a statement the Communi-

ty calls on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure that all legal and procedural processes are faithfully complied

with in respect of the vote count and the declaration of results to ensure that the outcome of the polls expresses the will of the

people of Guyana. “We call on all parties and Guyanese to remain calm while these issues are resolved,” the statement ended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 6, 2020

Elizabeth Warren ends presidential bid Senator Elizabeth Warren has ended her presidential campaign following disappointing Super Tuesday results.

A favourite of the liberal left, the Massachusetts senator, 70, was once a front-runner in the Democratic field.

Ms Warren said she needed some time to decide whom to support.

The Democratic contest to take on President Donald Trump in November is now seen as a two-horse race between former Vice-President Joe Biden, 77, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, 78.

Her departure may clear the path for Mr Sanders in particular - the sole progressive candidate left in the race.

Despite early momentum for her campaign, she failed to convert enthusiasm into votes in the first primary contests of 2020, not winning a single state.

With Ms Warren’s departure, a Democratic race that began with a record high of female candidates is now effectively left to two male front-runners, who praised her and her campaign.

“One of the hardest parts of this,” Ms Warren said on

Senator Elizabeth Warren

Thursday, “is all those little girls who are going to have to wait four more years. That’s going to be hard.”

Asked how she made the decision to drop out, Ms Warren said she returned to the issues that anchored her campaign - the vast costs of student loan debt, healthcare, and childcare that plague millions of Americans.

“I had to think about where is the best place for me to go to keep fighting those fights,” she said. “My job is to keep fighting and to fight this as smartly and effectively as I can.”

WHAT’S THE POST-MORTEM?

Friday, March 06, 03:00hrs - 04:30 hrs Friday, March 06, 14:30hrs - 16:30 hrs

Now that she has dropped out, post-mortems on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign have begun. Many point to her shifting message on universal government-run healthcare, a topic that was never a top priority for her. It caused liberals to stick with Bernie Sanders and centrists to have their doubts about her.

Others suggest she was harmed by hesitant performances in the debates that mattered - before the Iowa and New Hampshire contests. Her strongest effort came with her vivisection of Michael Bloomberg in Las Vegas, which was buried by Sanders’ win in the Nevada caucuses - and too late to influence the outcome.

Then there’s the issue of sexism. Four years after Democrats chose Hillary Clinton to be their nominee, voters may have been reluctant to opt for another woman atop the ticket. This reluctance was seldom explicit, instead being raised in concerns about “likability” or “electability” and what other, hypothetical, swing-state voters might think of her.

It also sometimes reared its head in Warren’s media coverage, where her healthcare backtracking received considerably more criticism than similar pirouettes and hedging by Pete Buttigieg and other male candidates.

The US will elect its first woman president someday, but it will not be in 2020.

The former Harvard law professor was vaulted into the political arena more than a decade ago as she pushed for tougher regulation of the financial sector after the 2008 economic collapse.

In 2010, she helped the Obama White House set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a Wall Street watchdog agency she championed.

Two years later, she rode that momentum to a seat in the US Senate for Massachusetts. Though her name was floated as a possible 2016 Democratic nominee, the senator demurred, saying she was not interested in the top job.

This time, Ms Warren was the first major Democratic candidate to announce her plans for a presidential bid.

Early in the race, her policy-centric approach - “I’ve got a plan for that” was a favourite refrain - seemed effective.

In October last year, she led most national polls.

But by December 2019, Ms Warren had been pushed back, hurt by a difficult debate where her rivals hammered her over key policy promises like Medicare for All. And despite massive investments in early voting states, Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, Ms Warren failed to be a top-two finisher in any - in fact she came third in her home state of Massachusetts on Super Tuesday.

The results meant she won only 65 delegates to cast votes for her to become the Democratic presidential candidate at the party’s national convention in July.

A candidate needs 1,991 delegates to win the nomination to face Mr Trump.

Mr Biden is leading with 584 delegates, and Mr Sanders has 509 delegates.

Ms Warren’s exit follows closely behind ex-mayors Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg, and Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Moments after announcing her decision, the Biden and Sanders campaigns each issued tweets praising her.

“Without her, the progressive movement would not be nearly as strong as it is today,” tweeted Senator Sanders, adding: “I know that she’ll stay in this fight and we are grateful that she will.”

Mr Biden tweeted that she is “the fiercest of fighters for middle class families”.

“We needed her voice in this race, and we need her continued work in the Senate,” his statement continued.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 6, 2020

TT attorney general lashes 1,700 ‘wicked souls’ SOME 1,700 sex offenders live in TT with their crimes being unknown to an unsuspecting public, lamented Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

He moved a motion to tidy up the law that recently set up a sex offenders register.

The AG said some 1,461 sex offenders were convicted in the Magistrates Court, and 232 offenders in the High Court from 20092018.

However none of these 1,693 offenders had been put onto a sex offenders registry which was never enacted until recently, he lamented.

“Nearly 1,700 wicked souls in this country raping and abusing our most vulnerable,” Al-Rawi hit.

“People ought to be able to know who their neighbours are, who you are hiring and who you are hiring to come into your home to look after your children.”

While the 2019 Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act schedule lists crimes whose perpetrators can be put onto a sex offenders register, it inadvertently included certain offences against minors listed in the 1986 Sexual Offences Act but which were since put under the Children’s Act. After a response from Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Christine Newallo-Hosein, the House unanimously passed the motion.

(Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi at Parliament on Wednesday (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

Nazi name lists in Argentina may reveal loot in Swiss bank

Files discovered in Argentina reveal the names of 12,000 Nazis who lived there in the 1930s and many had Swiss bank accounts, researchers say.

The US-based Simon Wiesenthal Centre, famous for tracking down Nazis, has asked Credit Suisse to identify the dormant bank accounts.

“We believe that these long-dormant accounts hold monies looted from Jewish victims,” the centre says.

The papers were found in a store room at a former Nazi HQ in Buenos Aires.

Nazi Germany began seizing Jewish property after enacting racist laws in 1935 and a colossal amount was stolen during the Holocaust in the 1940s. Much of that wealth was transferred to secret Swiss bank accounts.

In a letter to Credit Suisse Vice-President Christian Küng, the

Simon Wiesenthal Centre says “we are aware that you already have claimants as alleged heirs of Nazis in the list”.

In a statement on its website, the centre says many of the Nazis listed in the Argentinian files “contributed to one or more bank accounts at the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt, which became the Credit Suisse bank”.

In 1930-1938 Argentina had a pro-Nazi military regime led by President José Félix Uriburu, nicknamed “Von Pepe”, and his successor Agustín Pedro Justo.

The lists were seized by a special commission set up under the anti-Nazi presidency of Roberto Ortiz, who ruled from 1938. The commission had raided the Nazi Unión Alemana de Gremios (German Union of Syndicates).

In 1943 another military coup put a pro-Nazi regime in power in Buenos

Aires and the commission’s findings were burned, but recently an Argentinian investigator, Pedro Filipuzzi,

found an original copy listing the 12,000 Nazis.

In a statement to the AFP news

In 1945 the victorious Allies found huge quantities of Nazi loot (BBC photo)

agency, Credit Suisse says it co-operated with the Volcker inquiry in 1997-1999 to track down Swiss bank accounts that belonged to victims of Nazi persecution. You can read the full Volcker report on dormant accounts here.

“However, we will look into this affair again,” Credit Suisse said.

During and after World War Two several South American countries, including Argentina, were safe havens for Nazis, as they were run by fascist military dictators.

Some most-wanted Nazi war criminals escaped to South America, including Adolf Eichmann, a key organiser of the Holocaust. He was kidnapped by Israeli agents in Argentina in 1960 and hanged as a war criminal in 1962 after a landmark trial in Jerusalem. (BBC)

Barbados among countries facing long term drought The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) says that while some parts of the Caribbean, such as the Leeward Islands, experienced above normal rainfall in January, there are concerns over short and long term drought by the end of the dry season in May over much of the region.

In its latest Caribbean Drought Bulletin, the CIMH said that of particular concern is the southern portion of the eastern chain into Guyana, where both short and long term drought are likely to evolve.

“Monitoring water re-

serves and enhancing water conservation measures are recommended,” it said, noting that long term drought is evolving in Antigua, Barbados, northwestern half of Belize, Cayman Islands, parts of coastal and interior Guyana, St Kitts, the Windward Islands – Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

It said that long term drought might possibly develop or continue in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (ABC islands), northwestern Bahamas, southeastern Belize, Jamaica, Sint Maarten and Suriname.

“Areas ending up in long term drought by the end of

May, may experience significantly reduce water levels in

large reservoirs, large rivers, and groundwater during the dry season,” CIMH warned.

It said during the month of January, normal to above normal rainfall was experienced in most of the islands of the eastern Caribbean.

“Towards the end of the Caribbean dry season, a likely reduction in water availability is due to evolving (or possible) long term drought in all countries and territories

except French Guiana and Guadeloupe. In addition, frequent dry spells and shortterm drought in a majority of places may pose water stress to sensitive rainfed crops.

“There is growing concern for flooding and flash floods in Belize and the islands from April onwards, as extreme wet spells may occur. Warmer than usual temperatures could make the heat uncomfortable at times.” (CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 6, 2020

Rethinking lifestyle choices THERE is an aspect to our lifestyles whereby eating and drinking carry a sense of merriment, without much thought given to what is consumed, the quantity, health/nutritional value, the impact on our bodies and ultimately overall health and longevity. Once it tastes good, or makes one feel good, that is all that matters.

Physical activity is also not generally seen as important and vital to sustaining healthy lifestyles. Such an outlook has consequences.

In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) sounded a warning about the “health epidemic” facing Caribbean countries, and urged governments to take urgent action to meet global targets to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the WHO, NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. NCDs are of long duration and generally slow progression, resulting in 82 per cent of premature deaths (i.e. before 70 years) due to four main types: Cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma, and diabetes.

NCDs are prevalent in low and middle- income countries, the category Guyana falls in, and this in part has to do with poverty, lifestyle choices and access to quality healthcare. Where people are seen as pivotal to development, and development is hinged on the environment (personal and external) within which the people operate, the WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, in launching

the “Global status report on non-communicable diseases 2014”, called for global efforts to tackle and change the course of NDCs epidemic.

In 2011, Guyana along with 189 countries, committed to global mechanisms to reduce the avoidable NCDs burden, including a global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020. In 2013, the Ministry of Health prepared Guyana’s Strategic Plan, which is a public document. This document includes areas of risk factors, NCDs progress indicators; framework for action; surveillance; public policy, advocacy and communication; project management and results log frame. The responsibility for achieving these goals requires collaborative efforts and commitment. For whereas the WHO 2014 Report states premature NCD deaths can be significantly reduced through government policies reducing tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, and delivering universal health care, such success is reliant on the people’s involvement and support.

It is important to recognise that management of this epidemic requires proper planning that factors in the efficient and effective use of resources. To this end, fighting NCDs has to be holistic, inclusive of reliance on statistical evidence of pre-disposition to certain diseases among specific demographics (age, race, income, locale, etc). Government and corporate policies can take into consideration the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres at the workplace, where, in addition to educating the workforce on healthy lifestyle practices, the facilitation of opportu-

Commonwealth elections group urges parties to follow rules

Members of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) have been present at the Office of the Returning Officer, Region Four in Georgetown over the last 24 hours.

This morning and this afternoon, March 5, 2020, I personally visited the said office. It is the clear view of the group that the tabulation of the

final election results has not yet been completed and verified according to the established procedures and relevant legal and statutory provisions.

We strongly urge the Guyana Elections Commission and all parties involved to ensure the process properly follows the legal steps dictated by the laws of Guyana and is in line

with the country’s international commitments.

Regards Rt Hon. Owen Arthur Former Prime Minister of Barbados Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group

nities/incentive for engaging in physical fitness, screening for NCDs can also be done. If we are talking human wellness as a prerequisite for development, it is cheaper to invest in preventive care (education, changed lifestyles, consult and testing services) rather than on sick care.

Where poverty is prevalent in our society, the State has to invest in healthcare centres, community centres, recreational facilities and so forth. This responsibility can also be shared through community and corporate citizenship.

Healthy dietary practices also go a long way in ensuring preventive care. This requires education to recognise and appreciate the nutritional value of food (including beverages). For instance, less sodium (salt) intake reduces/ prevents high blood pressure, consumption of alcohol to liver disease, fat (oil) for high cholesterol and so forth.

Some societies have laws and policies, whereby the restaurant/fast food industry advises customers on nutritional value as part of the menu card/board. This allows the customer to make informed choices. There are also instances of control (ban, reduction) of ingredients in publicly- prepared food. In the instance of tobacco, it has moved from health warnings on packets to being banned in certain public spaces, given that users and bystanders are susceptible to lung cancer. Lifestyle changes are not easy; they require will, commitment and determination, but ours is the collective duty and responsibility, through public awareness, education and other forms of empowerment that would ensure that Guyana plays its role in meeting the 2020 goal.

EU urges resumption of tabulation The EU Election Observation Mission has been observing the tabulation process for Region Four since March 2. Earlier today, the Returning Officer declared results before the legally-required tabulation process was completed. We therefore urge the Guyana Elections Commission to resume the tabulation of results for Region Four in compliance with Section 84 of the Representation of the Peoples Act.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 6, 2020

CARICOM observer Commonwealth would not mission says poll was be drawn into criticising free, fair and transparent GECOM- Owen Arthur

THE Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission has steered clear from citicising the Guyana Elections Commission for the long delay in the declaration of the results of Monday’s general and regional elections.

“I will not be drawn into entering negative criticism on the logistics of transporting things in a country that is as large as Guyana,” Owen Arthur, former Barbados Prime Minister and head of the mission told the media on Wednesday. Arthur at the time was responding to questions regarding the declaration of the results.

Reporters had alluded to the speed in which results are usually declared in Barbados as compared with Guyana and to this he replied: “Given Barbados’ geography and demographics, the results would have been “quickly done,” Arthur said while pointing out, however, that Barbados was much smaller than Guyana. “I don’t think that there is any deliberate attempt to try to impose logistical difficulties,” he said.

The Organisation of American States (OAS) was not so reserved. It’s Chief of Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, championed the cause for the use of technological solutions for the tabulation of votes that would result in an early declaration of

the results.

Based on the OAS Mission’s observation, Golding said Guyanese are concerned about the length of time taken to tabulate and determine the results of both the General and Regional Elections, though cognizant of the challenges GECOM faces as a result of the country’s geographical layout and the employ of a manual tabulation system.

“Guyana’s largely manual electoral system requires the transportation of electoral materials, including the statements of poll, by land, water and air to the Returning Officers in each of the 10 Regions and to the Chief Elections Officer in Georgetown, in order to facilitate the tabulation, verification and declaration of the results of the elections,” Golding noted. It was further noted that the only area of automation in the counting process occurs at the CEO’s office where a computer application supports the tabulation of the results. As such, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission made a strong case for enhanced technological solutions to be employed for the collection and transmission of images of the Statements of Poll and collated results from the various regions.

The CARICOM election observation mission has concluded that Monday’s general and regional elections were free, fair and transparent.

Chief of Mission of the CARICOM observer mission, Cynthia Combie Martyr, said the mission expects that the results of the polls will reflect the free expression of the will and aspirations of the Guyanese people for a government of their choice. “The mission applauds GECOM for a job reasonably well done as it relates to the conduct of poll and poll activities on polling day, including the count and issue and presentation of statements of poll on Election Day,” said Martyr during a press briefing at the CARICOM Secretariat, on Wednesday.

On polling day, which was March 2, 2020, the CARICOM Election observers were deployed to polling stations in Regions Three, Four,

Five, Six and 10. They visited approximately 360 polling stations across the country and were impressed by the efficiency, competence and professionalism of the poll officials in carrying out their duties. The new expectation is for GECOM to declare the official results as soon as is practicable.

In addition to the release of results, CARICOM observers were concerned that access ramps and other support structures to the polling stations/polling places for “differently abled” members of Guyanese society were not always available.

According to Martyr, signage on polling stations and directions to electors was not large enough and placement was such that the signs were not always easily visible.

Added to E-Day concerns, Martyr said: “Guyana is still in the same situation, electorally, that it was all those

Chief of Mission of CARICOM, Cynthia Combie Martyr

years ago. The mission has not been satisfied at all with the way that the government has been dealing with the recommendations that have been made. Suffice to say, CARICOM is not the only mission that has made recommendations.”

The chief of mission called on local leaders to pay attention to those recommendations and try to implement them. She even went to the extent of saying that it appears as though CARICOM will have to “hold Guyana’s hand” when it comes to implementing various recommendations.

Oil revenue priority, electrical grid vulnerability Dear Editor, Guyana is due to begin receiving substantial oil revenues. Why should we invest in protecting the electrical grid?

Shooters attacked a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) substation in Metcalf, California, on April 16, 2013, causing US$15M in damage in 19 minutes. The gunmen fired more than 100 rounds into the radiators of 17 electric transformers – the attack that almost disrupted power to parts of Silicon Valley.

It was referred to as, “The most significant incident of domestic terrorism involving the grid that has ever occurred” by the U.S. top utility regulator. After seven years, the offense remains unsolved.

Is the power grid in Guyana vulnerable to similar attacks? What infrastructural protections exist in the energy sector? Guyana is now highly visible and recognised on the world stage on account of the petroleum that has started flowing from the vast offshore reservoirs.

However, this visibility brings with it, a more significant threat to critical infrastructure by enemies of the state – known and unknown – and in particular, Guyana’s neighbor to the west, Venezuela.

Threats to the country and infrastructure are now, more than

ever, a possibility that must be considered. These threats include industrial espionage, terrorism, information warfare, insiders, and natural disasters.

As the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) adds new dual-fuel generation sets at the cost of U.S. $41M to utilise natural gas from the local oil sector, there remains vulnerabilities in the electrical grid because of the inherent weakness in the system. The vulnerability in the Guyana power grid exists within four power plants that produce a low output of 106.7 megawatts with the Demerara and Berbice interconnected system (DBIS). This physical system remains highly vulnerable to attacks.

Security experts asserted, “threats exist because the system exists.”

NATIONAL SECURITY Guyana has several vulnerability points, including hundreds of miles of porous borders that increase the threat level significantly. The current grid architecture of overhead high-voltage (69 kV) lines and poorly defended substations present soft targets for any person intending to cause extensive disruptions. Other than the physical network, vulnerability exists at the logical and physical control levels.

These assets are soft targets for cyber-criminals and those who would like to create havoc, including insiders. Authorised internal and external sources and outside actors attempting unauthorised access pose significant risks to the grid.

Why should Guyana invest in protecting critical infrastructure in the electrical power grid and upgrade a deteriorating infrastructure?

ENERGY SECURITY Energy security is vital for the economic growth and sustained development of any country. Energy is critical for national security, prosperity, economic development, and its effectiveness. Guyana ranks poorly in getting electricity for entrepreneurs and businesses (World Bank, 2019). These deficiencies have impeded sustained economic and social development.

Protecting critical infrastructure assets is just as essential as increasing their effectiveness and reach. The disruption, infiltration, incapacitation, destruction, or misuse infrastructure assets would have a debilitating impact on the economic security of businesses and citizens. Critical infrastructure, such as the electrical grid, directly supports the safety, security, and economic well-being of the Guya-

nese people, and in particular, the private sector.

PRIVATE SECTOR Recently, in referring to oil revenues, Minister Jordan said, it could “change us once and for all into a Singapore kind of country.” Ironically, Singapore did not depend on oil revenues to become a first-world country; it is a resource-scarce country that reformed and developed a thriving private sector that contributed significantly to prosperity.

There is a strong correlation between private sector growth and energy reliability. Private sector growth, small and medium-sized business success, and sustainability in Guyana depend on cheap, clean, and reliable energy. Guyana’s electrical grid is aging and becoming increasingly vulnerable to decay, natural degradation factors, and inherent weaknesses. The implementation of energy resource-saving technologies and enhancement of energy efficiency and protection are vital for Guyana’s economic growth and prosperity.

ROLE OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION-FUTURE Unlike the U.S., where the private sector owns 85 per cent of the critical infrastructure, the Govern-

ment of Guyana owns most of the infrastructure. The new administration in Guyana should invest revenues from the oil and gas sector to perform a systematic examination of networks to determine the adequacy of security measures and invest heavily in critical infrastructure protection across the power grid and all other critical infrastructure assets. Future infrastructure projects and protection should also include public-private-partnerships. Smart-Grid technology should replace the existing system, and power distribution should be underground. Early threat and detection warning system, incident reporting, and response process should be developed.

Cyber-Physical Systems is a “smart grid” technology, where networked computers and communications technology would be used to work autonomously to resolve problems in the electric grid, manage consumer electronic usage during peak and off-peak times, and administer energy production. There are no financial constraints to essential development and risk mitigation to the electrical grid with the flow of petro-dollars.

Regards, Wayne Forde

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

‘Elections were orderly, lawful’ …President Granger reminded western diplomats not the role of the executive to interfere in the work of the commission

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Thursday afternoon, briefed diplomats from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the European Union on the just-concluded general and regional elections, asserting that the process was in full compliance with the constitution.

He also insisted that it was not the role of the executive to interfere in the work of the elections body. President Granger, on several occasions in the months leading up to elections, had made similar statements. His iteration of same to the diplomats on Thursday comes amid allegations by the opposition and some other groups regarding the Guyana Election’s Commission method of verifying the results of the polls.

During his meeting with the diplomats, the Guyanese leader told the ABCE Diplomats that at every step of the electoral process he has complied with the laws of Guyana. The President said Monday’s General and Regional Elections were orderly

President David Granger and his aides meeting with the Western Diplomats at State House on Thursday

and were in full compliance with the law and the Constitution. President Granger assured that at no time did he feel the commission was incapable of conducting fair elections. He reminded that it is not the role of the executive to interfere in the work of the commission.

Meanwhile, the British

High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chaterjee; Ambassador of the European Union, Fernando Ponz Canto; and the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Sarah-Ann Lynch, in a joint statement, said that based on their observation of Thursday’s GECOM pro-

ceedings at their Region Four office, and the fact that the full count was not completed, “we question the credibility of the Region Four results published by GECOM today.” The diplomats urged the Guyana Elections Commission, and all relevant actors, to expeditiously complete the tabulation on the ba-

sis of the statement of polls.

“We call on all Guyanese to remain calm and patient, and for all leaders to exercise responsibility and restraint,” the statement ended.

Over 600,000 Guyanese are eligible to vote in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. And, there are some 2,339 polling stations across the 10 administrative regions. Nine political parties competed in the general elections and 11 in the regional elections. Subsequent to observing the process at the Beterverwagting Secondary School polling place, President Granger said he had observed that there is tremendous enthusiasm on the part of the electors at all of the polling stations that he visited.

“Everything was in order, the staff was in place, and they had all their materials…

I have not received a single complaint in all of the stations I visited and I have been visiting stations for nearly three hours… the staff is aware of their duties and they are performing their duties

Two arrested for unruly conduct ...

HELD HOSTAGE On the outskirts of the command centre, Jagdeo told reporters that the GECOM Chair was being held “hostage,” and that the police had barred access to her office but even as he levied those allegations, supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) said that the “Chairman was under siege by the PPP/C” and that her life was at risk due to the attempts to

bulldoze her office.

But when the door to Justice Singh’s office was opened, the scene contradicted the reports by the opposition leader. Justice (Ret’d) Singh was “alive and well” and in perfect order.

With ranks in riot gear lining the perimeter of the building, Justice Singh exited the building through the back and was escorted to her vehicle under heavy police presence.

Once she left the building, Joshua Kanhai, the founding member of The New Movement (TNM), was taken into police custody. Kanhai, a medical doctor, told reporters that he was pushed into the room next to Justice Singh’s office.

Anter Narine, an observer attached to AmCham Guyana, was also taken into custody. They were taken to the Brickdam Police Station for allegedly breaching police orders. Am-

Cham has since issued a statement, disclosing that a decision was taken to expel Narine. “AmCham was reliably informed that Mr. Narine breached Code of Conduct as an observer tonight. We wish Mr. Narine success in his future endeavors,” AmCham said. Up to press time, GECOM had not issued a statement on the issue.

Meanwhile, from the time results were declared by the Returning Officer, APNU+AFC support-

efficiently,” said President Granger.

Considering the “tremendous” enthusiasm, he expected a massive turnout.

The President went on to say that the whole Guyana should be happy because the “democratic process” was moving smoothly and even international observers should have nothing to complain about. President Granger although being satisfied with the process, said the coalition had noticed a few anomalies and abuses, but the party’s agent, Joseph Harmon, had noted those issues and raised them with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Harmon in an invited comment said there was an issue at one polling station, where the six-digit stamp was only stamping four digits. The matter was brought to the attention of GECOM. Additionally, Harmon said there were smaller issues which were addressed as the day progressed.

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ers started to assemble at various points leading to the command centre. At the intersection of High Street and Brickdam, scores of supporters stood behind the police barricade, shouting “Granger!

Granger!” as they celebrated the APNU+AFC’s electoral victory in in Region Four by a landslide and the general and regional elections by a slight majority.

Government welcomes observer missions …regrets misunderstanding over remarks by minister THE Government of Guyana, on Thursday, assured that it welcomes the presence of all elections observer missions here and apologised for unfortunate statements uttered by Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, to the group.

“It has been brought to our attention that comments made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, to Members of the International Observer Missions, are being

shared on social media. We wish to make it clear that the Government of Guyana welcomes the presence of all Observer Missions and are open to their recommendations,” the APNU+AFC said in a statement. “ We regret any misunderstanding the comments of the Foreign Affairs Minister may have caused. At this time, we are all committed to allowing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to do its

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings

work without any interference.”

Meanwhile, also in a statement Dr Cummings confirmed that on Thursday said she met with the members of the international elections observers. She said her aim was to ensure that they were given the maximum support in executing their duties with professionalism, objectivity and integrity. “I further indicated that all statements should be allowed to come

from GECOM given the sensitivity of these times, as we await final official results regarding our regional and local elections.”

Dr Cummings said as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she wanted to share with the international team that this government is committed to their safe keeping and wellbeing while they perform their duties in Guyana for their respective organisations. “In the

spirit of preserving free and fair elections as part of our democratic culture, I look forward to reading their reports and working with them in the future. The observers did their job and the election was over on Monday. There was no room to impact the outcome. Any misunderstanding was fully clarified. Time to move on,” Dr Cummings stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE FridAy, marCH 6, 2020

Soldier who died in fireworks incident laid to rest ... President attends viewing, sympathises with relatives

PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER, on Thursday, attended the viewing of the body of the late Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, 21331 Seon Rose, who died following an incident on February 22 when there was a spontaneous combustion aback the Force’s Coast Guard location at Ruimveldt.

Corporal Rose, along with several other

burns to 90 per cent of his body and was listed as critical when he was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Reports are that he suffered a heart attack while being treated for his injuries.

The pyrotechnics were aboard a truck when it exploded and, apart from Rose, the injured ranks were identified as Terrence Neils, Gordon Cornette, Isiah Gordon, Trevon

Granger who told the media, on the day in question that the incident was “unexpected” as the soldiers were experts trained in the handling of fireworks.

Visiting the injured men at the GPHC, he stated that the soldiers even did the fireworks during Barbados’ 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, in 2016 while Army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, said that the soldiers had rehearsed on Friday evening and there were no challenges.

Rose leaves behind his wife, Tamica Hiles-Rose whom he married in 2017. When news of Rose’s death reached his family, they were distraught. Many relatives and friends took to social media to share photographs of their memories with the deceased.

“SIP (Sleep in Peace) baby brother, I will

Corporal Seon Rose

President David Granger comforts a grieving relative of the late Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, 21331 Seon Rose as GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, looks on ranks of the 21 Artillery Company, was preparing for Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary fireworks display when the incident occurred. Corporal Rose was badly burnt and died the following day at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was receiving treatment.

Rose, 31, had sustained third degree

Joseph, Victor Low, Atto Cort and Delroy Baird.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was quick to the scene and has teamed up with the GDF to assist with a Board of Inquiry (BoI) ordered to determine the cause of the explosion. The investigation is of interest to the officials, as well as President David

President David Granger comforts Mrs. Tamica Rose, the wife of the late Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, 21331 Seon Rose.

miss you so much. You didn’t even get to see how big Kiara now that she big. Seon it’s hurting too bad,” said Natoya Narine who also noted that she had recently spoken with the young man.

Meanwhile, Abigail Thornhill wrote: “Every time Guyana stood and watch those fireworks was because you were behind the scene. Every time they stood amazed and the little children rejoice in glee, you were behind the scenes. You made an entire nation happy with your skills and intelligence. Most of all you made us happy. We love you brother. You made us proud. Rest easy my love. We grieve from a place of understanding. We know living with 90 per cent body burns is not what you wanted and God wanted for you. Go home brother.”

“One of the most polite and disciplined soldier ever. Was hoping for better news yet you departed,” his friend Delon Peters said. Hundreds of other Guyanese poured out their support to Rose’s family thanking him for his service and making known their prayers for the other injured soldiers.

In a message of condolence, President Granger had said that he was saddened at the death of Rose.

He expressed heartfelt sympathy to Rose’s wife and other relatives and friends President David Granger comforts a relative of the late Guyana Defence Force and the entire GDF fraternity. The President (GDF) Corporal, 21331 Seon Rose also expressed his appreciation to the staff

President David Granger comforts a relative of the late Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal, 21331 Seon Rose of the GPHC for their tireless efforts to save Corporal Rose’s life and for their continued treatment of the other injured ranks.

Corporal Rose enlisted in the GDF on September 7, 2008 and joined the 21 Artillery Company on November 14, 2008.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

‘Let’s go forward in dignity’

…President Granger tells jubilant supporters PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER, on Thursday night, told supporters of his coalition that his government will continue to “deliver the good life” for all Guyanese.

He made the remarks while addressing a large gathering of supporters at the party’s campaign headquarters on Lamaha Street.

Scores of people crowded the vicinity Thursday afternoon, celebrating after GECOM announced the results of the Region Four vote indicating that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 77,258 votes in Region Four while the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) gained 136,335. This represents a 59,097 lead in the Region which is known to be an APNU+AFC stronghold.

Regional votes oftentimes being almost identical to votes

The crowd of supporters as the President arrived

in the General elections, could very possibly mean that the coalition government comes out as the victor in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. With Region Four

being the last set of results to be declared APNU+AFC jumps ahead with 237,140 votes to the PPP’s 229,450 votes.

In a brief address to the

crowd of happy supporters, President David Granger reassured that the coalition government will deliver the good life to all Guyanese.

“We worked hard, we cov-

ered all the regions, we laid down our plan, we know what we stand for. Over the next five years we are going to make life better for you.

This is an opportunity for young people to get better jobs, for mothers to get off squatting on the damns, and to live in proper houses…

We are serious about our promises to you. We want you to have a better life,” President Granger told the people.

He thanked them profusely on behalf of the party, for their support in the elections, noting that his wish is for Guyanese to live with dignity. “From 2011, 2015 to 2020 we have worked together because we want to see Guyanese people live with dignity in the Caribbean, in the world. And I believe only a coalition could deliver the good life to you… We are not going back to phantom squads. So tonight we will celebrate because we have worked together to build this

country and the people of this country, without discrimination,” Granger affirmed, while urging the people to celebrate moderately and desist from violence.

“Let us go about our business, when the sun rises, when the president is sworn in again, let us go forward in dignity. We are Guyanese and we are building our country for a future for our children,” the President said.

The people were charged up; celebrating with the President and other Ministers of government as well as Director General, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Minister within the Ministry of Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, and more.

PPP gets injunction to block elections declaration

…AG says move is for propaganda purposes THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has secured three injunctions in the High Court to block the release and declaration of the results for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Those injunctions were filed by the PPP/C’s Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Agent, Anil Nandlall, following what was claimed as the declaration of results for Region Four by the region’s Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, on Thursday.

“Three injunctions were obtained. The first one restrains the Returning Officer from making any disclosure of the Region Four results unless and until he complies with the statutory procedure set out in section 84 of the Representation of the People’s Act and the procedure is the verification process which was aborted and never completed,” said Nandlall, noting that the PPP/C and other contesting parties have been calling for the verification of Statement of Polls (SOPs) for Region Four since Tuesday.

He said the verification process is a condition precedent to any declaration, but that process was never com-

pleted. “How can you have a declaration without declaring what you verified? You never verified anything or complet-

the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield and GECOM from making any declaration of the results

APNU+AFC Region Four Agent, Attorney General, Basil Williams (Delano Williams photo)

ed the verification of anything so an order was granted restraining the declaration until that procedure is complied with,” said Nandlall.

The second injunction, as such, “compels” the Returning Officer to comply with Section 84 of the Representation of the People’s Act and to conduct and complete that verification exercise and then make the declaration as the law requires it to be done.

Additionally, Nandlall said the third injunction is an injunction restraining

of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections “unless and until” the returning officer complies with that statutory code or verification enunciated in aforementioned Act. The PPP/C has since said the order has been served by a Court Marshall to the Commissioners of GECOM and the RO. APNU+AFC Region Four Agent, Attorney General, Basil Williams, however, believes that the PPP/C’s action is just a “propaganda effect.”

PPP/C’s Region Four agent, Anil Nandlall (Adrian Narine photo)

In explaining what he meant, Williams said: “It is a propaganda effect because you know once the election season is afoot and once Nomination Day has past, you cannot stop the elections from going ahead and you cannot bring any matter of the elections until after the declaration of the results, 28 days within the declaration of the results or by an elections petition.”

Chairman of GECOM, Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh has said that Guyana’s General and Regional Elec-

tions were free, fair and a major success, even as she called on Guyanese to demonstrate patience as the Elections Secretariat tabulates the votes for a preliminary or final declaration of the results.

She said that GECOM, despite facing a plethora of challenges in the lead up to Monday, March 2, smoothly executed the General and Regional Elections across the country’s 10 administrative regions. According to her, the elections were well run. “We had a very well-run election, despite

all of the naysayers,” the GECOM chair said. The Elections Commission, she said, is appreciative of the extensive work done by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield and his team at the GECOM Secretariat. “On behalf of the Commission, I have to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to our CEO and his hardworking secretariat. They did a fantastic job,” the GECOM Chair said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Opposition operatives overrun GECOM command centre –– as tempers flare, and bomb scare spark high-voltage drama

WHAT seemed like something out of a poorly-directed movie occurred on Thursday morning when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was set to reconvene the verification of Region Four’s statements of poll at its tabulation centre but a series of other unexpected events took centre-stage.

The Guyana Chronicle arrived promptly at the tabulation centre on High and Hadfield Streets prior to the scheduled 09:00hrs start of proceedings. It witnessed several high-ranking party officials entering the building, along with members of the diplomatic corps and the Electoral Observer Missions (EOMs).

However, about one hour later, these same officials began to exit the building, one-by- one, annoyed that the process had not yet recommenced. Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia first told the media that he was unaware as to why the process was being stalled, stating that he was “baffled” by the prevention of the return of the city to normalcy.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous.

This here is the most simple process you can imagine; this is an exceptionally simple process. This is just a straight case of reading the numbers off every Statement of Poll,

ing,” he said.

Hinds continued along the line, although the media questioned him further, putting forward that this would not be the advisable option.

Making the third appearance was former president, Donald Ramotar who told the media that Guyana needs transparency, and that it was a shame that this was not happening.

“We are confident that the election; the voting itself had a lot of integrity. And now it’s the question of giving the people the results of their vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, OpposiChange Guyana Executive Nigel Hinds speaking to the media

and putting the number in an Excel spreadsheet,” he said.

However, stakeholders involved in the process, including party representatives and agents, could not see eye-to-eye on the way forward. Next, Change Guyana Prime Ministerial Candidate Mishka Puran, and Party Executive Nigel Hinds spoke to the media outside the tabulation centre, but their remarks went against the grain of the advice of EOMs on how political parties to treat with messages sent to their supporters.

Hinds encouraged the two main political parties to release their own tabulations on which would have won the elections to somehow settle the matter once and for all. He said this, even as it is widely known that GECOM is the only authorised body, by law, to declare the results of an election. “If the two parties have the numbers, APNU+AFC and the PPP, they should publish the numbers if GECOM can’t do the job, because we could be waiting a One of the sniffer dogs entering the month or even GECOM Centre on High and Had- l o n g e r w i t h field Streets what we’re see-

Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Gerry Gouveia tion-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj exited to state that he could not give an explanation for the delay.

He said: “There are several people there waiting for this process to start that is not commencing.”

BOMB THREAT Moments later, at around 10:30hrs, the police informed the media that there was a bomb threat made to the building.

Two large dogs, presumably bomb-sniffing canines, were ushered into the building’s compound, while another individual entered with a case. The police asked that members of the media, who were standing at the exit of the building the entire time, distance themselves at their own discretion. It was then that members of the diplomatic corps and EOMs were seen gathering at the entrance

GECOM staff gathered opposite the building

of the building.

Speaking with the policein-charge were US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Lilian Chatterjee. Other temporary staff of the Commission were seen lined along buildings opposite the GECOM Centre, even as members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and additional ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrived on the scene.

Even so, a large amount of officials, Party leaders and their agents remained in the building, refusing to leave the post where the verification was expected to take place.

Some distance away, where the police had placed barricades, supporters of the ‘Coalition’ government gathered, voicing their concerns to the media. They said that they had no intention of causing any form of disruption; that all they wanted to do was see

and hear for themselves that matters at the Commission’s Centre were going in accordance to the just process.

Leading up to midday, leaders of other smaller parties such as the People’s Republic Party (PRP), the United Republican Party (URP), the Leadership and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) voiced their concerns about the delay in verification and other matters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Allegations of Russian meddling surface …three deported after being found with spy equipment

By Svetlana Marshall ALLEGATIONS of Russian interference in Guyana’s General and Regional Elections surfaced on Thursday with the Ministry of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan reporting that cyber equipment has been seized and three persons with Russian background, deported.

A fourth Russian operative, he said, has not been located. The cyber equipment included computers and flash drives.

Ramjattan, who is also the Prime Ministerial Candidate of the APNU+AFC, addressed journalists on the issue during a press conference at the APNU+AFC Command Centre in Georgetown on Thursday.

It is alleged that the American Chamber Association of Guyana (AmCham Guyana) were facilitating four suspicious Russians since their

arrival on Saturday, February 29, 2020 but AmCham has strongly rejected the allegation. Immigration, based on directives from Ramjattan, subsequently detained and questioned three of the suspects before deporting them.

The Public Security Minister not only implicated AmCham, but also the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), even as he pointed to Winston Brassington, who was reportedly, photographed speaking with a Russian. “We had three persons who were speaking to leading members of the PPP at the Marriott Hotel – one out of Libya [with Russian background), one out of Russian, one of America with a Russian background that came into this country and we had to deport them on Elections Day after our intelligence realised that there was some conspiracy to tap into GECOM’s computer system.

They were immediately de-

ported,” Ramjattan told journalists. The fourth Russian is on the run, he further stated.

The men reportedly alleged that they were in the country to work for US oil-giant ExxonMobil – the company currently leading oil and gas production in Guyana.

According to him, based on the ministry’s intelligence, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, was also speaking to the questionable individuals in Russian. He also singled out AmCham member, Anter Narine, for engaging the now-deported individuals. PPP/C aligned lawyers had also reached out to the Guyana Police Force to make representation on behalf of the Russians.

Questioned whether the Russian Embassy has been informed and representatives from AmCham Guyana called in for questioning given the seriousness of the allegation, the security minister respond-

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramttan, and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, addressing media operatives at the APNU+AFC Command Centre

ed in the negative.

“We did not call in the Russian Embassy neither the AmCham…We don’t think that there might be any Russian Embassy connections here. I think the connection is straight to the PPP,” Ramjattan said. While the Russian Embassy and AmCham were not contacted, the security minister indicated that ExxonMobil was contacted by the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James to confirm or negate the information provided by the Russians.

Questioned why the Russians were deported and not detained to allow for a thorough and complete investigation, the security minister said he made a judgment call. “Because I thought that to be the wisest thing at that moment, judgment calls have to be made and when you are a minister these are the decisions you have to make at an executive level,” he said.

Pressed for more answers, Ramjattan said “Yes, I thought it was a wise decision; don’t ask me the reason behind it.”

Minister Ramjattan, who was backed by Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes, said while the Russians were deported on Elections Day (Monday, March 2, 2020), the government took a decision not to make the reports public. Both ministers said it was only until the government was approached by sections of the press on the matter, was a decision taken to publicly address the matter.

“It would not have been appropriate,” Minister Hughes said, when pressed for answers. She added: “We have very clear security channels, the requisite organisations were contacted, fortunately they examined the situation and the information that they received, they deemed it cred-

ible and they found three of the four persons, and given that this was occurring on the early morning of the most important day of our history, the decision was taken that they had no grounds for these persons to be here and they were deported.” Minister Hughes said chaos would have ensued if the information was made public on Monday.

Meanwhile in a statement, AmCham said it took note of Minister Hughes’ remarks which attempt to impugn the character and integrity of AMCHAM. “AMCHAM wishes to assure every Guyanese that all of the persons accredited as observers by the Guyana Elections Commission went through a high level of scrutiny by the organisation before their names were submitted to GECOM, and further wishes to state that no Russian citizens (or any of the individuals referred to in Mrs. Hughes’ statement for that matter) were submitted

by AMCHAM to the Guyana Elections Commission to be accredited. This can easily be verified with the Guyana Elections Commission,” the organisation said.

It maintained that none of Amcham’s members have been deported, charged with a crime, or otherwise.

“In the unfortunate event it is found that there in fact were individuals or their associates working against Guyana’s sovereign interests, AMCHAM joins Mrs. Hughes in strong condemnation of any such attempts,” it emphasised.

Argument between miners leaves one dead in Mahdia AN argument between two drunken men on Wednesday at Blackwater Backdam, Konawaruk, Mahdia, ended in the death of one of them.

Dead is Akeem Ceaser, 24, a miner of Wismar, Linden.

Reports indicate that the victim was at a shop imbibing with friends when an argument ensued between him and a male known as “Selwin”, which resulted in a physical encounter.

The duo were parted by a 21- year-old miner and shortly after, while the victim was reportedly standing on the road conversing with the said individual who stopped the fight, a male armed with a shotgun approached.

The gunman then allegedly shot the victim once in the left foot, gun- butted him in the head and fled the scene.

Dead: Akeem Ceaser

The victim was taken to Mahdia District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival; the body is at the hospital's mortuary awaiting an autopsy The suspect, a security guard, who goes by the alias “Tallman”, is currently being sought.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FridAy, marCH 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 6, 2020

AmCham Guyana expels Anter Narine THE American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Guyana, in a statement, has indicated that it had expelled its member, Anter Narine.

Narine’s name was mentioned in accusations by the APNU+AFC that he was seen in the company of several Russians at the Marriot Hotel on Elections Day on Monday.

On Thursday, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told the media,

at a press briefing at the party’s campaign headquarters on Lamaha Street, that three foreign nationals were deported on Monday after investigations revealed that the men were conspiring to tap into the systems of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“I want to say that we are still somewhat hazy on the position. Indeed we had three persons who were speaking to leading members of the PPP at the Marriott

Hotel one out of Libya, one out of Russia and one out of America with Russian background that came into this country and we had to deport them on elections day after our intelligence realized that there was some conspiracy to tap into GECOM computer system. They were immediately deported. A fourth one who was not found at his Marriott room is on the run somewhere. We are not finding him,” he told the media.

Minister of Public Tele-

communications, Cathy Hughes who appeared with Ramjattan at the press briefing stated earlier on her Facebook page that Narine was seen in the company of the foreign nationals. She said cyber equipment were seized from the men.

“Have the Russians influenced our election process? Did they interfere?

Why was AmCham member Anter Narine seen having dinner with these persons?

Americans do not accept this in their country why should we here in Guyana?” she said.

Later on Thursday, AmCham Guyana noted in a statement that it was concerned by Hughes’ statement. The body said that it was formed under the auspices of former US ambassador Perry Holloway and the current US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch, who sits as its honorary chair.

As regards the elections, the body said it has been instrumental as a GECOM-accredited observer and that it has been a central hub of observer missions and that it has assembled a team of

Anter Narine in the company of PPP surrogate Peter Ramsaroop.

accomplished officials to observe Guyana’s elections.

While noting that its team has been exposed to the requisite training to observe the elections, the body said that all its members have signed an international code of conduct to observe the elections.

Narine is said to be an

active member of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic and has been seen in the company of that party’s leaders at various public events.

Ramjattan said that the Commissioner of Police has been briefed on the matter regarding the Russians.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Coalition supporters stand in solidarity with party SUPPORTERS of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) +Alliance For Change (AFC), on Thursday afternoon, flocked the surrounding area of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

Tabulation Centre as they anxiously waited for the declaration of the Region Four statements of poll.

Executive members of the coalition arrived on the scene and

requested persons return to their respective homes, and keep the peace as they await the official declaration from GECOM. James Bond, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, and Minister of Cit-

izenship, Winston Felix also asked supporters to remain calm and keep the peace.

The crowd was filled with mixed emotions, as a few persons grew frustrated, however, despite

the anxiety in the atmosphere, supporters remained calm and respected the instructions given by members of the Guyana Police Force to stay behind the barricade.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, addressing supporters as they anxiously await the official declaration of the Region Four statements of poll

Former Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, addressing supporters as they anxiously await the official declaration of the Region Four statements of poll

Attorney-at-law and APNU+AFC Candidate, James Bond, reasoning with supporters as they wait anxiously outside of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Media Centre

Supporters of APNU+AFC gathered outside of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Tabulation Centre as they anxiously await the official declaration for the Region Four statements of poll

Fire swept through Providence Canefields FIREÂ swept through the Providence Canefields, East Bank Berbice, just after 19:30hrs on Thursday evening.

The blaze was seen over a half mile away and while the

Guyana Fire Service responded in a timely manner, their limited access to water forced them to leave the scene prematurely without fully extinguishing the blaze.

Nearby residents who were

threatened by the billowing smoke expressed concern over the suspected arson.

The Guyana Fire Service is investigating the cause of the blaze.

The Providence Canefields, East Bank Berbice on fire

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Raising up young rural women

For billions of people around the world, rural transformation means new opportunities. Greater access to knowledge and tools means more productive farming, while greater

productivity on the farm means more resources for education, health and other activities. Through rural transformation, rural people can drive economic growth, fight hunger and

lift their own communities out of poverty.

To realize this potential, however, rural transformation needs to be inclusive.

As it stands, women – and especially young women –

Over half of all women work in agriculture – but they are often prevented from expanding by a lack of access to markets and finance (FAO)

Inclusive rural transformation means creating more employment opportunities for women (FAO)

are unable to take advantage of all the opportunities that rural transformation can provide. With less education, fewer job opportunities and more restrictive cultural expectations, young rural women typically face additional barriers that other people in poverty do not. Unless policies address these disparities, rural transformation runs the risk of continuing to overlook the needs of young rural women – and leaving women further behind.

Because of the pre-existing challenges that young rural women face, inclusive rural transformation won’t just happen naturally.

Rather, we need to make it happen. Here are five ways that FAO is addressing these challenges and increasing inclusivity by enabling young rural women to participate in rural

transformation.

1. FREEING UP WOMEN’S TIME With workloads similar to their adult counterparts, young rural women are often responsible for arduous and time-consuming tasks (such as gathering water and firewood, weeding and manually processing food) on top of their role of caring for other people in the household. These demands significantly limit the time women have to study or develop other income-generating opportunities.

As a result, women benefit significantly from investment in time-saving basic infrastructure, such as improved access to sources of water and energy. Farming technology like tractors and milling facilities can also cut down on women’s labour, freeing up their time

to develop new livelihoods and engage in activities outside the home.

2. PROMOTING LIFE-LONG LEARNING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Despite relatively high rates of primary school attendance, rural women tend to have low literacy rates and spend less time in secondary school than their male or urban peers.

Distance, safety, costs and parental attitudes about educating daughters all affect rural girls’ attendance; meanwhile, even fewer girls continue to attend during menstruation or after giving birth. Additionally, educational opportunities outside of school, such as vocational training, may not be relevant or available to young rural women.

TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Robbery accused found guilty - fined and imprisoned 25-year-old Shaquille Mentore was fined $70,000 by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a robbery charge.

The charge alleged that, on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Duncan Street, Bel Air, Georgetown, Mentore stole from Lewisan Cambell one bag valued at $3500, $23,640, one new cellular phone valued at $20,000, a purple scarf valued at $100, a purse valued at $500, a black bra valued at $1000 and a white t-shirt valued at $500.

When Mentore was read the

charge, he pleaded guilty.

According to the report, on the day in question, Tuesday, February 18, Cambell was walking along Duncan Street, Bel Air, when she was confronted by Mentore and his accomplice. The defendant relieved Cambell of her hand bag which consisted of the mentioned articles in the charge. An alarm was raised and public-spirited citizens rushed to render assistance to the victim. In attempting to escape, the defendant was shot twice in both legs. Mentore was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was attended to

medically and was admitted, while awaiting his charge. The handbag containing the items was recovered in Mentore’s possession and was lodged at the Alberttown Police Station. The defendant was later charged.

Mentore, when given the opportunity by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to give the court an account of the incident stated that, on the day in question, Tuesday, February 18, he and his friend took the bag from Cambell and escaped, running through Pike Street, Campbellville. He further mentioned that a vehicle was chasing after them

FROM PAGE

Raising up young ...

Increasing educational opportunities yields significant improvements in the lives of women: educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, find work and raise healthier children.

Programs aimed at making secondary school more accessible (by reducing fees, strengthening counselling services or foregrounding discussion of gender) and improving vocational training (by matching skills training to local market opportunities, or by tying financial literacy lessons into training on nutrition, entrepreneurship or farming) are both ways to promote learning for young rural women. Especially with the help of woman mentors, young woman can gain the benefits of not only education, but also of increased confidence and broadened aspirations.

3. BROADENING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES Rural women face a number of challenges to developing self-sufficient livelihoods. Although over half of rural women work in agriculture, they are usually self-employed or working for family members – as land tends to be passed down to men. Additionally, young woman tend to face greater difficulties in accessing markets and finance services, which also inhibit their opportunities for off-farm entrepreneurship.

Even when women do earn some money, only about a quarter of them have sole decision-making power over how to spend it.

Providing more em-

ployment opportunities for women on and off the farm can help entire rural economies grow. Modernising agriculture, and helping young rural women secure loans and land, can strengthen women’s engagement in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, mixed-sex youth groups that offer training in technical skills can help challenge the traditional perceptions that impede women’s full participation in off-farm economies.

4. STIMULATING POSITIVE BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE In many rural communities, attitudes must change in order to free women from culturally determined lives. Radio listeners’ clubs can help foster conversations about sensitive topics like gender-based violence, HIV/ AIDS and early marriage, while self-help groups and producer organizations enable women to be active members and leaders within their communities.

Meanwhile, programs for young men and boys are challenging stereotypes and building support for the rights of women and girls. Addressing the root causes of gender inequality through positive behavioural change is key to enabling young rural women to fully participate in (and benefit from) rural transformation.

5. STRENGTHENING VOICE AND REPRESENTATION Finally, young rural

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women need to be given more of a voice in the decision-making processes that affect them. Traditional community norms may restrict the participation of women and youth, which means the specific needs of young rural women are rarely known or taken into account. As a result, the challenges that rural woman face often remain unaddressed. However, strengthening rural youth organizations, establishing a minimum level of representation at policy dialogues and providing training in public speaking and leadership are all ways to make sure the voices of young rural women have a better chance of being heard – and that rural transformation can be truly inclusive.

If we are to achieve #ZeroHunger and end rural poverty, we can’t afford to leave young rural women behind.

Women comprise about 43 percent of the agricultural labor force, but even more of its potential.

Effective rural transformation means inclusive rural transformation, and rural transformation means making sure that everyone, including young rural women, has the ability, opportunity and means to live differently. Only by tapping this potential can we make #ZeroHunger a reality.

as they ran into a yard and jumped the back fence, ending up in an alleyway. Mentore added that he continued to run in the alleyway as his accomplice jumped into to the next yard. He mentioned that while he was running in the alleyway, the Campbellville residents started to attack him by hurling bricks at him, and pulling him over the fence. He claimed that the individual who pulled him over the fence from the crowd, looked in a drum where his friend was in hiding and began to fire shots at the drum. Mentore said the individual threw his friend out of the drum saying “look he is

here.” The person who Mentore had surrendered to, took him to the front of the yard and fired shots to both his left and right feet. Mentore concluded by saying “I saw my friend die in front of my eyes.”

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after hearing the case, ‘dealt’ Mentore $70,000 fine and 8 weeks’ imprisonment. Mentore was ordered to be placed on 12 months’ supervision for counselling. He was warned that if he did not subject himself to counselling a warrant would be issued.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Opposition parties seeking recount of ballots in Region 4 -call on int’l community to intervene FOLLOWING the declaration of the results for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and five other contesting parties will be calling for a recount of the ballots in this region.

Returning Officer (RO) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo had declared results for this region on Thursday. And, according to those results, the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Chance (APNU+AF C) coalition received 136,458 votes and the PPP/C received 77,329 votes. The PPP/C along with A New and United Guyana (ANUG), The

New Movement (TNM), Change Guyana (CG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and the United Republican Party (URP), will call for a recount of the ballots for the entire region.

This was according to Presidential Candidate of the PPP/C, Irfaan Ali during a joint-press briefing among the parties, on Thursday evening. Ali argued that the Statements of Poll (SOPs) gathered by the PPP/C and other parties show that the PPP/C won over 80,000 votes while the APNU+AFC got around 114,000 in Region Four. This he said was not reflected because the verification process for the SOPs was not completed and

the results were instead arbitrarily declared by Mingo.

The presidential candidate said there were a lot of “questionable activities,” during the prior days after the elections on Monday, which led up to the declaration of those results. Ali said many local and international stakeholders have since objected to those declarations, and the PPP/C along with its “allies” has called for the GECOM to return to the legal process of having the results for Region Four verified, inputted and then announced.

Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas also called for GECOM to follow “due process,” and said that his party called for a full recount of the

Presidential Candidate of the PPP/C, Irfaan Ali

results. “But if we can’t get Mingo we can’t pursue the process provided by law… it is no doubt that the system ran smoothly for the counting of votes for nine regions…

GECOM has hijacked the system and undermined the process, and there is no harm greater than electoral fraud,”

Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas

said Jonas.

In this regard, he said a government, which is sworn in based on these results, should not be recognised by the international community and there should be economic sanctions imposed on individuals of the government.

These sentiments were echoed by the other political leaders, who said the current action is dangerous and threatened to mobilise supporters, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure that the elections go according to the law.

Work continues in Region Two -- REO inspects several projects, met with farmers

DESPITE the uncertainty that is in the air in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region concerning the declaration of the recently-concluded General and Regional Elections, Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, says development works continue in the region.

All workers attached to the Regional Administration have reported to work and are carrying out their routine assignments.

Jaikarran, along with his management team and the region’s engineer, Kawan Suchit, on Thursday, inspected several road projects that were completed in the Queenstown and Cullen communities.

He also reached out to rice farmers in the Devonshire Castle and Walton Hall areas. He promised rice farmers that the main access road leading to their farmlands will be upgraded just in time for harvesting in late March.

Rice farmers also expressed the need for freshwater to irrigate their fields. Promptly after the Regional Executive Officer (REO) contacted the Water Management Committee and asked them to release water to the farmers by noon on Thursday.

At Cullen and Queenstown, the REO inspected new asphalt roads in those communities. The road was deteriorating and muddy previously and according to Jaikarran, residents needed better access. A mini-excavator is currently in the Cullen area upgrading the access dam, making easier for residents.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikarran, meeting with rice farmers in the Devonshire Castle area

REO Jaikarran meeting with rice farmers in the back dam

The asphalt road at Queenstown

The newly-built Cullen Road

GUYANA CHRONICLE FridAy, marCH 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE friDay, maRCH 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 7

Singh half-century keeps Jaguars afloat after Cornwall snags 4-41 on rainy first day LEEWARDS Hurricanes all-rounder Rakeem Cornwall bagged 4 important wickets, but a defiant 50 from Vishaul Singh kept the Guyana Jaguars in the hunt following the rainy first day at Providence.

The defending champions were 115 for 4 from 54 overs with Singh unbeaten on 53 with 4 fours. He and all-rounder Raymon Reifer (4*), will resume on day two.

Cornwall, West Indies off-spinning power-hitter snagged 4-41 as he continued to be a thorn in the Jaguars side.

Batting first after winning the toss under some overcast weather, opener Tevin Imlach, who replaced the injured Chandrapaul Hemraj, was bowled for a boundary-less

Rakeem Cornwall 28-ball score of 2 by Cornwall.

His partner at the top of the order, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, also failed to trouble the scorers as he too fell to the spin of the all-rounder and was pinned lbw not long after a painstaking 9 off 40 balls, as the off-spinner had Guyana reeling at 14-2 from in 13 overs.

The new pair of veteran left-handers in Johnson and Singh, immediately applied themselves after Cornwall had his way with the openers.

The pair of out-of-favour West Indies Test players chipped away at the Hurricanes bowlers and helped the champs reach their 50 without any trouble ahead of lunch.

Johnson stroked 5 fours while his partner had three before rain put a pause on play for most of the afternoon session.

Following an inspection at 16:20hrs, the covers were removed, and play restarted with the pair looking to carry their bats to the final ball of the day.

Cornwall had other plans as he knocked over Jaguars captain with a beauty which flung Guyana into a spot of bother, as Singh was left unbeaten when the bails were lifted.

Action continues at 10:00hrs today. (Clifton Ross)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Women’s T20 World Cup

CWI financial prudence remains Knight calls for rule change critical, says CEO Grave after England’s elimination HEATHER Knight hopes a change in the rules will prevent other teams enduring a “horrible” tournament exit after England were eliminated from the T20 World Cup without a ball being bowled in their rained-off semi-final against India.

With no reserve day scheduled, India progressed to Sunday’s final by virtue of a better record in the group stages, having topped Group A. “I don’t want any other team to go out in this fashion,” said England captain Knight, whose side were runners-up in Group B. “It is what was signed up to, to not have reserve days, but hopefully that will change.

“We’ve been bridesmaids before but to lose out to rain is a new feeling.”

Each cricket board signed up to playing conditions that

stated there was no reserve day for the knockout stages.

There is a reserve day for the final in Melbourne.

“As players, we don’t know anything about the reserve days - it’s up to the boards and those, way above our pay grade, to sort those out,” Knight said.

“There’s frustration and we’re disappointed but we have to move on quickly.”

England were left to rue their narrow opening defeat

by South Africa, which meant they could not top the group.

India went through the group stages unbeaten, while South Africa won three matches before their final game against West Indies was rained off.

“We didn’t top our group, which was in our hands,” Knight, 29, said.

“It’s a horrible way to exit a tournament. It’s going to be a bitter pill to

swallow for a few of us for a while.”

England have not won the tournament since the inaugural edition in 2009, although they have reached the final three times since then.

They came back well from their opening loss and appeared to be growing in confidence as the tournament progressed.

Natalie Sciver finished as England’s leading run-scorer with 202 - and currently leads the table with Knight, who scored her maiden T20 century against Thailand, second on 198 runs.

Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone has also impressed, moving to the top of the T20 bowling rankings after taking eight wickets at an average of 6.12.

Knight also praised Lisa Keightley, who was over-

England captain Heather Knight seeing the tournament as England head coach for the first time.

“Lisa’s very relaxed in how she goes about things, and that’s the style I’ve quite enjoyed working with,” Knight added.

“I feel we’ve built a good relationship.” (BBC Sport)

DaSilva defies Barbados Pride as Mayers shines with ball TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Joshua DaSilva’s second half-century in as many games held up leaders Barbados Pride after the season’s leading scorer Kyle Mayers traded his bat for the ball to hurt Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

On a rain-hit opening day at the Brian Lara Stadium where only 63 overs were possible, Red Force recovered from a dodgy position of 60 for three to close the seventh round contest on 192 for five.

DaSilva, already with a hundred and two half-centuries this season, top-scored with 67 while opener Kyle Hope struck an attractive 40 in his first appearance since Red Force’s season opener in January.

Isaiah Rajah chipped in with 33 and all-rounder Imran Khan was unbeaten on 21 at the close, but Red Force lost wickets in clusters to hurt their progress.

Mayers, the only batsman to pass 500 runs this season

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Kyle Mayers grabbed three wickets. with 579, used his medium pace to good effect to claim three for 39 while fast bowler Chemar Holder snatched two for 40 to move his tally for the campaign to 31 wickets.

Red Force started well with Hope and debutant Cephas Cooper (16) posting 59 for the first wicket to keep Pride without any early success.

The right-handed Hope struck seven fours in a breezy 56ball knock before becoming Mayers’ first wicket, plumb lbw after failing to keep out one that was angled in.

Mayers then rocked Red Force in his next over – the second one after lunch – bowling both 20-year-old Cooper and Jason Mohammed (0) in successive deliveries to leave the hosts stumbling on 60 for three.

Cooper, like Hope, missed one angled in and had his stumps shattered while Mohammed dragged on the first ball he faced.

DaSilva and Rajah combined to prop up the innings in an 84-run fourth wicket partnership, interrupted by rain delays.

The 21-year-old DaSilva punched 11 fours off 139 balls in 2-¾ hours while Rajah, a left-hander, faced 75 balls in just over two hours and struck five fours.

When Rajah was bowled by Holder with the first ball of a new spell, Red Force stumbled again when Jyd Goolie fell shortly afterwards for seven, also bowled by Holder, trying to defend.

DaSilva and Imran Khan were involved in a 36-run, sixth wicket stand when rain ended play prematurely.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive, Johnny Grave, has cautioned that the governing body needs to continue “living within its means” as it seeks to further consolidate its finances in the face of challenging global conditions.

CWI has been hit by bleak finances in recent years and lost an estimated US$20 million in 2018, a year which Grave described in an interview last year as “fi­nan­cial­ly hor­ri­ble”.

And while lucrative 2019 home series tour against England and India had been expected to be a huge boost to CWI’s coffers, Grave said this week that with international media companies experiencing “enormous pressure and strain, it was critical CWI continued to exercise prudence in managing its financial affairs.

“One of the things we are going to have to do in a far better way than ever before in our history is live within our means,” Grave told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show here.

“The international landscape isn’t necessarily the way it’s been (before) where for the most part in professional cricket, and in professional sport, revenues have been increasing year on year.

“We’re now into a challenging few years where traditional media companies which have been the bread and butter of most organisations in professional sport, their business is under significant pressure as everyone who watches sport, and TV and live entertainment changes their habits significantly and fewer and fewer of us are watching any sort of live entertainment and particularly sport through TV. “Therefore the business plans of TV companies are under enormous pressure and strain and many nations in the world, including ourselves, are facing a drop in revenue and therefore we’re going to have to be very agile in terms of how we manoeuvre that ever-changing landscape.”

Apart from broadcast rights revenue, Grave indicated that key to CWI’s finances will be the redevelopment of the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, formerly the Stanford Cricket Ground.

The Englishman said CWI was poised to undertake long-term financing on the venue in order to underwrite “ambitious” redevelopment plans which would ultimately lead to increased revenue.

“We’re certainly going to do long-term financing for the Coolidge Cricket Ground,” Grave explained.

“At the moment we’ve effectively bought the venue out of our operating cash flow and we need to turn that into a long-term financing and replace some of that operating cash in the business.”

He added: “It (venue) has been making revenue but in terms of our plans to redevelop the entire 16-acre site, they’re much more ambitious and we would be looking to significantly increase the revenues from (those plans).”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Australia into Women’s T20 World Cup final after beating South Africa AUSTRALIA defied the rain to beat South Africa by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method and set up a Women’s T20 World Cup final against India.

Defending champions Australia were able to post 134-5 from their 20 overs after a delayed start, with captain Meg Lanning top-scoring with 49.

South Africa, who were chasing a rain-revised 98 from 13 overs, crumbled to 24-3 and were always behind the rate at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite Laura Wolvaardt’s unbeaten 41 from just 27 balls.

However, Australia will take heart from a superb bowling performance that left South Africa’s captain, Dane van Niekerk, close to tears at the end of the match as her side once again missed out on a first global final.

Australia have featured in every T20 World Cup final since 2010, and have claimed the title four times.

At one point, Australia were nine minutes from elimination, with heavy rain falling as the cut-off time approached, knowing that if the game was abandoned without a result, South Africa would advance to the final because they were Group B winners.

However, the rain cleared and their bowlers excelled. Megan Schutt took 2-17 from her three overs and Australia’s spinners cashed in as South Africa

Australia are MCG-bound after Meg Lanning’s 49 not out fired the tournament hosts into Sunday’s World Cup decider against India. (Getty) tried to hit them out of the ground.

With the persistent rain slowing down the outfield, and South Africa consistently finding the fielders, Australia were able to pile on the pressure.

Australia will know they have got to the final without playing their best cricket - but it is their will to win, and

the way they have fought through difficult positions with the bat has propelled them to Sunday’s final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

And with Australia in the final, organisers will be hopeful of breaking the record for the highest attendance at a women’s sporting event.

South Africa came agonisingly close once again.

South Africa had a long huddle before they took to the field but they were left in tears after once again missing out on the final.

In the 50-over World Cup three years ago they narrowly lost to eventual champions England in the last four, and they once again came close here.

They capitalised on Australia’s unusually shaky batting line-up, having Alyssa Healy caught at mid-wicket before fellow opener Beth Mooney was bowled by the excellent Nadine de Klerk.

It was only Lanning who looked comfortable for Australia. She was able to rotate the strike before hitting out with four fours and one six. de Klerk, recalled in Marizanne Kapp’s absence, was superb, mixing up her pace well to take 3-19, and her performance will be one positive on a heartbreaking night for Van Niekerk’s team. (BBC Sport).

No current threat to South Africa series, IPL

–– Indian board

By Sudipto Ganguly MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - The Indian cricket board is monitoring the development of the coronavirus outbreak in the country but says there is no current threat to its flagship Indian Premier League (IPL), with the franchise-based tournament scheduled to start later this month.

The fast-spreading coronavirus has reached some 80 nations with more new cases now reported outside China where the flu-like illness first emerged in the central city of Wuhan late last year.

The virus has killed more than 3 200, most of them in China. It has infected more than 95 000 people globally with India reporting 29 confirmed cases.

The 13th season of the eight-team IPL, which is played in cricket’s shortest Twenty20 format, is scheduled to begin on March 29 with a match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

The national team, however, will take on South Africa for three one-day internationals before that,

File image of Mumbai Indians players celebrating their IPL title triumph in 2019©BCCI Twitter starting with the first match in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala next Thursday.

“We are keeping a tab on the situation. Before the IPL we have the South

Africa series. Everything is on schedule currently,” IPL governing council chair-

man Brijesh Patel told Reuters yesterday.

Coronavirus has had a major impact on sports with a number of international sporting events either cancelled or postponed after the outbreak.

The cash-rich IPL, featuring celebrity owners and top business houses, draws the world’s top cricketers and will run for seven weeks with the final scheduled for May 17.

The IPL’s brand value has soared over the years since its 2008 launch and has grown to an estimated $6.8 billion in 2019, according to New York-based corporate finance advisory firm Duff & Phelps.

FIFA to discuss postponement of Asian World Cup qualifiers ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) FIFA is considering postponing the Asian World Cup qualifiers due to be played this month because of the coronavirus outbreak, the global soccer body said yesterday.

China’s matches against Maldives at home and Guam away have already

been moved to Buriram, Thailand, and will be played behind closed doors.

However, more than two dozen other matches are scheduled to be played around the continent over two match days on March 26 and 31.

“A formal proposal to postpone upcoming matches in the Asian

FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers will now be shared with the relevant member associations,” said FIFA in a statement.

“For both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the well-being and health of all individuals

involved in football matches remains the highest priority,” it added.

FIFA said it would provide an update following consultations with the national associations and would continue to monitor the situation in cooperation with the World Health Organisation. (WHO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

NSC blesses GCF with $2M towards CARIFTA Junior Chess Championship THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) became the latest entity to benefit from the National Sports Commission (NSC), receiving $2M towards its hosting of the CARIFTA Junior Chess Championship.

The event will be held over the Easter weekend at the Ramada Hotel.

Seon Erskine, the NSC’s Technical Development Officer, made the presentation to

the Chess Federation, who was represented by head of the Local Organising Committee for the Championship, John Lee, and Anand Raghunauth, the Federation’s Chess-in-Schools Coordinator.

Both Lee and Raghunauth thanked the NSC for its timely intervention and urged the public to come out and support the Championship.

Seon Erskine, NSC’s Technical Development Officer (second from left), makes the presentation to Anand Raghunauth.

Premier League ditches pre-match fair-play handshakes

Both teams will still line up and walk past each other without shaking hands.

THE Premier League has announced that the pre-match handshakes between both teams and officials will not take place until further notice because of fears over the spread of coronavirus.

The measure comes the day after the government asked the league “to step up its contingency planning”.

The teams will still line up as usual but the home team will walk past the away side without shaking hands.

There have been more than 90 000 cases of the virus in 87 countries.

A statement on the Premier League’s website said: “The Premier League fair-play handshake will not take place between players and match officials from this weekend until further notice based on medical advice.

“Coronavirus is spread via droplets from the nose and mouth and can be transmitted on to the hands and passed on via a handshake.”

Premier League leaders Liverpool announced yesterday that they would not be having mascots at Anfield.

They have also cancelled staff travelling to any high-risk countries and “reminded everyone of good hygiene practices”.

The club also said there will be “hand sanitisers and/or antibacterial handwash in all the washrooms at Anfield” as well as hygiene information posters.

Last week Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said the club had stopped their morning handshake ritual while West Ham boss David Moyes said the players would be fist bumping instead of shaking hands.

Southampton also banned players from signing autographs or taking selfies with fans.

League One club Sunderland have also told their players to not go abroad during their upcoming break. (BBC Sport)

Motor racing: FIA could not prove Ferrari’s 2019 engine broke F1 rules

By Alan Baldwin, Pritha Sarkar LONDON, England (Reuters) - Formula One’s governing body suspected Ferrari’s engine was not always operating within the rules last year but lacked conclusive evidence, the FIA said yesterday.

The FIA explained in a statement that it had therefore reached a private settlement to avoid lengthy litigation and an uncertain outcome.

The confidential settlement, announced last week on the last day of pre-season testing, angered non-Ferrari powered teams who issued a joint statement on Wednesday demanding clarity and threatening legal action.

The FIA gave more information to try and clarify the situation a day later.

“The extensive and thorough investigations undertaken during the 2019 season raised suspicions that the Scuderia Ferrari PU (power unit) could be considered as not operating within the limits of the FIA regulations at all times,” it said.

“The Scuderia Ferrari firmly opposed the suspicions and reiterated that its PU always operated in compliance with the regulations.

“The FIA was not fully satisfied but decided that further action would not necessarily result in a conclusive case due to the complexity of the matter and the material impossibility to provide the unequivocal evidence of a breach.”

The FIA said the confidentiality of the settlement agree-

ment was provided for under the sport’s judicial and disciplinary rules.

Article 4 (VI) states that “the prosecuting body and all persons taking part in the inquiry are bound by an obligation of confidentiality vis‐à‐vis persons or organisations not concerned with the inquiry.”

The settlement itself was covered by article 4 (II) of the same regulations.

The FIA said it had acted accordingly “to avoid the negative consequences that a long litigation would entail especially in light of the uncertainty of the outcome of such litigations and in the best interest of the championship and of its stakeholders”.

It said the settlement with Ferrari was “effective and dissuasive”.

“This type of agreement is a legal tool recognised as an essential component of any disciplinary system and is used by many public authorities and other sport federations in the handling of disputes,” it said.

Seven teams, including champions Mercedes, expressed their surprise and shock and called for greater transparency.

The FIA’s original statement contained little information.

“After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by other teams, we strongly object to the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter,” they said.

FIA believed Ferrari’s 2019 engine broke F1 rules.

Ferrari’s engine was the subject of much speculation last year, with rivals suspecting the team were circumventing fuel flow sensors to gain performance.

Ferrari, overall runners-up last year with three race wins, had started the season as early favorites after impressive times in testing.

The performance appeared to tail off, however, after the FIA issued several technical directives concerning fuel flow sensors later in the year. They have also been slower than Mercedes on the 2020 testing timesheets.

Ferrari declined to comment.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 6, 2020

Eighty-three karatekas promoted at ASK-G grading exams

The promoted students with their instructors EIGHTY-three karatekas have been promoted in the Association do Shotokan Karate of Guyana grading exercise.

Of the lot who advanced on Sunday at YMCA Thomas Lands were five persons to become first Dan black belts, and two who advanced further, under the watchful eyes of head of the IKD, ninth Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, assisted by Shihan Amir Khouri (seventh Dan).

Roger J. Peroune from YMCA was promoted to fifth Dan, while Avinash Ramgolam from Land of Canaan was promoted to second Dan. Of the new first Dan black belts, four are from YMCA (Amrit Singh, Jas-

mine West, Yam Chan Chu and Nicholas Rampersaud), while Amirullah Kudrutullah is from Blairmont.

A number of the students were also promoted to the KYU levels.

Eleven of them moved from 10 KYU (no rank) to yellow belt. These included: Kiev Luther, Sarah Lacon, Zane Elcock, Zarion Caulder, Josiah Freitas, Asim Hamilton, Jaxun Fields, Damari Williams, Nathan Henry, Aviel Wilson and Akilah Browne, while Ethan Persaud, Khaleel Dalrymple, Antwun Lamazon and Sasenarine Charran jumped from 10 KYU to orange belt.

Leslie Edghill made a whopping jump from 10 KYU to blue belt, while

two students (Nathan McKinnon, Ronuko Caulder) moved from 8 KYU to green belt.

Allana Margan, Annastica Joseph, Valmiki Indarjit and Raphel James moved from 7 KYU to blue belt, while Derrick Agdomar advanced from 5 KYU to brown belt (3) and Nkechi McPherson, Prince Dunn and Kyron Thomas progressed from 4 KYU to brown belt (2).

According to information from the ASK-G, a number of other students were promoted.

Basil Jamal Williams (Para Student), Jayden Ramkissoon, Simkhael Levans, Samaiya Humphrey, Nathan Lam, Brandon Carew, Aidan

Carew, Kai Callender, Mateus Nogueira, Aryan Din, Tamia Tyrrell, Zuriyah Howell, Ethan France, Faith Cornette and Shivanna Brijbhukan advanced to orange belt while Aidan Bell, Jaden Katon, Edien Dookie, Samara Siland, Vineshwari Indarjit, Shivraj Brijbhukan and Deoanand Geer advanced to green belt.

Meanwhile Teshana Lake and Zulima Bell advanced to blue belt; whereas Kristen Sanasie, Theron Lake, Dylon Bess (Jr), Zareezyah Levans, Samuel Klass, Giada Agdomar, Bethany Agdomar, Isaiah Browne and Jordon Hargobin moved to purple belt.

Mahir Rajkumar, Ethan Rosine, Elijah Rosine, Josh-

ua Daniels and Aishah Persaud advanced to brown belt (3); while Micah Narine, Tyler Bess, Junxi Yang, Tyshaun Bess, Isaiah Anderson and Saskia Dyasindoo advanced to Brown (2) and Adrian Bhawanidin, Javed Baksh, Joshua Nimar, Joel Harry, Thamishwar Dyasindoo and Kristen Samaroo advanced to brown (1).

Chairman of ASK-G, Khouri, noted that they are looking forward to having more students join, so that children can enjoy the benefits of karate-do, both short and long term.

“Congratulations to all the students who were successful, also to instructors: Roger Peroune, Malcolm Francis, Keith Beaton and

Wanda Agdomar (YMCA), Clinton Moriah (New Amsterdam, Berbice), Hazrat Ali (Albion & Blairmont, Berbice), Parmeshwar Persaud (Land of Canaan), & Mahadeo Ramotar (GFK West Bank) for their commitment to the development of karate and the karatekas.”

Khouri added that during his stay, Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-ATai would be conducting high-level seminars at YMCA and Guyana Karate College.

“These seminars will prepare students for competition, judges’ training and instructors’ training, thus preparing IKD members for higher standards that will be passed on to the youths of the future.”

Bonner spearheads Scorpions dominant day with unbeaten 131 ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner’s third first class hundred underscored a dominant opening day for Jamaica Scorpions in their seventh round clash with Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The 31-year-old right-hander hit an unbeaten 131 as Scorpions, opting to bat first, reached 285 for three at the close at the National Stadium here.

Bonner’s hundred was his second of the season and second against Volcanoes, following his unbeaten 100 in Kingston in January.

He faced 237 balls in just short of 5-¼ hours and struck a dozen fours and two sixes in an excellent career-best effort.

Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood, meanwhile, struck his fourth half-century in as many matches with 68 while Paul Palmer returned to form with an unbeaten 65.

Volcanoes appeared to have the upper hand when leftarm pacer Preston McSween (2-48) knocked over both openers cheaply in successive overs to leave Scorpions

Nkrumah Bonner

tottering on 16 for two in the morning’s eighth over.

Skipper John Campbell (13) drove a full length delivery to mid-off in the sixth over before Alwyn Williams

(1) dragged on a defensive stroke at a wide ball.

Bonner then combined with Blackwood in a 112run, third wicket stand which carried the visitors to lunch without further loss.

Blackwood, with five previous half-centuries this season, counted 10 fours off 102 balls in a shade over two hours before falling caught and bowled by left-arm spinner Kavem Hodge in the second session.

Any hopes of running through the Scorpions middle order were then dashed as Bonner and Palmer added a further 157 in an unbroken fourth wicket stand.

Palmer has so far struck seven fours in a patient knock, spanning 160 balls in just over 3-¼ hours at the crease.

Unbeaten on 74 at tea with Scorpions on 184 for three, Bonner reached his hundred in style deep in the final session, smashing leg-spinner Keron Cottoy to the mid-wicket boundary.

Guyana’s Kiana Khedoo (#10), battling Haiti’s Maudeline Moryl during their quarter-finals at the CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship. (Photo compliments of CONCACAF)

The best is yet – Lady Jags to come! coach Dr. Ivan Joseph lauds Guyana’s exceptional showing at CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’S National U-20 Women’s team exited the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, following their 3-0 defeat to Haiti, in the tournament’s quarterfinals stage.

It was the first time in the country’s history that a Youth team from Guyana reached the knockout stage of any major tournament on the international scenes.

However, despite their historical achievement, Dr

Ivan Joseph said he was more impressed with the level of commitment, determination and discipline shown by the Guyanese women.

“Going into the game (against Haiti), I would be lying to say that our team was a little nervous. This team has just been rolling through this tournament,” Joseph said in his postmatch comments.

“Haiti was physical, they were fast, they were technical; They were tactically sound, well organised and disciplined. We

were outmatched,” Joseph related, adding that he was more impressed, however, with the level of play by the Lady Jags.

“They fought with heart. They fought to the end, they were committed and they worked hard. So I’m (very) proud of the effort and how they portrayed themselves in this tournament.

“If you look at Haiti, you can see what the investment of their Government and the Federation can do…they have a full time staff and for us to

PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament Round 7

Singh half-century keeps Jaguars afloat after Cornwall snags 4-41 on rainy first day See story on page 23

VISHAUL SIGH

even be on the same field as they is a testament to how well this team (Guyana) played,” the Canada-based coach stated.

The defeat to Haiti was Guyana’s second at the tournament, following their 3-0 loss to Mexico in the competition’s group stage.

Haiti encountered the contest of the tournament’s most prolific goal-scoring team, finding the net 34 times in four outings. Along with the USA, they’re the only team to not concede a goal.

Franklin Wilson (left) and Ralph Green with the donated balls.

Sports Extra Inter-Village Football

USA-based Ralph Green donates balls AS plans for the inaugural Sports Extra Inter-Village Football competition, sanctioned by the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), continues, USA-based Guyanese Ralph Green, who also sponsors EBFA Under-11 League, has made a tangible donation.

Green handed over six footballs to Director of Sports Extra, Franklin Wilson, during a short visit to Guyana recently. He said that he was very pleased to be able to further assist in the development of the sport on the East Bank, having been investing at the Youth level for the past four years.

“This donation is an extension to what I have been doing over the past few years; I have seen the investment with the EBFA bearing encouraging fruits.

This tournament now at the inter-village level is another positive step and I am in full support, thus my donation of footballs which I hope will assist along the way.”

Wilson, in response, thanked Green for his continued support for the game and assured that the balls will indeed add to the quality of football expected to be displayed in the tournament which is anticipated to kick off later this month.

The registration process is ongoing and interested villages can make contact with Wilson on 682-3241 or 621-3120 to register. Each village would be required to register a total of 25 players and three officials and only players living in the respective villages would be allowed to play for the team. Registration will close on March 11.

The winning village will walk away with $400 000, losing finalista $200 000, third place $120 000 and 4th place $50 000.

The top individual players: Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goalscorer and Most Valuable Player would also be rewarded with cash and a trophy.

CWI financial prudence remains critical, says CEO Grave

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 story on page 24

CWI chief executive Johnny Grave FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020