Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_03_13_2020

FRIDAY 13th March, 2020

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Tabulation to resume today No.105938

…PPP filed contempt motion against GECOM despite agreeing to suspend process to allow chair to study court’s decision

SEE STORY ON PAGE 08

‘GECOM must be allowed to do its work’ …President emphasises; hails meeting with 03 CARICOM heads a success PAGE

No other suspected case of Coronavirus -Persons in contact with first Coronavirus victim quarantined, 09 being observed PAGE

PPP numbers inconsistent with GECOM’s …Ali says party will demand recount of votes in ballot boxes if SOPs mismatch 10 PAGE

Minister of Public Health and other officials outside GECOM’s command centre on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, following the suspension of the tabulation exercise on Thursday (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

‘GECOM must be allowed to do its work’ …President emphasises; hails meeting with CARICOM heads a success

PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER has stated that the fruitful meetings of CARICOM Heads of State with political leaders of Guyana has led to the agreement that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as an independent body, is responsible for delivering to Guyanese the results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

To date, the complete declaration of these results has not been made which has contributed to tension countrywide. CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Prime Ministers Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago; Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica; Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines travelled to Guyana for two days to mediate disagreements between the Government and Opposition.

FRUITFUL VISIT The President, in a release yesterday, said he was satisfied with the outcome of his meetings with the CARICOM Heads noting that their presence was “non-intrusive” and thorough, with their last meeting ending at 01:30hrs on Thursday morning.

“CARICOM plays a very important role. Not only is the headquarters of CARICOM in Guyana, Guyana

was of course a founding member of CARICOM. The five Prime Ministers from Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines [and Grenada] came to Guyana and they were honest. They were committed to working with Guyana and the stakeholders in Georgetown and the rest of the country to craft a path forward out of the present situation,” he said.

“They were fully engaged and they worked very hard and aimed at getting a solution to the present situation. I would say it was successful. I was very happy with the outcome and in general terms, we met with former President Jagdeo and we agreed that on Thursday, the two sides, [the] Government side and the Opposition side of the Elections Commission would meet and work out some way of implementing, fully, the ruling of Chief Justice Roxane George” he added.

The President further stated that it was agreed by himself and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo that the process should remain in the hands of the Elections Commission which should meet and decide how it would implement the Chief Justice’s ruling.

On that note, the President encouraged the Commissioners appointed by

President David Granger

the Government to seek a meeting. There are three Government-nominated commissioners and three Opposition-nominated Commissioners.

While the tabulation of Region’s Four Statement of Polls (SOPs) recommenced on Thursday as ordered by Guyana’s Chief Justice, President Granger maintained that such a meeting of the appointed commissioners was important to pave the way forward. He pointed out: “I understand that a similar request was made by the nominees of the Opposition side. My understanding is that a meeting did take place and the process that was

prescribed by the Chief Justice did commence. I know at some stage or the other it was suspended but I feel that coming out of the CARICOM Heads of Government proposals, the meeting did take place and I think that was the way to go.”

ALLOW GECOM TO WORK The Guyanese Head of State maintained that there was no interference by external agents in the role of the Elections Commission, and, that, even in the disagreements between political parties, GECOM must be allowed to function without interference.

“The Elections Commission is long established. It has rules, procedures and we have to allow the Elections Commission to do what it is appointed to do,” the President noted.

“Let the Elections Commission do its work. Let us not resort to violent action, to protests and demonstrations.

We have had too much of that. Last week, someone got killed, school buses were stoned, school children injured, police men chased from the streets. This is not the atmosphere for arriving at a solution that satisfies the Guyanese people. It could lead to provocation, retaliation. All Guyanese need

to observe the role of the Elections Commission. Let the Elections Commission do its work.”

He expressed his confidence that if the Elections Commission is allowed to function, the elections process will be concluded.

“I am very confident that if the Commission is allowed to do its work, we would come to an end of this process which started on the 2nd March. It is just going on too long. We need to bring an end to it. The Chief Justice has ruled, the Elections Commission has a role to play, the Constitution is clear and I have given the CARICOM Heads of Government a commitment that I will abide by the Constitution. I’ll abide by the declaration of the Elections Commission and I’ll abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court of Guyana,” the President said.

The Commission is set to recommence the tabulation of SOPs belonging to Region Four today at 09:00hrs following a breakdown amongst stakeholders on Thursday at the office at High and Hadfield Streets.

Fact checking the Novel Coronavirus Since the announcement of the novel coronavirus (COVID 19), there has been a lot of information circulating on social media.

It is crucial to know what is true and what are half-truths. To help you better understand and cut through the confusion, here are some common myths about preventative measures to take.

TRUE OR FALSE? Swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid, using essential oils or saltwater will prevent you from contracting the virus or. FALSE None of these suggestions can protect you from getting

COVID-19, and some may be dangerous. The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. And avoid contact with the persons who are sneezing or coughing.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body will protect you.

FALSE Spraying alcohol or chlorine will no kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying these liquids can be harmful to your mucous membranes - eyes and mouth.

Consuming a large amount of garlic in foods or beverage.

FALSE

While garlic is a healthy food, no evidence from the current outbreak has proven that eating garlic protects you from COVID 19.

A face mask will protect you from COVID-19. FALSE For the general public without respiratory illness, wearing lightweight disposable surgical masks is not recommended. Because they don’t fit tightly, they may allow tiny infected droplets to get into the nose, mouth or eyes. People with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others.

Drinking lots of will flush the body of any symptoms of corona-

virus. FALSE There is no biological mechanism that supports the theory that you can just wash a respiratory virus down into your stomach and kill it. Infections like COVID 19 enter the body via the respiratory tract when you breathe in. Some of them might go into your mouth, but even constantly drinking water isn't going to prevent you from catching the virus. However, drinking water and staying hydrated is usually good medical advice.

Purchasing products that were imported from China and other countries affected by COVID19 - False

It has been noted that viruses like this one do not stay alive for very long on surfaces, it is unlikely that person will contract the COVID-19 from a package that was transit for days or weeks.

The Ministry of Public Health is also urging persons who are experience symptoms of the coronavirus, such as, fever, fatigue, cough, aches and pains, headaches and shortness of breath to call the Ministry’s hotline on 227-4986, extension 215 or 624-3067, where a medical team will be dispatched to the residence of the caller.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

Markets suffer record meltdown as global coronavirus alarm grows WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) - Global markets suffered record falls on Thursday as alarm over the coronavirus intensified, and governments from Ireland to Italy unveiled new measures to try to slow the spread of a disease that has infected more than 127,000 people worldwide.

Travelers in Europe rushed to board flights to the United States after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping restrictions on travel from the continent, a decision that angered leaders there.

In Europe, North America and Australia events from sports matches to weddings were canceled or suspended, schools were closed and public gatherings restricted or banned, as normal life for millions began to be directly impacted.

Trump even suggested that the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo could be delayed by a year. “Maybe they postpone it for a year... if that’s possible,” Trump told reporters. “I like that better than I like having empty stadiums all over the place.” The White House announced it was stopping public tours, while Rome’s Catholic churches were ordered closed - a move thought to be unprecedented in modern times - and the city’s faithful given dispensation not to attend

Sunday mass. Disneyland in California is shutting the gates of its amusement park. But in China, where the epidemic originated, officials said the disease had peaked and the global spread could be over by June if other nations applied similarly aggressive containment measures as Beijing’s communist government.

Fears of the impact of such restrictions on the movement of people and goods hit global stocks and oil prices hard. Major European bourses fell by double-digit percentages for their biggest daily losses on record, led by a 17% slide in Italian stocks .FTMIB. Stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank did little to calm nerves. [.EU] On Wall Street stocks slumped around 10% .DJI .SPX in their worst day since the 1987 “Black Monday” crash. [.N] People walk through the international terminal at LAX airport in front of a Korean Air plane in Los Angeles, California, U.S., amid reports of the coronavirus, March 11, 2020. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

‘MASS PANIC’ Trump had restricted certain travel from Europe to the United States in a televised address on Wednesday, and on Thursday, weary and confused travelers rushed to airports to board the last flights back to the United States.

“It caused a mass panic,” said 20-year-old Anna Grace, a U.S. student at Suffolk University on her first trip to Europe, who rushed to Madrid’s Barajas airport at 5 a.m. to get home. The outbreak has disrupted industry, travel, entertainment and sports worldwide, and prompted airlines to appeal for urgent aid from their governments.

But its progress in the epicenter of China’s Hubei province has slowed markedly amid strict curbs on movement, including the lockdown of its capital Wuhan.

Hubei logged just eight new infections on Wednesday, the first time in the outbreak it has recorded a daily tally in single figures.

The rest of mainland China had seven new cases, six of them imported from abroad. “The peak of the epidemic has passed for

China,” said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission. The Chinese government’s senior medical adviser, Zhong Nanshan, an epidemiologist renowned for helping combat the SARS outbreak in 2003, said the crisis could be over by mid-year if other countries followed China’s example. The coronavirus has infected more than 127,000 people around the world, the vast majority in China, and killed 4,700, according to a Reuters tally.

WAR FOOTING In a wave of announcements, countries and U.S. states unveiled stricter new measures to slow the spread of new infections, some of them reminiscent of a war footing.

“It’s going to spread further,” British Prime Boris Johnson told a news conference. “I must level with you, level with the British public - more families, many more families, are going to lose loved ones before their time.” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television address on Thursday night that the country was facing its worst public health crisis in a century and announced measures including the closure of all schools, creches and universities from Monday.

California and New York announced sweeping bans on large gatherings, and more schools, museums and other institutions said they planned to close, including all schools in Ohio and public schools in Maryland. In Italy, where the death toll passed 1,000, the government imposed a blanket closure of restaurants, bars and almost all shops except food stores and pharmacies.

Ireland will shut schools, universities and childcare facilities until March 29 and restrict mass gatherings.

Some matches in European soccer’s elite Champions League were postponed, while in U.S. sports the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League seasons were both suspended and Major League Baseball delayed its season start. U.S. college basketball’s “March Madness” tournament was canceled. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie were in self-isolation after she came down with flu-like symptoms and was tested for the new coronavirus.

Oscar-winning American actor Tom Hanks tested positive in Australia, where he is on a film shoot.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

St Kitts Opposition Leader told to vacate seat in Parliament BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Mar 12, CMC – Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas Thursday confirmed that he had been ordered by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal to vacate his seat in the Parliament over the issue of a diplomatic passport that had been granted to him by Dominica.

Douglas, speaking at a news conference of his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNL), said that he had been informed by his lawyers that the Court, sitting in St. Lucia had handed down the judgement and that he has no intention of pursuing the matter further. “I am here to announce that the matter of the diplomatic passport case which has been before the courts for almost two years has finally come to an end. We have been informed by our lawyers that early this morning sitting at the Appeal Court in St. Lucia, the appeal judges gave a ruling that they would uphold the appeal on this matter.

“I must let you know that we are very surprised and we disagree with the judgement,” Douglas told reporters, adding “we are really surprised at this judgement has come in the way it ha.

“However we accept the judgement and we move on

definitely to the next level,” he said.

In February last year, Douglas scored a victory in the passport case at the High Court against the Timothy Harris government that sought a declaration that since the election to the National Assembly on February 16, 2015 Douglas became disqualified from being elected as a member of the National Assembly and was accordingly required to vacate his seat by reason of his becoming a person who, by virtue of his own act, is in accordance with the law of Dominica, under an acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state, namely, Dominica.

Additionally, the government had also sought a declaration that Douglas has vacated his seat in the National Assembly; an injunction restraining him from taking his seat in the National Assembly; and from performing his functions as a member as well as costs, and other relief as the court may deem just and expedient.

Section 28(1) of the St. Kitts-Nevis Constitution states that a person shall not be qualified to be elected if he is, by virtue of his own act, under

any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.

Further, it is stipulated in section 31(3) of the Constitution that an elected member shall vacate his seat if any of the circumstances arise, which would have disqualified him from being elected.

Attorney General Vincent Byron said then he was disappointed in the High Court decision but would respect it.

Douglas told reporters Thursday that following the end of the legal process, he would embark on “the political process of this matter. ”There is no appeal to the Privy Council and so I no longer will serve the people of Constituency Number Six in the Parliament during this term, which is already ended.

In other words, although I will not sit in the Parliament for the next two, three days or weeks, the matter is I, however will contest the next general elections for Constituency Number Six whenever those elections are called.”

Douglas, 67, who served as prime minister in the twin island Federation from 19952015, said the the judgement does not preclude him “in any way from seeking re-election by the people of Constituency Number Six. “My own

colleagues only a moment ago have all endorsed what has been the position of the people of Constituency Number Six of the Labour Party that Denzil Llewellyn Douglas will stand again as the candidate.”

Douglas told reporters he expected the coalition Team Unity government to try to use his removal from the Parliament. “Let us not be fooled, the government I believe will attempt to try to use this judgement to further delay the call for a general election by giving you the impression that it has to call a by-election first. Absolute nonsense.

“And so today we call on the expired government of Timothy Harris, call the general elections now, do not delay one minute more,” Douglas told the news conference.

Trinidad and Tobago suspends 2019/2020 cruise season PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mar. 12, CMC – The government of the twin island republic has suspended the arrival of cruise ships for the remainder of the 2019-2020 cruise season.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Tourism said that it has been closely monitoring the evolving situation as it relates to COVID-19 and its overall impact on the tourism sector and as part of the urgent measures to protect citizens, the decision was suspend cruise ship arrivals for the remainder of the season which ends on April 24.

“Given the rapid infection of COVID-19 globally, the potential economic loss from the epidemic entering Trinidad and Tobago will outweigh the potential loss associated with the decision to suspend the arrival of cruise ships for the rest of the 2019-2020 cruise season.”

According to Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell, the “public health and safety of our citizens are of utmost importance and there is urgent need to place safeguarding measures in place to protect our citizens from the potential devastating effects of a COVID-19 epidemic.”

He added that the Ministry will continue to work with all stakeholders including cruise line executives, tour operators, agents and port officials to ensure that all relevant parties are kept abreast as the situation evolves. “The Destinations have benefitted from a successful cruise season due in the most part to enhanced collaboration with all stakeholders. Continued engagement and dialogue are important in moving forward as we address this urgent threat to our industry and country,” he said while adding that the “industry has faced similar challenges and has emerged stronger and more resilient for it.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

COVID-19 and our response ON Wednesday, Guyana recorded its first imported case of COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. So far, more than 100 countries on six continents have recorded cases. The World Health Organisation said the outbreak is now a global pandemic and several countries, including the United States, have implemented aggressive responses including travel restrictions to help keep the disease from spreading.

Here in Guyana, a 52-year-old Guyanese female who had travelled from the United States of America, died on Wednesday morning of COVID-19. She arrived in the country on March 5, presented to the public health system on March 10 and was found to have uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. She subsequently died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation at 08:00 hours on March 11.

Health professionals sought to conduct tests for COVID-19 based on the patient’s travel history. A clinical sample was collected and sent at 10:00 hours on March 11, 2020 to the National Reference Laboratory, where laboratory test confirmed the diagnosis at approximately 17:00 hours.

The patient’s infection is classified an imported case. President David Granger, in an address to the nation, said that measures are being taken to prevent the risk of community

Dear Editor,

spread. These measures include:- dispatch of a health team to the home of the deceased for assessment and initiation of public health prevention measures;- identification and contact tracing for all possible exposed persons;- meeting of ministry officials with members of staff at the hospital; and,- implementation of necessary interventions.

Screening remains in place for those persons arriving from high-risk countries. Seven countries – Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Brazil, French Guiana, Panama, St. Vincent and the United States of America – have been added to the list of eight (People’s Republic of China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Iran) that was previously made public.

According to the Press Democrat, the virus is infectious and may be transmitted by someone who has just started to feel the symptoms, and health officials say a cure is at least a year away. The effects of COVID-19 have already begun to take its toll resulting in economic disruption, schools and universities canceling classes or moving them online, events cancelled, sport games in empty arenas and lots of anxiety.

The threat is real. There is ample reason to be worried.

But do not panic. The best course of action is to follow the advice of public health experts: Wash your hands frequently

with soap and warm water. Do not shake hands with others, and avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into a tissue.

A new study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that the virus can live on surfaces for up to three days, so keep homes and workspaces clean.

The Press Democrat noted too that with the worldwide case count topping 120,000 and more than 4,000 deaths, the strategy has shifted from preventing the spread of COVID-19 to flattening the curve — that is, limiting the number of infections so hospitals and other healthcare providers that work near capacity in regular times are not swamped during the pandemic.

Thankfully at this time, the Ministry of Public Health has already designated three quarantine facilities and promised to open others. The ministry has also developed the local capacity to test for the COVID-19, which has been credited to training provided by the Pan-American Health Organisation. It is our belief that with the measures being implemented and a stepped up, communication campaign to provide regular updates to citizens Guyana will be able to beat back the spread of this disease here. Like the Ministry of Public Health, we also urge the public to adhere to infection prevention and control measures.

More Than Oil Money

As a Guyanese citizen, I was disappointed to see the New York Times’ coverage (March 6, 2020) of the political crisis in Guyana. Anatoly Kurmanaev’s article “Crisis Deepens in Tiny Guyana, the World’s Newest Petro State” spoke of “ethnic violence” that threatens foreign investment and petrol revenue. I would like to point out that it is not only billions of dollars at stake, but rather the welfare of Guyanese people. Kurmanaev’s focus on the billions of dollars in oil money that is “at stake” fails to consider the people or the history that has led to the current unrest. The narrative he presents about Guyana and Guyanese is simple-minded, othering and disrespectful. Historically, such racist narratives have been used to justify toxic paternalist intervention by the Global North in countries in the Global South, such as Guyana.

Kurmanaev’s article makes clear his focus is the potential loss of foreign investments with no interest in the lives of those in Guyana. His article frames the existing civil

tension in Guyana as a “wave of ethnic violence” in a “tiny” country comprised primarily of Afro and Indo-Guyanese, and positions these two dominant racialised groups and their affiliated political parties as Guyana’s main barrier to oil wealth. As a Guyanese, I argue that it is not billions of dollars that are at stake, but rather the welfare of Guyanese people and peace and trust among the various racialised groups. Guyana’s recent status as “the World’s Newest Petro State” does not obliterate the past, nor is it the root cause of the current tensions. The framing in the referenced article fails to acknowledge that the existing racialised tension in Guyana is historical. Even a small attempt at research would contextualise the complexity of the current situation and the decisions of the populations within.

Guyanese across racial groups are hurting, not because they foresee being denied access to oil money, but as a result of acts of violence they experience at the hands of their neighbors, friends, family and political leaders. Many, if not most, Guyanese carry scars, pains and fears that have roots in a history of racist ideologies that facilitated: European’s

genocide of Indigenous populations, enslavement of Africans and severe exploitation of indentured laborers, and the systematically inherited and unaddressed internalised racist prejudices that underline which racialised group is appropriate to govern. Coupled with this is our political “leaders” desire to co-opt power by any means necessary through compromised electoral processes.

Narratives such as Kurmanaev’s contribute to paternalistic justifications about the Global North countries’ intervention in the lives and spaces of brown and black people, and further undermine the work that Guyanese need to do to address issues of poverty and development, democracy, corruption and sovereignty, and freedom and security.

Kurmanaev’s article also omits the fact that there are legal structures in place in Guyana to address these unfolding challenges.

The struggle to alleviate racial tensions and to bring peace is ongoing in Guyana. There are state and local organisations across the country working to quell and counter pain and fear inherited from exploitations and violence by past political parties and the colonialist history across racial divides. These

organisations and groups are aware that all Guyanese should be able to share in the governance of wealth – whether economic, social or psychological – and to trust the political system to be fair and just in managing any amount of wealth the country generates.

The way we tell this story matters.

Presenting ethnic rivalries as a natural feature of poor, “tiny”, countries perpetuates racism and neo-colonial mentalities.

To understand this crisis, we must consider the foundations of these tensions.

Omitting this background makes the article both inaccurate and dangerous. It obscures the work being done to secure better governance in the Region, and it risks promoting interventions that will protect profits before protecting people.

I suggest that, in the future, journalists should remember their responsibility to minimising harm through their reporting, instead of contributing to narratives that may harm other peoples, and obscuring contextualised realities.

Regards, Pere DeRoy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

Can we do it? Yes, we can!

Dear Editor in Chief, As, our beloved nation continues along the democratic path, I continue to be particularly intrigued by certain questions about the conduct of international and local observers and allied bodies, here, in Guyana, for our 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Focusing more precisely on unfolding political activities, events and incidents, over the last few weeks, associated with the electoral process, two important questions continue to occupy my mind: (i) do international and local observer missions steady and improve the quality of democracy by strengthening elections in developing countries such as ours? (ii) do observers assess elections accurately and unbiasedly?

The more I think about it, in the context of our past and extant political circumstances. And, the more I consider slippages in democratic stocks in the international community, notwithstanding the significance and widespread use of elections observer missions, the answer to that question seems to be that no one knows for sure. Those who say yes, usually do not bring much evidence to support their claim and when they do, no one knows for sure if and how much did elections observer missions contribute to the particular results, which they tender as evidence, in countries around the world. Sure, some will point to specific cases in different parts where it can be argued that observers reduce the capacity of political actors to subvert the democratic process, manipulate numbers, commit electoral fraud, and even strengthen established democratic institutions. But again, these are often unproven because the work, conduct, approaches and findings of such organisations, missions and agents are not subject to thorough examination by those stakeholders involved. And even if those contributions are examined, one would have to take into account the political and other contexts in which those missions operated in those countries so identified for political and electoral success from the work of such missions. Context is everything. Still, others would and do argue that observers, by their mere presence, enhance the electoral process. Perhaps. But it could also be said the very presence of international and local observers can affect the outcome of elections in very undesirable ways. So, there are assertions on both sides for observer missions lending support to promote democracy by pushing for good elections. Nevertheless, given the weight of their reports and their leverage to facilitate praise or condemnation of elections in the international community, it is important that authorities design a methodology to measure the effectiveness of their contributions to the electoral process.

However, I would like to suggest two reasons why no one can be sure about the effectiveness of such observer

missions: First, the activities of observers and their missions receive little scrutiny. I have never seen any report in Guyana that critically reviewed and analysed the work of elections observer and monitoring missions in previous elections. I have seen recommendations but not analytic or critical reviews on their operations, here in the past.

In fact, few stakeholders and actors even bother to enquire about their credentials and qualifications for the task they undertake – observe and monitor elections in countries, sometimes, beyond their own, with different cultures.

It is assumed that they are happy to help to promote democracy. Yet, by the very action of interposing themselves in the domestic electoral process, such monitoring organisations and agents bring to the fore questions, not a few, about their conduct and effects on the elections as well as the intentions of those, who sponsor them. In many cases, international observers seek to project themselves as guardians of democracy and promote what they think should be the standards and mechanisms for elections.

But these might be inconsistent with what is legally obtained in particular countries, where they were accredited to observe. But whilst they are watching us who is watching and monitoring them? It was the Roman poet Juvenal, who asked in one of his Satires, Quis custodiet Ipsos custodes? (Who will guard the guardians?).

Second, it must be noted that elections are not just about polling activity.

Elections begin long before nomination day and polling day. There are a number of activities involved in the process including: extensive political campaigns and intense campaigning, legislative and allied frameworks, training of electoral staff, drafting, agreeing and singing of various codes of conduct, logistical and administrative arrangement and priming of political candidates by the media. All the aforementioned activities facilitate public views and perceptions about the form and substance of the process to the point where it activates the will of the people to take particular actions consistent with perceptions created by those activities. By the time foreign and local observers are accredited and become involved, the process is well on its way. So, in many cases, the point at which observers begin to do their work is not where it actually started.

Therefore, they begin from a position of limitation/limited knowledge of the general and specific contexts in which the elections are held. Add to that their likely inability to understand the nuances of local political and other cultures – cultures of local political parties, and other non-governmental and non-state actors in our society – and the picture of foreign observers operating in an almost unknown environment becomes clearer.

And yet the domestic situation remains

dynamic – it is constantly changing.

This is exactly why observers should not seek to participate in the process beyond observing; they should observe, report and recommend.

In the case of local observers, they flow out of local communities and the domestic political context, and personal, group, community and organisational experiences. Therefore, local observers do not come to the elections as blank slates; they have views about who and how the country should be govern.

Naturally, these views do influence their approach to observing and reporting on the process. Understanding this, society has established appropriate laws, systems and protocols, to assist those involved to be objective in their approach.

Outside of these laws and systems it is neigh impossible for local observers, in fact, anyone, to observe elections fairly and impartially. Hence, the reason why it is important that observers, international and local, faithfully adhere to the rules and protocols put in place, by the law and the competent authorities, to prevent cries of biases, discrimination and to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Then the actual task of observing is very complex. Once it is done correctly, observers will have time for nothing else. Many observers have to grapple with many challenges, across the political spectrum, with limited resources.

This is difficult by itself because, in many cases, practical and workable solutions are hard to come by, and, even when solutions are recommended by observers, they must be accepted, by parties involved. Even then, there is the question of resources to implement such solutions/recommendations and, of course, the question of follow up on the part of those observers recommending those solutions.

Therefore, in the absence of a set of clear indicators by which the conduct and effectiveness of observer missions and agents, local and international, can be measured, no one will know for sure how much they truly contribute to the good promotion of democracy and how they strengthen the electoral process in Guyana.

Might I respectfully suggest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others involved to do a comprehensive national study of the work, conduct and benefits of observers at Guyana’s elections for 2020. Perhaps, such a review could serve as a guide to drafting an enforceable code of conduct for observers of our electoral process going forward. Regardless of the national political and other circumstances let us never forget that Guyana is a sovereign state and that we, all of us, have the right and responsibility to secure the integrity of our nation. Can we do it? Yes, we can!

Regards, Royston King

We are all guilty and should all take responsibility Dear Editor, Now that the court has ruled, procedurally the faith of the elections is in the hands of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) and not with the political parties. However, it is the leadership of the parties and their supporters that will decide what follows after the announcement of the results of the elections.

Our ‘winner takes all’ electoral system makes it almost impossible for either political bloc to accept the results without considerations of the inherent consequences, economic, social and political on their respective constituencies. These were not the normal elections of previous times and all have agreed of this reality – hence “The mother of all elections”.

And this is for the following reasons: the rise of the oil and gas sector and its effects on the present economic disparity among the races, which can lead to the permanent economic domination of the African and Indigenous communities. Objectively, oil and gas will have unprecedented economic and social transformative effects on the country one way or the other. The big question is how this inevitable reality is managed by the leadership of the major political parties and the contending social and economic forces who are seeking refuge in party politics?

Elections under our present political and governance system were not designed to address this most important challenge that has its roots in the European colonialist project: that enslaved Africans, indentured Indians and other race groups faced the brunt of economic and social exclusion. At a national level, the anti-colonial struggle produced brief moments of united political action against the colonial powers which diminished over time due mainly to the divide and rule tactics employed by the European colonial powers. This led to the underdevelopment of the contradictions between the colonial administration and the local population. The result was that the race groups and their respective leaderships at the point of independence and thereafter engaged in the inevitable struggle for political and economic control of the country.

These elections in the context of the developing oil and gas sector have engendered the historic contradiction mentioned above and challenged us to find a solution outside the “winner takes all” governance system. Having agreed on this, the next and more important task is to begin a national discussion on Guyana’s future economic model. Cotton and later “king sugar” shaped our economic reality - the challenge is for us to use the oil and gas wealth to correct economic historical injustices and create a new Guyana base on the principle of non-domination. Unless we can get to this point where no race group seeks to use historic advantages for domination, our future will be bleak, to say the least.

In ending, I wish to point out what I have said in previous polemics that the young generation is as guilty as the older generation when it comes to elections and race voting. The same holds true for the female section of the population. There is no substantial gender dynamics that will alter race voting.

We are all guilty and should all take responsibility.

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE friday, maRCH 13, 2020

Tabulation to resume today … PPP filed contempt motion against GECOM despite agreeing to suspend process to allow for studying of court decision

ONE day after the High Court ordered that the addition of Statements of Poll for Region 4 be resumed, the process encountered another stumbling block resulting in it being suspended.

However, it is likely to recommence today.

And despite a unanimous decision to suspend the proceedings to allow for the correct interpretation of the court’s decision, PPP executive Anil Nandlall has filed contempt proceedings against the electoral body arguing that it flouted the order to recommence the process on Thursday.

In a statement, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Yolanda Ward, said that the Returning Officer for Region #4, Clairmont Mingo, at 11:00hrs on Thursday, recommenced the process of adding up the total votes cast per candidate in the General and Regional Elections for his District. She said though Mingo’s actions are in keeping with Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s decision, there have been some objections.

“In compliance with the CJ’s orders and Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03, the RO using information from [Statements of Poll] SOPs received by him directly from the Polling Stations has compiled a spreadsheet of the votes cast for each party. However, the methodology presented by the RO was not accepted by the stakeholders present,” Ward explained.

As a consequence, Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh intervened but had explained that she is in receipt of an Order of Court and not the written judgment. Noting that the CJ’s admonitions are in the written judgment, Justice (Ret’d) Singh said she has been promised a copy of that document before the end of the day. “In this regard,

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander it was suggested that the process be discontinued and recommence when the Chairperson has received and studied the written judgment,” the PRO said. In a separate correspondence, Ward said in light of the written judgment by the Chief Justice, Mingo will resume the tabulation exercise at 09:00hrs today at the Office of the Returning Officer, Ashmin’s Building, High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown. But while Ward, in the initial statement, contended that the Returning Officer was acting in compliance with the High Court’s ruling and Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, Opposition-nominated Commissioners, agents aligned to the Opposition and local observers argued the contrary as they stood outside of GECOM’s Command Centre, which houses the Office of the Returning Officer.

Attorney-at-Law, Sase Gunraj, who sits on the Elections Commission, told journalists that Mingo, despite the ruling of the High Court on Wednesday, continues to breach the Representation of the People Act. “In a clear violation of the

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall order of the Chief Justice, what is happening is that the Returning Officer is attempting to force down the throats of the persons, who are lawfully entitled to be there, the use of a spreadsheet,” Gunraj said.

Outraged over the situation, Gunraj explained that Mingo appeared before the agents of the various political parties, observers and GECOM officials and staff with a prepared spreadsheet. He noted that it was the same spreadsheet that the Returning Officer had used to declare the votes cast –a declaration, which has since been nullified by the High Court.

Presidential Candidate for the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman said that the ruling handed down by the Chief Justice was very clear. According to him, the High Court ruled that the SOPs are to be used for the addition of the votes in accordance with the Representation of the People Act. In nullifying the declaration made by the Returning Officer on March 5, the Chief Justice said that the addition of SOPs ought to take place in the presence of persons en-

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj titled to be there. However, she was keen on noting that the only official documents that the Returning Officer can consider are the Statements of Poll that have been transmitted to him by the Presiding Officer of the various polling stations pursuant to Section 83. “Any Statements of Poll, in the possession of agents of political parties or others would not be such,” she had made clear.

It was noted that only the Returning Officer can decide on the avenue to be taken to address any objections or concerns.

Such decision, the Chief Justice emphasized, is not within the remit of those persons who are entitled to be present, and to do so, would be to usurp the powers and responsibilities of the Returning Officer.

CONTEMPT MOTION Guyana Chronicle was told that at the time when Justice Singh intervened all of the parties had agreed for the suspension to allow for the interpretation of the court’s decision including PPP Representative Attorney-at-Law

Savitri Sonia Parag. GECOM officials were therefore astonished when they were served with contempt proceedings.

But Nandlall issued the Returning Officer with a Notice of intended Contempt of Court. On behalf of Reeaz Holladar, a private citizen who had secured an injunction to block the declaration of the results, Nandlall reminded that the Chief Justice granted three orders.

Those orders include “an injunction restraining the Returning Officer, District 4 from in any manner whatsoever, declaring the votes for each List of Candidates for District 4 before complying with or ensuring the compliance with the process set out in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03.”

The other, in effect, bars GECOM from issuing a declaration for the General and Regional Elections. He said it is imperative that Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. Section 84( 1) provides “ ... the returning officer shall, in the presence of such of the persons entitled under Section 86(1) to be present as attend, ascertain the total votes cast in favour of each list in the district by adding up the votes recorded in favour of the list in accordance with the Statements of Poll,” Anil pointed out.

It was noted that while GECOM complied with the Section 84, by allowing representatives from the various parties, GECOM officials and observers, the Statements of Polls is the only official document to be used for the tabulation of the returns. Meanwhile, Elections Commissioner, Alexander told Guyana Chronicle that the Returning Officer had taken a decision to allow only one person from each political party, and one representative from each observing missions.

He said a commitment was made by the Returning Officer to adhere to the electoral laws.

Coalition slams PPP for filing more court action against GECOM … says move is to frustrate the tabulation process, create panic

THE APNU+AFC Coalition has repudiated what it described as the latest attempt by the PPP/C to frustrate the will of the people and further condemns its contemptuous behaviour in defying the orders of the Chief Justice (Acting) in her ruling by forcing another halt to the tabulation of the District Four statements of poll.

Specifically, the Chief Justice ordered that it was “the decision of the Returning Officer to decide the best method of tabulating the statements of poll” and that “everybody else who thinks they can have an input, and a say, it is not their statutory duty.” In a statement on Thursday evening, the coalition said: “The continuing attempt by the PPP/C to disrupt the process is therefore, a blatant attempt to

interfere, contrary to the ruling and expressed order of the court.”

“The APNU+AFC calls on GECOM to ensure the resumption of the tabulation and that it proceeds without hindrance, as no one Guyanese is above the law and all subject to the constitution and laws of Guyana.” The coalition said it has scrupulously adhered to the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and has remained in quiet obedience to the dictates of the commission and court in this matter, which has gone on for 10 days. “Our obedience should not, however, be mistaken for softness or a lack of resolve to ensure that the will of the people prevails and is not outshouted by any special interest group in our country.

It is, therefore, extremely important for the

returning officer to proceed unimpeded to a final tabulation so that GECOM will be put in a position to make its final declaration in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act.” The coalition said any aggrieved party can then exercise its rights under the law to challenge the result by filing the relevant applications. “The APU+AFC Coalition reiterates that the country is growing tired of the shifting demands by the PPP/C in an effort to foment a crisis, create public discontent and destroy the hard-won political, economic and social gains of the past few years achieved under the leadership of both administrations,” the statement added.

The coalition reminded that the PPP took the matter to court and the Chief Justice has

made her ruling and now the PPP wants to set aside the CJ’s ruling and demanding another set of action to suit their fabrication of their SoPs. “This demand should not be countenanced.

It is of extreme importance to the nation that GECOM carries out its duty under the law by completing the tabulation and declaration exercise as ordered by the Chief Justice and that it maintains its independence and shows the strength with which it is clothed in law.

It should tolerate no further disruptions and delays in fulfilling its mandate so that the Guyanese people may resume their normal daily lives in safety, with the full knowledge that its political parties respect the constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

No other suspected case of Coronavirus -Persons in contact with first Coronavirus victim quarantined, being observed

-Balwant Singh, Caribbean Airlines workers who were in contact, also being monitored

By Navendra Seoraj THERE has been no new suspected case of the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Guyana recorded its first case of the virus on Wednesday, said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle.

A Guyanese woman with travel history to the United States had died at the Georgetown Public Hospital, on Wednesday, from the dreaded coronavirus. The 52-year-old Guyanese woman lived at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara and reportedly only recently returned from New York with family members.

President David Granger, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the case of the 52-year-old woman was the first “imported case” of the COVID-19 in Georgetown.

President Granger said the woman arrived in the country on March 5, 2020 and was presented to the public health system on March 10. At that time, she was found to have uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, but subsequently died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) at 08:00hrs on March 11.

Health authorities had said the woman also had flulike symptoms and travelled from a “high risk” country, so that prompted them to conduct tests for the COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), on Wednesday.

A clinical sample was, as such, collected and sent at 10:00hrs on March 11, 2020 to the National Reference Laboratory where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis at approximately 17:00hrs.

Dr. Boyle has since confirmed that persons, who were in close contact with the victim, have been quarantined and are being monitored by medical professionals.

She was unable to say how many persons have been quarantined, but noted that the health authorities were in the process of “counting.”

Those persons will, however, be quarantined for the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended 14day period. The DCMO confirmed that no one else has shown any signs or symptoms of the virus.

The Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital (DBSH) has also quarantined doctors, nurses and attendants who were in contact with the victim.

Although the victim died at GPHC, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital (DBSH) had found that the patient made a brief stop at their facility before going on to GPHC. According to information from DBSH, the 52-year-old patient was taken into the hospital by attendants and was being examined by a doctor in the triage area. The doctor, after asking background questions and observing the symptoms being similar to those of persons affected by COVID-19, immediately advised that the patient be taken to GPHC as DBSH does not have test kits for COVID-19 and, therefore, it was not possible to confirm the diagnosis As a result of the confirmed diagnosed, DBSH has identified all persons who may have been in contact with the patient during the brief stop and ensured that they are in quarantine and not on duty at the hospital.

The Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital is complying fully with the guidance being provided by the Ministry of Public Health and is advising all of its patients to stay at home if they have the symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and to call the hotlines 227-4986 or 624-3067.

Workers of Caribbean Airlines, who were on the flight with the infected person, have been placed on

self-quarantine for 14 days.

Caribbean Airlines, in a press statement, had said the woman travelled on BW 521 from John F. Kennedy,

the Trinidadian Ministry of Health. The public health authorities are also contacting all persons who may possibly have been affected.

DCMO, Dr. Karen Boyle

International Airport, New York to Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, and in transit (on the same day) to BW 526 from Piarco International to Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

“Caribbean Airlines assures all stakeholders that the safety, security and good health of its customers and employees are its highest priority and when the information on the passenger was received, immediate action was taken,” said the company.

In accordance with established protocols, the public health authorities have advised that as a precaution, the 13 crew members associated with the flights, be placed on self-quarantine.

The airline confirmed that this was done, and the employees will be assessed and monitored by the public health authorities in keeping with the directives from

The company’s aircraft are cleaned daily at all ports in keeping with industry standards. Further, in this instance, additional sanitisation processes were used as outlined by the regulatory authorities.

The airline remains in close contact with the public health authorities and its operations team has activated contingencies for any impact on its flights.

Caribbean Airlines assures all stakeholders that it continues to actively monitor and respond to the evolving COVID-19 issue to ensure the safety and good health of its customers and employees.

While both regional and local stakeholders continue to do their part, the local Ministry of Public Health has also taken steps to ensure that “imported cases” are prevented.

Speaking about this, Dr. Boyle said: “We have height-

ened alert at the airport and we are bringing in more staff to help with the screening of persons who are travelling from high-risk countries.”

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

“Screening remains in place for those persons arriving from high-risk countries.

Seven countries – Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Brazil, French Guiana, Panama, St. Vincent and the United States of America – have been added to the list of eight (People’s Republic of China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Iran) that was previously made public,” said President Granger in a statement on Wednesday.

The President also advised against public gatherings and non-essential travel, and encouraged agencies to sensitise key personnel at all air and seaports so that they could be alert.

In the event of a suspected case reaching the shores of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health has designated three quarantine facilities and will be identifying more, said President Granger. These facilities are expected to be efficient because Guyana already has the capacity to

test for COVID-19, thanks to training provided by the Pan American Health Organisation.

Despite the preparatory work, government has started to assess the readiness of health facilities to meet the anticipated increase in demand of services and will continue to fill existing gaps by providing additional supplies and equipment through the public health ministry. As it is now, President Granger said the public health ministry has enough personal protective equipment in the country for health facilities and it also has adequate stores of respiratory medicine for the next three months.

“These efforts are supported by a communications campaign to keep the population updated on the virus and its impacts and oversight provided by the Health Emergency Operations Centre.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated to provide sector-wide support,” he said.

As a safeguard, the Ministry of Public Health has urged the public to adhere to infection prevention and control measures such as maintaining a distance of at least one metre from persons who are coughing or sneezing; performing hand hygiene frequently by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using a hand sanitiser; covering mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing; and avoid touching your face.

In encouraging the public to practise these measures and stay calm, President Granger said: “I use this opportunity to appeal to the public to remain calm and to implement all the advisories relating to personal hygiene, social distancing and overall infection prevention and control. The Government of Guyana will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health challenge.”

Stop price gouging, CCCA urges suppliers THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCCA) has received credible information of price gouging on items which have been recommended for use to assist in the prevention of

the spread of the coronavirus/COVID 19.

The commission, in a release, said while it has no legal standing to regulate market prices, it uses moral suasion to appeal to suppliers to revert to the common

prices for the items they are now gouging on.

The CCAC said it is morally wrong to take advantage of consumers during any national emergency, in this case, that of a possible public health

crisis.

“We again appeal to suppliers to put your countrymen/people over excessive profit,” the commission urged.

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Com-

mission (CCAC) was established in 2006 and became fully operational in 2010. The commission functions objectively in executing the laws governing two acts, namely the Competition and Fair- Trading

Act N0. 11, 2006 (CFTA) and the Consumer Affairs Act N0. 13 2011 (CAA).

The commission is an agency of the Ministry of Business.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

PPP numbers inconsistent with GECOM’s …Ali says party will demand recount of votes in ballot boxes if SOPs mismatch

PRESIDENTIAL Candidate of the PPP/C, Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, disclosed results from last week’s general and regional elections that are at variance with those released by GECOM, but he is standing by those figures saying if there is a mismatch of the statements of poll his party will demand a recount of the ballots.

Ali made the comments during a news conference hosted by his party. He was supported by a number of the party’s top leaders. Ali said that the PPP/C has its numbers and is not prepared to let go of its own results which show that they would have won the General and Regional elections. “We have our numbers and our numbers would have shown clearly that People’s Pro-

gressive Party would have won the elections,” he said.

He said that for the nine districts, a part from Region Four, GECOM’s results for the General Elections are consistent with theirs. However, when he read out the votes he claimed to have sourced from GECOM’s website on the nine Regions, they were found by this newspaper to be inconsistent.

Speaking to Region One, he stated: “ANUG – 0; APNU – 3,905; LJP – 222; PPP – 8,022; PRP 17 and URP – 9.” However, the results on GECOM’s site declared by the Region’s RO states: APNU/AFC – 3,905; LJP – 170; PPP/C – 8022; PRP – 23 and URP 8.

Again, when Ali read the votes for Region Two from a paper he possessed, he stat-

ed: “ANUG – 82; APNU – 7,343; CG – 146; LJP – 115; PPP – 18,788; PRP 47 and URP – 71.”

However, the results on GECOM’s site declared by the Region’s RO states: ANUG – 86; APNU/AFC – 7,343; CG – 149; LJP – 120; PPP/C – 18,788; PRP – 55; TCI – 18 and URP-64.

It is unclear where the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate would have gotten these results from as the newspaper asked twice whether he would have sourced the same from GECOM’s website and they were in reference to the General Elections results, – to which he replied in the affirmative.

The same discrepancies, particularly to the votes of small parties, continued throughout his record of the region. In Region Seven, he

stated: “ANUG – 40; APNU 4,817; CG – 49; LJP – 396; PPP – 3,720; URP-18. The results on GECOM ‘s site for Region Seven states: ANUG – 78; APNU/AFC – 4, 817; CG – 67; LJP – 879; PPP/C – 3,720 and URP – 23.

When queried on the same by the newspaper, he stated: “All the results that we have here, the results that I have announced to you, are results that reconciled with what has been published in the newspaper by GECOM, the official declarations by GECOM. I went through general not regional.”

Nonetheless, back on the topic of the outstanding declaration of the SOPs of Region Four, Ali said that if the SOPs are brought by the RO and they do not match that of the PPP/C’s, the party will demand that

Seated from left at the press conference held a Freedom house are Executive Gail Teixeira; Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha; PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mark Phillips; Presidential Candidate of the PPP/C, Irfaan Ali, and Executives Anil Nandlall, Priya Manickchand and Joseph Hamilton

Declared results on GECOM’s website for Region Two

the commission abide by what are in “the boxes”.

“Well then [in that case] you have to go to the boxes and that is what we made clear last night with the

CARICOM officials too that the gold standard is the boxes. If there are major differences then you have to go to the boxes,” he said.

Declared results on GECOM’s website for Region One

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

Rapid increase in sales of Vitamin C, hand sanitisers SOON after the confirmation of Guyana’s first case of imported Novel Coronavirus, pharmacies and supermarkets alike have experienced an influx of customers purchasing hand sanitisers, face masks, and vitamin C supplements.

Located on Mandela Avenue, Essential Care Pharmacy has seen hundreds of customers since the announcement.

Owner Deonarine Etwaru told DPI that, “Since yesterday the rush started [and] persons [were] coming to buy their stocks, especially vitamins, face masks and other supplements to keep them going and boost their immune system”.

Dominic Brown, a pharmacy assistant at Aubrey Barker’s Neighbourhood Express Pharmacy, said sales

have rapidly increased.

“Business has been crazy. Right now, we are sold out. We are now trying to source stuff to restock. But even this morning we had people coming by buses and big vehicles,” Brown said.

Also situated on Aubrey Barker, Andrew’s Supermar-

ket saw a crowd of customers. Stacy Burnette, a supervisor at the establishment, updated DPI on the sales.

“Our Lysol products, Lysol spray, Dettol soap, Dettol wash, [and] all [similar products] have sold out within an hour to two hours.”

Pharmacies and super-

Persons flocked Essential Care Pharmacy following confirmation of Guyana’s first case of coronavirus on Wednesday (DPI photo)

Lysol sold out at Andrew’s Supermarket (DPI photo)

markets are expecting more products throughout the day.

In an address to the nation, Wednesday evening,

His Excellency President, David Granger advised against public gatherings and unnecessary travel

and reiterated the Public Health Ministry’s call for persons to observe basic hygiene practices. (DPI)

PSC condemns businesses inflating prices over COVID-19 THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has noted with grave concern that the first imported case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recorded in Georgetown on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

The Ministry of Public Health has implemented a 24 hours’ hotline number (227-4986 & 624-3067) for persons to call to report any suspected cases of the virus.

Everyone should fully utilise this service.

In a release, the PSC urged all citizens to consult UNICEF- https://www.unicef. org/p…/unicef-statementcovid-19-outbreak; WHO

- https://www.who.int/…/ novel-coronavirus-2…/advice-for-public; which advises persons to “wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers with at least 60 per cent alcohol if soap is not available, maintain social distancing, practice respiratory hygiene and clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.” Additional information can be obtained by following the link: https:// today.caricom.org/

The PSC added that as the threat of the coronavirus can induce panic among the general populace, it has noted unverified claims reported in the media of businesses inflating the prices of necessities needed to combat the Coronavirus Disease. “The PSC does not condone any attempt to profit from the crisis threatening our country from the coronavirus and condemns all attempts at doing so.”

Finally, the PSC urges all persons to desist from peddling misinformation, propaganda and fake news to incite unfounded public panic. The PSC urges everyone to check first with official channels for

Dipcon paid for road construction TO avoid jail time, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has finally paid Trinidad engineering and construction company Dipcon, US$2,228,400.67, which it was rightfully awarded since 2015.

High Court Judge, Nareshwar Harnanan, on Wednesday, March 11,2020, had ruled in favour of Dipcon and quashed President David Granger’s decision to grant Jordan a respite from 21 days’ imprisonment., Dipcon, the claimant, which lists Attorney General Basil Williams as the respondent, was granted an order of certiorari.

The company had moved to the High Court to secure the over US$2.2 million owed to it by government for road construction works, thus challenging the pres-

idential respite granted to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was liable to be held in criminal contempt for non-payment.

The Trinidad engineering and construction company wants any further order that the court deems just to grant, as well as court costs against the respondents.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry made the order on June 24, 2019, in the High Court which stemmed from a contempt motion filed on behalf of the company by Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas in May 2019.

The award to the company was first handed down by Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud, on October 21, 2015, and, while the government had challenged the award, Jonas moved to the court with contempt proceedings against Jordan.

information on how best to respond to the presence

of the virus in our country and to refrain from sharing

uninformed posts on social media.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

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‘Too much at stake for elections stalemate’ …says CARICOM Chair, Mia Mottley CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados has stated that the judgement of Chief Justice Roxane George was “absolutely clear” and any attempt to stall the process runs against the ruling and will not bode well for the country on the cusp of greater economic development.

Flanked by a delegation of CARICOM leaders visiting Guyana amidst concerns of tension over the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Mottley spoke on Thursday at a press briefing at the Marriott Hotel based on the agreed position of the delegation. Present were Prime Ministers Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago; Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She stated that the leaders had met with President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, together, very late on Wednesday night into the morning hours of Thursday to “chart a process forward”.

She said that, based on thee interactions, the Regional leaders were satisfied that the President and Opposition Leader were aware of CARICOM’s position and had agreed to act in the best interest of the country and encourage all citizens to do the same.

The Barbados Prime Minister said that while the delegation had rendered its support, it was conscious of the fact that efforts will only be successful if the stakeholders involved wanted the matters to be successful.

“While we can create the space for them to speak, they have to have the will for this to work. There is no doubt in our minds that there is at stake far more than who will be the President of Guyana. What is at stake is also the lives and the stability of the people of Guyana,” she said.

“Any attempt, to be able to stall the process, or any attempt to be able to obfuscate the process is one that runs against the spirit of the Chief Justice’s judgement and it is against this background that we pray that even though that a statute puts power in the hands of a Returning Officer that that Returning Officer will understand that he holds in his hands the future and stability of Guyana as we go forward.”

Mottley reminded

the press that Guyana is a founding member of CARICOM and Georgetown is the “home” of CARICOM. This established, she said the countries that are a part of CARICOM see Guyana as family and will do their very best to ensure that Guyana can transparently move past the elections period.

“We are clear that as a community of sovereign nations we cannot get involved in the internal processes but we are family and family does not stand by and watch others in the family suffer without making themselves available to be able to aid the process,” she said.

“We the leaders of the Caribbean Community are committed to working with the people of Guyana for a free, fair and transparent process and we made it clear --- because there is simply too much at stake for the people of Guyana.”

It is estimated that there is over six billion barrels of oil equivalent in the oil-rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana while the involved partners continue to see “multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential.”

On December 20, President Granger declared the date as National Petroleum Day as he simultaneously announced the production of first oil in a televised national address.

Mottley said that it is imperative for CARICOM countries to work together to ensure stability in the Region.

She noted: “Both sides committed to the fact that they want to be able to abide by the laws of Guyana and the Constitution of Guyana. They have also committed that they believe that there ought to be a free and fair and transparent process. Pursuant to that, they met with the representatives of their own Commissioners with GECOM and we can only hope that both sides therefore will be able to put in place a mechanism that will allow for a fair and transparent process.”

The CARICOM Chair acknowledged that the process towards the overall declaration of Guyana’s elections results will take time and will not be miraculously completed overnight.

In the meanwhile, she urged the people of Guyana to remain calm and patient with the hope that “good sense will prevail on both sides.”

Seated from left are: Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell; Prime Minister of Barbados and current Chairman of CARICOM, Mia Mottley; Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during the press conference at the Marriott Hotel (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

Thursday morning fire destroys Vive La Force home shouting suh I come. People did done throwing water already; it had some people at the back so we lose a pipe in the front here and try to throw more water. Up top di done gone, the whole top done bun down, suh we di trying fuh save the bottom,” he explained.

Some neighbours managed to save a sofa from the home; however, all of the family’s other assets were destroyed in the fire.

Also at the scene was the mother of the owner of the home, who also rushed to the scene but related that the

The Seepersaud siblings, from left are: Fahneeza, 14, Shelliza, 20, and Dev, 18 (Tamica Garnett photo)

DESPITE valiant efforts by neighbours, a two-storey, three-bedroom home was completely destroyed by an early morning fire, on Thursday, in Vive La Force, on the West Bank Demerara, leaving a family of five counting their losses.

The fire is said to have started at approximately 08:30hrs in a bedroom of the Lot 36 C Vive La Force building. Shelliza Seepersaud, 20, was at home with her 18 year old sister, Fahneeza and her two cousins ages, one and three years old, when she

discovered the fire and raised an alarm.

“We came downstairs and my phone leave upstairs, so when I go up in my room I start smell something. Then I see the fire in my parents them room and I start scream, Fire!

Fire! And I run for water and then the neighbours hear and they come over too,” Shelliza related amid tears, as she looked on at the ruins of what was once the home she shared with her parents and two other siblings.

Though neighbours and other public-spirited citizens

passing by tried to put out the blaze and save the home, witnesses reported that the fire spread too quickly to save much.

“Fast, fast it spread. Because of the mattress and by the [PVC] ceiling too. By the time neighbours go over to help them, them been can’t help nothing. The fire blaze suh fast,” reported a next door neighbour, Anita.

David Mangal, who lives a few houses away, heard the alarm and came over to render assistance.

“People passing and

Neighbours look on at the ruined remains of the Seepersaud’s home (Tamica Garnett photo)

Firefighters responded to the fire but the home was already destroyed (Tamica Garnett photo)

house was too far gone by the time she got there.

“By the time me reach hey everything done, it nah tek me

five minutes to reach here and everything done,” she related.

The siblings said they are unsure of what could have

possibly caused the fire but believe that it could have been electrical in nature.

“Probably the GPL wire,” suggested Dev Mangal, 18, who was out with the family’s cattle when he got news of the fire and rushed home.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) eventually responded to the fire but the home was already destroyed. Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, confirmed that the fire was electrical in nature.

UG to remain closed THE University of Guyana (UG) will remain closed until March 20, amid concerns following the first reported case of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) in Guyana.

While the mid-semester break is over, the university remains closed to non-essential staff and students and is expected to reopen for classes after March 20.

The University’s Transitional Management Committee urges students and faculty members to remain vigilant and stay safe.

UG has released a statement through its student Record and Management System (SRMS), outlining precautions as highlighted by the World Health Organisation.

In the release, UG’s Transitional Management Committee has stated that essential service staff will be required to turn out to work [on March 12] as per normal under the direct guidance of their immediate supervisors regarding modified work plans in during this period.

UG reminded its students and staff to take precautions

and avoid large gatherings.

Students and staff have also been advised to conduct their academic activities as advised by lecturers and academic staff as far as possible using electronic means.

Lecturers have continued with their course loads via electronic platforms to ensure that academic guidelines are met.

In light of the events that are unfolding, several lecturers are postponing mid-semester examinations and projects to allow students time to deal with health concerns.

The University of Guyana will continue to update its students and staff via email, WhatsApp and the university’s website.

The Ministry of Public Health has a hotline that will provide information on the coronavirus. Members of the public can call 227-4986 ext. 215 or 624 3067. They can also call the hotline if they or a family member develop(s) any of the symptoms related to COVID-19 for further assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

‘Prevention is better than cure’ …Guyanese stock-up on sanitation products as first imported Coronavirus case recorded

…parents call for closure of schools amid fear and panic

By Naomi Parris FOLLOWING the death of a Guyanese woman from the dreaded coronavirus on Wednesday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), citizens across the country have sprung into swift action to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.

On Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, after the news broke of the virus being present in Guyana, many citizens flocked nearby pharmacies and supermarkets to stock up on gloves, masks, sanitisers, vitamins and disinfectants. Several persons were also seen clad in face masks and surgical gloves as they went about their daily business.

Noting that the face masks may be a bit too extreme, one citizen, Mark Mitchell, told the Guyana Chronicle that while persons should take precautions, he believes that simply just washing your hands and keeping your surroundings clean will do the “trick” as opposed to wearing gloves, face masks and going into to isolation, which will cause fear and panic across the country.

Meanwhile, another citizen, who gave her name as Joan, noted that she is taking all precautionary measures to prevent herself and family from catching the virus. This newspaper caught up with the woman just as she exited a pharmacy in the capital city after purchasing a few items to take the necessary precautions. “I’m protecting myself with gloves, you know drink my vitamin C tablets and wear my face mask,” the woman stated.

A young street vendor noted that he is also taking precautionary measures to protect himself, however the young businessman noted that he also capitalising on the situation by selling spray bottles, methylated spirit and rubbing alcohol at a reduced price since some stores are sold out or have raised the cost of the said items. “We could use these bottles to throw your methylated, your rubbing alcohol, your hand sanitizer and just spray and keep your hands clean,” the young man stated.

SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN OPEN Meanwhile, several citizens raised concerns about the Ministry of Education’s capacity to handle the COVID-19 in the school en-

vironment. However, despite persons calling for schools to be closed, the Ministry of Education issued a statement on Thursday which revealed that schools will remain open as per normal but precautionary measures will be in place.

the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in relation to the COVID-19 also known as the Coronavirus. The Education Ministry will continue to update the public.”

According to the minis-

ensure soap and safe water is available at age-appropriate hand washing stations, encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds) and place hand sanitisers in toilets, classrooms, halls, and near exits where possible.

A young school girl made sure she was protected from the dangerous coronavirus amid the panic and fear of the epidemic

A few school children purchasing masks and gloves to protect themselves

Guyanese, on Thursday, were seen manoeuvering through the capital city of Georgetown wearing gloves and face masks as they take precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (Delano Williams Photos)

THE STATEMENT READS: “The Ministry of Education wishes to inform the public that schools remain open. The MoE is advising persons to take the necessary precautions as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and

try, as instructed by World Health Organisation (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), teachers are to promote and demonstrate regular hand-washing and positive hygiene behaviour. Ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets for girls and boys,

Joan, one of many Guyanese who was seen leaving the pharmacy as she purchased the necessary items to protect herself

Teachers are also advised to clean and disinfect school buildings, classrooms and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, toys, teaching and learning aids etc.)

However, if a pupil or

‘One Dan’, a young street vendor who was seen selling spray bottles and methylated spirits

student shows signs of being infected, teachers were urged to encourage them to stay home if sick. “If your student gets sick at school, keep the sick student away from well students until picked up. Encourage your student to stay home if they are sick with any illness,” the statement read.

Parents were also advised to practice and reinforce good prevention habits with their families, such as washing hands often with

soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Parents were also advised to keep their child or children at home if sick with any illness and contact your healthcare provider.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

Region Two launches awareness campaign on coronavirus

By Indrawattie Natram ENVIRONMENTAL health officers attached to the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Region Two, have been dispatched to various communities and schools to educate persons on safety measures and how to safeguard themselves against the coronavirus.

According to Senior Environmental Officer, Shaleena Baksh, education is the key to combat the virus and a multi-stakeholder approach is needed. She said staffers of her department have been visiting schools advising persons to wash their hands, avoid handshaking and to use Lysol spray and wipes. The officers have also reached out to several food vendors.

The vendors were advised to wear gloves and face masks whenever they are serving food to the public.

A special meeting was also convened in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council on Thursday by the Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran. At the meeting, staff members attached to the Regional Administration were further sensitised on the hygienic measures that need to be taken to keep the virus at bay. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Afarah Khan, told the staffers to remain calm and ensure that they practise good hygiene. She also assured residents that staff members attached to the region’s health department will do everything to reach out to persons. She also asked that anyone who displayed such symptoms should visit a health facility immediately.

Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, said the region has a plan of action to address the virus. Some of the actions include the

Region Two officials being sensitised about the virus

screening of patients at all health posts, testing at the Suddie Public Hospital and sensitisation in schools.

A task force was formed to educate the general public, especially the police, army and fire personnel, businesses and residents. Jaikarran said

persons will also visit the markets, car parks and host television programmes to further educate Region Two residents about the virus.

Meanwhile, a visit to the pharmacies and supermarkets indicate that residents are preparing themselves against the virus. Many were seen purchasing Lysol and hand sanitiser.

At one of the local pharmacies, one woman, Nadya Pitram, related: “I have seen what's happening in the other countries on social media. I was praying for it not to reach Guyana but now it reaches we all have to prepare. I am ensuring my family is safe and my house is clean.”

Workers attached to agencies and private companies were also seen with masks and gloves. At the Anna Regina Market, many vendors were also wearing masks.

“Everybody wants to protect themselves, everybody wants to stay alive. This

Environmental health officers attached to the Riverstown/ Annandale district held a sensitisation session with pupils of the Riverstown Primary School

thing I hear is deadly. I wish I could stay home but I have a family to maintain,” Savitri Persaud, a vendor said.

The Regional Health Team will continue to reach out to persons, educating them about the virus. On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a pandemic.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), coronavirus-

es are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory (SARS-CoV). The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China and has since spread to many other countries. In most cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

Magistrate rekindles father-daughter relationship

THOSE present in the courtroom of the Springlands Magistrate’s Court were moved to tears on Tuesday, as Senior Magistrate, Alex Moore, helped to rekindle an estranged relationship between a father and his 18-year-old daughter.

The father and daughter have not spoken to each other for the past three years following a separation between the parents. The family was before the courts as the mother was seeking an increase in the weekly child support of a $1000 more for her two daughters, taking the amount from $3000 to $4000 per week for each child.

The father, who said he was medically unfit for the past two years, claimed he could not afford the $2,000 more per week while the mother was adamant he could.

After hearing the case as put forward by both parties, the daughter started to sob in

Felonious wounding case dismissed FELONIOUS wounding charge made against Joel Stanford was dismissed by Magistrate Faith McGusty on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Stanford was accused of unlawful and malicious wounding of Kareem Lovell in the attempt to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm to him on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.

Magistrate McGusty dismissed the case on the grounds of an agreement made between Stanford’s grandmother and Lovell.

The agreement outlined Stanford’s grandmother agreeing to pay Lovell $200,000 to compensate for the bodily harm done by Stanford.

Magistrate McGusty ordered that Stanford be placed on a bond of peace for 12 months and that he also be placed on statutory probation.

Stanford was further ordered to report to the probation officer and to enroll himself into an anger management programme.

court. The magistrate pointed to the young woman who had recently turned 18 and asked the father, “Do you see how you are making her suffer for a measly $2,000 more for herself and younger sister?”

However, before the father could answer the young woman, who is a student at the GuySuco Training School, asked if she could say something. She explained amid sobs that she has not spoken to her father for three years and wanted to know if he was okay and wanted to give him a hug.

The young lady explained that after the separation, she became suicidal since they had shared a good relationship that had abruptly ended.

The magistrate enquired from the father if indeed what she is saying is true and the father replied in the affirmative. The magistrate then questioned what has the young woman done to deserve this treatment but the father could only come

up with scenarios where the mother and her friends led to the relationship being strained and ultimately separation.

The magistrate pointed out to the father that his daughters have not done anything to deserve his alienation, and by doing so, he has missed three very important years of their lives. The father agreed and said when they separated she was just a little girl and now she is a young woman and he apologised with tears streaming down his face.

At that moment, the magistrate told the father to go over to his daughter and apologise to her directly. On the instruction, the young woman ran to her father’s arm and they hugged and cried for over a minute as the entire courtroom started sniffing and wiping tears of their own.

Eventually, the magistrate allowed the increase to be paid directly to the young woman since she was an

adult and urged the father to take her phone number and take the two girls out to bond and help regain each other’s trust.

The young lady wants to pursue a career in engineering and the increase the mother sought was to help facilitate this, the court heard.

The magistrate concluded by letting the father knows he has set the ball rolling and it is now up to him to keep it moving and re-establish a relationship with his two beautiful daughters to which the father promised to ensure happens.

Both the mother and father agreed to the terms which were relaxed and will check in with the senior magistrate in two months’ time to see if the commitment is being honoured.

The magistrate commended the young woman for her strength and wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

Patient who died from coronavirus visited Balwant Singh Hospital -- doctor, nurses and attendants who had contact with the patient quarantined THE Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital (DBSH), on Thursday, disclosed that internal checks have revealed that the patient who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from novel coronavirus (COVID-19) made a brief stop at the facility before going on to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The patient was brought in by attendants and was being examined by a doctor in the triage area. The doctor, after asking background questions and observing the symptoms being similar to those of the persons affected

by COVID-19, immediately advised that the patient be taken to GPHC as DBSH does not have test kits for COVID-19 and therefore it was not possible to confirm the diagnosis.

In response, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital has identified all persons who may have been in contact with the patient during the brief stop and ensured that they are in quarantine and not on duty at the hospital.

The persons in quarantine include the doctor who saw the patient, the nurses, and the attendants.

The Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital said it is complying fully with the guidance being provided by the Ministry of Public Health and is advising all of its patients to stay at home if they have the symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and to call the hotlines 2274986 or 624-3067.

Region 10 mobilises task force to tackle coronavirus

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region 10 Department of Health, in collaboration with the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), has mobilised a multi-disciplinary task force to deal with the novel COVID 19 that has found its way on Guyana shores.

On Wednesday, one confirmed victim succumbed. As panic and concern spread in the mining town, regional officials were meeting to see how best the health issue can be dealt with on a regional level since the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO), has been enacting preventative and precautionary measures on a national level.

Public Relations Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, Toshanna Allicock, said that a meeting was called by Regional Health Officer, Dr. Pansy Armstrong, and had present other regional health officials, LHC doctors

An empty stand where Lysol was completely sold out in a leading supermarket in Mackenzie

and other doctors stationed at health centres and all other relevant stakeholders to determine the way forward.

She said a hotline will be set up at the LHC Emergency Department and persons experiencing symptoms of the virus are also expected to call that number and remain home.

The team will continue to meet as the situation is monitored. Linden is deemed a hot spot, since it is the gateway to many interior locations that share border with Brazil, where the virus has been discovered.

In addition, since many Lindeners already experience respi-

ratory illnesses because of exposure to bauxite mining, it is likely that residents will be more prone to the virus.

They are encouraged by health professionals to ‘enhance’ their immune system and practise all precautionary and hygienic measures.

Meanwhile, in the mining town, residents were in panic mode, purchasing all the necessary hygienic items.

In fact, these items, including Lysol bleach and even Vitamin C tablets were completely sold out.

While some parents took the personal decision not to send their children to school, school was in session as normal. Some students related that while teachers turned up for work, they did not turn up to the classes to teach.

At the Pine Street Nursery School, teachers took a proactive measure and called in a doctor who held discussions with the children on the virus and how to remain hygienic.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), coronaviruses

are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARSCoV).

The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to

many other countries, including some in the Americas. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Dr. Youlanda Harris engaging a child of the Pine Street Nursery on the coronavirus

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M

AJESTY International, the official license holders of the Miss World Guyana franchise has selected 12 Semifinalists to compete in the Miss World Guyana 2020 national competition to be held in May 2020.

The Miss World Guyana National Competition is one of the premier events during our Independence celebrations in Guyana and this competition seeks to identify a young woman who is the embodiment of a Guyanese woman, and an ambassador who can adequately represent our country on one of the major pageant platforms in the world.

Shortlisted as Semifinalists are: Aaliyah Anthony, Alicia Jordan, Aliya Wong, Celicia Campbell, Ederle Stephen, Gabriella Chapman, Jamicia McCalman, Jhadee Jordan, Raeshauna Jones, Reshana Khan, Sasha Williams, and Sherzana Munilall.

Participation in this annual competition allows young ladies to raise awareness on issues and causes affecting their communities and possible solutions as their Beauty with a Purpose campaigns and projects.

Following this set, 10 of the candidates will be selected as Finalists and will go on to serve as Regional Ambassadors of our nation and compete for the ultimate title of Miss World Guyana. The winner will go on to serve as the country’s ambassador, and represent in the Thailand later this year.

Competition kicks off for these ladies on May 1 2020, as the finalists will compete in the talent round at the Theatre Guild, starting from 8PM. Other competitive segments include the head-head-challenge, which takes the form of a debate between the candidates; Sports and Fitness; Beauty with a Purpose; Top Model; and the Grand Coronation of the queen will take place at the end of May. The Miss World Guyana Coronation event is the country’s official preliminary to the Miss World pageant, the longest and most prestigious pageant in the world with over 130 countries participating annually.

The Miss World Guyana competition commenced in May 1966 and crowned its first Title-holder, Umbilita Van Sluytman, who was also known as the Independence Queen and became Guyana’s first placement and semi-finalist in the Miss World 1966 pageant. The Miss World competition is the first international pageant that Guyana has achieved repeated successes and more so recently with top 10 placements in 2014 with Rafieya Husain and 2015 with Lisa Punch.

Last year, Joylyn Conway did well too, winning her head-to-head challenge and placing top 40.

Miss World 2020 will be the 70th anniversary and edition of the Miss World competition. Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica will crown her successor at the end of the event to be held later this year in Thailand.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

Miss World Guyana Semi-Finalists selected - Pageant slated for May

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

UK Based Guyanese to release her first EP GUYANESE have long been making strides in many areas overseas. From movies to books to pageants, to music, we have seen our people in the diaspora representing well and making good use of opportunities, Lanya Matthews is a proud Guyanese hailing from the mining town, Linden, living in London, and is preparing to release her first EP. This 18-year-old is a passionate and driven singer, songwriter, and actor, who in 2018 performed on the X-factor, reaching the six chair challenge and in 2019 sang at the Tottenham Hotspur Opening Ceremony; among other things.

“Being brought up in a single parent Guyanese household, guided by the principles of staying focused and avidly pursuing my dreams

whilst maintaining my integrity, my mother, Neachelle Wyatt Bruce took my sister and I home annually to see our family based mainly on Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden to experience the rich culture which can only be found in Guyana. I carry this pride with me wherever I go,” Matthews said.

She told ‘The Buzz’, “I am about to release my first EP entitled Lifeline and would love to share my story to encourage other young people.

This project is the ray of light at the end of the tunnel to help guide young minds like myself, out of and through blinding circumstances.”

She can be found on all social media platforms by her name ‘Lanya Matthews’, and persons can check her videos on YouTube to see her exceptional talent.

Lanya Matthews performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Opening Ceremony

Beenie Man set for Easter weekend – Magnum Xplosion

T

h e annual Easter weekend bashment, ‘Magnum Xplosion’ has returned to Guyana’s soils and is slated for April 12, 2020, at the National Park.

Named after ‘Magnum tonic wine’ Magnum Xplosion was a brand initiative, to promote the wine across the Caribbean. It started in Jamaica and rippled across many different Caribbean countries, and landed in Guyana in 2018, and featured some of the biggest names in dancehall and Soca, including Aidonia,

Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons and Ding Dong.

The mega concert initiative was geared at promoting Magnum tonic wine, using the dancehall platform. And the intention is to promote the wine in Guyana, as the leading brand for dancehall.

The success of last two years caused the return this year, with an even more attractive line up and other exciting events leading up to the show.

This year saw collaboration between Magnum Tonic Wine and Hits and Jams Entertainment, the leading entertainment company in Guyana, and this year is expected to

ignite the Easter weekend.

Confirmed on the list thus far, is the ‘King of Dancehall’, Beenie Man. The National Park will come alive when the gates open at 20:00hrs sharp with bucket deals all night.

General tickets cost $2000 and stage front tickets cost $15,000. They can be purchased at Exclusive Styles, That Look Boutique, White Castle Fish Shop, Sweet Point and the Hits and Jams Entertainment Box Office. Look out for roadshows in Linden, Berbice, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown where new artistes will be revealed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 13, 2020

Young Guyanese launches event planning business

Following her true passion of bringing dreams to life through creativity, Shaunette Braithwaite has opened her own business ‘Rare Affairs Event Planning’ with a small team, who creates magic.

Functioning from the Third Floor of Bristol’s building, Hadfield and Lime Streets, Rare Affairs, which consists of Shaunette, her mom, Franzia

Braithwaite and her best friend, Dayana Benitez combine their creative minds and hands to creating a lifetime of memorable moments for their clients.

Shaunette told ‘The Buzz’ that this business was built on the creative passion of hers and it allows her to share and create memories with the assistance of her loved ones.

She said that decorating

was what she had been doing for quite some years for her family and close friends, and it is only now that she decided to make this her primary business, given that it is what she loves, and she has extended it to more than just decorating but also management and planning.

“I am completely overwhelmed that this is actually happening and I’m actual-

ly given the opportunity to express myself in this creative manner. Because this is something that I usually do, but most times for friends and family, and I had one and two clients, but never on such a large scale and putting myself out there. So this is something we’re truly stepping out and trying to bring a different twist and turn to event management and event planning and décor,” she told ‘The Buzz’.

Shaunette said that her team treats each event uniquely, and focuses on giving each client the experience they so desire.

“We understand the importance of each event and so we treat events as special as it is. We treat no event alike.

Our plan here is to encourage persons to bring their dreams to reality through our creative arts, and in doing so, bring out my true passion, while putting smiles on the faces of persons,” she said.

In addition, she said that they have also planned to give back a percentage of their proceeds annually, to orphans “because we know they cannot afford the opportunity to celebrate those special occasions, so that is what we plan to do as a return.”

For persons interested in hiring an event planner and décor team, they can contact Shaunette on +592 684 4030.

Owner of Rare Affairs Event Planning, Shaunette Braithwaite

Rare Affairs event décor

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

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CWI domestic schedule in ‘jeopardy’ as COVID-19 hits Region

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) domestic itinerary has been put in “jeopardy” following the first reported cases of the coronavirus in the Caribbean, and chief executive Johnny Grave said Thursday a decision would be taken shortly on whether to suspend the schedule altogether.

Two cases of the virus – known as COVID-19 – have already been reported in Jamaica while Trinidad, Guyana and St Vincent have all reported a single case so far.

But with health authorities anticipating a rise in reported cases and other Caribbean territories on high alert, Grave said it was critical CWI acted swiftly to mitigate against any potential risk to players and officials, and in the best interest of public safety.

“Our medical panel is meeting as we speak so they can provide a recommendation on our upcoming tours and series,” Grave told CMC Sports in a telephone interview Thursday.

“And it wouldn’t be a surprise to me [if] there is a postponement or cancellation of our events. In the Caribbean now we’ve got cases reported in Guyana, St Vincent and Jamaica.

“I’m awaiting news of their recommendations and we’ll take those recommendations immediately to the Board of Directors. We’re likely to host a conference call and ask for support of those recommendations.”

Significantly, two matches of the ongoing eighth round of the Regional Four-Day Championship are being staged in affected territories, with Guyana Jaguars hosting Barbados Pride in Georgetown and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force hosting Windward Islands in Tarouba, south Trinidad.

And though the round bowled off on Thursday with a match also being played between Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Jamaica Scorpions in Antigua, Grave admitted that uncertainty remained over the fixtures, depending on the recommendations put forward.

“The current round of four-day games has started [on Thursday] but I couldn’t really say with any confidence whether those games will be completed because obviously the situation is changing so quickly and we’re monitoring it very, very closely as you would expect,” the Englishman stressed.

Several other upcoming domestic tournaments face the possibility of cancellation. The Women’s Super50 Cup is set to run from March 30 to April 11 in Guyana, the boys Under-15 Championship is carded for Antigua from April 11-19 while the girls Under-19 Championship is scheduled for Trinidad from April 7-11.

Further, two rounds of the Regional Four-Day Championship still remain, with some matches scheduled for Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica.

Pointing to the entire suite of tournaments, Grave said all could be in danger once instability remained because of the coronavirus.

“As for the next two rounds of the [four-day] championship which are the final ones, the women’s Regional Super50 Cup which takes place end of the month in Guyana, our Under-15 Boys regional tournament due to take place in early April here in Antigua and our inaugural Under-19 girls tournament taking place in Trinidad and Tobago in early April, it’s fair to say they are all in jeopardy as to whether they take place or not.”

There are also several international series scheduled, with West Indies Women hosting South Africa Women from May 30 to June 10 in Jamaica and Trinidad, and West Indies A taking on South Africa A from June 10 to July 9 in Antigua and Barbados.

New Zealand and South Africa’s men’s senior teams are also expected to tour the Caribbean in July and August.

Already, the coronavirus has infected over 125 500 people worldwide and resulted in 4600 deaths.

It has forced the suspension of the National Basketball League (NBA) and other sporting events in the United States where nearly 40 deaths have been reported.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

NBA suspends season after Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus (REUTERS) - The National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Wednesday it was suspending the season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus.

The test result was reported shortly before the Jazz were due to play the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game was then scrapped.

The league said the affected player, reportedly Jazz centre Rudy Gobert, was not in the arena.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said.

“The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Players from teams that Jazz have played in the past 10 days were told to self-quarantine, ESPN reported, citing sources.

Those teams are Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, the ESPN report added.

More than 126 000 people have been infected globally by the flu-like virus and more than 4 600 have died, according to a Reuters tally based on

Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert official announcements. In the United States, about 1 280 people have been infected with 38 deaths.

The pandemic rocked the North American sports calendar on Wednesday, leading to the cancellation of the figure-skating world championships and the announcement that college basketball’s annual ‘March Madness’ tournament would take place without fans in attendance.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tweeted bit.ly/2IF2noL: “Man, we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc.

“What we really need to cancel is 2020! Damn it’s been a rough 3 months.

God bless and stay safe,” he wrote, likely alluding to the death of NBA great Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash in January.

Miami Heat head coach Erik S p o e l s t r a s a i d h i s t e a m w e re “stunned”.

“This is a very serious time right now. I think the league moved appropriately and prudently,” he said.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said the situation was “crazy”.

“This can’t be true,” he told ESPN as his team played the Denver Nuggets.

“This is not in the realm of possibilities. This seems more like out of a movie than reality.”

A game between New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings was also called off at the last minute, leading to tears from at least one young fan in attendance.

The NBA playoffs were scheduled to tip off on April 18 with the finals set to begin on June 4.

Following the NBA’s announcement, the National Hockey League said it was consulting with medical experts and would have had a further update yesterday.

Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles, Additional reporting by Brendan O’Brien and Rama Venka

Crawley hits century in England tour match ZAK Crawley hit a century for England on day one of their final warmup match before the Test series in Sri Lanka.

The 22-year-old opener scored 105 as England reached 354-3 in the fourday encounter against a Sri Lanka Board President’s XI in Colombo.

Captain Joe Root made 90 not out off 122

balls and Ollie Pope an unbeaten 84 off 120, adding an unbroken 175 for the fourth wicket.

Crawley, who scored 43 and 91 in England’s drawn tour match last week, shared an opening stand of 103 to which Dom Sibley contributed 37.

Joe Denly, preferred to Keaton Jennings at

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) South Africa won 3-0 (2) Heinrich Klaasen (SA)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the recent BANG/ZIM ODI contest?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Zak Crawley hits 11 fours in his 145-ball innings. number three, was hit on the helmet before he had scored and offered two half-chances early in his innings of 26.

Crawley, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in November, averages 27.33 from four Tests after scoring his maiden fifty in the final Test in South Africa in January.

England batting coach Graham Thorpe said: “Every day he just goes out there and continues to

impress.

“The more he plays, the more he’s learning and the hungrier he’s getting. A willingness to learn quickly counts for a lot at this level.

“He’s nowhere near the finished article. He’s 22 years old, but we’re really excited about him as a player after the last three or four months around him.

“We hope his curve can continue to go up.”

(BBC Sport)

Paul, Shepherd, Reifer keep Barbados Pride in check –– Jaguars trail by 155 runs heading into Day 2

By Clifton Ross SEAMERS Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd and Raymon Refier shared 7 wickets as the Guyana Jaguars ran amok over the Barbados Pride, as the defending champion trail their opponents by 156 runs with 8 wickets in tack heading into the second day at Providence Stadium.

Round 8’s Day/Night encounter saw the Jaguars freshened bowling unit ran roughshod over the Pride as the returning West Indies duo of seamers in Paul (3-61) and Shepherd (2-15) kept the Pride batsmen in check for most of the day.

Scores: Barbados Pride 174 for 9, Guyana Jaguars 19 for 2 Left-arm seamer Reifer (2-19) along with a wicket each from Chris Barnwell and Kevin Sinclair, collectively helped keep Barbados to a 1st innings 174-9 in 74.1 overs.

Pride skipper Kraigg Braithwaite crafted a topscore of 48 with support from Johnathan Carter (27) and Shane Dowrich (25).

At stumps, the Guyana Jaguars were 19 for -2, still 155 runs behind with captain Leon Johnson yet to come off the mark and opener Shimron Hetymer on 10, the pair to lead the charge on day 2.

The Pride’s Windies pace duo of Kemar Roach (18) and Jason Holder (1-0) did well to claim the wicket, opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was caught behind by wicketkeeper Shamrah Brooks off Roach for 6.

Night-watchman Kevin Sinclair perished a few deliveries into the penultimate over of the night, as Holder got some movement off the surface with the Pink Ball, inducing an edge and eventually a third slip catch from Kyle Mayers.

Electing to bat first, Braithwaite oozed tremendous concentration during his innings.Test batsman Shane Dowrich (25) retired hurt but not before he shared a useful 65-run partnership with Braithwaite following the loss of the top order.

Braithwaite, grinded the Jaguars bowlers as he hit 5 fours to give the Pride a good start before Refier, who has been a menace to his countrymen over the season, picked up the big wicket of Braithwaite.

The opener was hit on the pads and eventually given out LBW, two runs short of his 50. The Jags new-look bowling attack saw immediate rewards as the Windies duo of Shepherd and Paul got into the action.

In-form opener Shayne Mosely was bowled by a beauty from the right-arm pacer Shepherd for just 2, while Shamrah Brooks was tripped up by Paul, who showed his international class by pinning the Windies batsman leg before wicket after he struck a pair of fours in his 9.

Off-spinning all-rounder Sinclair continued to pick up wickets this season, bagging the important scalp of the veteran Carter (27), who was expertly stumped by wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble.

Wickets continued to tumble as the pacers tore into the lower-order, with as leading run-scorer this season Kyle Mayers succumbed to an lbw decision off Paul.

Timber flew when Reifer served up a wicked delivery to knock over Jason Holder for 11, as Paul followed up with his 3rd wicket when he cleaned up the stumps of Ashley Nurse (11) who hit a four and a six.

Shepherd then removed Jomel Warrican for a duck to end the innings, leaving Chemar Holder unbeaten on 3.

Day two action continues today from 14:00h.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

UEFA to discuss possibility of postponing Euro 2020 by one year UEFA has called an emergency meeting for Tuesday in which the possibility of postponing Euro 2020 by one year is an option being discussed.

European football’s governing body will hold video conference meetings to discuss its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Those discussions will cover all domestic and European competitions, including Euro 2020.

Euro 2020 is due to take place from June 12 to July 12 at venues across Europe.

UEFA has invited representatives of its 55 member associations, plus the boards of the European Club Association, the European leagues and a representative of world players’ union Fifpro.

The Women’s Euros are due to take place in England from July 11 to August 1, 2021.

WHY IS IT UP FOR DISCUSSION? Yesterday, La Liga became the latest European league to be suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Spanish top-flight has been sus-

pended for “at least the next two rounds of matches”.

In addition, the Danish Football Association has cancelled all football activities in the country for two weeks while The Netherlands’ Eredivisie has been suspended until March 31.

In Italy, Serie A is suspended until April 3, with the country in lockdown and two players - Juventus’ Daniele Rugani and Sampdoria’s Manolo Gabbiadini - having tested positive.

Matches in the top two leagues in France are being played behind closed doors while two Europa League last-16 first-leg fixtures scheduled for yesterday have been postponed and a number will be played behind closed doors, including Manchester United’s trip to Austria to face LASK. Manchester City’s Champions League last-16 second-leg fixture against Real Madrid, due to take place on Tuesday, has been postponed.

As it stands, the Premier League is to continue as usual, despite three Leicester first-team players having self-isolated after

Tokyo 2020 torch lit behind closed doors in ancient Olympia ANCIENT OLYMPIA, GREECE (Reuters) - The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch relay got under way yesterday when the flame was lit by the rays of the sun in ancient Olympia in a scaled-down ceremony overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Actress Xanthi Georgiou, in the role of high priestess, used a parabolic mirror at the site of the ancient Greek Olympics to ignite the torch, before handing it to Greek Olympic shooting champion Anna Korakaki, the first woman to ever launch an Olympic relay.

Korakaki subsequently lit the torch of Japanese runner Mizuki Noguchi, the 2004 Olympic marathon champion. The torch will be handed over to Tokyo Games organisers in Athens on March 19 after a seven-day relay in Greece.

Tokyo Games organisers as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned on July 24- August 9, amid mounting speculation that they could be cancelled or postponed as the virus spreads rapidly across the globe.

“Nineteen weeks before the opening ceremony of the games we are strengthened in our commitment by many ... organisations around the world taking significant measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus,” IOC president Thomas Bach said.

“The Tokyo Games are delivered by an all-star, all-Japan

Greek actress Xanthi Georgiou, playing the role of High Priestess passes the flame to the first torchbearer, Greek shooting athlete Anna Korakaki, during the opening of the Olympic flame torch relay for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, (REUTERS/ Costas Baltas) team with outstanding support and cooperation on all levels of government,” he told a small crowd of invited guests on a sun-drenched morning inside the ancient stadium, nestled in the western Peloponnese.

The ceremony was the first since 1984 to be held without spectators on the grassy slopes of the stadium, and only a few dozen accredited officials were allowed to watch the lighting at the nearby Temple of Hera.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) described the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic for the first time, prompting more countries to announce drastic measures.

U.S. President Donald Trump suspended travel from Europe, except for

the UK, for 30 days starting today, and hard-hit Italy tightened its lockdown.

As of Wednesday, Japan had 620 cases and 15 deaths, excluding people on a cruise ship that was quarantined near Yokohama last month, according to the health ministry.

Experts say the tally may be deceptively low due to the limited number of tests in Japan compared with many other countries.

Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Mori has called any talk of postponement “outrageous”, while today Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said she believed cancellation was not an option, although she acknowledged that the pandemic label would affect future discussions.

The Euro 2020 final is due to be held at Wembley on July 12 showing symptoms.

In addition to moving the Euros, BBC Sport understands another option is playing the tournament but using the slots reserved for pre-tournament friendlies to decide the play-offs. Or it could go ahead without play-off teams as a 20-team tournament.

Four nations were due to qualify for the tournament from the play-offs in matches starting later this month. Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are in the play-offs.

It is understood the preference would be to complete the Champions League and Europa League. (BBC Sport)

Joseph 82, Louis 75, turn tables on Scorpions NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Test fast bowler Alzarri Joseph narrowly missed out on what would have been a superb hundred while fellow speedster Jeremiah Louis chimed in with a half-century, as they frustrated Jamaica Scorpions with a brilliant century stand to rescue Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

With Hurricanes tottering on 111 for eight after being sent in on Thursday’s opening day, Joseph launched a stunning counter-attack with a pulsating career-best 89 from just 92 balls while Louis struck a measured 75.

Together, they put on a 102 for the ninth wicket, a partnership which propelled the hosts to 260 all out.

In reply, Scorpions finished on 47 for one, still 213 runs adrift heading into Friday’s day two of the eighth round contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

It was the new-ball pair off Marquino Mindley and Derval Green who handed Scorpions the iniative, combining for nine of the wickets to fall.

Mindley snatched five for 65 while Green claimed four for 84 as they tore

Alzarri Joseph. hit a career-best 82

through the Hurricanes top order in a devastating new-ball spell.

In fact, the hosts were tottering on 14 for three after Green struck twice in the space of three balls in the morning’s fifth over to remove opener Kieran Powell (11) and Amir Jangoo (0).

And when Mindley had Keacy Carty caught at the wicket for four, Hurricanes were danger of complete collapse at 22 for four.

Captain Jahmar Hamilton inspired the initial fightback, hitting a fluent 40 off 64 deliveries with six fours, while posting 26 for the fifth wicket with Ross Powell (16), 33 with Hayden Walsh (14) for the seventh wicket and 29 for the eighth wicket with Joseph.

Once Hamilton departed, however, Joseph took charge. He struck seven fours and half-dozen sixes, dominated the stand with Louis who faced 146 balls in just over 2-½ hours and counted eight fours and two sixes.

When Joseph became Green’s fourth wicket, Louis stood firm to add a further 46 for the last wicket with Kian Pemberton (two not out).

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

St George’s High students gifted scholarships

by NGO ‘The Centre for Guyanese Progress’ THE Centre for Guyanese Progress has issued scholarships to three students of St George’s High School - Curwin Glasgow, Ezekiel Pellew and Sierra Samuels.

They were selected for their sporting and academic performances and the enormous economic challenges they face, the entity stated in a release.

The students, who have shown significant potential in sports, have been doing well but have been handicapped holistically owing to economic and financial difficulties they have been encountering.

The scholarship, an initiative of a teacher at the school, Mashaka Scott, was presented yesterday after a brief ceremony.

Acting head teacher, Donna Zammett said that she was moved by the performances and significant potential of the students, so she endorsed the initiative and the request was made to the NGO for assistance.

“These three students have been doing very well but because of the difficulties and challenges that they are faced with, it’s very hard for their parents to take care of their academic pursuits,” Zammett said.

She said she was pleased with the response. It demonstrated its founders’ genuine interest in education and sport development.

“I was moved by the instant positive response and to see that they were readily prepared to come on board to lend valuable

support. That stood out in my mind.

“I trust that others would emulate the efforts and actions of these young men as it is an indication that we still have persons in this country who care about the growth and development of others, especially our children,” Zammett added.

Miss Scott said that the students will receive support in acquiring school texts, sporting gear, stationery, books and financial assistance in getting to and from school.

“I was pleased with the package that was put together for the students and I trust that other persons, companies and organisations would seek to come on board and help so that we can reach more students as I can tell you that there are quite a number of students who definitely need the assistance that these students are receiving,” she said.

Scott said the students were elated to have received the support and help.

“The parents are extremely happy as it is certainly a significant help to them especially in a time like this and further the students themselves know that they can achieve more because of the support and assistance, which should result in better and improved grades resulting in a more rounded individual,” Scott said.

Gavin, speaking at the presentation, said that they started the NGO with the intention of providing needed help. They were ap-

CWI chief selector not impressed with Windies players in four-day tournament BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Roger Harper has expressed disappointment in the performance of players with West Indies experience in the ongoing Regional Four-Day Championship, saying they have not shown their full worth at the crease.

Harper, who was on the Barbados radio show Mason & Guest, Tuesday night, said the batsmen were not performing as well as they should.

“Certainly I had hoped and expected greater performance from them. To be playing seven rounds of cricket and not really getting anything is a bit concerning,” the former coach said, although singling out Devon Smith for “showing the way” with just over 560 runs at an average of almost 48. “The other guys are averaging in the 20s.”

The domestic first-class competition moves into the eighth round on Thursday (yesterday), with some of the West Indies squad back in the Caribbean from the just ended Sri Lanka tour joining the teams.

“I am hoping they will inspire the West Indies players – the ones who’ve

CWI chief selector Roger Harper

recently been in the West Indies team and have been playing the Regional FourDay competition – to perform better, especially the batsmen,” Harper said.

“When you look at the match reports after each round you should be able to identify the players who’ve represented West Indies team at this level because they should stand out, and that definitely has not been the case at all. The batsmen, in particular, have not really put their hands up at all and they need to do that in the last three rounds.”

One of Harper’s other concerns in the six-team tournament was the lack of early pressure being put on batsmen.

The former West Indies spinner, who played both

Test and ODI cricket for the regional side, suggested that captains “could look to be more aggressive at times and look to create opportunities to take wickets early”.

He did acknowledge that overall, there has been “some good cricket” in the tournament, although he was adamant that more consistency is needed from the batsmen.

The competition resumed yesterday with Leeward Islands Hurricanes playing Jamaica Scorpions at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua; defending champions Guyana Jaguars going up against leaders Barbados Pride at Guyana National Stadium, Providence; and hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force facing Windward Islands Volcanoes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba.

At the end of the seventh round, Pride had 116 points, followed by Jaguars on 85.8 points.

Volcanoes are third in the standings on 73.6 points, with Red Force close behind on 72.2 points, Scorpions in fifth place on 68.6 points, and Hurricanes at the bottom of the table on 48.4 points.

From left, Gavin Alleyne, Sierra Samuels Curwin Glasgow with Deputy Head Teacher Donna Zammett, teachers Tracey Kingston, Yumanda Bobb and Mashaka Scott. proached and immediately agreed to help, recognising that education is one of the most important pillars in society. He said that they will continue to support similar initiatives and projects, stressing that they welcome requests and would seek to assist as much

as they can.

The three students, expressed their thanks and gratitude, while reminding their head teacher that they will not disappoint them as they are focussed on doing their best.

Lennox Allen’s WBA Super Middleweight title fight still on stream

By Rawle Toney LENNOX ‘Too Sharp’ Allen’s April 11 clash with Cuban David Morrell Jr, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight title at the Minneapolis Armory, is still on schedule.

Armory.

In the meantime, Allen revealed, “it’s training and home for me,” as the fighter noted that he’s doing all that’s told to him by his team to stay safe and focus on the fight, especially since he’s based in New York, where

Lennox Allen putting in some work in preparation for his April 11 WBA Super Middleweight clash with David Morrell Jr in Minnesota.

The 35-year-old Allen told Chronicle Sport yesterday that preparations are ongoing for the clash, despite the domino-like effect in cancellation of sporting events because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Allen pointed out that he has since spoken to the promoters of the event, who said that all plans are on stream and they will be taking the necessary precautions needed to ensure the health safety of the fighters and patrons at the Minneapolis

it was declared a state of emergency, amid state-wide ban on all large gatherings, following their hit of the COVID-19 virus.

Allen is the country’s highest ranked/rated fighter on the international scenes, vaunts a perfect ring-record of 22 wins, 14 of which came by way of TKO, as well as one draw from his 23 outings.

His latest win, a unanimous-decision victory over Derrick Webster, saw him

claim the WBA’s gold title at the Super Middleweight division last year.

“I know that Morrell sees me as a step in his career, but that’s exactly how I see him as well. I’ve worked hard to get one step away from the top and I’m planning on taking that step in this fight,” Allen said.

“We both have good technical skills, but I think I’m going to have to be the one to press the fight and take it to him. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to fight on FOX and after my performance I’m looking forward to fighting on this stage a lot more,” he added.

Morrell Jr is the WBA’s No. 3-ranked Super Middleweight contender. A native of Cuba now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell recently joined the pro ranks after winning 130 of 132 amateur bouts.

Morrell turned pro last August with a blowout win over Yendris Rodriguez Valdez at the Armory. He recently signed a long-term contract with Warriors Boxing of South Florida and Russia-based Ural Promotions.

The Allen/Morell fight will be on the same card as the Jamal ‘Shango’ James (26-1, 12 KOs) versus Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) bout for the WBA Welterweight title. The bouts will be the headline events for a Premier Boxing Champions card on FOX.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 13, 2020

Guyana’s Gold Cup quest on hold, as CONCACAF suspends all football GUYANA’s quest of another appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup will have to wait a little longer, after the Confederation announced the cancellation of all qualifying matches, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At CONCACAF the welfare of everyone associated with our matches and

competitions is of paramount importance to us. We have been closely monitoring the public health situation as it has been evolving in the U.S. and across the entire region,” CONCACAF said in a statement yesterday.

The release stated that given the developments, including new guidance

Coronavirus fears forces GABA to postpone Andrew Ifill tournament FOLLOWING the announcement of the country’s first case of the COVID-19 virus, the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) officials yesterday stated that they have decided to postpone the start of their Inaugural Andrew Ifill Knockout tournament.

President of the Association, Jermaine Slater, revealed in a statement that the postponement of the tournament, which would have bounced off on Sunday, was agreed upon after GABA’s affiliated players/clubs, reached out in concern, especially after President David Granger called for public gatherings to be discouraged in an address to the nation on Wednesday.

“Despite only having one known case, GABA is as strong as our members (clubs, players and officials) and as such, we are here to make our playing environment one where persons are comfortable and safe,” Slater highlighted.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Second Lieutenant, who was elected to the helm of the GABA in January, noted that “the GABA will keep an ear to the ground and wait for a word on the country’s medical minds on when it will be best-suited to host GABA president the Andrew Ifill KnockJermaine Slater out tournament, and other planned tournaments.”

“Sportsmen and women, especially those involved in contact sports, are at high-risk of being contaminated and as such, GABA would like to issue a call to all involved in the sport of basketball locally, even if you play just for fun or to keep fit, to take the necessary precautions being advertised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), especially, to safeguard yourself and family,” said Slater.

The Andrew Ifill Knockout tournament will celebrate the life of the late Andrew Ifill, a former national player who passed away last October at age 40.

The tournament will be contested in the Open and Under-21 divisions, as Slater explained that the new GABA administration “has moved to exclude Second Division from our tenure to try and have more basketball played at the Open level, which would give more persons a chance to actually play the game. A lot of teams have a lot of players and sometimes these players don’t get to see court.”

Eagles, Colts, Sonics, UG-A and UG-B will contest the U-21 category, while Guardians, Colts, UG-A, Vikings, Sonics, Pacesetters A and B, Eagles, Kobras and Ravens are down to play in the Open division.

FLASHBACK! Trayon Bobb (#20) being swarmed by his ‘Golden Jaguars teammates after scoring the opening goal of the Guyana vs Barbados encounter during the CONCACAF Nations League. (Samuel Maughn photo) issued by countries, cities and states, they have the decision to suspend all football with immediate effect, as they continue to

discuss arrangements for other upcoming CONCACAF competitions and will make a further public statement in due course.

The Golden Jaguars were set to roar against Barbados in the Land of the Flying Fish on March 24, followed by a return leg

at the National Track and Field Centre on March 31.

The winners of that encounter will go on to face Trinidad and Tobago for a chance to feature at CONCACAF’s flagship tournament in 2021.

Major League Soccer (MLS) also suspended its season for 30 days, while U.S. Soccer cancelled all men’s and women’s national team matches through the end of April.

The NBA suspended their season on Wednesday night following two of the league’s players testing positive for the virus.

European football had already been greatly impacted, with many games being played behind closed doors before Serie A halted their season.

(Rawle Toney)

Antigua pulls out of CARIFTA Games over coronavirus fears HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Antigua and Barbuda has delivered a blow by announcing it has pulled out of next month’s CARIFTA Games to be staged here because of fears over the worldwide spread of coronavirus.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Sports, Daryll Matthew, confirmed the government’s decision to withdraw from the 49th edition of the Games – the region’s junior athletic showpiece – following discussions with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other relevant health ministers and officials on Wednesday, media here

reported.

“We are cognizant of the fact that our young people have been preparing for over a year for these events and having weighed this against the safety of our young people, we made a decision to withdraw from the competitions,” Matthew was quoted by media here.

“We have communicated this information to the relevant officials which made up the Antigua and Barbuda team to include president of the Athletics Association, Swimming Association and the director of sports and they are in support of the

decision.”

Triple- and long-jumpers Taeco O’Garro, Sheldon Noble, Mia McIntosh and Alyssa Dyett, were the only Antiguan athletes who had qualified for events.

Antigua and Barbuda has not reported any cases of the virus.

Donna Raynor, president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association, said last week she was confident that the Covid-19 threat, which has more than 129 500 confirmed cases and 4 500 deaths worldwide, would not disrupt the staging of the Games.

More than 600 athletes

Antigua and Barbuda Sports Minister Daryll Matthew and coaches from 27 Caribbean countries, along with supporters from various islands, are expected to converge for the games here.

Bermuda will host the event for the fifth time when it is held from April 10 to 13.

CONCACAF puts immediate halt to Champions League MIAMI, Florida (CMC) – Continental governing body, CONCACAF, has put an immediate halt to its Champions League, amidst the growing cases of the coronavirus across North America.

The high level club competition entered its quarter-final stage on Tuesday and matches were played up until Wednesday night with America brushing aside Atlanta United FC 3-0 in Mexico City and Tigres UNAL edging New York Red Bulls 1-0 in New Jersey.

But with the National Basketball Association (NBA) suspending its season and the MLS following suit, CONCACAF said

it was also taking similar action.

“At CONCACAF the welfare of everyone associated with our matches and competitions is of paramount importance to us,” the governing body said in a statement.

“We have been closely monitoring the public health situation as it has been evolving in the U.S. and across the entire region.

“Given the developments last night, including new guidance issued by countries, cities and states, we have made the decision to suspend the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with immediate effect.

“We are continuing to discuss arrangements for other upcoming CONCACAF competitions and will make a further public statement in due course.”

Los Angeles FC was set to host Cruz Azul last night to round out the first leg of the quarter-final stage. Second leg matches were scheduled to be played on March 17-18.

The semi-finals and final were scheduled to be played next month.

The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has already infected 1 215 persons in the United States and has resulted in 36 deaths.

Paul, Shepherd, Reifer keep Barbados Pride in check

see story on page 24 Jaguars pacer Romario Shepherd was on point during his spell yesterday (Adrian Narine Photo)

–– Jaguars trail by 155 runs heading into Day 2

Imran Khan, Goolie half-centuries put Red Force on top

Captain Imran Khan cuts during his unbeaten 80

TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) – Captain Imran Khan and Jyd Goolie struck unbeaten half-centuries as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force dominated Windward Islands Volcanoes on Thursday’s opening day of their eighth round encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Choosing to bat first fresh off their convincing win in the last round over leaders Barbados Pride, Red Force finished on 298 for five.

Imran Khan fashioned a handsome 80 not out while Goolie was unbeaten on 78, the pair staging an unbroken 147-run, sixth wicket stand to put Red Force on top.

Batting at number seven, Imran Khan faced 125 deliveries in 156 minutes and hit 10 fours while Goolie, in his fourth first class match, also struck 10 boundaries off 142 balls in just over 3-¼ hours.

They were supported by opener Kyle Hope who stroked 54 and last round centu-

ry-maker Jason Mohammed who made 45.

Left-arm pacer Preston McSween extended his excellent form, picking up three for 36.

Red Force’s start was less than convincing following a delayed start due to wet spots on the playing area, losing Cephas Cooper without scoring and Test batsman Darren Bravo for 11 with just 36 runs on the board.

But Hope and Mohammed combined in a 73-run, third wicket stand to initiate their side’s revival and take them safely to lunch on 59 without further loss.

Hope struck six fours off 83 balls while Mohammed also counted six boundaries off 75 deliveries before both fell in the space of eight balls with just one run added at 112 for four.

Goolie first added 39 for the fifth wicket with Joshua DaSilva (26) before joining forces with his skipper to ensure Red Force controlled the final session.

CWI domestic schedule in ‘jeopardy’ as COVID-19 hits Region see story on page 23

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CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020