Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_03_25_2020

WEDNESDAY 25th March, 2020

No. 105950

‘Not so, Jagdeo’ GECOM Chair objects to producing SOPs to court

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… says such a request can only come by way of elections petition

‘No double-up’

Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

… minibus operators declare, join fight against Covid-19 22 PAGE

Bus operators jostle each other for passengers at a city minibus park on Tuesday

‘Businesses taking a hit’

––– Private sector conducting impact assessment of COVID-19 to submit to gov’t

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Exxon continuing High Court on one-month lockdown operations … but says COVID-19 travel restrictions PAGE could hamper 11 drilling activity

… pending cases 09 adjourned to April PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Man in hit-and-run accident surrenders to police THE suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident on Brickdam, last Saturday, has turned himself in to the police.

Police are now investigating the accident which

resulted in the death of 61-year-old Vibert Tyrell, of 381 Apple Drive, North East La Penitence, Georgetown. The accident occurred on Saturday, about 20:00hrs, at

the intersection of Brickdam and Chalmers Place, Georgetown, involving motor Vehicle # PXX 3934, driven by a 38year-old resident of South Vryheid’s Lust, ECD and Motor vehicle # PXX 3934 which was involved in the accident.

Tyrell. According to a police release, enquiries disclosed that the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of Brickdam while the pedal cyclist was proceeding south along Chalmers Place. The pedal cyclist reportedly rode from north to south into the path of the vehicle and a collision occurred.

As a result of the impact, Tyrell sustained se-

vere injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday and the cause of his death was given as multiple injuries.

The driver who fled the scene, turned himself in at the Alberttown Police Station, on March 22, in the company of his attorney, and is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Use ‘Tidy Up’ detergents in COVID-19 fight … urges local entrepreneur

TidyUp detergents- A sample of some of the Tidy-Up products (Chronicle photo) WITH the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak wreaking havoc in many countries, the demand for and sales of hand sanitisers and other detergents, in particular the Lysol brand, and even toilet paper, have increased worldwide, Guyana included.

The items have become so sought-after that pharmacies, supermarkets and even the regular community shops, where previously one could have found them, have either been hoarding the products, implementing price mark-up or limiting the number of items that each person can purchase.

But health institutions, following on the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been encouraging citizens to adopt to the hand washing procedure, as more germs can be removed by the washing hands with soap and water for about 20 to 30 seconds.

It was noted that even though hand sanitisers See page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

‘Not so, Jagdeo’

GECOM Chair objects to producing SOPs to court … says PPP application misplaced; can only come by way of elections petition

By Svetlana Marshall CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, through her attorney Kim Kyte-Thomas, objected to the Application for Discovery filed by the Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo, on the grounds that the application, which seeks to have the Elections Commission lay over the Region 4 Statements of Poll, could only be brought by way of an Election Petition.

“It is submitted that the production of the SOPs is not for an application such as this.

These matters would better be canvassed in an elections petition,” Kyte-Thomas told High Court Judge, Franklin Holder in her written submission on behalf of the GECOM Chair.

Jagdeo’s application stems from Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by Ulita Grace Moore against GECOM, the Chairman of GECOM, and the Chief Elections Officer.

However, it was noted that Jagdeo, by filing the application, intends to introduce the SOPs to challenge the results stated on the declaration of the Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh “There is a narrow distinction but one nonetheless between this issue and whether there has been compliance of the Returning Officer with his statutory functions relevant to the electoral process pursuant to the elections laws in this jurisdiction,” the Attorney reasoned. Referencing to Article 163 (1) and (4) of the Constitution of Guyana, and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, Chapter 1:04, Kyte-Thomas iterated that the application must be presented by an Elections Petition. According to the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, an Elections Petition must be brought within 28 days of the declaration of the results of

Attorney-at-Law Kim Kyte-Thomas an Election.

In support of her arguments, Kyte-Thomas referenced the case of Gladys Petrie and Others v The Attorney General and Others (1968), in which it was stated that any challenge to the “election process can only be conducted pursuant to an election petition and before an election court.” She argued that, that position was affirmed in the case of George Rick James (In person and as Secretary of the Free and Fair Election League Inc.) v Nathaniel James (Chairman of the Electoral Commission) and others. A similar finding, she further pointed out, was made in N.P. Ponnuswami v Returning Officer, Namakkal Constituency.

Use ‘Tidy Up’ detergents ...

From page 2

can help reduce the risk of catching certain infections, not all hand sanitisers are equally effective against COVID-19.

The most effective sanitisers, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are those with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Cognisant that the Lysol brand may be outstripping supply right now, Dwayne and Melissa Younge, the husband and wife management team, of `Tidy Up’, Guyana’s first detergent refill business, is assiduously making efforts to ensure that there is enough of the product on hand to cater for the demand of its customers and embrace new customers.

The business which has its central distribution office located at Lot 455

Section `A’ Diamond Housing Scheme, boasts of offering quality and affordable detergents in the range of antibacterial hand soap, dishwashing liquid and multipurpose cleaners, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, in an effort to help persons to maintain personal hygiene and clean surroundings.

The slogan of the business, which started in March 2018, states, “It makes ‘cents’ to refill,” with the 3R goal being recycling, reducing and reusing of resources.

In addition to Diamond, there are distribution outlets at Soesdyke junction, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Amelia’s Ward, Linden; Parfait Harmonie and Bella Dam, Pouderoyen (West Bank Demerara (WBD); Leonora West Coast Demerara (WCD); Plai-

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo “The word “election” within the meaning of Article 232(1) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Laws of Guyana is used and interpreted to mean the whole process of an election which commences with the issue of a proclamation of the election up to the issue of the result of that election.

In Seecomar Singh v Butler [1973] 21 WIR the Court held that the elections commenced with the issue of the proclamation by the President,” Kyte-Thomas submitted.

She further submitted that such a challenge cannot be entertained at this time on the basis that it is premature.

“Any challenge to the validity of an election and any dispute or claim of any

irregularities or illegalities in relation to an election can only lawfully form the basis of an election petition after the result of the election has been made known,” the Attorney told the High Court.

On that note, she reminded that an election petition can only lawfully be presented after the result of the elections is known.

Referencing again the case of N.P. Ponnuswami, Kyte-Thomas said it was authoritatively stated that: “any matter which has the effect of vitiating an election should be brought up only at the appropriate stage in an appropriate manner before a special tribunal and should not be brought up at an intermediate stage before any court.”

She said the rationale behind this was explained by Court in N.P. Ponnuswami. It was stated that: “Having regard to the important functions which the legislatures have to perform in democratic countries, it has always been recognised to be a matter of first importance that elections should be concluded as early as possible according to time schedule and all controversial matters and all disputes arising out of elections should be postponed till after the elections are over, so that the election

sance Line Top and Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Bartica; Essequibo Coast and Cummings Street in the city.

Speaking with this publication on Monday, March 23, 2020, Mr. Younge said, “The aim is to produce items which are environmentally friendly in commercial quantities and available to everyone and at the lowest of prices.

Younge assured that while the company is seeking to ensure all of its products are in adequate supply to meet the demands of the society, priority is given to manufacturing household cleaners, antibacterial soap, antiseptic and disinfectants, all of which have great germicidal properties.

He reiterated that the company, cognisant that persons in the health care system are the first responders in the COVID-19 cause, is focusing on producing a chemically-formulated hand sanitiser for use in that sector. First responders, because of the nature of their job, are not always in a position to practise hand-washing, hence the need

proceedings may not be unduly retarded or protracted.”

On those grounds, Kyte-Thomas, on behalf of the GECOM Chair, told the High Court that in an effort to prevent the election proceedings from being unduly “retarded or protracted” any challenge to the validity of an election and any dispute or claim of any irregularities or illegalities in relation to an election must be brought by way of an election petition after the result of the election has been made known.

The instant application, Kyte-Thomas submitted, must therefore be refused.

The hearing of the Application for Discovery has been referred. The High Court has taken a decision to first establish whether it has jurisdiction to hear FDA filed

by Moore before reviewing any other elections relation matter.

Moore has asked the Court to set aside a decision by the Elections Commission to facilitate a National Recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections while Jagdeo and a private citizen, Reeaz Holladar, have asked the court to set aside the declaration made by the Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo on March 13, 2020.

for access to proper hand sanitisers, he added.

On this note, Younge stated that the general population should not feel that it has been neglected, but, instead, should understand the circumstances under which first responders work, hence they should be properly equipped when dealing with the disease.

On that note, the entrepreneur also called on all Guyanese to, in addition to practising hand washing, ensure that they disinfect surfaces where they operate. He is also urging private sector business, government ministries and janitorial services, to sample the products, adding “we are all in this COVID-19 business.”

Younge said that, presently, the products are not available to communities in Berbice and Corentyne, but that he would welcome persons interested to get into the business from those areas, to come on board.

Contact can be made via Tele Number 624-3508.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

U.S. could be next ‘virus epicenter’ as India locks down, global recession looms G E N E VA / N E W D E L HI (Reuters) - The United States could become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, as India announced a full 24-hour, nationwide lockdown in the world’s second-most populous country.

India joined the ranks of Britain and other countries clamping down to hold back

the virus as business activity collapsed from Japan to the United States at a record pace in March.

The highly contagious coronavirus has caused entire regions to be placed on lockdown. In some places soldiers are patrolling the streets to keep consumers and workers indoors, halting services and production and breaking supply chains.

“The global health crisis

is rapidly morphing into a global recession, as there is a clear tension between preventing infections and ruining the economy,” said Edoardo Campanella, an economist at UniCredit Bank in Milan. But Wall Street bounced from three-year lows as investors pin their hopes on the U.S. Senate passing a $2 trillion stimulus bill.

Confirmed coronavirus cases around the world exceeded 377,000 across 194 countries and territories as of early Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, more than 16,500 of them fatal.

In Geneva, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said infections in the United States

had greatly increased. Over the previous 24 hours, 85 percent of new cases were in Europe and the United States, and of those, 40 percent were in the United States.

As of Monday, the virus had infected more than 42,000 people there, killing at least 559. Asked whether the United States could become the new epicenter, Harris said: “We are now seeing a very large acceleration in cases in the U.S. So it does have that potential.”

Some U.S. state and local officials have decried a lack of coordinated federal action, saying that having localities act on their own has put them in competition for supplies.

President Donald Trump ac-

WED, 25 March, 2020 ─ 05:00hrs ~ 06:30hrs

knowledged the difficulty.

“The World market for face masks and ventilators is Crazy. We are helping the states to get equipment, but it is not easy,” he tweeted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday the government would impose a nationwide lockdown from midnight for 21 days. Health researchers have warned that more than a million people in India could be infected with the coronavirus by mid-May, prompting the government to shut down all air and train travel, businesses and schools.

On Tuesday, Modi, leader of the world’s biggest democracy, went further, saying nobody would be allowed to leave their homes. “The only way to save ourselves from coronavirus is if we don’t leave our homes, whatever happens, we stay at home,” Modi said.

India has so far reported 482 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and nine deaths.

OLYMPIC ORGANIZERS GIVE IN Olympic Games organizers and the Japanese government had clung to the hope that the world’s biggest sporting event could go ahead, but finally bowed to the inevitable to make Tokyo 2020 the latest and biggest victim of a ravaged sporting calendar.

After a call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the July 24-Aug. 9 event would be rescheduled for the summer of 2021 at the latest - as proof of victory over the coronavirus. “President Bach said he is in agreement, 100%.”

It was the first time in

the Olympics’ 124-year history that they had been postponed, though they were canceled outright three times during the two 20th-century world wars.

Of the top 10 countries by case numbers, Italy has reported the highest fatality rate, at around 10%, which at least partly reflects its older population. The fatality rate globally - the ratio of deaths to confirmed infections - is around 4.3%, though national figures can vary widely according to how much testing is done. Britain, believed by experts to be about two weeks behind Italy in the outbreak cycle, on Tuesday began curbs on movement without precedent in peacetime after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the country to stay at home.

The streets of the capital were quiet as all but essential shops closed and people only went to work if it was unavoidable. Johnson had resisted pressure to impose a full lockdown even as other European countries had done so, but was forced to change tack as projections showed the health system could become overwhelmed.

Meanwhile China’s Hubei province, the original center of the outbreak, will lift curbs on people leaving the area, but other regions will tighten controls as new cases double due to imported infections.

The provincial capital Wuhan, which has been in total lockdown since Jan. 23, will lift its travel restrictions on April 8. However, the risk from overseas infections appears to be on the rise, prompting tougher screening and quarantine measures in cities such as the capital Beijing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

‘Businesses taking a beating’

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─ Private sector conducting impact assessment of COVID-19 to submit to gov’t ─ GTA submits report on travel and tourism industry

By Navendra Seoraj SECTIONS of the local business community have taken a hit because of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which continues to disrupt life in Guyana and most parts of the world.

Guyana recorded its first case of the virus early this month, and since then, persons have been advised by local public health authorities to practise social distancing and take other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. In recent days, the authorities have implemented several precautionary measures, including the closure of the two international airports to flights, except for those making technical stops, cargo, medevac and outgoing flights. In addition, permission would be given to special authorised flights.

While these measures are important to maintaining the health and wellbeing of Guyanese, it has not been so ‘healthy’ for the business community, especially for businesses such as restaurants, bars, nightclubs and even the transportation sector. “We have no revenues coming in;there has practically been a complete shutdown of our restaurants and bars, so everything has been shut down for us,” said Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Gerry Gouveia in an invited comment on Tuesday.

Despite experiencing a “slowdown” in these sections of the commercial sector, Gouveia said the PSC supports the restriction on clusters, because it will contain the spread of COVID-19. Guyana has so far recorded five cases of the virus, including one death. In light of this, the PSC has consulted with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other stakeholders on the way forward as it pertains to restaurants, nightclubs and bars, and even the control of crowds in minibuses and boats.

“For public transportation, they may need to reduce passengers in buses

and so forth, because there needs to be a certain level of social spacing,” Gouveia said, adding: “We could even look at the idea of advising persons to travel for only essential services.”

He said an official statement targeting nightclubs, cinemas, bars, grocery stores and other establishments will soon be issued by the PSC.

Guyana should not necessarily go down that road at this time, unless people continue to ignore the guidelines. “If people continue to ignore the advice we are giving, and guidelines in place, we may get to the point where we have to do that,” the DCMO said in an invited comment on Monday. A lockdown would entail busi-

PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Clinton Williams said the organisation’s views will also be reflected in the PSC’s statement, because there have been joint discussions on the way forward. Gouveia said the PSC is developing a list of concerns, and conducting a macro-assessment on the impact of COVID-19.

When completed, he said, the study will be submitted to the government for further review.

While the PSC is yet to submit the macro-assessment, which will encapsulate the entire economy, a report on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industries has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance through the GTA. TOTAL LOCKDOWN There have been suggestions that Guyana should impose a “total lockdown”, especially if persons continue to flout some of the measures being implemented. Some countries have already taken steps to “lockdown” amidst concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, but while the virus has reached Guyana’s shores, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr. Karen Boyle believes that

nesses and other establishments, including public offices, closing their doors temporarily.

In further explaining this measure, Dr. Boyle said: “All businesses would have to shut down; people will not be working, and business people will not have money to pay workers… There would be economic downturn, because mortgages and everything would still be due; bills will still have to be paid… So it will be chaos.”

While this option is still open, Dr. Boyle said she trusts that Guyanese, who are a brilliant set of people, would understand the severity of the pandemic, and take responsibility by doing “the right thing”.

President David Granger had issued executive orders in line with the Public Health Ordinance. With Guyana recording five cases of COVID-19 so far, President Granger, through the Order, said immediate action is necessary to address the virus. In that regard, he directed Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, to “restrain, segregate and isolate” persons suffering from the disease, or those who may be affected from exposure to the infection.

President Granger, as

part of the Order, has even called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other law enforcement agencies to provide assistance with the enforcement of the various measures where necessary.

Among the menu of measures ordered by President Granger was the containment of persons who may have shown signs of having contracted COVID-19, and the provision of curative treatment for persons who are suffering from the disease.

The President also directed Minister Lawrence to remove, disinfect and destroy any personal effects, goods, buildings or other articles, materials or things exposed to the virus. The minister was also ordered to prevent the spread of the virus on the seas, rivers and waters of Guyana, and on the high seas within twelve miles of the baseline, as well as on land, among other things.

President Granger had said that funding the various initiatives will be handled by the Minister of Finance, who has been directed to expend, from the Consolidated Fund, such sums of money as may be necessary for the effectual carrying out of any

or all of the measures listed.

FUNDING Section 20 (2) of the Public Health Ordinance provides that the President may, in case of an emergency, expend from the public funds of Guyana such sums of money as may be necessary for the effectual carrying out of any or all of the provisions of Part III of the Ordinance which concerns “notifiable infectious diseases”.

“All government agencies and local government authorities are urged to render assistance and cooperation to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat,” President Granger said.

He also said that all citizens, residents, tourists and members of the private sector must act in accordance with the law, and comply with any lawful directives and advisories issued by appropriate government agencies to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.

According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency

(CARPHA), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses 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 reportedly 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. Persons who suspect that they may have the virus are advised not to visit a health facility, but instead call on several provided hotlines where it can be arranged for a health team to visit. Minister Lawrence noted that additional hotline numbers have been added, and staff has been increased to facilitate efficiency. The numbers are 226-7480; 229-7490; 2311166; 227-4986; 624-6674; 624-2819; 624-9355.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Vexatious litigation THOSE who are familiar with legal terminology would already understand the nature of vexatious litigation and vexatious litigants.

For those who are unfamiliar, vexatious litigation is legal action which is taken to frustrate, harass or as a tactic used to subdue an adversary. Similarly, vexatious litigants are those who would utilize the court’s time to pursue frivolous and often unmeritorious legal action against whomever they wish to frustrate. Vexatious litigation usually falls within two categories; namely, the filing of frivolous lawsuits and/or the filing of repetitive, unwarranted and burdensome motions in what would be an otherwise meritorious matter. In some jurisdictions, filing vexatious litigation is considered an abuse of the judicial process and may result in sanctions against the offender. Similarly, legal professionals may face disbarment for repeated and severe instances where they have been deemed to have abused the legal system in this manner. Although it is rare, in some jurisdictions, the court might revoke the individual’s ability to file any further actions or require that they obtain permission from a senior judge before being able to take further legal action. In any case,

such a move is considered drastic as judges and other officials are usually reluctant to curtail a person’s access to the courts.

The current political impasse stemming from the recent Regional and General Elections on March 2 2020, could arguably be attributed to the actions of vexatious litigants. On March 5, when the Returning Officer for Region 4, Clairmont Mingo, began the process of verifying and declaring the voting outcome for the Region, he was blocked by an injunction filled by a private citizen and presented by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/) from doing so. Since then, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been battling with vexatious litigation and has thus far been unable to conclude the elections process.

The latest turn of events in what has been an already trying number of weeks for Guyanese culminated in the departure of the high-level CARICOM delegation which had agreed to oversee a recount of the disputed elections results. It should be noted that the recount had been requested by a number of contesting parties, including the incumbent coalition APNU+AFC government, the Opposition PPP/C and some of

the smaller parties. The recount was subject to a Terms of Reference document which was produced in order to clearly define the way forward. The TOR was reportedly signed by the President and leader of the Opposition but was quickly deemed ‘unconstitutional’ by legal eagles and shortly thereafter, an injunction was filed and granted to stop the recount going forward.

The recount would have entailed the counting of ballots from ballot boxes obtained from the 2339 polling stations over the 10 electoral districts in Guyana. It remains unclear whether the already produced Statements of Polls would have been used to cross reference the count from the ballot boxes or whether new SOPs would have been produced following the fresh recount of the ballots. In any case, the recount has now been blocked following an application made to the court. Whatever the court should decide on the matter, it remains within GECOM’s remit to direct matters moving forward, as stipulated in our constitutional and electoral laws.

In drawing the comparison to vexatious litigation, we do not purport to dissuade anyone from accessing the courts in order to resolve whatever dispute requires reso-

lution. We do however wish to make the point that litigation might not always be the best way forward. If it were possible for all parties to come together and find a solution to our current political impasses, outside of the court system, that would surely be beneficial to Guyanese who are becoming impatient and fed up with watching our elections play out in the courtroom.

Litigation is by nature adversarial; it is rarely inquisitorial. In Guyana’s current circumstance, it will do no good to continue to approach this matter in an adversarial fashion.

Guyanese have rightly become fed up as the would be defenders of democracy are themselves doing very little to respect the will of the Guyanese people, which has always been to elect a government of their choosing, without having that process obstructed by any political party, observer group or any other malefactor.

It will do no good for any of us to engage in any more adversarial, protracted and unnecessary litigation because as we have seen, this too, has an impact on our ability to move forward as a nation of united peoples.

We are living in unprecedented times that require unprecedented actions Dear Editor, THE Covid-19 pandemic has landed in Guyana with fatal consequences. There are five reported confirmed cases, including one death.

So far the virus appears to be incubating.

Hoping that it does not exhale with devasting and deadly effects as it did in China, Italy, Iran, Spain, the United States of America and other countries.

Since the untimely and uninvited arrival of the Corona Virus in Guyana, there has been a multiplicity of reactions by the government, the private sector, numerous other groups and individuals. As a result, several economic, social, health, financial and other major issues have emerged. I will be unable to elaborate on all the issues due to the constraint of space.

However, I note that according to reports in the media, numerous employers have already started to lay off their workers and others are planning to do the same as they try to develop strategies and tactics to remain viable.

Reports indicated that one employer sent home some of his workers for six months,

while others have laid off their employees for diverse periods. No stimulus package or income- replacement plan has emerged.

As activities unfold the possibility of employers trampling on workers’ rights may be occasioned. The Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act Chapter 99:08 will come into play. It gives clear guidelines in relation to the laying off of workers.

Section 14 (2) of the Act states, “No lay off under section (1) shall exceed six weeks.”

The protocol is that at the end of the six weeks, the employer will have to re-employ the workers or terminate their services with full severance pay. The principle is that you cannot ask an unwilling employer to employ a willing employee, but, the employee is entitled to his full benefits.

As it relates to termination of employment, Section 12 (2) of the Act is very instructive, it states, “ The employee is redundant under subsection (1) where in relation to his employer’s business where he is employed, his termination of employment is or is part of a reduction in the work force that is a direct result of:-

(a) the modernisation, automation or mechanisation by the employer of all or part of the business. (b) the discontinuation by the employer to carry out all or part of the business. (c) the sale and the disposition by the employer of all or part of the business. (d) the reorganisation of the business by the employer to improve efficiency. (e) the impossibility or impracticability for the employer to carry in the business at its usual rate or level or all due to:(1) a shortage of materials; (2) a mechanical breakdown; (3) a force majeure; or (4) an act of God; (f) a reduced operation in the employer’s business made necessary by economic conditions, including a lack of or changing markets, contraction in the volume of work or sales, reduced demands or surplus inventory.

My information is that some employers in order to lay off their employees are seeking shelter under Section 13 (2) (e) 4- an act of God. Perhaps, history will repeat itself. I can vividly recall several years ago during heavy

rains a large number of utility poles fell. The government minister at the time with responsibility for the utility company, Guyana Power and Light, boldly remarked that the falling of the poles was, “an act of God.” There is no known cure to this deadly disease. It defies any one-shot solution to flatten its destructive curve. We are living in unprecedented times. Unprecedented times requires unprecedented actions. Desperate times need desperate actions. We are all in it together.

Let us all be safe. Wherever practicable, we must make use of our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), employ other approved protective measures and follow the medical and other advice given. When one’s house is burning, we should not worry about the cost of water being used to put out the fire.

Let us all pray for divine intervention to restore the present frightening state of affairs in Guyana to normalcy. May God bless our beloved Guyana.

Regards Clinton Conway

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Tweets and Facebook postings are not official routes for diplomatic communications

Dear editor,

SO the PPP in a 12-round boxing encounter for the heavyweight champion of Guyana, rushed out in round one, throwing punches of lies and propaganda, as if there is no tomorrow.

We the passionate supporters of APNU+AFC followed the lead of our President-elect by masterfully performing the Mohammad Ali, rope-a-dope. An inexperienced and foolish PPP wrongly assumed vulnerability and charged in, in a desperate attempt to secure the KO, but in the process punched themselves into the ground. So the tired and exhausted PPP is now holding on for dear life, but that is an impossible task to complete on jelly legs, when being confronted by a hard hitter in the form of APNU+AFC supporters. This is only round four and already

a 10th crushing right of, “Established routes for diplomatic communication,” has landed on the glass chin of the heavyweight contender.

In normal circumstances, this should have been it but the APNU+AFC supporters are clearly angered with PPP propaganda and lies over the past weeks. As a result, they have made the decision to dispense a full 12 rounds of pummelling before administering the punishing and humiliating knock out in the final round.

Over the past two weeks I’ve observed PPP loyalists, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News posting tweets from American congressmen, senators and state officials and passionately argued that these tweets represent official American Government policy. It got so comical that one American congressman quoted American electoral law that the Guyana Government should follow, or

they will have to experience the wrath of sanctions. Gerry Gouveia, the perennial heartless and brainless opportunist, who sent home his employees for three months without a penny, displayed it on his wall and highlighted the American electoral law that Guyana should follow to avoid sanctions. What the simpleton bush pilot failed to recognise is that Guyana is in South America and not America. As a result, I would humbly recommend that garrulous Gerry undertake some toddler-level crash courses in geography to provide him a better understanding of the geographical differences between South America and America.

It would appear that the established diplomatic channels became clogged with high-quality Guyana crude oil, over the past two weeks.

As a result, tweets, emails and Facebook became the newly accepted routes. Have

they really or is there another rational explanation for these unconventional avenues? Could it be that these American politicians were very busy? Could it be that lobbyists like Mercury were badgering the very busy politicians who had more important matters of domestic nature to address? Could it be that Mercury desperately requested a statement from the politician to satisfy their big-money client, the PPP? Could it be that the American politicians in an attempt to satisfy the pestering Mercury, typed and sent a five-second tweet? Could it be that being too busy, the American politician couldn’t research the electoral laws of Guyana, as a result he just writes what he knows -- the American electoral laws? Just for a second reflect on these propositions and determine if they make sense?

Further, the last time I checked, Guyana has an am-

Having a conversation with your child is more than just talking Dear Editor, IN many Guyanese families, conversations between parents and children are usually ‘one sided’ where the parent ‘speaks their mind’ and the child is not allowed to say anything in response.

This is one of the out-

comes of the ‘children should be seen and not heard’ parenting approach.

When children believe their parents will not listen or will not understand what they are trying to say, they are more likely to keep secrets from their parents. Children who feel compelled to keep secrets

The statement by WPA is official Dear Editor, I WRITE in response to Mr Freddie Kissoon‘s column, published in Kaieteur News March 24, 2020 edition, captioned: “The hidden image in the WPA’s recount canvas.” My response is limited to one issue raised by Kissoon.

My concern is his attempt to cast doubt on the WPA’s statement. He said, “If the statement is official and true, it would not have been issued by the WPA without Trotman’s input and approval.” Kissoon like all the media houses is aware that the statement went out on an official party letterhead and carried my signature in my capacity as the WPA Executive Secretary.

I say all this to assure the public that the statement referred to was an official WPA statement.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

out of fear of their parent’s reaction to a disclosure are more at risk of abuse and exploitation. Parentto-child conversations are an essential safeguard to protecting children from abuse.

Having a conversation with your child is more than just talking; it is a lovely experience to hear your child express him or herself and using words and expressions they have been learning to tell their stories confidently. Parents, your conversations with your children include listening to your child’s concerns, opinions, fears and risks they are facing in their everyday activities outside of your watchful eyes. Your child must always be able to approach you if he or she is bothered or may have a concern or sometimes just want to talk. Talking and listening to children help you as parents in safeguarding your children and it also fosters a relationship of trust and understanding between you and your child. Talking to your children and listening to them with noticeable interest encourages them to listen to you and helps them to form healthy re-

lationships with you, their parents.

ChildLinK, through its Recovery Safeguarding Reintegration (RSR) initiative, facilitates parenting skills education (PSE) sessions with parents who have difficult relationships with their children. According to the PSE Officer, “A majority of the cases have a component where communication is lacking. Due to a lack of communication between the parents and children, parents may find it difficult to understand what their children are going through and children may experience feelings of being unloved and not being listened to.”

Listen with your ears and eyes. During a PSE session the PSE Officer discussed the importance of teaching children good and bad touches and identifying their private parts by its correct name. One parent related to the PSE officer that her four-year-old daughter would mention every day that someone is touching her “flower,” to which her response would be, “it’s okay to share and there’s nothing wrong if he touches your flower” and then ignore her after which

bassador to America whose name is Riyad Insanally. Without a doubt he has Hollywood good looks, but I don’t think he is in America for that. I would believe that Mr. Riyad Insanally’s role is to serve as that diplomatic link between America and Guyana. From my limited knowledge of these matters of diplomatic communications, if America had a problem with the actions of the Guyana Government then the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would have summoned Riyad Insanally to his office and demanded an explanation. Mike Pompeo, if not satisfied with the explanation, would have expressed the concerns of the Trump administration. Apart from the ambassadorial channel, the other route of communication would have been Donald Trump directly calling President David Granger.

Again ,just for a second, reflect on these propositions, she would brush the child off. She related that the child complained for one week. The PSE officer advised that she sit and have a conversation with her child to really understand what was happening at school. It was later revealed at the next session that when the child said “flower” she meant “vagina,” and a classmate was touching her vagina every day. When she would try to complain her mother would brush her off. The case was reported to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and the child and her mother received counselling and were sensitised and educated on appropriate and inappropriate touches, the correct names for private parts and the importance of listening and having parent-to-child conversations. The other child and his parents were engaged in safety and protection sessions by the CPA. After the intervention the parent expressed remorse about not listening to her daughter. She noted, “I feel bad because my daughter was trying to talk to me but I didn’t listen.” She later apologised to her daughter and started to make time each day to listen and talk to her after school. One encouragement she gave is, “make time to listen to the things that your children have to say.”

As a parent, it is im-

and determine if they make sense?

You see Mr Editor, I do recognise my limitations and would never step outside of them. Having said that, from my limited understanding of diplomatic communications, tweets, Facebook postings and private emails cannot be deemed as official communiques. The reason in my humble opinion is that these communications are official documents which need to be kept for the record. Having social media postings, private emails and private telephone gossips, in my opinion diminishes and trivialises the importance of such sensitive communication.

Those are my humble opinions, but I’m sure they are enough to give the PPP a bloody nose.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish portant to set aside time each day to talk to your children about school.

Find out about their day at school; both the good and not-so-good things. It is also important to pay attention to when your children may not like a particular person and going to a particular place. Look, listen and try to understand their likes, dislikes, fears and the things that make them uncomfortable. This helps to safeguard children and protect them by identifying potential dangers.

ChildLinK is a not-forprofit organisation that is working to create a Guyanese society where every child grows up in a loving, safe and secure family and community. This article raises many questions for the family and also recognises the importance of listening and having open communication with your child/children. Please write us with your comments, questions and how you would like to get involved in protecting children in your community at admin@childlinkgy.org.

Report child abuse by calling the CPA on 2270979, the closest police station or ChildLinK on 233-3500 or email: admin@childlinkgy.org.

Regards Shaquita Thomas Communications Officer ChildLink Inc

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP are the antitheses of democracy that they now clamour for Dear Editor, Guyana’s Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo possesses considerable skills as a politician.

As president of Guyana, he displayed and utilised autocratic tendencies, didn’t care much for the independence of GECOM, except when it served his purpose of never holding local government elections in the 12 years he was president or the four years as puppeteer for Donald Ramotar’s marionette of a presidency.

Jagdeo amassed immense wealth while in office and has become one of Guyana’s wealthiest citizens, all of this in stark contrast to his humble beginnings. This was not lost on many of his PPP cabinet members, operatives and those with political connections. They also became fabulously wealthy as is the case of the PPP’s current presidential candidate Irfaan Ali, who as Minister of Housing also came from hard-scrabble beginnings but now owns a palatial residence.

Unexplained wealth, corruption, bribery, graft, money laundering, narco-trafficking and any means of pillaging the national coffers became

the hallmark of successive PPP administrations. Those activities operated side by side with the death squads and disappearance of over 400 Blacks and to a lesser extent poor Indians and those who stood in their way, such as Minister of Agriculture, ‘Sash’ Sawh whose murder was never solved and happened under Jagdeo’s watch.

It is important to understand that what we see playing out in real time with the dispute over the March 2nd elections for Jagdeo and the PPP has more to do with who controls Guyana’s new found oil wealth, access to power and Indian triumphalism than democracy and integrity of the electoral process. The PPP had admitted that in their eyes, there were no Black Guyanese to represent the country as foreign ambassadors overseas. Lest we forget, it was less than five years ago that America, Britain, Canada and the European Union labelled Guyana a narco-state racked by endemic corruption and money laundering during successive PPP administrations and was on the verge of international sanctions for failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

Now, every right-thinking Guyanese must ask themselves if the country is no longer labelled a narco-state under the APNU government and no longer face the threat of international sanctions, what happened?

The PPP had a plan to regain office the day they were voted out. The very GECOM that is now being vilified suddenly became important to the PPP in the name of holding local and regional elections. The PPP knew that due to the numerical superiority of their Indian support base, they should win, but were concerned about decreased support from that demographic due to high emigration. GECOM’s bloated list of electors (registered voters) became a gold mine. In a country with a population of less than 800,000 there are over 600,000 registered voters or nearly 80% of the population? The overall participation rate in the March 2, 2020, on a day declared a national holiday was approximately 65%. Even when controlling for crossover votes (very little), which is infinitesimal as evidenced by the totals received by each of the other smaller parties who competed nationally; in areas

that PPP won, support approached 85-93 percent. That is an amazing feat…if true.

The PPP had to show enormous gains of 2.5 to 3 times the number of votes APNU received in other areas to blunt the deluge that they would face in Region Four, Guyana’s largest population centre and support base of the APNU. Based on the PPP’s own data, they expect Guyanese to believe that they gained over 10,000 crossover votes, APNU gained less than 500 and the other parties gained a statically insignificant amount of votes in Region Four.

Enter the relationship of Jagdeo and Mercury Public Affairs (MPA). Mercury, no stranger to controversy and involvement with the Russian interference of the 2016 American elections, set about rehabilitating the image of Jagdeo and the PPP. Jagdeo, who will do anything at all cost in order to amass more wealth, is the same person who attempted to hire convicted felon Bernard Kerik (at the time was arrested and under indictment) to lead the Guyana Police Force and reform that agency around the time of the death squads. Mercury has aggressively lobbied the current American admin-

istration and members of Congress as well as worked closely with the OAS, who by the way has a lot to account for in the removal of president Evo Morales of Bolivia ( https:// www.commondreams.org/ news/2020/02/27/oas-has-lotanswer-new-study-disputeskey-claim-paved-way-rightwing-coup-bolivia). Mercury’s game plan was for the PPP to declare themselves the winners of the election, claim electoral fraud against the sitting government and accuse their opponents of corruption being worse than the PPP. In other words, present a false binary choice to the Guyanese people.

Over a year ago, Jagdeo and his handlers (MPA) without evidence of polling data or research, started laying the narrative of PPP as winners of the coming elections after the Charrandass no-confidence vote in Guyana’s parliament. Jagdeo has a ubiquitous media presence in the Guyanese and international media scape that easily dwarfs President Granger’s and the APNU. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo and the PPP have made direct and specific threats to business owners who they view as APNU supporters and is said to be compiling

a list of enemies to go after should they accede to office.

Jagdeo and Mercury Public Affairs have operated a misinformation and disinformation campaign to play the Guyanese people for suckers with the end goal of Jagdeo installing his second handpicked puppet as president to rape and pillage Guyana’s oil wealth. Should this happen, expect Jagdeo to have the constitution changed for him to serve as president again, much like Putin did in Russia.

Make no mistake, the $34 million dollars that Jagdeo (and his “investors”) have admitted paying Mercury will seem like pocket change and a shrewd investment, compared to what they will reap over the next 20 years while Guyanese will be worse off with Jagdeo and his band of kleptocrats in office.

To prevent this from happening, Mr. Granger must continue to abide by the constitution, the courts and GECOM being the only duly authorised independent body that can declare the results of the elections.

absence of the PPP commissioners or (b) their deliberate walk-out at various meetings, leaving GECOM to muddle through without a quorum, frustrating the process.

The headline in the Newspaper on Feb, 22, said. “There were [sic] a lot of abuse.” Abuse is what GECOM got, because they accepted the Carter Center suggestion that they “reduce private residences as polling places.” The PPP lost their collective minds, screaming of “reduction was in their stronghold.” This wailing was done by their messiah.

Of course, his incantations were drenched in ink, by the supportive media. Speaking as a private citizen and not as a Minister of the Government, Mr Ramjattan said, “a lot of mischief was done during the PPP’s period.” He was referring to the private home polling stations, of course he was a former member of the PPP. As late as March 1st GECOM had to be ferreting out Trojan Horses who had infiltrated their ranks, people who were awarded the title

of Presiding Officer, with knowledge of the operation, were caught campaigning for a particular party. On elections day, some supporters of the PPP were accused of issuing fake ID cards, could these cards have anything to do with the people who were fired from GECOM? Attempts were made to interfere with the voting process at Mon Repos Primary School and at LBI and Strathspey. Following that, 12 men were arrested as they attempted to remove statements of poll (SOP) from a polling station in Georgetown.

It was reported that the observers and international community were pleased with the orderly process of the voting and gave the elections a clean bill of health, including CARICOM. After which the GECOM Chair hailed the polls a major success; at the same time “urges citizens to be patient.”

Still awaiting the results the GECOM chair has advised the media of responsible reporting. Not to sensationalise. No sensationlisation of their reporting. However, the garrulous Chairman of the Private Sector Commission was having none of it; he expressed his concern (which means an attack on

GECOM) about the pace at which the results were being released. Mr Chairman so are we, but then we are not rabble rousers.

On March 6th the headlines in the newspaper said; “Coalition Takes Lead” the same time this was being announced; supporters of the opposition invaded the GECOM office. An event that Stabroek News EDITORIAL said “as it should have” meaning that the thugs, inclusive of the opposition leader, the presidential candidate, (it’s all on tape) their lawyer, and several men carrying and brandishing guns, had the right to invade GECOM. Just as they had the right to attack a school bus injuring schoolchildren. Just like this time as they torched Mr Azeez’s butcher shop. These valiant democracy fighters attacked a nurse’s car and beat it up.

This threatening and thuggish behaviour exhibited by these people should understand that these actions have consequences.

In the midst of all of this mayhem, which Stabroek News described as an “uproar, re-invasion,” the CJ ruled that the court has the jurisdiction to hear an elections matter. However, the injunction blocking the declaration still remains.

Following the court’s order GECOM immediately made a declaration that they will do nothing “pending court matters; GECOM will not flout the laws of Guyana. Though buffeted from every conceivable angle GECOM has held firm.

On the 12th March the CJ gave GECOM a ringing endorsement when she ruled that GECOM and only GECOM can decide how the tabulation can proceed.

We will be calm though vigilant, if and when appropriate action is to be taken, it will be taken.

What this respite has done? As brother Bob said; “if your night should turn to day now, you will see how many PEOPLE will RUN away.” This respite has shone the brightest light on the hypocrites. People teetering at the edge, hoping for a quick decision so that they can slink back into their caves.

Unfortunately for you we have seen the enemy and it is you. This is for Mr Beepat, thank you for dis-inviting me back to your mall.

Thank you very much. i only hope that people that look like me accept your dis-invitation also.

Is this a coup?

Dear Sir,

Is this a coup? Or an attempt of a coup, leaving GECOM to be labeled the sponsor.

These attacks against GECOM and its credibility is not surprising. In our group talk in South Park, I told my colleagues that these attacks are a game to challenge the integrity of GECOM. Find some way to discredit GECOM; put doubts into anything they say. And lo and behold Stabroek News editorial of 3/23/2020 has busted it wide open. In their humiliating put down of GECOM’s Chair, Stabroek News thought it wise to use certain words to illustrate their intent. Adjectives like “invincible, and ineffective,” how they left out incompetent had to be an oversight. Stabroek News took it upon themselves to accuse the Chair of being invisible, “while the rigging of the district four tabulation was in full swing.” Full Swing? really. Stabroek News knows that because Stabroek News said that. “Ineffective, because

she “has not explained her inaction to assert control over the deteriorating situation.”

And the one that borders on incompetence says; “is it that she is in gross dereliction of her duties.” Do you understand why they call it yellow journalism.

When Justice Patterson vacated GECOM as GECOM head, (whom they hated) the submitted substituted names were deemed “not fit and proper,” (which has nothing to do with character, it just that you were regarded as a putty knife.) and knowing that the choosers had “peep” you card, you became angry and directed your collective wrath against GECOM. The powers that be sitting back like so many piranhas, while instructing their local lackeys to stymie the process as they continue their daily sniping, distinctly challenging the credibility and integrity of GECOM to control the election process and the ability to produce a clear decision.

Could anyone remember how many GECOM meetings had to be adjourned, mostly postponed because of the (a)

Sincerely, Patrick Nicholson

Regards Milton Bruce

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

High Court on one-month lockdown

… pending cases adjourned to April THE Judiciary of Guyana has announced a one-month adjournment of all pending cases in the High Courts of the three counties due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary announced several protocols for the “evolving situation” to safeguard their staff and the public.

All pending matters in the High Courts in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara are adjourned for at least one month to a date on or after April 20, 2020.

Only urgent cases will be heard by the High Courts. The designated presiding judges will make determinations on the urgency of matters.

The Family Court Registry has suspended all “in person” litigants hearings until April 20, 2020 and after. A notice of the resumption of service will be issued.

The opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes for April will be postponed for one month. The Berbice and Essequibo Criminal Assizes are also suspended for a month.

Thereafter, the circumstances will be reviewed on the basis of the prevailing situation. Jurors will be advised via the media when they would be required to attend court.

Magistrates will be operating on a roster basis, sitting one day per week in each district. Some magistrates will be placed on call to deal with emergency matters.

With the exception of maintenance, domestic violence and related matters, all other cases in the magistrates’ court will be fixed to April 20, 2020.

For persons in custody, their matters will be heard or bail considered.

In case of urgent hearing of cases, an application must be made by letter with reasons to the chief justice or chief magistrate for consideration.

Written submissions/speaking points and addresses must be submitted to the court/magistrate. The judge/magistrate will determine the duration of the trial/ hearing.

Emails, Telephone Conference calls, Zoom/Skype and other related technology will be utilised to minimise “in-person” attendance at court and hearings of cases.

However, where ‘in-person’ hearings are permitted, several protocols will be established in relation to social distancing.

Only attorneys-at-law, persons/litigants and witnesses connected with matters will be allowed to enter the courtyard and a distance of at least three feet must be maintained between persons.

Bail applications and remand of

The Supreme Court of Guyana in Georgetown (Delano Williams photo) prisoners will be done via Skype, teleconferencing or other electronic means.

Attorneys-at-law are encouraged to only file matters that they deem urgent at this time. The court has issued adjournments, the adjourned dates will be communicated to attorneys-at-law via email, telephone, Skype or other electronic means.

Staff of the courts registries and offices will be operating on a rotational basis.

Enhanced cleaning and fumigating of all courts and offices continue to be in place. Attorneys-at-law, litigants and witnesses and other court users must

comply with sanitising requirements on entering all court compounds.

Members of the public are advised not to come to any court unless specifically requested to do so by the court or by their attorney-at-law.

Based on the advisories from the World Health Organisation, persons having flu-like symptoms, or who are otherwise ill or are caring for persons with such conditions, or who are in the high-risk or vulnerable category of persons are advised not to enter the court compounds.

I am the same man just speaking the truth Dear Editor, MY friend and long-time political colleague, in a letter published in the stateowned Guyana Chronicle (21st March, 2020), says that “recent statements…of mine has[sic] been cause for worry and disbelief.” I know that the Chronicle will not publish my response and I ask, therefore, that the independent media do so.

It does not surprise me that Hammy, as is his right, will defend the interest, as he perceives them, of APNU+AFC, but I am appalled that he has descended to attacking me racially. Because I am of Portuguese descent, Hammy has suggested that I am somehow less entitled to speak my mind on national affairs than he is as a Guyanese of African descent.

Then, perhaps, we should all pack up and leave Guyana to its Indigenous peoples.

Of all the people that I have known well and respected throughout my, admittedly, long life, in and out of politics in Guyana, Hammy Green is the last that I would have expected to question who I am, as always first, a Guyanese.

It must be that when I served in the Cabinet alongside of Hammy for eight years under Forbes Burnham, I was a “good Guyanese Portuguese.”

It must be that when our country’s reputation was seriously threatened and under siege from the American media from the Jonestown massacre, when I was assigned

by President Burnham to speak for Guyana in the U.S. on NBC’s Today Show hosted

by Tom Brokaw, on the Walter Cronkite newscast and some other 20 odd television interviews in the space of one week, I was a “good Guyanese Portuguese.” It would not be

lost on Hammy, who likes to recall the past, that while I was defending Guyana’s honour before the American media, our Minister of Information, Shirley Field-Ridley, his wife, at home, had made herself totally unavailable to the international media.

It must be that when I joined Forbes Burnham’s delegation, at his invitation, on his first official visit to the U.S. after independence and helped write his first speech as Guyana’s Prime Minister to the Washington Women’s Press Club on 22nd July, 1966, that I was “a good Guyanese Portuguese” There is much more on that visit that I could relate.

It must be that when I compiled Burnham’s most critical speeches to tell his story with the assistance of Reynold Burrows, published as A Destiny to Mould in 1970

by Longman Caribbean and which remains the only major publication documenting his speeches and public statements from 19551969, I was a “good Guyanese Portuguese.”

It must be that when I came home from New York and was appointed by President Desmond Hoyte to serve as head of the Guyana Public Communications Agency and as his special adviser for three years, I was “a good Guyanese Portuguese.”

It must be, however, that now I speak out against an unvarnished, ugly and barefaced attempt to rig the election results, I have become “a bad Guyanese Portuguese,” according to Hammy, one with “disdain for certain ordinary folks” and with “deep-seated prejudices”. No Hammy, I am the same man just speaking the truth and the same man that I know you recently recommended to receive the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

Hammy refers me to the confrontation between Jonathan Yearwood (ANUG’s ob-

server) whom he describes as a “Portuguese - local white” (who happens to be Guyanese) and Carol Joseph, whom he describes as “a small-built Afro Guyanese female” and asks why not a word of condemnation from me.

I was there as an accredited observer when Carol Joseph arrived at GECOM. She immediately, in a loud and exceedingly offensive tone, proceeded to direct the returning officer as to how he should be conducting the process. She then proceeded to hurl insults and threats at the local observers and party agents in the room who sought to challenge the returning officer’s presentation of the count. I heard her threaten to stamp Yearwood in his mouth.

I had left the room when the incident between Yearwood and Joseph occurred. From the video I have seen, it appears that both of them are at fault and should have known better.

Hammy accuses me of “suggesting that APNU+AFC is trying to rig the elections.”

I have not said that but, as Forbes Burnham often used to say, “who the cap fit let him pull the string.”

Hammy further cautions that I “should know that you don’t make statements of that kind without credible evidence.” I was there at GECOM. What more credible evidence do I need than my own eyes and ears? I witnessed the GECOM Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo present a series of alleged numbers of votes recorded to each of the political parties from a spreadsheet, not the Statements of Poll, which bore no resemblance to the SoPs in the possession of the observers and party agents present in the room.

When the party agents sought to point out the discrepancies, Mr. Mingo simply ignored

them, his officers continuing with the count at a pace that was almost impossible to follow.

The diplomatic community and international observers also in the room, recognising that the pretence of following the chief justice’s (ag) directions to Mr. Mingo to resume the count from the SoPs had become a farce, left the room. I left shortly after.

If Hammy and his APNU+AFC comrades need further credible evidence, I suggest they read the statement from the Commonwealth Observer Group to Guyana deployed here by Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland herself.

Hammy is pretty good at his history but I must point out to him that the Melvilles and the Harts involved in the Rupununi uprising in 1969 were not of Portuguese descent. My brother, Martin Nascimento, who was a captain in the GDF at the time, incidentally, was actively involved in putting down that contemptible rebellion. My brother also played a commanding role in defending Guyana against the Surinamese invasion at the New River Triangle.

I end by asking a simple question. If indeed the APNU+AFC believes that declaration of the results in other Regions such as Three, Six and Five, are questionable, then why the resistance to holding a recount of all 10 districts under the supervision of a Caribbean presence?

I feel certain that when a recount is held and the facts established, that my small part in seeking to defend what is right against what is wrong, will be vindicated and, hopefully, Hammy Green and I will resume our friendship.

Regards Kit Nascimento

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

PPP in another court move … challenges court’s jurisdiction to hear recount injunction

By Svetlana Marshall IN the coming days, the High Court will determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear the Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed

by Ulita Moore to block permanently, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from facilitating a national recount of all the votes cast during the March 2 general and regional elections.

Based on that decision, which will be handed down

by Justice Franklin Holder, the court will then decide whether or not it will proceed to hear arguments on the application filed by Leader of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo, for GECOM to produce the Statements of Poll (SOPs) for the votes cast in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) during the elections.

The issue of jurisdiction in the case Ulita Moore vs GECOM; its Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh; and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, arose on Tuesday when Justice Holder took the bench to adjudicate over the Application for Discovery, which was brought by Jagdeo, in an attempt to have the Guyana Elections Commission produce the SOPs. During the initial stage of the hearing, Jagdeo’s Attorneys – Trinidad’s Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, who appeared via Skype, and Anil Nandlall – challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Moore. Moore is being represented by Grenadian Queen’s Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis; Attorneys-at-Law John Jeremie S.C., Keith Scotland out of Trinidad and Tobago, and

Guyanese Lawyers Mayo Robertson and Roger Yearwood.

Outside of the High Court, Moore’s Attorney, Mayo Robertson, told journalists that in light of the issue of jurisdiction raised

by Senior Counsel Mendes, Justice Holder took a decision to defer the ‘Discovery Application.’

“The court has decided to resolve the issue [of jurisdiction] first,” Robertson said, while adding, “the matter of the SOPs was deferred because the judge thought it was important to resolve the issue of jurisdiction before he decided whether or not to deal with the issue of the SOPs.” Nonetheless, Robertson made Moore’s position clear that the High Court has jurisdiction to adjudicate over her case. “We firmly believe that the court has jurisdiction [to hear the matter] that’s why we brought the action in the first place,” the attorney said.

Senior Counsel, Neil Boston – the attorney representing the Chief Elections Officer – told journalists that given the issue raised, it is important for the court to establish first, its jurisdiction before proceeding with any other related matter, including the Discovery Application brought against GECOM. He posited that to do the opposite, would be to waste the court’s time.

However, Nandlall, one of the attorneys representing Jagdeo, told journalists that he had hoped that the court would have heard the Discovery Application before deciding on its jurisdiction to adjudicate over the matter, although his client’s application stemmed from Moore’s FDA. “We…said the court, at

Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson some point in time, perhaps after the Discovery Hearing is concluded, will have to address its mind to whether it can entertain Ulita Moore’s matter because that matter questions decisions made by the Guyana Elections Commission,” Nandlall told journalists.

However, Justice Holder took a decision to address the issue of jurisdiction first before treating with all other related matters currently before him. Nandlall and Senior Counsel Mendes have until 14:00hrs today (Wednesday, March 25, 2020) to file their written submission while Moore’s lawyers have until 14:00hrs on Thursday, March 26, 2020 to file their reply.

The case has been adjourned to Friday, March 27, 2020.

THE SOPS Meanwhile, Nandlall told journalists that were GECOM to produce the SoPs currently in the possession of the Chief Elections Officer to the court, such a move would resolve the current controversy

Senior Counsel Neil Boston over the reported lack of transparency in the tabulation process that was employed by the Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, before his declaration of the votes cast in his electoral district.

“We thought that…it would be in the best interest of everyone to have, not the returning officer statements of poll, but statements of poll in the possession of the Chief Elections Officer. These are statements of poll under the law that goes directly to the Chief Elections Officer from the presiding officer at the close of poll,” Nandlall said as he attempted to explain the reason behind Jagdeo’s application for discovery.

However, he expressed surprise and disappointment at the Chief Elections Officer’s objection to such a request. We felt that those [SoPs] would have been the cleanest and most genuine statements of poll that can be used to resolve the issue of the controversy. Now one could have expected that in ordinary circumstances that the Chief Elections Officer,

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall being part of an impartial body, being the Guyana Elections Commission Secretariat and also the statutory officer and also the custodian of all documents in relation to elections, he would have been most anxious and most willing to allow his statements of poll to be scrutinised by everyone including the court in order to arrive at a solution to the controversy. Unfortunately, the Chief Elections Officer takes a position that is totally inconsistent with that,” Nandlall complained.

While falling short of stating the legal basis on which the Application for Discovery was made, Nandlall told journalists that his Client wants the High Court to establish whether or not the Returning Officer on March 13 used the correct SOPs to tabulate the votes for his Electoral District. “If Lowenfield’s Statements of Poll are produced, [it] can be easily established that the RO was not using the Statements of Poll; he had to have been getting those numbers from some other source, and that is the bone of contention,”

Nandlall posited.

However, were the court to order GECOM or the Chief Elections Officer to produce the SoPs, it would have to tabulate all the votes cast in District Four, to determine whether there was variation in the votes declared by the Returning Officer on March 13, and the total number of votes it arrived at for each List of Candidates. To engage in such an act would be to usurp the independent and constitutional powers of the Guyana Elections Commission in the supervision of the country’s elections.

But Nandlall believes that the coast has already been cleared for such tabulation to be done by the court. “Tabulate means adding up; and the court has already taken jurisdiction over the RO’s function to say they can review the RO’s function as contained in Section 84 [of the Representation of People Act], and the RO’s function entails tabulating and adding up,” Nandlall further submitted, but told the press that he cannot say what the judge will or will not do. On Monday, the Chief Elections Officer’s attorney told journalist that the Discovery Application brought by Jagdeo ought to have been brought by way of an Elections Petition within 28 days of the declaration of the results for the General and Regional Elections by GECOM. That aside, Chief Elections Officer, in his affidavit in deference repeatedly indicated that at all material times, the returning officer and his assigned elections officers and clerks were using SoPs during the tabulation process and not a spreadsheet as alleged by the PPP/C and other parties.

Joint Services given tools to protect against COVID-19

IN light of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the heads of the Joint services have taken strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus to their members of staff.

Measures range from providing staff with sanitation resources and making minor infrastructural changes to their stations.

Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Paul Williams, said that there are several systems in place to protect the officers. He explained that although the ranks of the GPF are still in-line, the GPF’s current operation is being guided by the Ministry of Public Health’s Guide for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

“We are working to ensure that none of our ranks is ex-

Director of Guyana Prison Service, Gladwin Samuels posed to this COVID-19 virus and it is because of that fact we have been reducing staff within the work environment through a system where we have them rotating every other day,” stated Williams.

Williams further explained that all ranks have been provided with the necessary sanitation resources to keep themselves protected from the virus. When asked what systems have been put in place with regards to traffic ranks attached to the GPF, Williams said, “in relation to the traffic ranks, we know they have to be in constant contact with persons and so we made sure that they are provided with gloves, sanitisers and, in the cases where it is necessary, face masks. They have also been warned to observe the health rules and best practices during their interactions with the public.”

Williams stated that, in addition to protecting the health of the ranks, the GPF is moving to ensure measures are in

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams place to protect those persons who would need to visit the police stations, explaining that some additional infrastructural work was being addressed.

Williams added that “We are working to put in place, at all of the stations within

the division, arrangements to deal with the public. We are already getting assistance to obtain a thermometer, with infrared capabilities, so that we can be able to have a high level of health and safety security for the ranks and persons who would be going to the varying stations.”

Director of the Guyana Prison Service, Gladwin Samuels, stated that the GPS has been following the instructions given by the Ministry of Public Health as it relates to the Health and safety of not only its ranks, but also the inmates of the prisons.

He stated that the GPS has made significant purchases to ensure it puts all measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus saying, “we have purchased over 10,000 gallons

of hand sanitizers; we have several other things in our systems for both prisoners and officers.”

Samuels further stated that face masks have been purchased and have been distributed to the necessary persons according to the guidelines by the Ministry of Public Health.

In addition to the system in place by the GPS and the GPF, the Guyana Fire Service has been working in a manner to not only protect its ranks from the virus, but has, in conjunction with the Mayor and City council, been working to implement systems for the sanitising of the streets surrounding the markets in Georgetown, through washing, two to three times a week, utilising the GFS’s fire trucks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

New Melody tanker arrives offshore Guyana

SEVERAL marine-tracking websites have shown that the New Melody tanker, scheduled to lift the first million cargo of crude for China’s state-controlled oil company CNOOC Ltd., has arrived offshore Guyana.

Marine Vessel Traffic placed the tanker right next to the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and

Offloading vessel (FPSO) and previous reports by Reuters had stated that the vessel was expected to arrive on March 24, 2020.

Director of Energy Dr. Mark Bynoe had days ago confirmed that the tanker was expected in just a few days. It will load up to one million barrels of sweet, light Liza crude for CNOOC when it arrives at the con-

The location of the tanker near the Liza Destiny FPSO, according to Marine Vessel Traffic

sortium’s FPSO. “The very large crude carrier (VLCC), with a capacity of around two million barrels, departed Colombia’s Covenas port on Wednesday evening after loading around 1.1 million barrels, the data show,” Reuters had stated.

Meanwhile, the site stated that the New Melody is a crude oil tanker built in 2018 and currently sails under the flag of Hong Kong.

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

The companies began production in December and have discovered more than eight billion barrels of recoverable resources, which could transform Guyana’s economy.

The New Melody tanker (Vessel Finder photo)

Four men held for ‘ganja’ found in vehicle FOUR persons were arrested following the interception of over three kilograms of cannabis on Monday at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

Police said that around 15:00hrs ranks, acting on information received, intercepted a public transportation vehicle in front of the Sparendaam Police Station. A search was conducted on the vehicle and four parcels of suspected cannabis were found concealed in the trunk.

The four individuals, inclusive of the driver, all denied knowledge of the prohibited substance and have been detained pending legal advice.

The Cannabis that was seized by the GPF

Exxon continuing operations … but says COVID-19 travel restrictions could hamper drilling activity EXXONMOBIL is continuing its operations, both on and offshore Guyana, with special health measures in place due to COVID-19, but current travel restrictions in place in Guyana and other key countries have impacted normal operations in the Stabroek Block.

Should the worldwide restrictions continue, the company has put in place plans to slow down drilling activities offshore Guyana.

“Efforts are being made

to limit the disruption of the coronavirus, but given the global nature of our operations, travel restrictions have impacted our ability to move workers into Guyana and will impact our ability to maintain normal operations offshore. We are evaluating our staffing levels on our four drilling vessels and the Liza Destiny FPSO to determine next steps. We have made contingency plans to slow down drilling activities in the coming weeks, starting

with exploration drilling, in the event sustained travel restrictions prevent us from carrying out these activities,” Public and Government Affairs Advisor at Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Janelle Persaud told the newspaper on Tuesday.

There is currently no impact to production on the Liza Destiny, but, for the US oil giant, the safety of individuals working offshore and the protection of the environment

Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Destiny

remain priority.

Persaud said that ExxonMobil continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak closely in keeping with guidance from relevant authorities. As protocol, the company is relying on its well-established processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease outbreaks.

“We are screening workers at the Ogle heliport before they are cleared to travel offshore to ensure they are not exhibiting symptoms of the virus and that they have not knowingly come into contact with anyone who has the virus. As a further precaution, medical personnel onboard our offshore facilities will continue to monitor the health of the workers and provide appropriate treatment and care. Onshore, most office employees are working remotely as we have instituted ‘social distancing’ protocols, except for employees working on operations-critical activities,” the Public and Government Affairs Advisor said.

Advisories have also

been sent out to its personnel to reinforce general prevention measures to avoid becoming ill even as they work from home. Added to this, Exxon has temporarily suspended the construction activities for its local headquarters at the Ogle, East Coast Demerara location.

The contract was awarded to NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana back in April 2019. It is a Guyanese-led joint venture initiative between NABi Construction Inc. (Guyana) and Kee-Chanona Limited (Trinidad). Meanwhile, at the beginning of March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that EEPGL had applied to undertake the Hammerhead Development Project, with facilities for petroleum production expected to last at least 20 years.

It marks the pursuit of Exxon’s fourth development project, with Liza Phase I and Liza Phase II already approved, and Payara awaiting approval. In keeping with the Environmental Protection Act No. 11, 1996, the EPA

Public and Government Affairs Advisor at Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Janelle Persaud says, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development must first be provided before any decision is made as the project could have significant impacts on the environment. Members of the public were invited from the day of the publication of the notice to make written submissions within 28 days highlighting any question and matters they require to be considered in the EIA. The newspaper was unable to ascertain whether provisions have been, or will be, made for the extension of any deadlines which may be affected.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Guyana makes significant progress in tackling TB … incidence down to 69 per every 100,000 persons in 2019, health official says

By Lisa Hamilton

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is the world’s deadliest infectious killer as daily, nearly 4,500 persons lose their lives to the disease, and some 30,000 more fall ill because of it.

On Tuesday, the world commemorated World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness about its devastating health, social and economic consequences and to increase efforts to end the global epidemic. However, the observance comes at a challenging time when a new pandemic, the coronavirus (COVID-19), has captured the attention of many health workers around the world.

TB is an airborne bacterial infection which can be acquired by inhaling contaminated air droplets released into the atmosphere when someone nearby who has active tuberculosis either coughs or

sneezes.

Persons can also get the disease by ingesting unpasteurised milk products contaminated with mycobacterium bovis, also known as Bovine tuberculosis. The most common form of the infection is Pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, but, in some cases the bacteria can also attack the lymphatic system, central nervous system, urogenital area, joints and bones.

Here in Guyana, Project Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall was happy to report on Monday that the number of cases in the country are on the decline.

“TB is coming down; the incidence is on the decline,” he told the newspaper on Monday.

Guyana’s TB cases have shown stability over the last few years, as the TB incidence for 2019 was 69 per 100,000

NTP Project Coordinator, Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall population.

This decline was particularly noticeable in the country’s prison population, whereby only 7 new TB cases were detected in all of its penal institutions in 2019, said to be the lowest in 20 years. It came about as a result of the strategy of ensuring that inmates affected with TB are isolated and treated using the DOT strategy.

Dr. Mohanlall said that he is especially proud that Guyana’s TB control programme has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

TB COUPLED WITH COVID-19 Meanwhile, the Chest Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) must also deal with the blurred lines between COVID-19 and TB. The Clinic sees some 60 per cent of all TB cases in the country.

Persons with active TB have symptoms such as excessive coughing (sometimes with blood), chest pain, general weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph glands, fever, chills, and night sweats. These symptoms can be misdiagnosed for bronchitis or pneumonia.

Meanwhile, in worst cases of COVID-19, persons can experience respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough and shortness of breath that often turn into pneumonia.

Dr. Mohanlall explained that the difference between the two diseases could be misunderstood by persons, stating: “TB is a progressive cough; you would cough and it will get worse, and you will get fever, night sweats, weight loss and these things. It’s progressive and it’s productive. With COVID-19, however, it’s a non-productive cough. You’ll have started with the fever an sore throat and

then you’ll have a dry cough.”

Nonetheless, he noted that a decision has been made to down-size exposure at the Chest Clinic, and staff have been reminded to take all health-related precautionary measures when handling patients.

Added to this, TB patients have been provided with two weeks worth of treatment to reduce the need for them to visit the clinic, while additional weeks of treatment could be provided should the country head into quarantine.

The medical staff are visiting TB patients directly to reduce their need to visit and patients concerned about whether they may have the virus are encouraged to call rather than visit, identical to the advice given to all citizens.

DO YOUR PART By the end of 2020, the goal is to decrease the incidence of TB to below 60 per 100,000 population.

The Public Health Ministry is constantly pursuing means to enhance socioeconomic support to less fortunate TB patients and to deal with challenges such as lack of food and abode, financial difficulties, low education level, unemployment and lack of social supports systems.

One of the country’s greatest challenges to fighting TB is the TB/HIV co-infection rate, which was 16 per cent in 2018. HIV has been identified as one of the biggest concerns and underlying causes of the increase in both TB morbidity and mortality.

The Ministry of Public Health, through the NTP, continues to urge persons to become more involved in the fight against TB by educating themselves and raising awareness about the disease.

TB services are present in all regions in the country through the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) programme of the NTP. There are 19 TB sites across the country and DOT coverage of just over 90 per cent.

“There is still need for improvement, especially in the hinterland regions where more coordination of efforts and ownership by all stakeholders is required,” then Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings acknowledged last year.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohanlall said: “TB is not like the COVID-19; you can diagnose TB. We have sufficient tests; the treatment is there, and it’s curable.

The other thing is that it is also preventable. Once we test that you’re positive, we put you under preventative therapy, and that is very good.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

GuySuCo, sugar unions united against COVID-19

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), in collaboration with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) are working to stem the transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the sugar industry.

The industry, a release said, still has thousands of sugar workers with dependents and it is imperative that Guyanese come together and confront the serious consequences that have been brought to bear by COVID-19.

“The workers’ organisations, as responsible bodies, consider it apt, at this time, to work in tandem with GuySuCo to protect first and foremost, the health, wellbeing and safety of the workforce; and secondly, secure the viability, and as practicable as possible, assure normalcy of the operations of GuySuCo. We hasten to add that just a few days ago GAWU, through correspondence, engaged GuySuCo regarding pragmatic initiatives which can be embraced in efforts to effectively apprehend any exacerbation of the situation,” the release said.

It added that the management of GuySuCo, in the interest of the thousands of its hard-working employees, has already implemented several preventative steps across the sugar industry.

These include sanitising labour transportation, workstations and machinery between shifts, at all locations.

Additionally, hand-washing and sanitizing of hands by all staff members are emphasised and encouraged; as such, anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers were made available throughout locations - at Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, GuySuCo’s La Bonne Intention Head Office Complex, Demerara Sugar Terminal, GuySuCo Aircraft Service and the GuySuCo Training Centre/Port Mourant (GTC/ PM).

“Our employee education and awareness programme is being intensified; this is led by the Medical Services and Safety and Health Departments.

Thus far, health education and awareness sessions and daily talks on COVID-19 are being held with various categories of employees,” the release said.

DISCUSSIONS Some of the discussions are on symptoms;

treatment; quarantine; responsibility to self, family members and the wider community, among others.

Employees who are facilitating these sessions and talks are the estates’ medical officers, nurses and medexes; welfare officers; factory, field and administrative staff, including managers and security officers and local unions’ representatives.

Relevant information, public health advisories and prevention methods on COVID-19, are also made available to all employees, electronically and via hard copies or handouts. Apart from that, the unions, through their structures, are also engaged in informing sugar workers of measures they and their families should embrace to restrict transmission of the virus.

Additionally, the management of GuySuCo will be implementing a shift/rotation system on Estates and at the Head Office, in order to minimise large gathering of employees at various locations, at any given time. The GuySuCo Training Centre/ Port Mourant (GTC/PM) was closed on March 18, until further notice, and all students have returned to their homes.

Screening of visitors is also being done at entrances of all locations.

Over the coming days and weeks, the release said GuySuCo will be working very closely with the three unions to provide employees with information, to encourage the importance of individual responsibility to protect themselves, family members and the community in which we work and live

as well as provide support to members of staff.

The corporation and the unions will remain in consultation with the Ministry of Public Health, as well as continue to closely monitor related developments, both locally and internationally, relative to the coronavirus.

“We sincerely believe that the practice of appropriate measures could see our people avoid what we have seen unfolding elsewhere and, at this time, we urge all Guyanese to heed the warnings, to practise social distancing and engage in healthy habits,” the release said.

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Guyana Goldfields promises to fight court action filed in Canada

CANADA-BASED company, Guyana Goldfields, on Tuesday, issued a statement declaring that it intends to vigorously defend a class action lawsuit filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, seeking unspecified amount of damages for alleged misrepresentations that the company made in public disclosures during the period December 14, 2017 to October 30, 2019.

The announcement comes weeks after the company’s stock took a major hit fol-

lowing the release of a report on February 25, where the company’s production results showed that 2019 fourth quarter gold production declined by 28 per cent, when compared to that of the 2018 fourth quarter.

According to Monday’s statement, the claim is being filed against the company and its former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Scott Caldwell, who had stepped down in April 2019 amidst controversy among the shareholders. The statement also notes that the claim has not

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Guyana Goldfields’ Guyana Goldfields’ yet been served on either of President and CEO, former President and the defendants.

Alan Pangbourne “It has not been certified CEO, Scott Caldwell by the Court as a class action, by the company, with the nor has the required leave of the Court been 2018 production representing a decrease of sought under Section 138.8 of the Securities 10,050 ounces compared to production from Act (Ontario) to commence the lawsuit,” 2017. In terms of financial gains, Guyana the statement said. Caldwell had served at Goldfields said earnings from mine operathe company as a director since 2012 and as tions were $36.6 million for 2018, a decline President and CEO since 2013. of $21.6 million from 2017.

Guyana Goldfields is the parent compaOver the years the company has seen its ny of the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), with fair share of issues including disputes among gold mining operations in Aurora, Region shareholders. In April 2019, the company Seven. The company started commercial announced that it had “reached a settlement production in January 2016. with a group of shareholders who had requiLast month the company forecast a four sitioned a special meeting of the Company’s to six months’ ore gap, starting in the second shareholders, including Patrick Sheridan, the quarter, after “smaller operating areas re- Company’s former Executive Chair”. sulted in reduced productivity rates from inAs part of the settlement, the company creased congestion and delays in drill, blast appointed two experienced mining execuload cycles. tives, Alan Pangbourne and Allen Palmiere, The company also announced cash flow to join the Board as independent directors, constraints. “While the Company previous- while two long-serving independent direcly anticipated generating sufficient work- tors stepped down. ing capital and cash flow to cover opThis also saw Caldwell stepping down, erating requirements through 2020, it and Palmiere being appointed interim CEO is now clear that this objective is no in April 2019. Replacing Palmiere, Panglonger achievable and there will be bourne was appointed as the company’s a need for additional financing for President and CEO, in November 2019. In the cost of additional waste strip- July, 2019, the company was forced to temping for the open pit and the develop- porarily suspend operations at AGM, owing ment of the underground mine,” the compa- to industrial unrest by workers that saw the ny said in its February 25 report. employees striking for a number of days.

For 2019 the company’s annual gold The company has been facing challenges production stood at 124,200 ounces, fall- as it transitions from an open pit operation ing below initial estimated projection of into an underground mine.

145,000-160,000 ounces of gold. The 2019 In the February 2020 report the comoutput represented a 17 percent decline from pany said that it was exploring financing the 150,400 ounces that were declared by and strategic alternatives to fund addithe company in 2018. tional waste stripping at its open pit and This represented successive declines for underground development.

Mining at the Aurora Gold Mines

Bus conductor accused of sexual activity with minor remanded A 22-year-old bus conductor, Telvin Wilburg, of Mabaruma, was, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, remanded to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty, having been charged with sexual activity with a child under 16 years.

Wilburg appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was read to him.

The charge alleged that, on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Jungle Set-

tlement, North West District, Wilburg engaged in sexual activity with a female 13-year-old child by touching her left leg.

The prosecutor objected to Wilburg being granted bail due to the distance between the victim and the defendant.

Magistrate McGusty proceeded to remand Wilburg to prison and adjourned the matter until Monday, May 18, 2020.

The matter was transferred to Mabaruma Court for report and fixture.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

AG appeals ruling against President’s ‘respite’ order THE Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams has moved to the Appeal Court and filed an application appealing the ruling by High Court Judge Nareshwar Harnanan on a critical decision of President David Granger.

On March 11, 2020, Justice Harnanan had ruled in favour of Trinidad engineering and construction company Dipcon, and quashed President David Granger’s decision to grant Jordan a respite from 21 days’ imprisonment.

To avoid imprisonment, 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 listed Attorney General Basil Williams as the respondent, was granted an order of cer-

tiorari. The company was represented by attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas.

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

The AG, unsatisfied with the decision, moved to the Appeal Court claiming that the judge erred in law.

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China committed to combating health threat facing mankind BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- At the Phnom Penh international airport on Monday, a seven-member expert team from China, carrying with them tons of medical supplies, were warmly greeted by Cambodian top officials as well as people waving the flags of the two countries.

The medical team added to China’s recent medical support to countries in need -such as Iran, Serbia and Italy -- in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the port city of Padova in northern Italy, a Chinese medical squad of nine people, wearing masks as well as vests in red and white with Red Cross logo, were working to an extremely tight schedule to grasp the situation there and offer medical guidance.

Their work was recorded in vlogs and diaries of Grandesso Federico, an Italian national residing in Padova.

“The Chinese team’s visit to Italy is not only important from the scientific side, but also from the human point of view: to be allied against this major illness is to be allied against a major enemy of the mankind,” Giampiero Rupolo, president of the Italian Red Cross Padova Committee, told Federico in a vlog.

country in the region.

Upon the team’s arrival in Italy, China had come out of the most arduous stage with daily new confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland dropping to a single digit for the first time. Beijing, in the spirit of solidarity and common health, has since sent more medical staff and supplies to other countries struggling to contain the epidemic.

The Chinese medical staff started their daily routines with an internal meeting at 7 a.m., and held a meeting until around 10 p.m. after returning to hotel earlier in the evening. They shared with Italian colleagues the sixth version of China’s COVID-19 treatment guidelines and the seventh version of its diagnosis and treatment scheme.

“The Italian side asked us a lot of ques- A team of Chinese medical experts arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport tions, and we often had longer discussions in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, March 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Mao Pengfei) than we initially planned,” Yang said. “We sophisticated surgeries and telemedicine.

VISION INTO ACTION want to share the achievements we have Members of an Italian medical team set up On March 23, 2013, in a packed aumade, and lessons we have learned, to help tents at Xiaode Township in quake-hit Mian- ditorium at the Moscow State Institute Italy better deal with the situation.” zhu City, southwest China’s Sichuan Prov- of International Relations, the vision of The team also spent time “strengthening ince, on May 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi) building a community with a shared fupeople’s confidence in home quarantine.”

Emotional connection with “kind and ture for mankind came into view of the Days later when they passed through the generous” local people left on team mem- international society. usually bustling areas in Rome, they seldom bers an indelible impression. “They (locals) Vasily Kashin, a senior research fellow saw any pedestrians and vehicles. were moved that we would leave our fami- with the institute’s Center for Integrated They also taught the public via a live- lies behind to go to their city to help them,” Sinology and Regional Projects, recalled TIMELY SUPPORT stream how to better protect themselves, said Maria Carola Martino, an emergency Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech, saying The Chinese medical team first ar- including the seven-step hand-washing room surgeon.

Xi’s “attractive” vision “will gradually be rived in Rome, the first leg of their jour- method. “It’s the simplest thing, but a key To cheer children up from the trauma, reflected in the global governance system.” ney in Italy. After staying in Padova, it way to guard against the virus,” said Tang the medical team held a jamboree, with “It is an idea related to the coordinacontinued the northward journey to the Menglin, a head nurse from China’s Sichuan some singing songs and one member riding tion of policies of different countries in hardest-hit region of Lombardy, where Province, whose special affection for Italian on a broomstick to imitate Harry Potter in a the economic and social spheres and in more doctors sent by China joined the doctors dating back to 12 years ago brought hilarious way. disaster management, without establishing battle against the COVID-19 epidemic. her to the frontline in Italy.

Zuo Xuemei, a local Chinese doctor, any uniformity or someone’s hegemony,” Yang Huichuan, a team member, was “As a Sichuanese, I’m fortunate to be recalled a surgery in which she assisted the Kashin said, adding the pandemic will be an impressed with a note in his hotel room on here to repay Italians’ kindness when we Italians. “It was very hot in June and ev- important topic on international occasions his first night in Rome. “We stand together, were in trouble,” said Tang. eryone was sweating ... We spoke different in the future. we fight together, we will win together,” it The pandemic so far has spread to more languages, but communicated through eye read.

LEAVES OF SAME TREE contact as everyone was familiar with the than 180 countries and regions, with about On March 12, the team, organized by the The story began in May 2008, when surgery procedure.”

300,000 confirmed cases and over 12,000 National Health Commission and the Red Sichuan suffered a catastrophic 8-magThe Italian doctors treated nearly 1,000 deaths, disrupting people’s normal life and Cross Society of China, came in the nick of nitude earthquake, in which more than people before heading home, and left the also taking a heavy toll on the global econtime with tons of medical supplies including 80,000 people were killed. field hospital to local doctors. Residents omy. ventilators, monitors and defibrillators.

Within days, a medical team of about gathered to see them off and some children WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Right on the next day, the World Health 20 members from Italy was on the ground cried and followed their cars as they drove Ghebreyesus said China’s “impressive” efforts Organization (WHO) announced that Europe in Mianzhu, Sichuan. They established a away. in tackling the public health crisis not only efhad become the epicenter of a coronavirus tent-like field hospital with complete sets of Now China is offering a helping hand to fectively contained the virus at home but also pandemic with Italy being the hardest-hit medical equipment, capable of conducting Italy in the heart-wrenching pandemic. created a window of opportunity for the world.

On the global stage, China has shared “I am happy to know that they still carry us in the heart as we carry them in our its anti-virus experience with more than 100 heart,” Martino said. “We are all waves from countries and organizations, given a 20-milthe same sea, leaves from the same tree and lion-U.S.-dollar donation to the WHO, and sent supplies and medical teams to countries flowers from the same garden.”

Luigi D’Angelo, director of the Emer- in need.

Such moves have translated into practice gency Office of Italy’s Civil Protection Department, was in Sichuan to coordinate how a world community works towards a shared future, especially in achieving comthe support of European experts.

Being engaged in the emergency man- mon health for mankind.

Xi’s vision offers a much-needed new agement due to the coronavirus in Italy and once again working with Chinese doctors, way of thinking for the world and conveys D’Angelo said the concept of “world com- a great hope, said Robert Kuhn, a leading U.S. expert on China and chairman of the munity” is what they are looking at.

The bond between Beijing and Rome Kuhn Foundation.

“In so many ways, the nations of the tells how a world community stands together through thick and thin, and the world must act for the common good of notion resonated with faculty staff and humanity, especially in wake of the growChinese medical experts discuss with members of academic committee and students in a Moscow academy when it ing pandemic,” Kuhn said. “It behooves epidemiologists from Veneto via internet in Padova, Italy, March 18, 2020. was first unveiled by China on an inter- people of goodwill everywhere to work to transform the rhetoric into reality.” national occasion seven years ago.

(China’s Anti-Epidemic Expert Team/Handout via Xinhua)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

One taxi service is aiding in the fight against COVID-19 IN an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, taxi services in Guyana are ensuring that they are complying with precautionary measures set out by the Ministry of Public Health.

Guyana Chronicle spoke with the owner of Confidential Cabs, Kwame Anderson, who pointed out that his taxi service ensures that drivers sanitize their vehicles thoroughly before passengers enter and after they leave.

Anderson also added that drivers have been instructed to make full use of natural air, instead of using the air-conditioning unit while transporting commuters to their respective destinations. “When commuters enter the motor vehicle, they are offered hand sanitisers to ensure they are compliant with basic hygienic and pre-

cautionary measures as prescribed by the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Public Health.�

Anderson added.

Anderson further stated that when drivers return to the base, after they would have dropped off commuters to their respective destinations or when the opportunity becomes available, drivers are mandated to have their cars sprayed with Lysol.

Such is also done at the end of the working day.

There has been major concern expressed by citizens about being exposed to the coronavirus, while travelling in taxis and having to interact with other commuters.

There is a call for all sectors of the Guyanese society to get on board against the spread of the coronavirus.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Commonwealth develops tracker to help countries monitor coronavirus

THE Commonwealth has developed a coronavirus tracker that shows daily cases in member countries. The tracker collects data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and shows the total confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in the affected member countries.

The tool is designed to help countries prepare and respond to the pandemic.

The disease, caused by coronavirus is known as COVID-19, has infected more than 218,000 people and killed 8,800 in over 100 countries.

Assistant Secretary-General Nabeel Goheer said: “Coronavirus has rapidly spread across the world affecting people, livelihoods and nations.

“The Commonwealth, as an organisation that believes in innovation, has prepared this tracker that offers real-time and accurate insight for governments to make informed decisions on this worsening crisis.”

As of 23 March, the online tracker shows 12,707 Commonwealth citizens have been infected and 340 have died in some member countries.

A Commonwealth analysis suggests access to hospital beds and ventilators is limited in many countries, which could present a major challenge if coronavirus is not contained early enough.

Kathleen McCourt, President of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, said: “Commonwealth nurses and midwives are at the forefront of the global Covid-19 response.

“They are reporting inadequate access to personal protective equipment, being asked to work in unfamiliar environments and inconsistent or absent access to testing for

CTO signs deal with global market research firm BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar 24, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tuesday said it has signed an agreement with a leading global market research firm, Euromonitor International, through which members can access additional information to aid in their tourism planning.

It said the collaboration agreement with the London-based firm will provide member countries with data and insights to identify future trends, statistics and analysis on industries, countries and consumers. Access to the data from existing and target source markets will be through Euromonitor International’s global market information database, Passport.

“Our partnership with Euromonitor International expands the range of data and research available to our member countries which they can use to inform the development of their national tourism strategies,” said Faye Gill, the CTO’s director, membership services.

As part of the agreement, CTO said its members will receive access to relevant information about the travel landscape globally, such as market disruptors, latest trends and impactful scenarios like the coronavirus pandemic. Euromonitor International provides high-quality information and expert analysis on factors shaping tourism in different countries and economies.

Head of travel research at Euromonitor International, Caroline Bremner, said, “we are delighted to partner with the CTO and help its members build strategies for resilience and sustainability for long-term success.” The CTO’s move to forge this relationship with Euromonitor International is part of the organisation’s increasing thrust towards the provision of more robust data for decision making and planning. Euromonitor International is a leading market research company that provides global data for different sectors and industries, including travel and tourism.

The company’s Passport database includes outbound trends, expenditure numbers, socio-economic data and traveller profiles for many of the region’s existing and potential source markets, the CTO added.

The Commonwealth has developed a coronavirus tracker that shows daily cases in member countries

healthcare workers “We are encouraging national organisations to contribute data to the Commonwealth coronavirus tracker. This data will better prepare and equip healthcare workers to tackle this global emergency.”

She urged Commonwealth countries to work with health professionals to ensure healthcare workers are protected and able to care for their patients safely and appropriately.

The tracker is part of the Innovation Hub, which Secretary-General Patricia Scotland established in 2018. The online hub promotes the cutting-edge ideas and innovations of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people, 54 member countries and 90 accredited organisations.

A Commonwealth health protection policy toolkit is available on the Innovation Hub. The toolkit looks at the effects of pandemics on global security and offers solutions to strengthen health protection systems.

‘No double-up!’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

─ Minibus operators declare, join fight against COVID-19

By Naomi Parris

MINIBUS operators across the country, especially those who ply the East Coast route, have jumped into swift action to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

With the large number of reported deaths and confirmed cases across the world, five of them here in Guyana, Errol Christie, a Route 44 (East Coast) minibus driver has noted that he is taking all necessary precautions to

safeguard himself and his passengers.

“I have hand sanitisers on the passenger side of the bus, and I have rubbing alcohol that I use to sanitise my hands and my steering wheel and door handles,” Christie said.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that he is also cleaning his bus regularly with the necessary sanitation products as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Another Route 44 minibus operator, who asked to remain anonymous,

told the Guyana Chronicle that he, too, is taking all the necessary measures to protect himself and those who enter his bus.

Noting that the situation at hand is a very serious one, he said that unlike many of the younger operators, he does not carry overload, and has even reduced the number of passengers he picks up so that persons can feel safe and comfortable when travelling in his bus.

He said that he is hoping that the Ministry of Health

and the Guyana Police Force will clamp down on those who are still in the habit of over-packing the buses, or are making commuters double-up when travelling since it is very unsafe.

BUSINESS SLOW Revealing that he has suffered a financial blow due to the COVID-19 outbreak, one Route 40 minibus driver, who gave his name as Neville, stated that he has not been able to work consistently since the news broke of Guy-

ana’s first case of the virus.

“I don’t really work every day now, since the coronavirus. Today mus’e the first day fuh the week me come out…

Honestly, I don’t feel like I go’n wuk every day now, how dis t’ing got everybody home… Since elections-time, people hardly travelling; the virus plus the elections got everything pun standstill.

People hardly travelling,” Neville said.

it difficult to make payments on their vehicles, since there isn’t much business. “As the days go by, it getting stiffer, because the work is not so much on the road, because people are not coming out.

And I’d be glad if something can be done for us owners and drivers of motor vehicles,” Clarke said.

MEETING Meanwhile, Dr. Lau-

Errol Christie, a Route 44 minibus driver armed with his hand sanitiser (Photos by Delano Williams)

He, too, said he is taking all necessary measures to protect himself and those who travel in his vehicle. “I does use we li’l methylated spirits and alcohol rub and suh. We does wipe out de bus wid li’l bleach; we does wipe out de seat. Actually every trip yuh guh, yuh wipe,” Neville said.

‘Junior’, another popular minibus driver on the Route 40 bus park stated that he is armed with the necessary sanitation products to keep himself and passengers safe.

However, he stated that his pocket has also suffered a financial blow since news broke of the country’s first COVID-19 case.

“I does clean my bus up every trip; I does use bleach and so on, and clean my bus out,” he said, adding: “But in terms of business, it is very slow; people are afraid to travel, because they don’t want to jam up to each other in the bus.”

SEEKING SUBSIDY Meanwhile, another minibus owner, Alywn Clarke, is appealing to the relevant authorities to decrease the percentage on vehicle payments during the COVID-19 outbreak, since business is not flowing as per normal.

“This situation here, it ain’t nice at all; yuh coming out in the day, and yuh barely mekkin’ a li’l $8000. It ain’t right! And ah glad if the government could do something; a li’l subsidy fuh de bus drivers them… Is either de bank dem reduce the percentage on the loan suh you could get little more time to pay, ‘cause right now, we squeezing,” Clarke stated.

Stressing that things will be ‘tighter’ in the coming days, Clarke said business is very slow, and many vehicle owners and minibus operators like himself are finding

ren Bancroft and a team of medical personnel from the Ministry of Public Health met with President of the United Minibus Union (UMU) Eon Andrews and Union members to discuss the plans set for the UMU to grapple with the deadly COVID-19 virus.

The meeting was held on Monday at the Guyana Trades Union Congress Boardroom at Critchlow Labour College, where Dr. Bancroft and UMU members and public transportation providers were educated on the virus. The need for consistent and proper hygiene especially as it relates to hand sanitization was also explained and demonstrated.

Those present were also challenged to be proactive in the execution of their responsibilities to themselves and the commuters that they have to interact with during the course of their daily work schedule. Dr. Bancroft emphasised the need for all stakeholders to develop partnerships, so that the partners can have civil discussions as a collective, as to how best they can protect each other against the COVID-19 invasion, since by the very nature of their operations, persons have to be compacted in a small space and more so, overloading the buses can further exacerbate the situation with dire consequences.

World Health Organisation (WHO), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Ministry of Public Health paraphernalia were also distributed to the attendees that comprised Operators from Routes 31 (Georgetown-Patentia); 32 (Georgetown- Parika); 42 (Georgetown-Timehri); 44 (UGIndustry); 45 (Main-Lamaha-Hospital- Albert); 47 (East-West Ruimveldt); and 48 (Sophia).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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CARICOM agriculture ministers seeking to allay fears amidst COVID-19

CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) agriculture ministers have warned that while there are adequate supplies of food in the region now, Caribbean countries should galvanise local production to meet future demands.

A CARICOM Secretariat statement said that this is one of the recommendations contained in a framework document that the ministers have accepted in principle to deal with the availability and accessibility of food in CARICOM in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It said that the ministers and other stakeholders met in a special session of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) last week via video conference to consider the impact the pandemic was likely to have on food and nutrition security in the region. “Availability of food is in focus against the background of the region’s food import dependence to the tune of almost four billion US dollars and disruptions in international trade as countries take unprecedented steps – such as the closure of borders and port – to safeguard their populace,” the Secretariat noted.

The meeting was chaired

by Belize Food and Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse, who said a food security response was fundamental given the uncertainty of the pandemic. CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration, Joseph Cox, said that as the global community continued to grapple with the impact of the virus, recognition had to be given to the fact that the Community’s approach had to be more nuanced.

He said the impact was likely to affect the Community “in different phases as we go and so we have to be very measured in our responses” and that there were “tremendous opportunities” for food production, while warning that logistical challenges had to be taken into consideration as well. The Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Shaun Baugh, acknowledged that the

situation was a fluid one since there was no firm indication of its outcome, hence the decision to meet and to prepare for any eventuality.

Baugh, speaking after the meeting, said the regional response framework document envisions member states drawing up national food security plans, engaging the private sector to ensure their supply chains are in place and interacting with farmer and producer organisations to see how best to boost local production of food in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Institutional coordination and an effective communications strategy were also among the pillars of the document and Baugh said that some member states already had national plans in place to boost local production. “We’ve given some basic guidelines but we’ve asked Member States to look at their own realities to see how they will implement.

It will involve farmers; it will involve input suppliers; it will involve the general private sector distribution channels,’ Baugh added.

Representatives of the shipping industry, who participated in the meeting assured that from a containerised point of view, shipping was available and measures were in place in ports to ensure a steady supply of food.

Baugh said that the meeting took into consideration border and other restrictions and a plan of action was being put in place for exports. “The Ministers of Agriculture, and by extension the Ministries of Agriculture are engaged. They see the importance of ensuring that we have the plans in place to deal with the outcomes of COVID-19.”

He said that the agencies and international partners were mobilized to provide technical support and rapid assessment response programmes and that the wheels were in motion and the deliverables coming out of the meeting should lead to a united response to ensure that the Region had adequate supplies to meet the nutritional requirements of the populace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Olympics, Paralymics postponed for one year (BBC) - The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed until next year because of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

The event, due to begin on July 24, will now take place “no later than summer 2021”.

“I proposed to postpone for a year and (IOC) president Thomas Bach responded with 100% agreement,” said Shinzo Abe, Japan’s Prime Minister.

The event will still be called Tokyo 2020 despite taking place in 2021.

In a joint statement, the organisers of Tokyo 2020 and IOC said: “The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen

the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating.

“On Monday, the director general of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is ‘accelerating’.

“There are more than 375 000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour.

“In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today (Tuesday), the IOC president and the prime minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later

than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.”

The IOC had given itself a deadline of four weeks to consider delaying the Games but there had been mounting pressure from a host of Olympic committees and athletes demanding a quicker decision.

Canada became the first major country to withdraw from both events on Sunday, while USA Track and Field, athletics’ US governing body, had also called for a postponement.

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said the postponement was “the

only logical option”.

He added: “The health and wellbeing of human life must always be our number-one priority and staging a sporting event of any kind during this pandemic is simply not possible.

“Sport is not the most important thing right now, preserving human life is. It is essential, therefore, that all steps are taken to try to limit the spread of this disease.

“By taking this decision now, everyone involved in the Paralympic movement, including all Para-athletes, can fully focus on their own health and wellbeing and staying safe during this unprecedented and difficult time.”

The Olympics have never been delayed in their 124-year modern history, though they were cancelled altogether in 1916, 1940 and 1944 during World War One and World War Two.

Major Cold War boycotts disrupted the Moscow and Los Angeles summer Games in 1980 and 1984.

The Tokyo 2020IOC statement continued: “The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present.

“Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.”

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson said: “It would have been unthinkable for us to continue to prepare for an Olympic Games at a time the nation and the world no less is enduring great hardship.

A postponement is the right decision.”

British Paralympics Association chief executive Mike Sharrock said: “Stemming this global public health crisis and doing everything possible to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people should clearly take priority in these unprecedented times.

“We welcome the clarity this now gives Paralympic athletes throughout the world who have had their training and qualification plans severely disrupted.”

On January 22, Olympic qualifying events in boxing and women’s football that were due to be held in Wuhan, China - the centre of the coronavirus outbreak - became the first to be moved or postponed.

There have now been almost 400 000 recorded cases of the virus worldwide, with the number of deaths approaching 17 000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

29

Cost of postponing Ronaldo donates equipment Olympics not discussed to hospitals (BBC) - The cost of postponing Tokyo 2020 was not discussed with Japan’s Prime Minister, says International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.

The IOC and Games organisers announced yesterday the Olympics and Paralympics would be delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, following a phone call between Bach and Shinzo Abe. “This is about protecting lives,” the German said when asked about cost.

Preparations for the Games have already cost at least £10B. Earlier in March, Bach said postponing would “come at a cost”.

To s h i r o M u t o , t h e chief executive of Tokyo 2020, said he was unsure about what losses would be

incurred as a result of the delay.

“The basic policy of postponement was decided today,” he said.

cussed among the IOC, us and Tokyo. I am sure it will be very difficult.”

The IOC’s former head of commercial has suggested

place, the broadcast partners get their three weeks of programming,” said Michael Payne.

“You may be dealing

Cristiano Ronaldo

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach says the organisation remains “fully committed” to Tokyo 2020

“How exactly are we going to achieve the postponement? That will be dis-

the body should not suffer major losses.

“Provided the event takes

with a little bit of re-engineering on the margin, but nothing of substance.”

Indian Lockdown causes IPL uncertainty (CMC) – West Indies players yesterday were anxiously keeping watch on the fate of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) which hung in the balance after India Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a nationwide lockdown due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

A scheduled conference call between the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and representatives of the IPL franchises was called off as the country’s government intensified efforts to fight the virus which has already caused 469 infections here and killed 10 persons.

The tournament, which features several West Indies stars like white-ball captain Kieron Pollard and superstar Chris Gayle, was originally scheduled to start on March 29 but was last week delayed until April 15 following a March 14 meeting.

in Portugal

But the global crisis has reached new highs in recent days with 411 448 cases reported worldwide along with 18 000 deaths, leaving speculation rife over the postponement or cancellation of the tournament.

ed as saying.

“We have not decided on that yet. We don’t know yet.

Let’s see how things go in the next few days.”

No new date for the conference call has been set but the

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard turns out for Mumbai Indians in the IPL

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said no decision on the tournament had been taken, however.

“Nothing has been decided yet. There is no clarity,” the former India captain was quot-

new measures announced by Modi means an April 15 start will be unlikely.

The country’s leader said “to save India, to save its every citizen, you, your family ... every street, every neigh-

bourhood is being put under lockdown.”

“No doubt this lockdown will entail an economic cost for the country but saving the life of each and every Indian is the first priority for me,” Modi said in the address.

“Therefore, I request you to remain wherever you are in this country.”

The IPL is worth an estimated US$6 billion and the BCCI is set to lose around US$500 million alone in the broadcast revenue if the tournament is scrapped.

In addition to Pollard and Gayle, several West Indies players are expected to feature in this year’s IPL with Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Sheldon Cottrell, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Fabian Allen and Oshane Thomas all holding contracts.

(REUTERS) Cristiano Ronaldo and football agent Jorge Mendes joined forces yesterday to donate life-saving equipment to hospitals in Portugal, which are struggling to treat patients with coronavirus.

The two will donate equipment for two wards at Lisbon’s Santa Maria hospital, providing the wards with 10 beds each, ventilators, heart monitors, infusion pumps and syringes, the hospital said in a statement.

In Porto, the country’s second biggest city, the Portuguese pair will equip one ward at the Santo Antonio hospital with 15 intensive care beds, much-needed ventilators, monitors and other equipment. The three wards will be named after the men.

“We want to thank Ronaldo and Mendes for the initiative which is so useful at the time the country needs everyone so much,” Paulo Barbosa, president of Santo Antonio’s administrative council, said in a statement.

Although Portugal has only reported 2 362 coronavirus cases and 29 deaths, far fewer than in Italy and Spain, the country’s health system is al-

ready under pressure.

During an interview with TVI television on Monday, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said the country’s public hospitals have 1 142 ventilators and private hospitals have a further 250.

To tackle the crisis, the government bought 500 ventilators and four million masks from China.

“We (the health system) will never lose control of the situation,” Costa said.

However, health professionals on the ground have expressed doubts, especially at the lack of protective equipment.

On Monday, the country’s medical association - Ordem dos Médicos - warned that hospitals lacked masks, gloves and protective visors.

The nurses’ association - Ordem dos Enfermeiros - echoed doctors’ concerns and said some nurses are using swimming goggles to protect themselves.

Of those infected so far, 165 are health workers, according to the country’s health secretary of state Antonio Sales.

Portugal declared a state of emergency today with restrictions on people’s movements.

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GOA welcomes decision to postpone Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), through its president K.A. Juman-Yassin, yesterday stated that the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reschedule the Tokyo Olympic Games to no later than the summer of 2021, as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is welcomed and is in the best interest of the public and the athletes.

“I participated in a video conference call today (March 24) with the other members of the executive of PanAm Sports and we all agreed with the decision of the IOC,” Yassin said.

The decision of the president of the IOC Thomas Bach and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was as a result of the information emanating from the WHO that although there was a decrease of the cases of coronavirus in China and Asia there was however, an acceleration of cases in other parts of the world and as such there should be a rescheduling of the Games.

It was decided that the Olympic Flame which had arrived in Japan would remain there and be kept lit until the Games begin.

According to Yassin, the question that will have to be determined is what will be the position of the athletes who have already qualified for the Games.

“Will they have to go over the qualifying tournaments again or will their qualification be allowed to stand? About 57% of athletes who have to qualify have already done so and this is a question that the IOC and International Federations will have to determine,” Yassin said.

The long-serving GOA head pointed out that he believes “it may be unfair to ask for re-qualification but those athletes may have to show that they are still active and not resting on their haunches. The question of litigation may arise from some unhappy qualified athletes if they are requested to again qualify.”

The GOA boss further highlighted that another issue to be determined by the IOC and Olympic Solidarity is whether the scholarships which end just before the Olympics will continue until the new date in 2021, noting that he “expects that there will be a continuation as the policy and principle for the scholarships is to assist athletes financially so that they can train and be competitive for the Olympic Games”.

Yassin believes that there are several issues that the IOC and PanAm Sports will have to determine; among them are the availability of the hotels in Japan, the continuation of sponsorships worldwide from companies and entities, the rescheduling of Games and availability of athletes.

The Guyana Olympic Association said that the officials will be looking at all relevant issues and will endeavour to do what is best for their athletes. (Rawle Toney)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Claude ‘Alfy’ Duguid laid to rest FORMER Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) member Claude ‘Alfy’ Duguid was yesterday laid to rest as family, friends and former teammates gathered to pay their final respects to one of sports shooting beloved marksmen.

Duguid, a former Smallbore Section vice-captain, passed away last Tuesday following a period of illness.

The loss of Duguid, who also represented the West Indies Full-bore Shooting Council, had plunged the local and Caribbean shooting fraternity into a state of shock.

He was remembered as a loving brother, father and friend; someone who gave his all every time he was asked to represent Guyana and the West Indies.

Claude Duguid fired off his career around 1990 and over the years he became a permanent member of the National Full-bore Team, representing Guyana regionally and internationally.

In 2000 he was part of the West Indies Full-bore Team that participated in the Millennium Match at Bisley, England, where he performed admirably, Sampson reflected.

Duguid’s longtime friend and Full-bore team captain Mahendra Persaud recounted on the many great times they shared, both on and off the ranges around the world.

Yesterday, at Merriman Funeral Home, Duguid’s Full-bore teammates, family and friends, all gathered to say goodbye to their beloved

friend, who represented his country with distinction.

Major John Nelson, president of the West Indies Full-bore Shooting Council,

conveyed condolences on behalf of the Caribbean fraternity and affirmed that Duguid’s presence will be missed.

The small service for GuyanaNRA rifleman Claude ‘Alfy’ Duguid

Barbina XI defeat Sebai XI in 15-over clash A MAN-of-the-match performance from Orison Sealy propelled Barbina XI to a seven-wicket victory against Sebai XI in a friendly hardball clash, organised by Sebai Sports Club on Sunday at Sebai Recreational Ground, in Sebai Village, Port Kaituma, Region One. Barbina XI of Mabaruma won the toss and opted to bowl first in front of a large crowd and under a clear sky.

The home team’s batsmen had to face testing bowling on a lively pitch and fast outfield.

With opening batsman Danny Benjamin leading the charge, the home team managed to post 95-6 in their allotted

overs.

Benjamin made a fluent 33, while Devon Benjamin added 16, Randolph Benjamin 13 not out and Sherlon Rodrigues nine, retired hurt.

Owen James, who picked up 2-15 off two overs, led the visitors. Sealy, Adrian Hernandez, Elwin De Souza and Ozell Campbell supported with one wicket each.

Needing to score at 6.4 runs per over, Barbina XI were able to quickly chase down the score. Sealy proved destructive against the home team’s bowling attack. He belted shots in all directions to finish with six sixes and one four in a top score of 55.

Ainsworth Pritchard supported with a well-calculated 16 at the top of the innings, while Anthony Brown made 11 quick runs towards the end to seal the win (96-3) off 10.5 overs.

Randolph Benjamin finished with 2-32 from 2.5 overs, while Kenneth Benjamin took 1-16 from three overs.

Barbina XI will hope to continue their winning ways when they host Sebai XI this weekend in a return clash.

Sebai Sports Club would like to extend gratitude to Mr Colin Croal for sponsoring the winners’ trophy.

Barbina XI claimed an easy win in the clash

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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Claude ‘Alfy’ Duguid laid to rest PAGE 30

Olympics, Paralymics postponed for one year PAGE 28

Claude ‘Alfy’ Duguid’s buddy, captain Mahendra Persaud (right); secretary Ryan Sampson (left) and other teammates stand alongside the remains of their longtime shooting pal at the Merriman Funeral Home Inc., yesterday

GOA welcomes decision to postpone Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PAGE 30

The Olympic Games were due to run from July 24 to August 9

President of Guyana Olympic Association K.A. Juman-Yassin

SEE PAGE 29

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