Issuu

THURSDAY 2nd April, 2020

' No.105958

COVID-19...

Death toll now at --Elderly woman, 59-year-old man the latest victims; …19 now tested she died at GPHC, he at Diamond Hospital positive with virus

SEE PAGES 03&05

DEEP CONCERN

Keep your distance !!

This woman had enough of a minibus tout who disregarded the social distance rule in his bid to solicit her patronage

Key meeting on Appeal filed against ‘recount’ billed Full Court ruling 02 for today 10 on recount injunction PAGE

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Mayor consulting on lockdown for city

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The head of the World Health Organization voiced deep concern on Wednesday about the rapid escalation and global spread of COVID-19 cases from the new coronavirus, which has now reached 205 countries and territories. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that his agency, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund backed debt relief to help developing countries cope with the pandemic’s social and economic consequences. “In the past five weeks there has been a near-exponential growth in the number of new cases and the number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week,” Tedros told a virtual news conference at the organisation’s Geneva headquarters. “In the next few days we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths worldwide,” he said. China, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged in December, reported dwindling new infections on Wednesday and disclosed, for the first time, the number of asymptomatic cases, which could complicate how trends in the outbreak are read. (See full story on page 14)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Appeal filed against Full Court ruling on recount injunction Private citizen Ulita Moore, has filed an appeal, challenging a ruling by the Full Court that the Court has no jurisdiction to review the decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) outside of an Elections Petition. The Full Court’s ruling on Tuesday overturned an earlier decision by Justice Franklin Holder that the High Court had jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Moore challenging GECOM’s decision to facilitate a National Recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 Elections. The decision of the Full Court, delivered by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, in effect discharged the interim injunctions granted by Justice Holder and dismissed Moore’s Fixed Date Application (FDA). But it was not long after that Moore moved to the Court of Appeal, and filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the decision of the Full

Court. According to the Notice of Appeal seen by Guyana Chronicle, the case is being brought against the Guyana Elections Commission, the Chairman of GECOM, the Chief Elections Officer, Mark France, Daniel Josh Kanhai, John Flores and Bharrat Jagdeo by Moore. In the application, Moore, through her attorneys Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and Mayo Robertson, told the Appellate Court that the Full Court erred in law when it ruled that the High Court did not have jurisdiction to hear or consider the FDA. Moore’s Attorneys told the Appellate Court that the Full Court, “failed to properly construe the legislative regime governing disputes in relation to Elections and in particular Section 140 of the Representation of the People Act.” The Chief Justice, in handing down the ruling, had said that the Section 140 (1) of the Representation of the People Act precludes

the Court from intervening in the decision making of

President of Guyana declared, but Jagdeo, the seven named respondent, had challenged the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde

GECOM except by way of an Elections Petition, however, Moore’s attorneys told the Court of Appeal that the Full Court failed to effectively consider the terms and effect of Section 140 (1) as well as the nature and effect of the relief sought. Moore had filed the FDA in the High Court on March 17 with the intention of preventing a recount of the ballots and to have a

Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson

It was that challenge that led to the Full Court’s decision on March 31. But Moore is maintain that the Court can facilitate a Judicial Review of the decisions of GECOM as raised in the FDA. “The decision of the Full Court is bad in Law and the Intended Appellant/Applicant ought to be granted leave to file an appeal against the decision of the said Full Court,” her Lawyers submitted. Forde and Robertson pointed out that the Court of Appeal Act, Chapter 3:01 provides for leave to be granted for the filing of a Notice of Appeal, appealing a decision of the Full Court. Immediately after the

ruling on Tuesday, Robertson had requested leave from the Court to file an appeal at the level of the Court of Appeal but that was refused by the Full Court. “In relation to the application for leave to appeal, the court is unanimous in refusing this application on the basis that this court, whilst acknowledging this is a serious issue by the parties, finds there is no real prospect of success of an appeal,” Justice Harnanan said as he, on behalf of the Full Court, also refused the application for a stay. The Appellate Court is likely to consider Moore’s Notice of Appeal today.

Mayor consulting on lockdown for city FOLLOWING ‘backlash’ over a refusal to “lockdown” the city and place it under a curfew, amidst the rising cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, on Wednesday, issued a statement noting that he was awaiting consultations before coming to such a decision. Narine said that he believed that it was prudent to consult with the Ministries of Public Health, Communities, and Public Security, as well as the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) before making a decision. “With Georgetown being the capital city and the main economic hub for the country, a number of measures need to be implemented before a lockdown/curfew is enforced. Such measures can, and will, in most instances, disrupt aspects of our way of life,” Narine said. The PSC, GCCI and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana have all since come forward in support of the need for restrictions on business in the City. The Mayor said that any uninformed or ill-informed measure taken to place the capital city under a lockdown or curfew could result in high levels of anxiety and psychological distress for the Guyanese people. “I am working towards the safety of our beloved capital city and in the interest of all its residents and by extension, all Guyanese,” Narine said. Narine noted that the city’s 30 seat Council was still consulting with the relevant stakeholders so a definitive decision can be determined.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

“I’ve noticed in some sections of the media and social media, it was said that the “Mayor of Georgetown refuses to lockdown the City”, I wish to correct this misconception… it goes without saying that the Council must seek advice and guidance before the capital city is brought under a lockdown/curfew,” Narine said. Narine agreed however that it was important for the movements of persons to be limited in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “It is with this in mind that the Council must take the necessary precautions to enforce a lockdown/curfew and to enforce penalties, where measures implemented, are breached. We can defeat this virus by working together and adhering to the plethora of Government advisories to fight the spread of this invisible enemy (COVID-19). Blaming each other will only serve to undermine our efforts. Guyana has 19 confirmed cases of the virus as of yesterday (Wednesday), inclusive of two deaths, the most recent occurring last Tuesday. Glob-

ally, the pandemic has been responsible for 40,777 deaths since the outbreak was first reported in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. The virus has since spread to 205 countries. The Mayor stated that “I have come under tremendous criticism after I informed that I do not have the authority to ‘lockdown’ the city and place it under a curfew. Many have taken to social media to voice their disapproval of this position, as is their right”. PSC President, Gerry Gouveia, noted that the Commission was expected to meet with the Mayor last Monday but that meeting did not materialise. Gouveia said that the PSC supports restrictive measures but believes that a well-thought-out plan on the measure should be put in place. “The PSC believes that there has to be some level of restrictions but we have to determine what essential services must continue. So it’s a matter that needs to be discussed,” Gouveia said in a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Gouveia said that, from all indications, citizens are not appropriately adhering to advisories to practise social distancing and remain at home. “At the moment, our focus is on bars, restaurants, cinemas, we still see a lot of people hanging out. Today [Wednesday] the Private Sector discussed the issue of the banks. There are many, many people congregating outside of the banks and that is of concern to us as well; there’s also the situation pensioners that the PSC is paying attention to,” Gouveia said TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

COVID-19 cases jump to 19

–– regions expanding isolation, quarantining capacity –– COVID-19 hotline now available in more regions

By Navendra Seoraj SCOIAL distancing and other precautionary measures are becoming more important now, as Guyana records seven new cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total number of infected persons from 12 to 19. Considering the increase in the number of cases, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said Guyanese need to cooperate and adhere to precautionary measures, outlined by the Ministry of Public Health and other stakeholders. Guyana had confirmed its first imported case of COVID-19 in Georgetown on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. That patient, a 52-yearold Guyanese woman who had travelled from the United States of America to Guyana on March 5, 2020, was presented to the public health system on March 10. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on March 11. Since then, four of the woman’s relatives and thirteen others have tested positive for the virus. The cases were from three regions, with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) having seventeen cases and one probable case; and Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) having one each. Health authorities have so far tested 70 persons, with the results being 19 positives, 50 negatives and one inconclusive. The number of deaths remain at two.

Director of Disease Control, Dr. Nadia Liu, had explained that an inconclusive case means that the person tested neither negative nor positive. It, however, means that the person can go on to manifest signs and symptoms of the virus and then test positive. In such cases, health officials will continue to monitor the patient(s). Minister Lawrence said 36 persons are now in institutional quarantine, and of the 11 persons in isolation, one remains hospitalised in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the minister, 119 persons are practising home quarantine. Considering the increase in the number of cases, the public health ministry, in an effort to contain and reduce the spread of COVID-19, will be strengthening community and hospital surveillance, as well as strengthening the capacity of the ministry’s rapid response surveillance team. REGIONAL EXPANSION Minister Lawrence said some regions have already initiated the process of building capacity. At the Mabaruma Regional Hospital in Region One (Barima-Waini), hospital officials have developed an external triage area and a coloured hand-band system for differentiation of ailments. A separate isolation facility has also been identified, with the capacity for eight to ten persons and quarantine capacity for two persons. Minister Lawrence said this will be expanded as time goes by. FROM PAGE

Mayor consulting ...

Gouveia said the PSC endorses a statement issued by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) that also called for Bars, Clubs, Places of Entertainment, Betting & Barber Shops as well as all Non-Essential Businesses to Lockdown for a period of two weeks in the first instance, after which the situation should be reassessed. Issued on Wednesday, the THAG statement encouraged all food and beverage service providers to implement pickup, carry-out, and delivery services and suspend all on-site consumption. The Association names pharmacies, supermarkets, transport and security as essential services that should not be considered as part of the lockdown. Though the measures may be costly, the Association warned that a lack of precaution could lead to even more severe incidents which will mean that we stand to pay the “ultimate price”. “Let us do our part to “flatten the curve” as we combat this global pandemic,” the statement said. On Tuesday the GCCI issued a statement calling on businesses to implement voluntary curfews, if no decision is made on a lockdown of the city.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

Hand-washing stations have been established at the entrance of the regional hospital and janitorial workers have started to sanitize the hospital every two hours. Among the other regions, which have started to build capacity, is Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where health authorities have expanded the quarantine facility to cater for 30 additional persons. Other measures across the country include the establishment of the existing COVID-19 hotline in Regions Two, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten. According to Minister Lawrence, calls to the hotline have moved from 1,065 to 1,142. It was reported that hotline reports from persons, who were in contact with infected

persons, were coming from communities along the coastland, including Enmore and Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Prashad Nagar, Straboek and South Ruimveldt in Georgetown. There have also been calls from Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD) and Vreed-en-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). The public health ministry’s surveillance team has also been reaching out to those “contacts.” And, in this regard, Minister Lawrence said persons, who are contacted by the surveillance team, must provide accurate information, since this could contribute to stopping the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact globally. As of April, the num-

TCL Guyana Inc. workers down tools amid COVID-19 concerns OPERATIONS at the TCL Guyana Inc. (TGI) Lombard Street, Georgetown, Guyana office came to a standstill on Wednesday morning after workers reportedly down tools in protest of unsatisfactory measures to safeguard them against the COVID-19. When this publication visited the facility, the security on duty confirmed the report but said that the striking workers had all left for home but would return in the morning to continue

their protest action. According to unconfirmed reports, the workers said they are unsatisfied with the way the management of the company is handling the COVID-19 situation at their place of work. It is alleged that the company has made little or no plans to safeguard its workers in light of the pandemic. Efforts to reach management of the company proved futile.

ber of confirmed cases in 210 countries and territories stood at 750,890 with the number of deaths at 36,405. In the region of the Americas, the total number of confirmed cases has increased from 142,081 to 163,014. The number of deaths in this region has also moved from 2,457 to 2,836. On Saturday, President David Granger said a “cavalier approach” in the face of COVID-19 pandemic could ‘seriously’ impair government’s efforts to combat the virus, especially now that the cases have moved from five to eight persons. Such an approach from the public could result in consequences which will be devastating for the entire population, said the president. “Guyanese, I urge you to continue to support all medical professionals: doctors, nurses, and other caregivers. I urge you also to practise social distancing in public places and to avoid crowds, ceremonies including funerals and large gatherings,” said President Granger. He also advised persons to remain calm and implement all guidelines relating to personal hygiene and infection prevention and control. Based on consultations, President Granger had issued directions under the Public Health Ordinance (Cap.145) and international standard to prevent and control the spread of this disease. Speaking about those instructions, the President said: “I authorised the Minister of Public Health to take all mea-

sures considered necessary to restrain, segregate and isolate persons suffering from the disease and, or who may be likely to be suffering from the disease.” He believes that the public ‘must’ adhere to infection prevention and control measures, as personal conduct is the single most important element in preventing the spread of this deadly disease. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. “Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” WHO advised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Coronavirus: Iran’s official death toll passes 3,000 (BBC) Iran’s official death toll from the coronavirus disease has passed 3,000. Health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpour reported 138 fatalities in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 3,036. The number of confirmed cases also rose by 2,987 to 47,593, he added. There are concerns that the actual figures are much higher. Mr Jahanpour also said Iranians had mostly heeded a request not to leave their

homes for a traditional picnic on the last day of the Nowruz holiday. The authorities closed all parks and public gardens on Wednesday and deployed police to stop people entering them in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19. “People have co-operated with us and those who have violated laws and regulations will be penalised and we are happy that people have stayed at home,” Mr Jahanpour told reporters. Iran’s leaders have re-

sisted imposing lockdowns despite it being one of the world’s worst-hit countries. They have insisted all necessary measures are being taken. What has the Iranian president been saying? Hassan Rouhani told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that Iranians had done “great work” and that the outbreak appeared to be receding in all provinces. He also asserted that Iran had been “much more successful than many other countries in the fight against this disease” despite facing US sanctions. Mr Rouhani said Americans had nevertheless missed a “historic opportunity” to show goodwill by lifting the sanctions at the start of the outbreak in Iran. “It is a good time now for them to apologise for their wrongdoing. It is humanitarian issue and nobody

would rebuke them and ask why they retreated.” “This was the best historic opportunity for the Americans to turn away

an anti-Iranian people,” he added. The US has insisted that medicines and medical equipment are exempt from

stantly. If we conclude that it’s in the best interests of American people to alter any of those policies, we’ll certainly do that.”

Iran is the worst-hit country in the Middle East

from their wrong path and for once to say to the Iranian nation that they are not

Wednesday, April 02, 2020 ▬ 11:30hrs ~13:00hrs

its sanctions, which were imposed after President Donald Trump abandoned a nuclear deal in 2018. But restrictions on Iran’s banking system and an embargo on its oil exports have limited Iran’s ability to purchase items. When asked on Tuesday about whether the US might consider giving Iran and others countries sanctions relief, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a news conference: “We re-evaluate all of our policy, including our sanctions policy, con-

But he added: “The United States, the American people, are working diligently in each of these countries that you’re thinking of as sanctioned nations to try and assist getting humanitarian assistance into those countries.” On Tuesday, France, Germany and the UK said they had sent medical supplies to Iran in the first transaction conducted under the Instex financial mechanism set up last year to get around the US sanctions.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

10 12 13 14 20 23 17

March 27, 2020 6

13 17

9 15 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

COVOID-19…

Death toll now at 4

--Elderly woman, 59-year-old man the latest victims; she died at GPHC, he at Diamond Hospital By Navendra Seoraj OSA Collins, a 78-year-old resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice, and a 59-year-old man have succumbed after contracting the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of local COVID-19-related deaths to date to four. The fourth death, which reportedly occurred at the Diamond Hospital, on the East Bank Demerara, was confirmed late on Wednesday, just as this publication was preparing to go to press. Ms. Collins’ demise was confirmed earlier in the day by Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, who said the woman had died that afternoon while in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. “The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Ministry of Public Health extend deep condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Ms. Collins. Ms. Collins was considered an ‘imported case’ as she had recently travelled to the United States of America,” said Minister Lawrence in a press statement. In light of the passing of Collins and three other persons, all Guyanese are being urged to continue practising social distancing and thorough hand-washing among other measures to help in containing the spread of

COVID-19 in Guyana. Minister Lawrence had announced early Wednesday that Guyana has 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date, among them Ms. Collins. Reliable sources have since confirmed that four of

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

Collins’ family members are in quarantine, and are being monitored by health authorities. Guyana had confirmed its first imported case of COVID-19 in Georgetown on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. That patient, a 52-yearold Guyanese woman who had travelled from the United States of America to Guyana on March 5, 2020, was presented to the public health system on March 10. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on March 11. Since then, four of the woman’s relatives and 13 others have tested positive for the virus. The cases were from three

regions, with Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) having 17 cases and one probable case; and Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) having one each. Health authorities have so far tested 70 persons, with the results being 19 positives, 50 negatives and one inconclusive. In addition to Collins and the 52-year-old woman, Jermaine Ifill, an emergency medical technician (EMT), who was one of two persons hospitalised in the Coronavirus ICU, succumbed on Tuesday to the dreaded COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact globally. As of April, the number of confirmed cases in 210 countries and territories stood at 750,890 with the number of deaths at 36,405. In the region of the Americas, the total number of confirmed cases has increased from 142,081 to 163,014. The number of deaths in this Region has also moved from 2,457 to 2,836. On Saturday, President David Granger said a “cavalier approach” in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic could ‘seriously’ impair government’s efforts to combat the virus, especially now that the cases have moved from five to eight persons. Such an approach from the public could result in consequences which will be devastating for the entire

New Amsterdam businesses ordered closed as COVID-19 fight continues NEW Amsterdam Mayor, Ms Winifred Haywood. has taken ‘the bull by its horns’ in the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), by closing down the main businesses thoroughfare, and, partnering with the Regional Environmental Health Department to have Pitt Street fumigated. On March 31, Guyana recorded its second death from the COVID-19 disease, while 12 persons included one from Region 6, has been tested positive. A third COVID-19 death was announced on Wednesday April 1, 2020. Since the initial announcement of an imported case of the global pandemic locally, the New Amsterdam Municipality has implemented curNew Amsterdam businesses were ordered closed few hours for residents. EsThe residents are in full bars, and beauty parlours have sential businesses have been allowed to operate until 18:00, been asked to remain closed, cooperation with the municipality. while non essentials such as until further notice.

population, said the President. “Guyanese, I urge you to continue to support all medical professionals: doctors, nurses, and other caregivers. I urge you also to practise social distancing in public places and to avoid crowds, ceremonies, including funerals, and large gatherings,” said President Granger. He also advised persons to remain calm and implement all guidelines pertaining to personal hygiene and infection prevention and control. Based on consultations, President Granger had issued directions under the Public Health Ordinance (Cap.145) and international standards to prevent and control the spread of this disease. Speaking about those instructions, the President said: “I authorised the Minister of Public Health to take all mea-

diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. “Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” the WHO advised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

The environmental impact of COVID-19

AS a species, we have always struggled to find the correct balance between living harmoniously on this planet and causing irrevocable damage to this space we all call home. It is no secret that humanity has made a lasting impression on the face of Mother Earth, but it would now appear that due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Great Mother is showing signs of recovery. The imposition of extensive travel restrictions in many nations throughout the globe has resulted in notable decreases in key greenhouse-gas emissions. By now, most readers would have seen the viral NASA images capturing the dramatic decline of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere above China. The first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and, since then, most cities in the country have gone into quarantine in order to stop the spread of the virus. The resultant environmental impact has been astounding, with

China recording a 25% decrease in emissions as compared to the same time last year. Following the same pattern, China has had an 11.4% increase in days, with “good quality air”, a key metric for measuring the air quality which is notoriously poor in most industrial Chinese cities. Whilst China is the leading contributor of global greenhouse-gas emissions, the United States of America and India are the two second largest contributors to global greenhouse-gas emissions. As a result of COVID-19, both nations have also shown similar patterns in the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions at this time. In New York City alone, the levels of pollution have declined by almost 50% because of the global slowdown and the measures that have been implemented in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Similarly, in Italy, where the most extensive travel restrictions since World War II have been imposed, there has been a dramatic decline in nitrogen dioxide

emissions. There is also a similar situation occurring in Spain. The environmental impact of COVID-19 is also similar to what we experienced during the 2008/9 global financial crash and recession. At that time, greenhouse-gas emissions fell as the industrial sector endured an extended downturn. Cumulatively, there was a 1.3% decrease in global greenhouse-gas emissions for that period. Once the sector recovered, however, emissions quickly surpassed previous years, and culminated in an all- time high by 2010, with emissions growing by 5.9% that year. Whilst the international community has claimed that global climate change is the single most important factor influencing our ability to maintain life on this planet, nations have been slow to act. The Paris Agreement was negotiated by 196 nation states, and was introduced to govern emissions reduction from 2020 onwards. As of February this year, 189 nation states have become

party to the Agreement, which requires each member state to determine, plan, and regularly report on the contribution that it undertakes to mitigate global warming. Nonetheless, the Agreement lacks any serious enforcement obligations, and only requires nation states to set specific emissions targets within a specified time, and in keeping with the overall obligation to keep emissions below the 1.5 degree Celsius mark. Notably, Iran and Turkey are not parties to the Agreement, and President Trump has promised that the United States of America would not be participating in it, which is regrettable, as the USA is one of the leading contributors to global greenhouse-gas emissions. Though the environment is now recovering, the extent to which it will be able to recover is closely tied to our ability, as a species, to overcome COVID-19. Once the pandemic has peaked, and governments are able to assert better control over the spread of the virus,

ports, businesses, cities and nations will once again open up for business. It is hoped that governments, being cognizant of the environmental impact and the potential benefits of alternative working and industrial practices, could be more readily encouraged to tackle the climate change agenda. In Guyana, we have been rather fortuitous, in that COVID-19 has not attacked our population in any significant way, quite possibly because of the decision to close all major ports of entry into and out of the country. We have seen that those who have recently travelled are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, and of spreading it thereafter. Nonetheless, the measures that have been put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 seem to be working, but there are calls for stricter measures, including a total lockdown, to be implemented here in Guyana.

City Council should enforce social distancing by implementing a partial lockdown in the central business district Dear Sir, OVER the last few days, citizens residing within and beyond the precincts of Georgetown have been calling me, apparently deeply troubled, about the city’s current response to the coronavirus. As a result, I have decided to share my thoughts about our collective approach to this global health emergency, particularly in light of our vulnerable political and economic posture as a nation, and limited resources, as a city. Like every other Guyanese, I have an abiding interest in the public health of our national capital. I am particularly worried about the potential of this pandemic to wreak havoc on families, communities and our society. Indeed, many developed countries, including the United States, Italy, Spain, China, the United Kingdom, India and Iran have taken extreme measures to deal with this global health crisis. It is not necessary for me to

mention that, some of those countries, so sorely affected have some of the best healthcare facilities in the world with advanced medical and allied technologies, some of the best hospitals [architecturally designed to provide the right environment for healing] with highly trained medical personnel. Still, they continue to witness increasingly alarming numbers of deaths related to COVID-19. This has forced them to put in place extreme measures, including total lockdowns and curfews, to protect their citizens. The expression: “extremis malis extrema remedia,” “desperate times call for desperate measures” [Greek physician, Hippocrates] rings true with this petrifying worldwide situation. Unfortunately, in Guyana, we are telling a different story. Some citizens appear not to be taking seriously this infectious disease and its enormous potential to unravel the very fabric of our society. Calls, by health

and other relevant officials for social distancing, and the exercise of due care on the part of citizens are falling on deaf ears, apparently. In fact, I have to say that, shockingly, with all that have been happening, in the world, some people are still speculating whether Covid-19 is real or fake news. How sad. Nevertheless, it is true that, in extant political and economic circumstances, the Ministry of Public Health continues to do its best. Our doctors, nurses, health professionals and technicians continue to perform. They must be encouraged to keep up the fight against this deadly invisible enemy. But, as it is in all third world countries, our public health system has its limitations. It is very clear then, that we need to take a commonsense approach that is overwhelmingly in the national interest. Such an approach should include a partial lockdown of certain central areas. This must be supported by central government to assist,

especially, poor and vulnerable citizens, in local communities, to manage economic spin-offs, which, no doubt, would result from even a partial lockdown. It is important that the competent authorities act now, to be proactive, and not wait until this health emergency transmogrify into a crisis that is way beyond our control, to be reactive. By that time, God forbid, it might be too late. That there could be no competing arguments against this action is not in doubt; this commonsense approach is about saving lives. Sure, legal purists may have a different view about constitutional rights. However, this matter transcends the constitution, and legal niceties. In reality, there can be no greater priority than to protect and save the lives of Guyanese. In that context, there is urgent need for a government to be in place to provide the leadership and support in the fight against this dreaded disease. I hope

that this national emergency would fortuitously prompt the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to bring to finality Guyana’s General and Regional Elections for 2020, held March 2, 2020. Speaking more specifically about Georgetown, the nation’s capital. It is important to note that the city is the hub of commerce of our country. All of our main ports, and public utilities are located here. Central government, governmental ministries, all embassies and foreign missions are headquartered in Georgetown. More than 280,000 (two-hundred and eighty thousand) citizens reside in the capital with a transient population of about 90,000 (ninety thousand) citizens visiting the city to do business on a daily basis. Therefore, the city must be treated with utmost attention, and its citizens with great respect, particularly when it is faced with certain environmental, public health or economic threats, such as the one it faces with

COVID-19. The City Council is the government for the local government area, the city, as described in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. It has the responsibility to protect the city and all of its citizens from anything and everything injurious to their health, including infectious diseases. In a direct way, this is precisely why Chapter 28:01, section 74 (d) and (f) stipulates that, there shall be a “medical officer of health”, for the city, [although there is a Chief Medical Officer of Health in the Public Health Ministry ] and “such other officers as the council deems necessary for the performance of its functions under this act, the Public health Ordinance or any other law.” It seems very clear to me that the Act envisaged that the city must be the first responder to any emergency that threatens the health, lives and livelihoods of its citizens. It must act [the council] in TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

City Council should enforce social ...

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accordance with its powers and authority prescribed in Public Health Ordinance Chapter, 145, and the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. For the council to do otherwise would be to abandon its statutory responsibility and noble duty to citizens. Focusing on the pandemic, the City Council should implement a well- structured plan with health indicators, using best practices used by countries around the world affected by this pandemic. At minimum, the city authorities should do the following: * Provide strong leadership; * Provide a platform, internal and external, that would allow workers and citizens to access appropriate information on Covid- 19. Information is power and it empowers; * Ensure that all departments and staff of the council are assisted with sanitisation materials and protective gear to carry out their official assignments; * Ensure that all municipal buildings and equipment are properly sanitised on a regular basis; * Install hand-washing and sanitising facilities at strategic locations, in the city; * Make use of appropriate communication technologies to conference with councillors and committee heads to communicate information and take decisions on different aspects of plans to keep the city safe; * Make optimum use of the Association of Municipalities to exchange information and share

experiences on methods used by different municipalities to fight COVID-19; * Use the provision in Chapter 28:01 (section 69 (1)) to establish a joint committee to work with other municipalities. This would allow for pooling of financial and other resources to fight Covid-19. Notwithstanding differences of cultures, this would assist all towns and municipalities to be consistent in messages and actions. Finally, the City Council should enforce social distancing by implementing a partial lockdown in the central business district of Georgetown; a curfew would not yield the desired results. There are sufficient provisions in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, and Public Health Ordinance, Chapter 145, for the Council to act, to protect the lives of citizens. In fact, the core responsibility of council is to secure the integrity of the health and safety of its citizens. All the activities of the municipality resolve around public health of local communities and the city as a whole; peopleâ€™s health is the basic goal of the council. Other municipalities were wise and very prudent in their actions to help their communities and residents stay safe. I do not presume judgement or authority, but I have to say that Georgetown should do no less. Yours truly Royston King Former Town Clerk Georgetown Municipality

Is the PPP involved in an online disinformation operation by using Russian bots on social media? Dear Editor JOKES have been made regarding Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan's accusations of Russian meddling. However, my findings will show that those who laughed at him should apologise and retract their statements. What I have discovered is that that sockpuppet social media accounts are being used to promote the PPP disinformation regarding the general elections. There is one Disqus profile which started posting comments on Stabroek News articles during and after the elections. The user is "Viktoriya", and this profile was created a few weeks before the elections. Over 100 comments were made to date with the intent of Astroturfing comments to be highly critical of the coalition government. The profile

image is that of a Caucasian woman wearing a winter fur coat, and the name "Viktoriya" is commonly used in the former USSR countries such as Russia and Ukraine. The person claimed in one post that she is not from Guyana. Why would someone from Russia have a deep interest in Guyanese politics, yet have a tilted view which supports the PPP? The comments from that person were mainly bashing the APNU+AFC. The words used are suspect to the extent that they sound like the PPP propagandist buzzwords. Is the PPP involved in an online disinformation operation by using Russian bots on social media? Regards, Riaz Hamid

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Eco upbeat about continuing exploration Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. has assured that despite its recently implemented cost-cutting measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company remains in a “robust position” to continue its exploration work in Guyana once market conditions improve. In a market update on Wednesday, the company, which has a 15 per cent working interest in the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, noted that both its employees and balance sheet remain in top condition. “As at 31 March 2020, the company continues to benefit from its strong balance sheet, with cash and cash equivalents of CAD$26.5 million (US$18.8 million) and zero debt. Eco remains fully funded for its share of further appraisal and exploration drilling at Orinduik block offshore Guyana, up to US$120 million (gross). In light of the cost-cutting measures described above, preserving the Company’s significant cash balance, the Board believes Eco will be in a robust position to progress its exploration strategy when market

conditions improve and operations are able to resume,” the Company stated. Back in February 2020, Eco Atlantic announced that 22 prospects have been identified on the Orinduik Block including 11 leads in the Upper Cretaceous horizon. Eco Atlantic stated that the majority of the project leads have over a 30 per cent or better chance of success, enhanced by the recent discovery of light oil on the Kanuku block to the south of Orinduik. The company said on Wednesday that it continues to monitor its operating budget for 2020 and to work closely with its partners to discuss and plan the next steps. It was proud to note that, to date, Eco has met all of its work commitments for 2020 under the various petroleum agreements offshore Guyana and Namibia, and thus only minimal costs are expected to be incurred over the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eco continues to take all of the recommended

Mr Mayor please impose a lockdown Dear Editor, I AM urging my friend Mayor Ubraj Narine to reconsider his decision not to implement an immediate lockdown of Georgetown. I have been carefully monitoring the “reported” numbers of infected persons in Guyana and it is my opinion that there are many undetected COVID-19 persons out there who have NOT been tested but have the symptoms and are ignorant of the fact, or may be afraid to come forward because of the fear of being quarantined in a government facility or the fear of being ostracis,ed by society, etc. In the past two days the number of confirmed cases have jumped from eight to 12, an increase of 50%. This is a very ominous development and if the previous algorithms from

the spread of this virus are taken into account, then Guyana is about to be hit by a freight train of epic proportions ! This, coupled with the fact that the majority of Guyanese society have so far shown a rather laissez-faire attitude toward social distancing and even less inclination to taking precautions that would decelerate the spread of this deadly virus. It’s a scenario that brings the old saying to mind, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Please do all within your power to lock down our capital city Mayor Narine. The citizenry will thank you in the long run. All the best Lionel Jaikaran Former Deputy Mayor Municipality of Georgetown

measures to protect the welfare of its personnel. “Ensuring the safety of employees remains a major priority for the business and the Company has taken steps to secure their health, safety and well-being at this difficult time. As such, Eco has curtailed all travel and has installed a Company-wide work-from-home policy until such time as government restrictions are lifted,” the Company stated. Added to this, the Board and management are voluntarily taking pay cuts of up to 40 per cent starting in April 2020, which will be kept under review on a monthly basis thereafter. Due to the recent lower oil price environment and current market conditions since February 2020, the Company has undertaken a strict cost-cutting programme across all aspects of the business. Aside from the necessary maintenance of certain operation, the programme includes termination of non-core services and cessation of business-related travel.

Put safety first -- Ministry of Communities urges general public

THE Ministry of Communities, Department of Housing, on Wednesday, called on the general public to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and staff of the ministry when conducting business at its offices. The ministry made the appeal as Guyana battles the spread of the deadly COVET-19. “As the Central Housing and Planning Authority presses on in its mandate to provide affordable housing to the Guyanese people, management is also cognisant of the dangers posed by the recent rise of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. As such, officials are putting every mechanism in place to contain the spread of the virus and are urging members of the public, visiting any of our offices countrywide, to conduct business, to wear a protective mask,” the ministry said in a release. The move is an additional measure which supports an

earlier initiative where officials erected a pipe at the western entrance of the Brickdam offices of the Ministry to facilitate the hand-washing procedure. “Please note that this move forms part of the precautionary measures implemented by the agency to protect our staff as well as you, our valued customers. Consequently, the agency has suspended all field exercises, processing of application forms and planning permission applications,” the release noted. The ministry is also urging persons to follow the guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant health authorities to protect themselves against the virus. “We also urge that you continue to observe the precautionary measures as outlined by PAHO/ WHO and the Ministry of Public Health. Thank you very much for your compliance and continued support,” the Ministry of Communities release concluded.

Future of Guyana rests on the leadership of APNU+AFC and PPP Dear Editor, THE present election crisis if not handled correctly can throw the country into unprecedented political and social disorder. It is the political leadership of the two main parties who have been empowered by the people in elections over the last six decades that has the mandate to resolve our present crisis. The utterances of their leadership at this time is of major importance. In this regard, PPP executive member Mr Anil Nandlall’s most recent comment on “those who speak of Indian domination,” is instructive of that party’s intention and cannot be overlooked. His remarks are contained in his letter in the Stabroek News edition of Wednesday, April 1.2020 captioned, “ The tragic narrative of those who have lost the 2.. March 2020 elections in Guyana.” Mr Nandlall in political terms is a younger-generation leader of the PPP/C, and were it not for Jadgeo’s personal interest, he would more likely have been that party’s presidential candidate in the last elections. He is also considered well learnt and “intelligent,” therefore his utterances are of great importance to his party and the country. The question I pose in the present crisis: how useful are his remarks in the current challenging situation facing

the nation? He wrote, “ To those who speak about Indian domination, I say that, currently, the Indians constitute a mere 39% of the population and the Africans extremely close behind. Therefore it is not about Indians and Africans. It is about leadership, policies and programmes. These are the foundation pillars Dr Cheddi Jagan built and left in the PPP.” Note this is not Gail Teixeira, Ramotar or Jagdeo speaking, but a younger generation leader of the party. Unfortunately but not surprising, he displays the same dishonest and partisan view of the racial/political contestation and the issue of ethnic domination in Guyana. Putting aside the accuracy of his 39% figure of the Indian population and his failure to give the percentage of the African population, it is his logic that is my concern. While conceding Indian superior numbers he then seeks to deny its importance in determining who or which party/ race wins elections, thereby implying that it is votes from outside the Indian and African communities that determine the winner. This latter point is true, but the party with the larger constituency has the advantage; and it is not an ethnic/race advantage which cannot be denied. What is of more importance is that Nandlall seeks to reduce claims from the African community of Indian dom-

ination, only to the political/election factor. In doing so he demonstrates contempt and disrespect for the collective intelligence of Africans. The truth of the matter is that he and the PPP/C’s leadership know very well that our (African) insecurity is not only with the political system of governance. Of what use is political power if it doesn’t translate to the economic empowerment of peoples and communities? When we Africans speak of Indian domination, we are concerned with the potential for the political exclusion that the winner-takes-all elections raises. More important is the known/present Indian economic domination of the economy when compared with African stakes in the economy. So Mr Nandlall, your usefulness and relevance to Guyana at this juncture rests with you and the PPP/C’s acceptance of this reality and the demonstration of a genuine willingness to resolve this most important challenge facing the Guyana nation-state. In closing, I want to draw readers’ attention to Mr Henry Jeffrey ‘s Future Notes column, SN 01.04.2020. captioned, “Two thieves make God laugh. ” I say to comrade Jeffrey and readers, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Pensioners told to practise social distancing

…quick action by GPOC broke long lines THE Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) said a number of pensioners failed to heed to precautionary measures established to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), when they turned up at the Bourda Post Office and GPOC’s Head Office to uplift their pension on Wednesday morning. At the Bourda Post Office, pensioners were seen standing in long line, in extremely close range at a time when the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have mandated that persons practice social

distancing by standing at least six feet apart. “At the head office, senior citizens were seen breaking the lines that preceded the opening of the office and refusing to heed the security officers in maintaining appropriate social distances. This resulted in a delay in the opening of the office,” GPOC said, as it explained part of the challenge experienced. The need to replenish funds also formed part of the problem, the post office said, and for that it had apologised. “Regrettably, while payments got off to a smooth start at the Bourda Post Office, due

to the large turnout of senior citizens, there was a need for the security company to replenish the funds during the morning. This created a lull in the payments. Fortunately, an hour later and with the assistance of additional police ranks called to maintain a safe distance between individuals

the country. GPOC has put in place a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the sanitisation of persons at post offices. Added to that, lines are marked on the floor to maintain social distancing, and this, according to GPOC, is enforced by staff. “Hand

A representative of GPOC receiving sanitisers from Demerara Distillers Limited

Though GPOC has a social distancing policy in place, many pensioners failed to pay heed when they turned up at the Bourda Post Office on Wednesday (Troy Edmondson photo)

In this Troy Edmondson photo, a senior citizen could be seen sanitising her hands before entering the Bourda Post Office, after the earlier issues had been resolved

at the post office, the situation was rectified, and the smooth flow of payments resumed,” it summarised. The Post Office Corporation said it was pleased that it only experienced hiccups at two of the 64 locations across

sanitisers are given to everyone accessing the building, and the areas are continuously sanitised during the day,” the Post Office Corporation further added. It also used the opportunity to remind pensioners and

their families that the back of the pension voucher can be endorsed, giving permission for a member of the family to uplift the pension payment on their behalf. To further reduce the spread of the COVD-19, GPOC is asking senior citizens to avoid the rush on the first and second days of pension payments. It also used the platform to express gratitude to Demerara Distillers Limited for donating 64 large bottles of office sanitisers, the Rotary Club for their donation of masks, sanitisers, and gloves, and the Guyana Police

Force for their assistance. “GPOC apologises for the inconvenience experienced at the two offices, and we will continue to work to ensure that the smooth flow is experienced at all of our 64 locations,” it iterated. To date, there have been 19 recorded cases of COVID-19 inclusive of two deaths. Guyanese, like persons across the world, are being asked to stay at home, constantly sanitise their hands and belongings, and wear face masks to prevent the spread of the virus.

Tobacco firm working on vaccine for coronavirus …using fast-growing tobacco plant technology …has potential to manufacture 1-3 million doses of vaccine per week BRITISH American Tobacco (BAT) the parent company of the local Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO), has started working on a vaccine for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), using new, fast-growing tobacco plant technology. According to a press statement from BAT, the company, through its US biotech subsidiary, Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP), is developing a potential vaccine for COVID-19 and is now in pre-clinical testing. “If testing goes well, BAT is hopeful that, with the right partners and support from government agencies, between one and three million doses of the vaccine could be manufactured per week, beginning in June,” said the company. While KBP remains a commercial operation, the intention is that its work around the Covid-19 vaccine project

will be carried out on a notfor-profit basis. The vaccine, in development, uses BAT’s proprietary, fast-growing tobacco plant technology which has several advantages over conventional vaccine production technology. Among those advantages is the possibility that it is potentially safer given that tobacco plants can’t host pathogens which cause human disease. In listing other advantages, BAT said: “It is faster because the elements of the vaccine accumulate in tobacco plants much more quickly – six weeks in tobacco plants versus several months using conventional methods…the vaccine formulation KBP is developing remains stable at room temperature, unlike conventional vaccines which often require refrigeration. And, it has the potential to deliver an effective immune response in a single dose.”

BAT’s US subsidiary, Reynolds American Inc, acquired KBP in 2014, with the aim of using some of its unique tobacco extraction technology to aid further development of its new category non-combustible products. In 2014, KBP made headlines as one of the few companies with an effective treatment for Ebola, having manufactured ZMapp™ with California-based company, Mapp BioPharmaceuticals, in partnership with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). KBP recently cloned a portion of COVID-19’s genetic sequence which led to the development of a potential antigen - a substance which induces an immune response in the body and in particular, the production of antibodies. This antigen was then inserted into tobacco plants for reproduction and, once the plants were harvested, the

British American Tobacco Director of Scientific Research, Dr. David O’Reilly

antigen was then purified, and is now undergoing pre-clinical testing. BAT is now exploring partnerships with government agencies to bring its vaccine to clinical studies as soon as possible. Through collaborations with government and third-party manufacturers, BAT believes that between one and three million doses

per week could be manufactured. Dr. David O’Reilly, Director of Scientific Research, BAT said: “We are engaged with the US Food and Drug Administration and are seeking guidance on next steps. We have also engaged with the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, and BARDA in the US, to offer our support and access to our research with the aim of trying to expedite the development of a vaccine for Covid-19. “Vaccine development is challenging and complex work, but we believe we have made a significant breakthrough with our tobacco plant technology platform and stand ready to work with governments and all stakeholders to help win the war against Covid-19. We fully align with the United Nations plea, for a whole-of-society approach to combat global problems. “KBP has been exploring alternative uses of the tobacco

plant for some time. One such alternative use is the development of plant-based vaccines. We are committed to contributing to the global effort to halt the spread of Covid-19 using this technology.” Currently, this is a potential vaccine candidate, not a vaccine or a cure, given this is early stages of the development process. BAT has unrivalled knowledge and expertise of tobacco and hopes its subsidiary, KBP, can contribute to the cause. BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer goods business, established in 1902. The company’s purpose is to build a better tomorrow by reducing the health impact of our business through offering a greater choice of enjoyable and less risky products for our consumers. BAT’s ambition is to increasingly transition their revenues from cigarettes to non-combustible products over

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Key meeting on ‘recount’ billed for today

THE untimely access to the written judgment of the Full Court in the recount injunction case forced a cancellation of a planned meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Wednesday, which was aimed at charting a way forward. Explaining the same to this newspaper on Wednesday, GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, said that the Commissioners were expected to meet at 10:00hrs Wednesday but the written judgement was only made available at around 12:00hrs. She said that, based on the position of GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, if the Commission had gone ahead with the meeting, those present would not be deliberating from an informed position --- a situation she would not encourage. Upon receipt, the written judgement was immediately dispatched to the Commissioners and the meeting was rescheduled for today. In a message to the media, Ward stated: “There won’t be a Commission meeting today {yesterday}. The decision of the Court

will be studied today and the meeting tomorrow.” Members of the Oppo-

able. The judgment of the Full Court was broadcast live on national media. The

international community as “further attempt to delay the conclusion of the elec-

Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn

sition and Opposition-nominated Commissioners later accused the Commission and Government-nominated commissioners of engaging in delaying tactics. In a supporting letter, the PPP Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn, stated that they received an email from the Chair’s Office which stated that the Government-nominated Commissioners had requested time to “read the decision of the full court”. “This is unaccept-

world had access to it. The judgment was pellucid and requires little explanation, if any,” their letter stated. “We recall the numerous occasions on which such stalling measures were employed with the inevitable result being to facilitate some dilatory tactic or the other. A meeting should be called immediately. There are legal and constitutional remedies for non-attendance.” He called the matter to the attention of local and foreign observers and the

toral process”. Adding his voice to the matter was People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall argued on his Facebook page that the ruling of the Full Court was streamed live and was widely reported on and therefore all should be well aware of the contents. “What nonsense do we hear now about a “study” of the Full Court’s ruling? People’s patience running thin with these asinine disclosures. The Chairperson of

M&CC joins fire service to sanitise market AS part of efforts to sanitise the city against COVID-19, the Guyana Fire Ser vice (GFS) in collabora-

tion with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Wednesday embarked on a fumigation

exercise at the East La Penitence markets. According to Officer in Charge of operations at the West Ruimveldt Fire station, Kesney Ewart , the exercise is being done in partnership with the M&CC as part of a sanitisation effort in the city. He further told the Chronicle that the process entails applying disinfectant and other detergents to the surface of the market before washing it down. “We are sanitising the market using disinfectant

and other detergents; we first sprayed the disinfectant and other detergents on the surface then we washed it down,” the fire man said. When this publication arrived at the market, firemen were seen hard at work spraying the walkways of the market supervised by fire and M&CC personnel. Efforts to get a comment from the M&CC personnel on the ground proved futile. Guyana now has 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19, three of whom have died. The latest fatality is 78-year-old Osa Collins of New Amsterdam, Berbice, who died on Wednesday. This was confirmed by Minister of Public Health the Hon Volda Lawrence on Wednesday. Lawrence, on behalf of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Public Health, extended deep condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Collins. Collins was considered an ‘imported case’ since she had recently travelled to the United States of America.

GECOM must act now and decisively so. It is the only way that she can salvage

Commissioner Vincent Alexander

herself and the electoral process!” he stated. Accused of requesting for the study of the written judgement, Government-nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander denied ---- providing proof --- that he had not done same. “The public has been misinformed. I never requested time to read the document,” he said. “The Chairperson said she wanted to get the document for the meeting. They sent an invite and I said to

her, probably you should determine the time of the meeting based on when you receive the document.” He provided the newspaper with evidence of the said correspondence. In response to the invitation sent out by mail on Tuesday to meet on Wednesday, Alexander had written: “I am on standby; however, I think it is advisable to determine the timing of the meeting based on the availability of the written decision which should be discussed at the meeting.” Speaking for himself, he maintained that he stands available to meet as a Commission when such a meeting is called. On Tuesday, overruling a decision by High Court Judge Franklin Holder, the Full Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled that the Court has no jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Ulita Moore challenging the decision of GECOM to facilitate a national recount. It was ruled on the grounds that the issues raised could only be dealt with by way of an Elections Petition.

GPHC receives beverage boost from ANSA McAL

Business Unit Head for Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Errol Nelson (extreme right) after handing over non-alcoholic beverages to GPHC representatives. (ANSA McAL photo)

THE medical professionals working at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have received a boost of non-alcoholic beverages from trading firm, ANSA McAL Limited. “AMTL is committed to supporting Guyana’s Medical Professionals who remain at the forefront, leading the fight against the spread of COVID-19,” the company said on Wednesday. The donation of these beverages represents a token of the company’s appreciation to the invaluable service of health professionals to

Guyana especially at this time, the company said. The donation is valued at approximately $380,000 and consists of world-renowned brands such as Lucozade, which is known for its iconic “Convalescence” heritage and Smalta, which provides a great source of vitamin B. The company used the opportunity to once more offer its “sincerest gratitude” to the GPHC for its efforts thus far and looks forward to supporting the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

ACM to media workers: ‘Stay Safe’

IN such volatile times of a global pandemic, media operatives are still tasked with the responsibility of bringing crucial information --which could mean life or death for some -- to populations around the world. Here in Guyana, the majority of media houses are still operating, through ways more conducive to social distancing, to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic as they do their jobs.

On Wednesday, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) put forward a list of useful guidelines for media operatives in the Region informing them on how they can stay safe amidst the outbreak. While on assignments, media workers are encouraged to ensure they have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in their possession; limit physical contact with people, furniture and equipment;

maintain personal space at least six feet and avoid eating and drinking. Workers are also advised to leave the site of news gathering as soon as they’re finished; plan travel routes carefully and remember that they have the right to decline an assignment if it poses a health risk. While in office, it has been recommended that media operatives wash hands properly with soap and sani-

tize regularly; limit physical contact with people, furniture and equipment; maintain personal space of a least six feet and use their own cups and spoons for coffee/ tea. Regarding shared equipment, media workers are advised to clean such regularly; avoid unnecessary visits by guests/family to their workplaces and if they observe colleagues engaging in risky behavior or having flu-like symptoms, alert their

managers without gossiping. Whenever in studio, it is advised that each person has their personal hand sanitizer or disinfectant mixture to clean their own space; have personal IFBs and clean lavalier mics; encourage directors to segment programmes so that too many people are not sharing the same space; encourage interviews via phone and video call; leave studio as soon as assignment is finished and avoid visit-

ing friends and family after work. The ACM is a network of journalists, media workers and media associations spanning the Caribbean Basin. It is built on the platform of three main functions: press freedom advocacy, journalistic networking, and professional development.

WHO says COVID-19 infections growing exponentially, deaths nearing 50,000 GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) voiced deep concern on Wednesday about “the rapid escalation and global spread” of COVID-19 cases from the new coronavirus, which has now reached 205 countries and territories. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that his agency, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) backed debt relief to help developing countries cope with the pandemic’s social and economic consequences. “In the past five weeks there has been a near-exponential growth in the number of new cases and the number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week,” Tedros told a virtual news conference in Geneva where the U.N. health organization is based. “In the next few days we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths worldwide,” he said.

China, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged in December, reported dwindling new infections on Wednesday and for the first time disclosed the number of asymptomatic cases, which could complicate how trends in the outbreak are read. Its latest figures excluded 130 new sufferers of the highly contagious disease who do not show symptoms, its statistics showed. Asked about the distinction, Dr. Maria ver Kerkhove, a WHO epidemiologist who was part of an international team who went to China in February, said WHO’s definition included laboratory-confirmed cases “regardless of the development of symptoms”. “From data that we have seen from China in particular, we know that individuals who are identified, who are listed as asymptomatic, about 75 percent of those actually go on to develop symptoms,” TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

‘Quarantine in keeping with Public Health Ordinance’

…AG tells court in Khalid Gobin detention lawsuit case THE Ministry of Public Health’s decision to quarantine overseas-based Guyanese student Khalid Gobin upon his arrival here from Barbados was in keeping with the directives issued by President David Granger, pursuant to the Public Health Ordinance. The objective of taking such a decision is to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has claimed the lives of thousands globally, among them three here in Guyana to date. This was the line of argument taken by Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke as he defended the State’s position in a case brought by Kennard and Khalid Gobin for an order of Habeas Corpus ad Subjiciendum that Khalid Gobin is being unlawfully held by the State. In the proceedings brought against the Attorney-General, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Gobin is contending that the State has breached his fundamental right to free movement and liberty, and subjected him to inhumane conditions. In his written submission to Justice Brassington Reyn-

olds, the Solicitor-General, before addressing the facts of the matter, drew the High Court’s attention to the facts surrounding COVID-19, a global pandemic. “On the 11th March, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the novel COVID-19 a global pandemic. The WHO pointed to over 118, 000 cases of the Coronavirus in over 110 countries and territories around the world and the sustained risk of further global spread,” the Solicitor-General said in his submission. To date, there has been over 244,000 cases and more than 10,000 deaths the world over. Here in Guyana, the cases are climbing, with a number of deaths recorded. The Solicitor-General told the Court that it was against that background that President Granger, on March 16, 2020, issued directives pursuant to the Public Health Ordinance, in which he empowered Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence to take strategic actions so as to maintain the wellbeing of the nation. Based on the orders issued by the Head of State, the Public Health Minister is empowered to transform one

or more hospitals or camps, in any part of the country, for the reception, isolation and treatment of persons suffering from COVID-19. The President also declared: “The Minister of Public Health shall take measures to (a) restrain, segregate and isolate persons suffering from the disease, or who may be likely, from exposure to the infection, suffer from the disease.” Further to that, the Solicitor-General pointed to the fact that on March 18, 2020, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) closed both international airports. Approximately eight days after the closure of the border, permission was granted for a plane to enter Guyana from Barbados, but on condition that its passengers be subjected to institutional quarantine, as required by the Public Health Ministry. Khalid Gobin and a number of other Guyanese nationals who were on the flight, were placed on mandatory institutional quarantine. Hawke said that while Khalid Gobin alleges unlawful detention, he did not challenge the orders issued by President Granger under the Public Health Ordinance

Guyanese student Khalid Gobin

as being unconstitutional. “It is our respectful submission that there is a presumption of constitutionality,” the Solicitor-General told the Court, as he referenced the cases of Surratt v The Attorney-General of Trinidad and Tobago; and the Attorney-General v Antigua Times Limited. LIMITATION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS On the issue of the limitation of fundamental rights, the Solicitor-General drew the Court’s attention to the approach taken by the South African Court to COVID-19,

whereby it dismissed the case of an applicant who was seeking permission to travel during travel restrictions for COVID-19. In that matter, the applicant had informed the court that he had not contracted the virus, nor had he been exposed to it, but the Court, in handing down its ruling, said it could not accede to the relief of the applicant, as to do otherwise would be to authorise the breach of the law. Having made his point, Solicitor-General Hawke said: “It is our respectful submission that this Honourable Court should apply the same approach taken by the South African Court and follow the law that the Executive has passed restriction, in the case at bar, instructional quarantine, which has to be obeyed in order to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus in the interest of the Public.” He said the fact that the Supreme Court of Guyana has suspended matters until April 20, 2020, with the exception of urgent cases, speaks to the severity and seriousness of the global pandemic. He further submitted that the State’s use of its powers to preserve Public Health is reasonably and fairly exercised, and in no way amounts to an abuse. “There is no evidence of ill intent or arbi-

trary conduct perpetuated by the Executive against Khalid Gobin,” Hawke said. AFFIDAVIT IN DEFENCE Referencing the Affidavit in Defence of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, the Solicitor-General said the process of quarantining or isolating an individual is in accordance with the established guidelines of the WHO. According to the world health authority, institutional quarantining must last for a minimum of 14 days, provided that no symptoms are detected following continuous observation. “It is submitted that institutional quarantine serves the dual purpose of protecting against potential risk and spread of COVID-19 to the population of Guyana, and provides a secure, healthy environment in which suspected persons could be observed,” Hawke put to the Court. More importantly, it was noted that Khalid Gobin is still within the 14-day incubation period, as sanctioned by the Public Health Ministry, and as such remains under observation.

GTT offers free mobile service to healthcare workers

LOCAL telecommunications giant, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) in giving back amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, has announced that local healthcare workers will get free mobile service. Nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers will be able to access the service once they get registered with the Guyana Medical Council and the Nurses Association, said CEO of GTT, Justin Nedd during a virtual press briefing, on Wednesday. Through the service, healthcare workers will receive free data and voice call, said Nedd, adding that those workers will be able to make free calls to not just GTT numbers but to other networks. The service will last until Guyana ends it battle with COVID-19, which has claimed the lives of over 30,000 persons world-

wide including three persons locally. Nedd believes the service is timely because healthcare workers have been on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic. The initiative, he said, is GTT’s way of showing appreciation to those workers. The company is also examining ways to provide free services to healthcare workers. Customers interested in supporting this initiative could do so by using the MMG Merchant Code 08173. Meanwhile, in ensuring that safety is at the forefront of its operation during this time, GTT has closed its stores and allowed most of its staff to work from home. “We are taking strict measures because we are very cognizant that we need to provide an essential service,” said Nedd, adding that they, however, have no intention of laying off their staff.

CEO of GTT, Justin Nedd

“We are making sure that we pay them most of their salary so that they can continue to buy groceries and so and so that life could go on…we will not put our workers on the unemployment line,” said the CEO. Nedd had said measures were being put in place to

ensure that staff would be retained during the closure, and every effort would be made to accommodate customers through alternative bill payment and customer service options, including the use of the company’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) app. Nedd said, according to a release by the company, that the decision to temporarily close all GTT stores had been taken, in support of the social distancing protocol recommended by global health authorities, as the best way to slow the spread and protect people from Covid-19. “GTT’s responsibility, and our commitment to customers and staff, mandate us to take this threat very seriously, and to take every action to protect our customers and staff, and Guyana as a whole. Our closure supports the global call for social distancing, and we are encouraging customers to

make use of the digital and online options for transactions. There are 220 MMG agents located nationwide; access the one nearest to you as need be, to limit movement,” Nedd said. “Given the increased human traffic which our stores experience during bill payment and other peak times – and as much as we have been sanitizing and staggering the number of persons entering the stores, we feel that it is our responsibility to take firmer action to our collective benefit at this time, as the pandemic evolves locally,” Nedd stated. Nedd said safeguarding the jobs of GTT staff, while ensuring a continued high level of service to customers was a key aspect of the Company’s strategic Covid-19 response. “GTT’s approach to Covid-19 is that we are in this together. We will therefore support our staff through re-

WHO says COVID-19 infections growing exponentially...

purposing or redeployment as needed, and we want to ensure that our customers are protected, and not overly inconvenienced by these measures,” he said. Customers are encouraged to visit https://mmg. gtt.co.gy/agents for a comprehensive list of agents and https://www.gtt.co.gy/notices for more information and updates. A printed, detailed listing would also be made available through the media. Nedd notes also that this month, GTT’s billing will be paperless. The company’s dedicated printer has closed until mid-April as a result of its own COVID-19 measures. Customers are asked to register via https://www. gtt.co.gy/webform/bill-delivery-change-request to receive bills through email.

FROM PAGE

she said, describing them as having been in a “pre-symptomatic phase”. The new coronavirus causes the respiratory disease COVID-19. The outbreak continues to be driven by people who show signs of disease including fever and cough, but it is important for the WHO to capture that “full spectrum of illness”, she added. Tedros, referring to proposed debt relief, said: “Many countries, developing countries cannot really support their societies especially during lockdowns, especially those community members who work for their daily bread. That is why we call on the international community to have debt relief to support those countries. “We are proposing an expedited process to support countries so their economies are not getting into crisis, (and) their communities are not getting into crisis,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

COVID-19 |Take half the total capacity of passengers â€Ś Ministry of Public Infrastructure proposes for minibuses, hire cars

AS the health authorities battle the spread of the Coronavirus, several proposals for the transportation sector have been made to the National Covid-19 Taskforce , including proposals for minibus operators as well as hire car drivers to carry half the number of passengers as per norm. The proposals are among several strict measures which the Ministry of Public Infra-

structure (MOPI) has proposed to the national task force. As regards public transportation, the MOPI proposed that minibuses as well as hire cars only take half the number of passengers for which the vehicle is licensed to carry. In addition, the requirement of a minibus conductor on board public bus would be relaxed until further notice. Also, the ministry proposed that the soliciting of

passengers at the bus park be strictly prohibited. As regards private transportation, the ministry proposed that such vehicle operators , which include cars, vans and pick-ups, carry no more than 2 adults and 2 lap infants if the vehicle is licensed to transport such numbers. There must be a clear passenger distance between 2 persons travelling in a private vehicle, the ministry said. In terms of commercial

Minibus operators at the Stabroek Market bus park recently

vehicles such as delivery trucks, the ministry said that operators is responsible for ensuring there is clear passenger distance between any two persons being transported in the cabin of the vehicle. Guy-

ana has already recorded 19 cases of the Coronavirus since March 11 when the first recorded case, a 52-year-old woman, died as a result of complications associated with the virus at the Georgetown Pub-

lic Hospital Corporation. Since then, a 38-year-old emergency medical technician has passed away while 36 persons have been placed in institutional quarantine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

ACDA urges gov’t to unveil COVID-19 stimulus package THE African Cultural and Development Association's (ACDA) Steering Committee has called on the government to provide economic relief to Guyanese by means of a stimulus package due to the harrowing effects of COVID-19. The organisation made

requires aggressive stimulating action by government. “In this crisis, the Guyanese people matter most since they are involved in production whether for themselves, on behalf of the government or private business. The question, therefore, is how do we take care of the people

the pitch on Wednesday in a release to the media. The proposal is similar to the US$2 trillion economic relief plan/Coronavirus Stimulus Package signed into effect by US President Donald Trump to aid millions of American households affected by the pandemic. Under the package, most adults will get $1,200 or less while for every qualifying child, age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500. ACDA said while Guyana is not the most challenged country as it relates to the virus, the disruption in global economic activity caused by the pandemic will have an impact on the country’s open economy. It noted that the need for social distancing has disrupted the normal activity of commerce and places of recreation; the shutting of schools and limiting social engagements have severely curtailed the need for transportation; livelihoods that depended on the commercial activity on the perimeter of school compounds are disrupted; vendors who occupied the pavements have seen their means of existence disappear but the demand for basic commodities has risen as a result of the virus. This marked slowdown in economic activity and foreseeable loss, ACDA stated,

of Guyana? What social and economic strategies are being drafted to protect Guyanese?” the body questioned. It pointed out that those at greatest economic risk are the private businesses and their workers. It stated that it could be argued that the poor are even worse off as the privilege of social distancing may not be easily possible. ACDA stated: “Those who could have been asked to work from home with a heavy reliance on the use of cell phones and internet services would see their phone bills go up. Employers hopefully, will have to bear these higher costs where necessary. Families without computers would find it hard to conform to the new work requirement, placing them at a disadvantage. Those businesses that offer computer services to the public are under tremendous strain. More workers, especially of labourers and other skilled tradesmen and women, will find themselves on the unemployment line with an inability to meet their basic expenditures in the coming weeks.” As such, the body said that it is only fitting that the government step in financially when it is most needed. The ACDA Steering Committee stressed that the COVID-19 crisis at hand is not of the doing of Guyanese

and they should not be made to suffer unavoidably as a result. “The government should not allow limitations of administration to prevent it from protecting and helping the Guyanese people to survive this pandemic. Under current abnormal circumstances, the

government, therefore, needs to step forward with additional measures to help the population, as it contemplates a total lockdown of the country,” the release put forward. “A more robust and broad-based stimulus package for households and business, that can protect the people

and economy of Guyana from the potential widespread ravages of the coronavirus, is of paramount importance. Since an entire nation is at risk, it would make good sense [to] act now. This must be a national effort devoid of partisan interest.” Other countries affected

by COVID-19 with stimulus packages or considering the same include Aruba, Australia, Bahrain, Belize, Egypt, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Slovenia and Thailand.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

Wimbledon cancelled for ... FROM BACK PAGE “The 134th Championships will instead be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.” Following the cancellation of the grasscourt major, and with the pandemic worsening in Europe and the U.S, the men’s ATP Tour, women’s WTA Tour and the International Tennis Federation extended the suspension of professional tennis for another five weeks to July 13. “At this time, tournaments taking place from July 13, 2020 onwards are still planning to proceed as per the published schedule,” said a joint statement from the governing bodies. Britain’s death toll from the virus reached 2,352 on Wednesday, according to NHS figures. The French Open, originally due to be held from May 24-June 7 was postponed and controversially rescheduled by the French tennis federation for Sept. 20-Oct. 4, shortly after the end of the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open organisers said they were continuing with their plans to host the hardcourt Grand Slam in New York as scheduled from Aug 31Sep 14. NO VACCINE = NO TENNIS Players across the tennis fraternity reacted with shock and sadness at the cancellation of Wimbledon. Roger Federer, whose record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles includes eight Wimbledon trophies, said he was “devastated”. “There is no gif for these things that I am feeling,” he added. In a statement from the organisers of the Halle Open, which was also cancelled, Federer said: “We are going through difficult times but we will emerge stronger. I already look forward to returning to Halle next year. Stay healthy.” Former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo did not think either the U.S. Open or the French Open would go ahead this year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

ECB pledges £60m amid ‘biggest ‘Tiger’ on world’s best challenge in its history’-Harrison batsman: ‘Obviously, it’s Virat Kohli’

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (left) and Virat Kohli

WEST Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been talking to the media in India sharing his thoughts on who he believes is the best batsman in the world. The words of the Guyanese ‘Tiger’ carries some weight as he knows a thing or two about batting. During a career that spanned two decades, Chanderpaul played 164 Tests for the West Indies scoring an incredible 11,867 runs at an impressive average of 51.37. Only Brian Lara has scored more for the West Indies. Ranked number one in the world in 2009 and again in 2012, Chanderpaul racked up 30 Test centuries and 55 fifties during his career that saw him play his last Test against England in May 2015. He averaged 41.60 in ODIs while scoring 8778 runs that included 11 centuries and 59 fifties. Therefore, when he says he believes that India’s Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world now, you would be inclined to believe that there is a lot of merit to his opinion. Kohli is currently the No. 1-ranked ODI batsman, No. 2-ranked Test batsman and finds himself in the top 10 of T20I rankings. “Obviously, it’s Virat Kohli. He has been working on all the aspects of his game, and the results are showing. He is working hard on his fitness; he works on his skills. You see him putting in the hard work, and he is one of those guys who always wants to do well,” Shivnarine Chanderpaul said of the Indian captain who made his Test debut against the West Indies in June 2011. “He’s proven it, day in and day out. You have to give credit to him for that. It’s not easy to stay at the top of your game for so long. You got to put in your work, and the results are showing.” Kohli has played 86 Tests during which he has scored 7240 runs at an average of 57.68 and has 27 centuries.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, April 03, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

(1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Bob Taylor-124 (Auckland, 1968-69) Jeff Stollmeyer-152 (Auckland, 1951-52)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1)

Who is the first New Zealander to bag a five-wicket haul

against the WI in Tests?

(2)

Who is the first WI to take five-wicket in a Test innings against New Zealand?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is facing the “biggest challenge in its history”, said chief executive Tom Harrison as he pledged £60m of support to counties and clubs. No cricket will be played in England until at least 28 May because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 18 first-class counties will share £40m, with £20m in interest-free loans made available to grassroots clubs. England’s players will not be asked to take a pay cut. Harrison, who will take a pay cut, said the financial package will “give certainty in these extremely difficult times to keep the lights on”. However, he warned that it “will be months before the full financial fallout is made clear”. The £40m is made up of three months of funds released early to help the “immediate cash flow chal-

lenges” faced by counties and county boards. It also includes two years worth of “facilities maintenance distribution” which no longer have to be spent solely on improving facilities.

“We won’t play until we know it is safe,” said Harrison on Tuesday. The T20 Blast - the domestic 20-over competition - is set to begin on 28 May, while the inaugural Hundred

Tom Harrison has been ECB chief executive since 2015

The County Championship was due to start on 12 April, with England’s first Test of the summer against West Indies scheduled to begin on 4 June. The ECB said last week that it is considering playing international matches behind closed doors and introducing coronavirus checkpoints at grounds.

- a new 100-ball competition - is due to run from 15 July to 14 August. “We will be prioritising the most valuable forms first,” said Harrison. “This includes the international games, T20 Blast and maybe The Hundred as and when we get there.” Alec Stewart, the former England captain and

current director of cricket at Surrey, said last week that the Blast and The Hundred may be the only county cricket played this summer.

Analysis Cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew This money will come as a godsend to every level of cricket, from the counties to grassroots, none of whom have any idea what the summer season might bring. Although it is looking increasingly unrealistic, the ECB still hopes to begin the season at the beginning of June. However, other options, such as starting as late as August, are being modelled. Such a late start would have massive implications for the season and not least the launch of The Hundred, which is a key part of the £1.1bn rights deal which starts this year.(BBC Sport)

Paine would fully support Steve Smith’s return to captaincy AUSTRALIA Test captain Tim Paine says he would “fully support” Steve Smith if the former skipper were to lead the side again. Paine, 35, took over the captaincy in March 2018 after Smith was banned from international cricket for his part in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith, 30, returned to the side as Australia retained the Ashes against England last summer and his twoyear ban on leadership roles within the national side is now over. “He’s captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and Welsh Fire in The Hundred; it’s something he loves doing,” Paine said. “If Steve Smith decides that’s the way he wants to go then I’d fully support him in

trying to do so again.” Since taking over the captaincy, Paine has won 10 Tests, with six losses and one draw. This includes the recent back-to-back whitewash wins at home, beating

2014 and 2018, with a record of 18 wins, 10 defeats and six draws. On his return to the team, he was named Australia’s player of the series in last year’s Ashes, scoring 774

Steve Smith led the team for 36 Test matches between 2014 and 2018, with a record 18 wins

Pakistan 2-0 and New Zealand 3-0. Smith led the team for 36 Test matches between

runs at an average of 110.57. Paine also added that coach Justin Langer and the selectors are “devel-

oping a number of guys that we can choose from” for when the Test captaincy does become available again. He mentioned Travis Head and Pat Cummins, who are currently joint vice-captains, and batsman Marnus Labuschagne as possible candidates. Australia are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a two-Test series in June, although Paine, who was speaking to journalists on a video call from his home in Hobart, conceded the tour could be cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. “You don’t have to be Einstein to realise that it’s probably unlikely, particularly in June,” he added. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 2, 2020

No partiality for anyone, says committee chairman Hadad PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Chairman of FIFA’s The committee also comprises Judy Daniel who will serve normalisation committee for Trinidad football, Robas deputy chairperson along with Nigel Romano as an ordiert Hadad, says he has no vested interest in the nary member, with FIFA expected to name a further two local game and stakeholders should not expect members after consultation with continental governing any partiality. body, CONCACAF. In particular, Hadad stressed, neither the FIFA controversially disbanded the TTFA recently removed William Wallace administraboard last month after concluding the local tion nor their predecessors, the David John governing body was “facing a very real risk of Williams regime, will receive any special insolvency and illiquidity”. treatment. Their move means that Wallace, who beat “I have a lot of respect for everybody John-Williams in elections last November, was … [but] you will always have the naysayers. forced to step aside after just four months in charge. I know that I’m never going to please everyBut with the country currently under a ‘stay body,” said the Trinidadian businessman. at home policy’ in the face of 89 recorded “But I will need to be in touch with both cases of the coronavirus and five deaths, parties because there are a lot of quesHadad said the normalisation’s tions unanswered especially under work was in a “holding pattern”. the David John-Williams admin“We’re trying as much as istration … so I want to have FIFA normalisation committee chairman , Robert Hadad possible, Nigel and myself a proper working relationship and Judy also, sharing a lot of with everybody.” information and as much as we can to come up with our own He added: “I can’t tell you I know one [administration] plans,” Hadad said, adding he had liaised with Clinton Urling more than the other. I really only spoke to Mr Wallace in Guyana, who had chaired a similar FIFA committee there [recently]. I’ve spoken to David a few times but nothing six years ago. in depth, nothing to say he’s my buddy or my partner. “He has a lot of good information and we can probably “I’m a very independent person and I would like to think reach out to him and get some information in the meaneverybody on my committee is in the same place.” time. I’m planning to spend a lot of time on Skype and Hadad was last week named by football’s world gov- Zoom and have online discussions with these people but erning body to oversee the committee which has been definitely we’re not going to be going to the office because given charge of the T&T Football Association for the next it’s illegal and we’ve got to respect that, so we’re going to two years. be in a holding pattern for a couple weeks.”

Administration hasty with management team sacking: Bishop

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop maintains the wrong call was made to overhaul the entire management team of the senior men’s side on the eve of last year’s 50-overs World Cup in England. A year after former St Kitts and Nevis cabinet minister, Ricky Skerritt, captured the Cricket West Indies(CWI) presidency, the decision to remove controversial Englishman Richard Pybus and replace him with former West Indies batsman Floyd Reifer, has remained a contentious talking point. And Bishop told CNC3’s ViewPoint considering the fallout from such a move, some measure of patience with the then management team could have been exercised. “Maybe on reflection there should have been a little more patience, from my point of view, handed down just prior to that World Cup,” said Bishop now a well-respected international television cricket analyst. “Instead of those dras-

tic changes because the chemistry of the team and what they were building towards would’ve needed time to blend.” The decision by the previous Dave Cameron administration to appoint Pybus proved a divisive one, resulting in rancour and eventual public spats between CWI directors.

for the first time in a decade before further defying odds to steal a 2-2 draw in a highly competitive five-match one-day series Once Skerritt defeated Cameron in hot-contested elections staged in Jamaica last year March, the new CWI administration moved swiftly to remove Pybus and his staff, along with the

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop

However, the story on the field was a different one as West Indies stunned England in the first two Tests of the three-match series in the Caribbean, to retain the Wisden Trophy

entire selection panel. We s t I n d i e s , w h o entered the World Cup ranked number nine, then endured their worst-ever campaign at a 50-overs World Cup, losing six of

their nine games and winning just two, to finish ninth of 10 teams and miss out on the second round. The 52-Bishop, who snared 161 wickets from 53 Tests between 1989 and 1998, said the game in the Caribbean faced several challenges to its development in particular, finance and funding. Citing Australia’s example, Bishop said West Indies would continue to lag behind larger nations because of their easier access to financing. “I’ve been to Australia and have seen what Australia are able to pump in economically into their women’s side of things,” the Trinidadian explained. “We don’t have those revenue streams and I think that must be understood. All the things we’re talking about are grassroots, it’s on the ground. [These programmes] require finance, they require revenue and that’s going to be the consistent challenge for us here in the Caribbean.”

Government sports facilities to remain close until May 1

DIRECTOR of Sport, Christopher Jones announced yesterday that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, National Gymnasium, National Aquatic Centre and the Colgrain Pool – all facilities that are owned and controlled by the Government of Guyana, will remain close until May 1.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

The move, the National Sports Commission (NSC) said, is to help in the country’s fight against the Coronavirus. Guyana now has 19 reported cases, with two casualties, according to the Ministry of Public Health. “The public is asked to not show up to any of the above mentioned facilities for queries; please call the office at Homestretch Avenue on 225-6340/225-3560 between the hours of 08:00 and noon,” the NSC said in a release.

Associations and athletes are asked by the NSC, to “always practice social distancing and wash your hands.” Guyana has recorded seven additional cases of the Coronavirus, carrying the total recorded rate of the disease here to 19. This was noted by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence on Wednesday in a daily update provided by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). She said that the number of deaths remain at two. Regionally, there has been one recorded case in Region Three; 17 in Region Four with one inconclusive and one in Region Six. In addition, she said the total number of persons tested climbed from 52 to 70, with 19 positives, 50 negatives and 1 inconclusive. She said there are now 36 persons in institutional quarantine. Of the 11 persons in isolation, one person is isolated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She said too that there are 119 persons on home quarantine. As regards containing and mitigating the spread of the virus, Lawrence said the MOPH continues to strengthen community and hospital surveillance as well as the Rapid Response Surveillance team.

UEFA suspends Champions League, Europa League until further notice By Simon Evans

(REUTERS) - UEFA bowed to the inevitable on Wednesday and suspended all Champions League and Europa League soccer matches “until further notice” due to the coronavirus pandemic. European soccer’s governing body also said all national team games scheduled for June have been postponed, including playoff matches for Euro 2020, which has been moved to 2021. The finals of Europe’s elite Champions League competition, second-tier Europa League and Women’s Champions League, all of which were scheduled for May, had already been postponed. While most leagues in Europe hope to finish their domestic seasons once restrictions on movement and social contact are lifted, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said last week the season could be lost if play does not start by the end of June. Wednesday’s video conference call of UEFA’s 55 member associations included a broad ranging discussion on the crisis and what options might face the game in the coming weeks. A source, who was part of the call, said while no decisions were taken, given the lack of certainty over the timeframe for the pandemic the understanding was that the longer the delay, the more the priority would fall on completing domestic seasons. One possibility on the table at UEFA, in case of a long delay into the summer, is to complete the European club competitions with a mini-tournament, such as a ‘final four’. UEFA’s executive committee also decided to give clubs more time to complete the club licensing paperwork for next season and suspended the provisions that demand clubs provide future financial information.

Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep were the 2019 singles champions

Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War Two …“The 134th Championships will instead be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.”

Indian cricketers face backlash for supporting Pakistan virus fund New Delhi (AFP) - Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh have unleashed a social media storm by backing former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s foundation in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh was strongly criticised on Twitter (AFP Photo/STR) The two countries are bitter rivals and the move touched a raw nerve in India. Afridi’s appeal for donations to help people affected by the deadly virus in Pakistan has had overwhelming support from leading cricketers. Harbhajan urged people to contribute in a video message, and called on other

cricketers in the two countries to make similar appeals. “These are testing times, it’s time to look out for each other,” Yuvraj wrote on Twitter in a call for funds. While Afridi thanked the two, Indian Twitter users reacted with fury at the support for a rival player who has been a vocal critic of India’s handling of the Kashmir dispute. “Do you have any sense?” wrote one Twitter user. “Lost respect” for Harbhajan Singh, added another. “Sorry guys you lost it.” India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-2013 and have seen a new peak in tensions over Kashmir, which has been at the centre of two wars between the neighbours since 1947. Kashmir has been divided between the two since their independence seven decades ago and India frequently accuses Pakistan of organising “terrorism” on its side of the border. World Cup-winning batsman Yuvraj, who made a return from cancer before finally retiring last year, has also raised money to fight coronavirus through his ‘YouWeCan’ foundation. India, which has been under a 21-day lockdown since March 24, has so far confirmed more than 1,600 coronavirus cases and 38 deaths.

LONDON (Reuters) - The Wimbledon championships were cancelled for the first time since World War Two on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic struck another blue-riband sports event off the calendar and wiped out the entire tennis grasscourt season. While the decision had looked inevitable for some time, since the virtual shutdown of world sport and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon had been one of the few events not to have been officially cancelled or postponed. But after emergency talks between the various stakeholders over the last few days, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced that it was impossible for the grasscourt Grand Slam, scheduled for June 29July 12, to take place. “It is with great regret that the main board ... have today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic,” the AELTC said in a statement here. TURN TO PAGE 21

Pan Am Athletes Commission urges athletes to stay focused LED by its president, Aliann Pompey of Guyana, the Pan Am Sports Athletes Commission is urging all athletes, especially those in the Americas, to remain focus and safe, as the world continues to battle with the spread of the coronavirus, which has led to the cancellation of some of the sporting world most prestigious events. The Commission comprises Aliann Pompey – President (Guyana – Athletics), Carlos Santiago (Puerto Rico – Judo); Adriana Escobar (El Salvador – Rowing), Isabel Swan (Brazil – Sailing), Paola Longoria (Mexico – Racquetball), Amber Joseph (Barbados – Cycling), Tony Azevedo (USA – Water Polo) and Melissa Humana-Paredes (Canada – Beach Volleyball). According to the commission, the uncertainty is driving athletes crazy, as they “train to win, to fulfil their dreams, while also being aware that this terrible pandemic is affecting the entire world and “as athletes of the Americas, we support the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, because everyone’s health comes first,” highlight the powerful message from the athlete leaders. The message also includes an important call to

action to all sport leaders to continue supporting athletes on their path to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which have been postponed and will now take place from July 23 to August 8, 2021.

Sailor Isabel Swan of Team Brazil is emphatic in pointing out that “for athletes and fans across the globe, we know that Tokyo 2020 will be the most important sports celebration in history.”

their questions, comments or concerns while also facilitating the creation of a stronger community. The Athletes Commission is united in the pursuit of continued sporting de-

Guyana’s Aliann Pompey (centre) flanked by other representatives of the Pan Am Sports Athletes Commission “But it is vital that the athletes continue to receive the support, scholarships and resources that are needed,” said five-time Olympian and Water Polo silver medalist, Tony Azevedo of Team USA.

velopment throughout the region while maintaining the health and safety of everyone, not just the athletes. As president Aliann Pompey says, “beating the Coronavirus is a challenge we must all face, together.”

The Athletes Commission is working tirelessly for the athletes across the continent. The Commission Members invite all athletes to communicate with them through the Panamsports.org website where they can send

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020