Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_04_09_2020

THURSDAY 9th April, 2020

' No.105965

Sixth COVID-19 death recorded

SEE PAGE 03

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence

…Min. Lawrence sounds warning of deadly disease, as local confirmed cases climb to 37

Komal Chand passes away in Cuba 08 PAGE

…hailed as a true workers’ champion

Linden man tests positive for COVID-19 PAGE

…six-year-old girl dies after 13 complaining of respiratory problems

Lowenfield wants 156 days to do recount

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A nurse sits comfortably in one of the David ‘G’ buses in Berbice as the driver prepares to make a drop

…Commission to return today to further deliberate on proposal

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

David ‘G’ buses to the rescue

…transportation of health workers countrywide to begin soon … PM slams discrimination as unacceptable

By Lisa Hamilton and Jeune Vankeric THE government has approved the use of David ‘G’ school busses for the free transport of healthcare workers fighting on the front-end of the coronavirus pandemic.

Many health workers around the country have been facing discrimination by public transportation operators, who have openly refused to let them in their vehicles.

Added to this, some healthcare workers are affected by the unavailability of transportation due to the 18:00 hours nationwide cur-

few. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told the Guyana Chronicle that plans are being finalised for the use of the buses countrywide.

“The intention is for the deployment of the David ‘G’ busses in all the regions to provide transport for health workers generally,” he said, noting that the same was affirmed by Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, at a meeting of the National COVID-19 Task Force on Wednesday.

REGION SIX LEADING WAY For now, some out-of-

town healthcare workers are being catered for, while the arrangements for the countrywide operations are still ongoing. At a Regional Health Emergency Committee meeting for East Berbice-Corentyne on Wednesday, Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen, reported that schedules for the operation of the David ‘G' buses have been implemented. They will transport healthcare workers at the conclusion of their shifts from the hospital to the closest points of their homes.

The bus routes are Number 50 Village to Crabwood Creek; Number 35 Village to Number 52 Village; Number Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

One of the buses await the healthcare workers outside the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital

35 Village to New Amsterdam; East Canje, Angoy’s Avenue, Sister’s Village and East Bank Berbice to New Amsterdam. The schedules in place will allow medical staff to arrive at work for the morning, afternoon and night shifts.

The David ‘G’ bus ses are a part of President David Granger’s Five Bs Programme which includes ‘boats, buses, bicycles plus books and breakfast’. When specific to transportation, the programme is also called the Public Education Transport Service (PETS).

There were approximately 29 busses operating in all Regions of the country prior to the closure of schools by the Ministry of Education due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government has decided that this initiative is a better option to the busses being parked, and recently gave the go-ahead. In Region Six, there was a deliberation between Stephen and Regional Education Officer (ag) Bhagmattie La Cruz, prior to the Regional Executive Office, Kim Williams Stephen agreeing with the initiative.

Stephen cautioned that medical workers must be dressed in uniform and wait along the main thoroughfares to join the buses which are prepared to transport them to varying health facilities across the region.

DISCRIMINATION UNACCEPTABLE Over the past week, nurs-

es and doctors have been complaining that despite having to work long hours away from their families, they are being stigmatised and discriminated against by the general public.

“We have been receiving reports from nurses and doctors that taxi services have refused to pick them up and bring them to work, supermarkets have asked them to leave when they are in uniform or have their badges on, we basically want to let the public know that nurses especially, are frontline workers when it comes to responding to COVID-19,” Manager/ Head of Strategic Planning and Communication at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Chelauna Providence said.

She further stated that nurses are constantly working overtime to slow spread of COVID-19 in Guyana, and deserve to be treated with respect during this critical period. In normal times, hire cars were parked outside the Regional Health Institution in New Amsterdam, Berbice, awaiting staff at the end of their shift but now, this is not so.

Hire car drivers have opted not to transport medical personnel for fear of contracting the virus, a pandemic which has resulted in the death of over 80,000 persons worldwide and six in Guyana. Many nurses live miles away from the health institution and some are forced to the take journey home by foot.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo said that there is no place for such fears or taboos as health workers are simply doing their jobs and, in Guyana’s case, are still being provided with protective gear when dealing with certain patients.

Furthermore, he said that it is unrealistic for one to believe that all medical workers have been in contact with persons with COVID-19 as persons continue to visit, and are admitted to hospitals for different reasons.

He said that persons should rethink the will to be discriminatory as no one knows when they might be subject to the care of a health worker which holds the duty to act without discrimination when treating patients.

“It’s horrible to find the driver of public transport, even though privately owned, discriminating against healthcare providers,” he said. “I am appealing to the operators of privately-owned public transport to desist from this, stop it. We need to help our healthcare providers and especially as we observe World Nurses Day, we need to find a way to express our gratitude to them, to show that we appreciate not only their work but their sacrifice. They’re putting their lives on the line to save our lives and the least they would expect is a level of gratitude for that service.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

‘COVID-19 is real and a killer’

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--Health Minister says, as local cases climb to 37; death toll now 6

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA continues to feel the effects of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which, according to Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, has so far claimed the lives of six Guyanese and infected another 37.

The increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, from 33 to 37, and from five to six respectively, occurred within 24 hours, health officials say.

“My brothers and sisters, COVID-19 is real, and it’s a killer. The only way you can protect yourself and save your life is to stay home. Just stay home!” Minister Lawrence appealed in a virtual update on the COVID-19 situation on Wednesday.

The minister said the situation continues to be very serious, and that so far, 145 persons have been tested for COVID-19, with 37 proving positive, 108 negative, and the remaining six too far gone.

The sixth person reportedly died on Tuesday evening, but their demise was not confirmed as COVID-19 positive until Wednesday, when health officials would have gotten the results of a sample sent to the National Reference Laboratory for testing.

“I wish to appeal to you that if you have been in contact with any of the 37 persons who tested positive for COVID-19, and you have not contacted us, please call the hotline, or use the COVID-19 app, or call your nearest health facility,” Minister Lawrence said, adding that persons can also contact the Min-

istry of Public Health, through the COVID-19 hotlines or app, or even call their nearest health facility.

Calls to the COVID-19 hotline had reached 1,627 on Wednesday, and came from Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

As the public health ministry continues to monitor the situation, some 27 persons have been placed in institutional quarantine, while another 30 are in institutional isolation. According to Minister Lawrence, a total of three persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

MEDICALLY CLEARED On a more positive note, however, the minister said that seven persons who were quarantined and three who had been isolated have been medically cleared and were sent home on Wednesday.

While there have been recoveries, the public health minister said persons must continue to adhere to the guidelines and measures that have been put in place.

“Have you considered that if we fail to adhere to the guidelines provided, that the possibility exists that our loved ones will be left to endure much suffering, especially your children?” Minister Lawrence asked as she sought to explain the seriousness of the situation.

Globally, there are 1,279,722 cases of COVID-19, with 72,614 deaths. And, with no approved

treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence

absence of approved medication, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Locally, the government had extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to

paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directions issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B on March 16 2020, the government said in a notice issued on Friday evening.

The measures at reference took effect from April 3, 2020, and will last one month, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

CURFEW IN EFFECT Speaking about the curfew, Minister Lawrence had said at the time it was issued: “The curfew was established with the aim of stopping the transmission, yet it is evident that persons do not understand the seriousness of the situation, and they continue to congregate in groups.

“Your co-operation is critical; I am begging you, stay at home during the day. If you must go out, ensure nose and mouth are covered; protect yourselves from these droplets that infect persons with the disease.”

The minister further said that the curfew will remain in effect until May, and will change, based on the response from Guyanese.

The public health ministry, and, by extension, the government, has already employed a number of measures to curb the spread of the virus. The existing efforts, such as the COVID-19 hotline, were supplemented after the ministry rolled out

a self-test APP. Through the app, persons are able to self-test and upload their information, which will go directly to the ministry’s surveillance team. Persons will then be contacted by the team if deemed necessary. Persons can access the app at COVID-19.health.gov.gy.

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 such as cardiovascular disease, 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 has advised.

'Your salaries are guaranteed' ...Finance Ministry assures public servants

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

The Ministry of Finance notes the concern raised about the continued payment of salaries to public servants. We wish to categorically state that the salaries of public servants, and pensions, are guaranteed for the rest of the

year. We urge you to reject any rumours to the contrary. Salaries and pensions will be paid as scheduled for 2020.

The Ministry is appalled at the insensitive and cowardly attempt by persons to incite public panic, at a time

when we are grappling with national and global challenges.

We urge that such persons be held ac countable, and that they refrain from making incendiary and ill-informed statements. We invite you to seek out

the Ministry with any questions that you may have, so that you can be appropriately informed.

The Ministry of Finance reminds all public servants that your health and wellbeing are priorities. And therefore, we appeal to you, to

continue to observe all the relevant guidelines and instructions issued by the Department of Public Service, Heads of Agencies and the Ministry of Public Health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

US election 2020: Bernie Sanders suspends presidential campaign

(BBC) Senator Bernie Sanders has ended his presidential campaign, clearing the way for former Vice-President Joe Biden to become the Democratic party’s nominee.

Mr Sanders, 78, told supporters on Wednesday he saw no feasible path to get enough votes to win the nomination.

An early front-runner, the Vermont senator found success with young voters, but slipped behind Mr Biden in recent weeks.

He helped make health-

care and income inequalities key election issues.

Among the most left-leaning candidates during this year’s election cycle, the self-described ‘Democratic socialist’ campaigned on policies including healthcare for all, free public college, raising taxes on the wealthy and increasing minimum wage.

Mr Sanders, an Independent, had sought the Democratic presidential nomination before, losing out in 2016 to Hillary Clinton.

In both elections, he found favour with young vot-

ers who embraced his calls for a political ‘revolution’.

He won endorsements from a number of celebrities, including Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Mark Ruffalo and Dick Van Dyke.

While Mr Sanders saw support from younger voters, he failed to win key African-American voters across the southern states in the 2020 Democratic primary elections.

In recent weeks, he had been hosting campaign events through online live streams due to health concerns from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Biden, 77, is now expected to be crowned the Democratic presidential nominee at the party’s convention in August. He will then face off against President Donald Trump during the November general election.

What did Mr Sanders

say?

Mr Sanders told supporters in a live stream that the decision to end his campaign was “very difficult and painful”, and acknowledged some of his supporters would have wished him to fight until the last state contest.

“If I believed we had a feasible path to the nomination, I would certainly continue,” he said.

Mr Sanders added that the campaign has “transformed American consciousness as to what kind of nation we can become and have taken this country a major step forward in the never-ending struggle for economic justice, social justice, racial justice and environmental justice”.

“Please also appreciate that not only are we winning the struggle ideologically, we are also winning it generationally.”

Thursday, April 09, 05:00hrs - 06:30 hrs

Mr Sanders noted that across the country, his campaign received “a significant majority of the votes...from people not only 30 years or younger, but 50 years or younger”.

“The future of this country is with our ideas.”

Mr Sanders also congratulated Mr Biden, and said that he will work with him to “move our progressive ideas forward”.

The senator added that he will still be on ballots in states that have yet to vote in the Democratic primary elections, in order to gather delegates and influence the party’s general election platform at the convention.

“Together, standing united, we will go forward to defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history.”

Coronavirus: ‘Drop in global trade to be worse than 2008 crisis’ (BBC) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is predicting a severe decline in international commerce this year.

In a new report the WTO forecasts a contraction of between 13% and 32% this year.

The wide range of possibilities reflects the uncertainties about the health crisis.

It says the impact on trade is likely to exceed the slump caused by the financial crisis just over a decade ago.

The more pessimistic case would amount to a decline in global trade similar to what happened in the great depression 90 years ago but in shorter period of time.

The WTO’s director general Roberto Azevedo described the figures as “ugly”.

“There is no getting round that”, he said. He said the situation was first and foremost a health crisis and he acknowledged that governments had to take steps to protect people’s lives.

“The unavoidable declines in trade and output will have painful consequences for households and businesses, on top of the human suffering caused by the disease itself,” he added.

A decline of 13% in trade in goods is described in the report as a relatively optimistic scenario. It reflects a steep drop in trade followed by a recovery starting in the second half of 2020.

That of course would need to be based on substantial progress over the next few months in getting on top of the health crisis.

That is obviously not guaranteed, so the report includes a much more pessimistic case which reflects a steeper initial decline and a more prolonged and incomplete recovery.

The report also warns that “the extent of uncertainty is very high, and it is well within the realm of possibilities that for both 2020 and 2021 the outcomes could be above or below these results”.

The report says that the growth in global trade had already stalled towards the end of last year. By the final quarter of 2019 goods trade was 1% lower than a year earlier.

The WTO says this was the result of “persistent trade tensions”, a reference that to a large extent reflects the confrontational approach to international commerce taken by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Mr Azevedo said trade would be an important ingredient in the economic recovery after the crisis. He said keeping markets open and predictable would be critical.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

Chambers seek more COVID-19 relief from Gov’t (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Trinidad and Tobago’s main business chambers are calling on the Government to help them save jobs by implementing a tax credit on salaries for companies that do not make any profit over the next three months.

The call was made yesterday, following a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago, Energy Chamber of T&T, T&T Chamber of Industry & Commerce, T&T Manufacturers’ Association and the Confederation of Industry and Commerce on Monday to discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses and the wider society.

“With the majority of businesses suffering from a near-total collapse of sales and therefore thousands of individuals facing a fall in income, we appeal to the Government to support the retention of employment through a tax credit on salaries for companies who realise no profits during this period,” a joint release from the chambers said.

“We propose that for each employee that the registered businesses keep on their payroll through the next three months (i.e.

April-June 2020), the Government grants an additional tax credit (of between 100%-150%) of the first $6,000 of the employee’s salary. This tax credit can be applied proportionally over a three-year period starting Q3 2020.”

This was just one of five items the chambers deemed critical in the immediate term.

They also called on the Government to defer the payment of corporation tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) for the next three months. This request comes one day after Finance Minister Colm Imbert appealed to people to remember their tax obligations to T&T at this time, since the country will need all the money it can get to manoeuvre through these tough economic times.

On Monday, Imbert hosted a virtual media conference to provide updates on the revenue for fiscal 2020, the Salary Relief Grant and other financial matters. He said the country experienced a shortfall in revenue of $700 million for the first quarter of 2020.

Imbert’s press conference came hours after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed stricter Stay-atHome measures in the fight against CIVID-19, including the closure of all restaurants and reduced opening hours for supermarkets and pharmacies.

“While we understand that this is a tricky issue and directly impacts the Government’s cash flow and therefore ability to cushion the fallout to all sectors of society, we ask Government to still consider a deferral of Corporation Tax and Value Added Tax payments for the upcoming period through June 2020. We believe the temporary cash flow interruption to Government can be managed, in light of the HSF withdrawal and the realisation of virtually budgeted corporation tax receipts in Q1 2020. We also ask for a waiver of penalty interest for late payment of same for Q1 and Q2 of 2020,” the chambers stated yesterday.

“The business groups are, however, appealing to all businesses - large and small - that are able to make these tax payments during this period, to do so.

We expect all businesses to continue payment of NIS and Health Surcharge.”

One of the main initiatives that Imbert said the Government would be launching to help those who may lose their jobs during the COVID-19 measures is a Salary Relief Grant.

The first phase of the grant covers three months – April, May and June – and can be accessed by citizens who are enrolled on the National Insurance database and have either lost their jobs permanently or temporarily because of COVID-19 measures. The grant is $1,500 monthly and Imbert said 80,000 people are estimated to be eligible. The Government has estimated the grant will cost taxpayers around $400 million. The second phase of the Salary Relief Grant is expected to target the self-employed and those who are not on the NIS system.

The chambers also called on Government to offer support to the self-employed and their employees.

“We propose that the Government extends income support to the self-employed and their employees in the ‘informal’ sector. We recommend this support

for the ‘informal’ business owners and their employees at minimum, under the same terms as the salary relief grant to retrenched employees, once these businesses and their employees register with the BIR,” the chambers stated.

“Unregistered businesses could be encouraged to register, possibly through their regional corporations, with the understanding that they will be forgiven for past non-payment of taxes but will be required to pay going forward. Such a move will widen the tax net and assist with the rebuilding of Government revenue once business and social activity return to some level of normalcy.”

The chambers are also asking the Government to launch a National Recovery Fund.

“Based on the substantial excess funds both US$ and TT$ in the banking system, there is an opportunity for GORTT to mobilise these funds and launch a National Recovery Fund denominated in both currencies. Any business or citizen can make a contribution, however small,” the chambers stated.

“There should be some form of incentive by way of deduction for tax purposes over the next 5-10 years at 150 per cent. Ideally, it should not be structured in the form of debt, so as not to impact GORTT borrowing limits and debt ratios. This fund must be kept separate from other funds and overseen by a board made up of reputable private sector and government representatives.

It should be used to improve the ease of doing business and for employment generating activities.”

Finally, the chambers called on Government to say what the plan going forward is when it comes to the country’s education system during these trying times.

“Clarity needs to be given on the education system going forward. The Chambers call on the Government to design, clearly communicate and implement a plan to ensure that teaching and learning can resume after April 20th, 2020. The Chambers are willing to work with their members to explore means of supporting this effort,” the chambers said.

“We also commend the many companies who are already doing what they can to minimise the disruption of education.

We highlight companies such as TSL and Atlantic for making the Pennacool system more widely available and the myriad of technology companies and service providers who are assisting with implementation of online learning solutions. However, we acknowledge that not every school and certainly not every child will have access to technologically-enabled education and reiterate our willingness to support the education system in bridging these gaps to the extent possible.”

The chambers added, “While we recognise that these measures are but a small part of what needs to be done to bring stability and then get to recovery, we do hope that the Government will consider and implement these measures as we believe they will go a long way in building trust and confidence and give business some minor, but needed relief in the current, very difficult environment.”

St Vincent plans to bring home sailors (NATIONNEWS) KINGSTOWN – Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says his administration plans to bring home Vincentian sailors who have been stranded on cruise and other ships due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“There are Vincentians who are still out there who want to come home, just as Vincentians, overwhelmingly, took the opportunity on come home between the 18th and the 28 [of March] when we had the last flight,” said Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on the weekend.

He said some employers want charter flights to bring these Vincentians home.

“But, clearly, from where they are coming, it is going to be important that they be tested and that their employers, for instances, in the case of a cruise ship who may like them to come, they’ll have to organise here, under our own supervision in quarantine facilities after they had been tested properly overseas,” Gonsalves said.

“We can’t deny our citizens the right to come home but we have to put the parameters and the protocols in place under which they can come.”

The prime minister said he knows some people will say that he should let Vincentians who are overseas stay where they are.

“And there is merit in that. But there is the consideration on the other hand. We are not rushing on that because we will ask for certain tests to be done and certain protocols to be clearly and precisely established.”

Gonsalves admitted that the country has had some difficulties, especially with nationals who have returned from overseas, especially sailors, who have been breaking their quarantine.

He said these are “good people, who have made important contributions to their families and to this country”.

“We can’t just turn out back on them, they are citizens of our country, but they have to understand they cannot — you are on quarantine, you have to stay on quarantine.

“It’s irresponsible to break the quarantine. You have been spoken to, you have been advised, the overwhelming majority are following the advice, but there is a small group. I am not saying if you don’t hear you will feel, because that’s not the language for the prime minister. I say that the authorities are responding to any recalcitrance.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

The physical-distancing realities of COVID-19 THE Black Death or Bubonic plague is said to be the most violent epidemic to have affected mankind. It is said to have inflicted a deadly toll of between 70 – 200 million in mostly Europe, accounting for between 30 per cent – 60 per cent of that continent’s population. It is certain that this deadly unchecked scything down of victims, probably have now come to the knowledge of the general citizenry in their reading; not to also forget what is probably the second deadliest pandemic, the Great Flu of 1918 that killed millions.

In the Black Death pandemic that raged between 1347 – 1351, it is evident that medical science was not advanced, as it is now in the twenty first century, and that there was much superstition as to the causes of the daily deaths of tens of thousands. This was to have led to the massacre of a particular race segment of Europeans, since it was claimed that they were the least

affected by the pandemic’s deadly ravages.

However, it is also very evident that social distancing as a methodology in combatting the spread of the bubonic plague had not been known or even thought of at that time; much less locking down of cities. That this is opined, is because it was said that so contagious was the catch/spread of the plague that all that it took was a whiff of the exhaled breath of an infected victim and within three – seven days, death was sure to occur.

Fast forward to almost 700 years later and contemporary man is in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, another grave threat to mankind’s present existence. But although the current rising figures of infected persons, and mounting death toll is frightening by any statistical accounts, there are basic, but very crucial mechanisms now known, and employed in the global efforts to put a brake on this rampaging pandemic which threatens all of us,

in the absence of a vaccine.

Call this, the social understanding of man’s efforts to defeat its spread, given the fact that there is no known cure or definite medical relief just yet. In fact, there is a reality which we all must face at the moment, and perhaps for the foreseeable future – that our lives are slowly changing, without us having any choice as to its circumstances and evolvement.

In this entirely new frightening milieu, each of our survival has become intertwined with one another; meaning that adherence/non-adherence to social distancing and imposed lockdowns and curfews, determine whether we will become infected. And this is very key in understanding the subtle and cunning of the COVID-19 virus, since it is advised that many persons have been found to be asymptomatic, without any external manifestation, but are in fact, transmitting the deadly virus. Thus, we all should understand the logic of social dis-

tancing and lockdowns and curfews, since these have now become our mutual means of surviving this global threat.

Life has changed in which citizens have absolutely no choice in currently determining their lives, except to follow strict guidelines which will save him/her; their families, neighbours; friends, and communities. The fact that announcements of deaths, is now accompanied by the unprecedented notice of NO WAKE BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19; with funeral services now reserved for only very close relatives – there is the Ministry of Public Health(MoPH) guidelines that specify numbers for funeral, weddings etc.– UNDERLINES not only the seriousness of the times which will now control how we live, and the limits placed on our social lives – but the encouraging fact that many Guyanese do understand what are required of them, and are responding. There must be no compromise.

For those who would want to believe that it is business as usual, they must take a closer and objective look at a world that is now vastly different to the one that we lived in, say, two months ago: it has come to halt, inclusive of every social activity, inclusive of all sports and its major brand events; even that which involves daily work, with millions now having to work from home, which is also occurring here but on a very small scale.

Finally, it explains why many governments, inclusive of ours, have given their relevant authorities the legitimate authority to enforce laws that speak of safeguarding the citizenry in these unprecedented and stressful times.

All must understand the social realities of our present world. There is no choice but to be each other’s keeper, which means a new social reality of imposed limits, either willingly or enforced.

The President is vindicated! The nation has Dear Editor President David Granger continues to be vindicated by the Courts. His application of the Laws of Guyana in the exercise of his function as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana cannot be questioned.

The President has at all times said that he respects the Constitution of Guyana, will abide by the rulings of the Court and adhere to the decisions of the Elections Commission. Adherence to the rule of law, a concept that may be foreign in some quarters of the opposition, has been at the forefront of President Granger’s leadership. The Constitution of Guyana remains sacrosanct and has been instructive during this difficult period.

It is important to extract that since the passage of the No-Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018 there has been a flurry of legal action and legitimate challenges, but the President continues to be guided by the Constitution. He complies fully with the rulings of the Courts. The Opposition in its heyday attempted to corrupt the court system by interfering in its jurisdiction to suit its purpose, these distant memories are eclipsed by the oath taken by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government and its adherence to the rule of law.

It is President Granger who expressed the position that the Government as any other entity, and more so representing the interests of the citizens who voted the coalition into office, has a right to inquire

about the legitimacy of the vote carried by Mr Charandass Persaud. The Government exercised its legitimate inquiry all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and abided by the decision of the Regional Court which said the vote was validly cast.

It is President David Granger who consulted with the Leader of the Opposition in his constitutional capacity to appoint a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission in fulfilment of the ruling of the CCJ to ensure the delivery of credible General and Regional Elections.

It is President David Granger who gave his unreserved commitment to ensure that the GECOM was given all necessary financial allocations to conduct its work to ensure it can deliver credible elections. The President ensured that at all material times the Commission was supported. Notably, the Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) systematically stymied the work of the Commission by frustrating its efforts to sanitise the Official List of Electors (OLE) through House-to-House registration process.

It was because of the tantrums thrown by the Opposition that that process was abruptly ended.

It was President David Granger, who being advised by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, dissolved Parliament and declared March 2, 2020 as the date for the General and Regional Elections. The PPP in its familiar fashion attempted to highjack our democracy by facilitating a bloated list and making wild

accusations through-out the tabulation process.

It was President David Granger who invited the CARICOM delegation, to observe under the consideration of the constitutional agency GECOM, the recount of the General and Regional Elections.

The President sought calm while the hooligans of the PPP threatened to destabilise our nation, sowing seeds of discord and damaging the property of the state which benefits all Guyanese.

It was President David Granger who respected the legal challenge to the constitutionality of the CARICOM Initiative and awaited the determination of the courts. The Court has ruled and like the rest of the country, President David Granger joins all Guyanese in awaiting on the Elections Commission to charter the course forward.

Guyanese must continue to reject the politics of division peddled by the PPP and salute the astute leadership of David Granger and the APNU+AFC Coalition as we fight against the lawless and indecent PPP which has shown its colours. Let us fight the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and reject the bad politics of the PPP as we build one Guyana. The decade of Development is upon us.

Regards The Guyana Youth and Student Movement Congress Place, Sophia

lost a patriot

Dear Editor, I was so sorry when today I learnt of the passing of Veteran Trade Unionist and Politician, Komal Chand.

Komal was a solid Guyanese Patriot who believed in the cause of workers in the sugar industry and elsewhere. I knew Komal as a man who held strong views on the issues that came before us in the Trade Union arena. But even when we did not share the same views on a miscellany of matters, he always maintained a calm dignity and respect.

As such, over the years, I regarded Komal as a friend; this was primarily due to the ease of our several conversations initiated by either of us.

Guyana has lost a good Trade Union Leader and Citizen.

In him, we’ve lost, because of his charm, an entity that could see us through storm and tempest of this life. I’ve lost a friend, the Trade Union Fraternity has lost a relentless crusader for workers. The Nation has lost a Patriot.

To his families, colleagues and friends, on behalf of my wife, Dr. Jennifer Basdeo-Green, children and family, I extend sincere condolences, confident that his noble exploits on earth would give them some comfort in this time of sad bereavement.

Regards Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

'Whom the Gods would destroy they first make them mad'

Dear editor,

It was American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who coined the infamous quote, “Whom the Gods would destroy they first make them mad.”

This quote quite frequently reverberated my teenaged eardrums in heated political debates but the meaning evaded my developing cerebral cortex but this would change. Sooner had I taken the sacred Hippocratic Oath did the penny dropped.

Now armed with the post-nominal MBBS, my repertoire of medical diagnosis was quite extensive. Neurosyphilis, by now considered the rare, weird and wonderful was a part of my armoury of sophisticated medical jargons to confusticate the honorary doctors and those masquerading with fake Phd. You see neurosyphilis develops from primary syphilis and is characterised by irrational behaviour. It is believed that it afflicted many famous or infamous leaders, depending on which retrospective lens you choose to use. Napoleon, Hitler and Al Capone counted in that disreputable black book. Now older and university wiser, I was on my way to deciphering Mr. Longfellow discombobulating quote. You see by now, I was very much aware of the fact that in that tragic period, most medical ailments were treated with bloodletting since antibiotics were still part of the mysterious unknowns. Syphilis was no exemption from this haemorrhagic habit. As a result those afflicted, counted their years without adequate treatment to the inevitable neurosyphilis which is characterised by hyperactive dementia.

The local vernacular was not that kind as the

disparaging and painfully discriminatory word “mad” was used. It is this tragic end that awaited these powerful leaders, as neurosyphilis reduced them to irrational “mad men” and ultimately forfeiture of power.

Presently in Guyana, this 19th century malady seems to be making a concerning resurgence in the rich and famous. Why should such a malady revisit us when we are blessed with powerful Treponema Pallidum Spirochete killing penicillins antibiotics? I am uncertain and do recognise that I may very well be wrong in my conclusion hence will share the evidence with you to provide that second opinion.

A few days ago, Gerry Gouveia the Chairman of the PSC, recently renamed the, Private Sanction Commission, had this to say about national recount, “Plain and simple. Count every single vote in every box in every single region in a transparent manner under the supervision of international and local observers.” So the Madam Chairwoman of GECOM on hearing this responded “We heard you Gerry. We will recount from Region 1-10, just as you instructed us.” Gerry on receiving news of the Madam Chairwoman’s plans rushed out on his veranda and shouted, “That’s an entire waste of time.

Count only Region 4.” You see for centuries Gerry was crying to all thing breathing, even the fishes, that all votes should be valued and should be counted. As a result the question on the lips of all perplexed followers of this election is, what motivated this irrational and seismic change in Gerry’s position? Is our stalwart, Gerry afflicted with neurosyphilis?

This case is somewhat intriguing and in-

volves “Scottish blood” Bryan Mac Intosh, the de facto leader of Guardians of Democracy. Mind you the title is a tragic misnomer, since they were not guarding democracy they were foolishly guarding a few ballot boxes. Anyway, over the past few weeks Bryan was drinking the PPP soup faster than Starving Marvin of South Park. He talked all things PPP. He breathed all things PPP. He slept on the streets with the deadly Coronavirus for PPP. Only Monday, he was a one man protest on the desolate streets fighting for democracy for PPP. For him Bharrat was god and Irfaan his deputy. Anil was the legal adviser to the gods.

All that was left for this loyal subject to reaffirm his allegiance to the gods was to donate both his kidneys. Then shockingly, fifteen minutes after he pledge this allegiance he recorded a new video where he was blasphemously cursing the gods, reducing them to male and female genitalia. He disparagingly accused the god of sitting on the lap of his legal adviser. Then he did the ultimate.

He denigrated the sacred cup. The masses were astonished, so too were the gods. No one saw it coming. Not even the great Nostradamus could have predicted this Shakespearean drama. What could have triggered this earth shattering shift in Bryan’s position? Are we looking at a second suspected case of neurosyphilis?

This one take the cake and unsurprisingly involved the PPP GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj who I do respectfully refer to as “suit guy” since a suit is his permanent attire even when the temperatures are above 40 degrees Celsius.

Guyana is not exempted from the deadly COVID-19 as so far it has left five fatalities in its wake. PAHO recognised the danger and scared

PPP/C deliberately frustrating the work of GECOM to avoid a recount of votes Dear Editor There’s a saying that life can only be lived forward but understood backward. On March 10, 2020, one day before the High Court was set to rule on the injunction brought before it by the former driver of Mr. Anil Nandalall, the now-deceased by suicide Mr. Reeaz Holladar. I can only imagine how distraught and hurt his wife, children and family must feel.

Since the free and fair elections conducted on March 2, 2020, the PPP/C has tried several tactics to frustrate the work of GECOM aimed at blocking GECOM from making a final declaration and ultimately the swearing in of President Granger. The first set of attempts to frustrate the work of GECOM included efforts to sabotage the electoral process. For example, it is alleged and there is supporting evidence showing that the PPP/C attempted to insert fake SOPs into the tabulation of votes by GECOM. Other examples include encouraging multiple voting and vote-buying as far as Whitewater Creek Primary School in Region 1 and Christiansburg in Linden.

The second category of efforts to sabotage GECOM included a physical assault on the GECOM Command Centre, threats on the life and person of GECOM’s Chairwoman, its CEO and several

other officials. After it didn’t get its way, the PPP/C decided to use Guyana’s Court system to frustrate the work of GECOM. All this time, the PPP/C kept sharing threats of sanctions and the like made by a handful of politicians in the USA. Several politicians are included in a long list of persons and organizations Mercury Public Affairs lobbied on behalf of the PPP/C. (Side note: readers should understand what lobbying is).

On March 8, 2020, Justice Roxanne George-Wilshire ruling on the Holladar injunction, ordered that the tabulation of votes for district four ought to continue or restart. This was undertaken and completed by GECOM in the presence of a minimum of two representatives from each political party and other accredited officials. Again because the final figures showed that APNU/AFC received the majority of votes, the PPP/C did their best to discredit the tabulation exercise.

Notwithstanding this, President Granger extended a hand of harmony on March 10, 2020 by publicly suggesting that he, as well as the Coalition, would countenance a recount of all 10 electoral districts in keeping with the Constitution, electoral laws and statutory responsibilities of GECOM. Fast forward to April 3, 2020 when the Chairwoman of GECOM and the Commission

proper, agreed to a national recount commencing with District 1. One day before taking this decision, Gerry Gouevia, Chairman for life of the Private Sector Commissioner it seems, wrote to the Organisation of American States (OAS), the same OAS that was responsible for organising a coup in Bolivia resulting in theft of the elections from the people of Bolivia and incumbent Eva Morales led Government of Bolivia. Immediately after GECOM took the decision for a national recount, the PPP began making new requests which were outside of its agreement with GECOM. To date, these requests have been: (1) invite the OAS to overlook the recount, (2) invite the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an organ of the OAS and (3) request that the tabulation exercise is televised nationally.

When the current head of CARICOM and Prime minister of Barbados mentioned that there are forces that do not want a recount, I presume she had already connected the dots and determined which party was frustrating the work of GECOM and possibly the reasons why they have been engaged in such measures some two years before the March 2, 2020 elections.

Regards R. Chung-A-On

the hell out of our Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence by informing her that there can be as much as 20,000 deaths if she does not lockdown the country. You see the Honourable Minister was ambivalent about doing so, being all too aware of the economic, social and psychological consequences but after being provided with those scary numbers she recognised and took her duty of care to us seriously. As a result, Guyana was placed under lockdown where only police, thieves and COVID-19 roam our streets. This coincidentally was the very day GECOM agreed to do a recount. “Suit guy”, looking dapper in his suit in 40 degrees butter melting and brain frying temperatures, opined at an invited interview that he is “very suspicious” of the lockdown.

He questioned why now and not later. Seriously “suit guy”. You are surprised when the entire world is under lock and key and Guyana belated joining them? I am completely gobsmacked with “suit guy’s” assertion and I’m struggling to determine whether he has just fried all his brain in the heat of the sun, whether he is just downright foolish or if he may be our third suspected case of neurosyphilis?

So here we have three cases. Three diagnostic enigmas. Are they the psychological consequences of the lockdown? Are they cases of neurosyphilis? Or are they unfortunate cases resulting from Bharrat providing conflicting and inconsistent instructions?

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

Guyana must signal political stability, return to normalcy Dear Editor, The latest ruling from the Guyana Court of Appeal clears the way for final resolution of our electoral uncertainty, and not a moment too soon. GECOM and the responsible officials must put aside the temptation to fall into petty disputes and proceed to the recount with all haste.

It is of the utmost importance that Guyana have its new, legitimate administration in place regardless of who the victor is.

Why? Because Guyana is being buffeted by unprecedented forces of global instability. The coronavirus is plodding unrelentingly through our communities. Far worse is to come.

Two things will be vital for Guyana to minimise the brutal impact of the virus: a legitimate functioning government and the support of international aid. At the moment, we have neither.

The experience of other nations, most far more wealthy and organised than Guyana, shows clearly that a strong government is needed to make and enforce the rules for halting the virus’ spread. After a month without a clear resolution to our electoral squabbles, Guyana is losing valuable time and energy that could be directed towards preparing for the virus. We are also losing opportunities to redirect our new state resources (ie our oil revenues) to meet these ends.

Many countries are also having necessary funding, supplies and medical equipment furnished by international aid. Yet Guyana did not make the cut for the World Bank’s first round of aid operations. I suspect that this snub may

well be because of our highly-publicised political troubles. While other nations have advanced preparation and asked for support, we appear to outsiders to be a trouble child in the international political community – little wonder we lost our place in queue.

A speedy resolution to our elections and the formation of a new government is therefore critical. The new administration should look to quickly enact clear directives such as the testing and social distancing measures seen in other nations. It must also look to international aid for some of the medical equipment and supplies that will be needed to care for Guyana’s sick as infection rates start to soar. Getting that aid should be easier once Guyana’s reputation is improved.

A new government can also begin to utilise our secret weapon: oil revenues. I have been surprised by the lack of discussion around this point. Many nations are scrambling for funding in order to prop up businesses, households and healthcare systems. Guyana recently received over US$50 million from our first lift of oil alone, with more on the way! Those revenues can and should be redirected via emergency decrees to provide relief for citizens, buy medical equipment such as masks and ventilators and fund care for infected Guyanese.

This political battle could not have come at a worse time. Now we have been caught out by the onset of a global pandemic. Let us put the elections to rest.

Regards Gregory Lynch

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

PM hails Chand as labour hero

In a statement Prime Minister Nagamootoo said it was with deep sadness that we learned about the death of Chand, who peacefully passed away in Cuba where he was receiving medical attention. “With his death, Guyana has lost an outstanding champion of the working class, more particularly sugar workers,” the PM said. He added that the late Komal Chand last held the post of President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), and Vice-President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). A former Member of Parliament, he has been a member of the Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

In recognition of his role as a foremost labour leader, he was the recipient of the third highest national award, Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH).

“I express deepest sympathies at the passing of Komal Chand, and send sincere condolences to his sorrowing wife and children, and the rest of his family. I also offer regrets at the “death of a comrade” to the leadership and members of GAWU, FITUG and the PPP,” Nagamootoo said. He said on a personal note, his relationship with Komal Chand went back to the mid-sixties when they both served in the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) and, later in the PPP’s leadership.

Nagamootoo said for over 50 years, Komal has been a consistent fighter for political and industrial democracy and for social rights of working people. “He has always advocated trade union and national unity, and inclusive governance. He stood tall and courageous against corruption and mis-management, even when he had courted the disfavour of his own comrades.”

“Komal Chand was an

(From right) Prime MinisterHon. Moses Nagamootoo and Komal Chand MP

avowed Marxist-Leninist in the PPP’s leadership. Besides, he was also a staunch anti-imperialist whose record of struggles includes opposition to the war of aggression in

Vietnam, Apartheid in South Africa and the blockade of Cuba. He was on picket lines and vigils in protest against the overthrow of the lawful Allende Government in Chile,

and against the invasion of tiny Grenada. I will always remember Komal Chand as a down-to-earth and modest, grassroots leader. He was full of passion for the just causes that he embraced but gentle in his disposition towards all who knew him,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

He added that it would be an understatement to say that Guyana’s labour hero, Komal Chand, will be missed by the trade union movement and by the Guyanese working people.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Protection said Chand’s death “marks a tremendous loss to trade union activism in Guyana.” The ministry noted that he dedicated his career to fighting for the protection and rights of workers in the sugar, rice and numerous other industries in Guyana.

Chand served as President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and was also as a

Member of Parliament for the People’s Progressive Party.

He was known for his provision of representation at “bilateral, conciliation and arbitration levels, these were evidenced by the contents of the scores of collective labour agreements he concluded throughout his career,” the release stated.

The release also described Chand as a “tireless fighter and devoted servant to the working class.

– never shrinking from the opportunity to call out inequity where he saw it or give voice to the voiceless when he could. He was a gifted negotiator and provided representation at bilateral, conciliation and arbitration levels, these were evidenced by the contents of the scores of collective labour agreements he concluded throughout his career.” The Social Protection Ministry extended it condolences to Chand’s family.

Mabaruma Gov’t assessing impact of patient tests COVID-19 on business sector ...says prepared to assist affected businesses THE government has rolled out a survey for the private sector to determine the extent to which businesses have been impacted

by COVID-19.

The survey is being conducted by the Ministry of Business, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, and will be used to shape informed economic policy considerations.

In a message on Wednesday, members of the business community were asked to urgently fill out the questionnaire by Saturday, April 11, 2020. The survey can be completed via an online questionnaire and sharing via email, WhatsApp or text message for greater coverage is being encouraged.

“We are therefore asking for your kind and urgent assistance in disseminating to your membership to assist us in gathering this crucial information,” the Ministries stated. “Your cooperation in completing this form accurately will help in guiding the emergency policy responses needed to help Guyana through this unprecedented time.”

The questionnaire notes that the information provided will remain confidential and only be used for official purposes during the epidemic. It requires the name of the company, address, contact information, taxpayer identification number, description of business activities, evidence on how one’s business has been affected

by COVID-19 and whether there are any plans to use the current

leave; the designation of unpaid leave workers; the number and

opportunity for training of workers, facility upgrades or similar activities.

The survey also collects information on the number of full-time and part-time employees; the total salaries and allowances paid to employees excluding PAYE and NIS; total PAYE payable and total NIS Contributions payable.

For the period of March 16 to April 3, 2020, business owners conducting the survey must indicate the number of new hires; the number of number of employees required to take paid and unpaid

designation of employees permanently dismissed; the number of employees required to work reduced hours at a reduced salary; the number of employees required to take salary reduction; the number of employees on work-fromhome arrangements; total salaries and allowances payable to employees and total PAYE payable and NIS contributions payable.

Next, owners of businesses must state whether they expect any changes in their revenues in the coming month and if so what percentage and how many

workers, in the coming month, are expected to be asked to work reduced hours at reduced salary, go on unpaid leave or be permanently dismissed. Finally, they must give an answer on how they believe the government can further support their business to minimise the impact of COVID-19 In the coming month.

Recently, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had written to Chairman, National Task Force – COVID-19, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, that there was need for economic measures to cushion the effects of the pandemic in Guyana. When it comes to businesses, it had recommended a 100 per cent deduction of taxes for items given to the national effort; the rescheduling of loans and mortgages; relaxing of overdraft facilities and the relaxing of regulations to classify loan as non-performing. Already the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has granted tax deductions for all donations made by local businesses to staff and health institutions for the treatment of the virus and several other measures.

The survey in question for businesses can be accessed at: https://forms.office. com/Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=GEMd_24EQ0GLrJ1QPwDRK1La2-BWgE9FgDyb2R7-EgBUOUVUUUhQOUlKWE9KRjhUNzFQVVBEVkNaWS4u

positive for COVID-19

HEALTH officials at the Hinterland town of Mabaruma have confirmed that a patient, who was placed in quarantine after she displayed symptoms of COVID-19, has tested positive for the virus.

On Wednesday afternoon, Regional Health Officer, Dr Steven Cheefoon, confirmed the results in a phone interview on Radio Mabaruma’s 95.1FM, NCN’s relay station, and he also noted that the patient is in good health.

He urged residents not to panic but to practise safe health habits outlined by the authorities to curb the spread of the virus.

Samples were taken at the regional hospital at Mabaruma on Monday, after the patient displayed symptoms of the pandemic.

On Monday, officials at Mabaruma placed a lockdown on the business area of Kumaka. Residents noted that persons in the business area were not practising social-distancing measures as outlined by the Health Ministry.

Reports are that sanitisation efforts at the business community were undertaken on Tuesday, and several businesses were reopened several hours after, around 13:00hrs, the designated ‘market day’ at Kumaka.

Guyana has so far recorded 37 cases of the dreaded pandemic with 6 deaths being attributed to the virus.

Thus far, 145 persons have been tested for the virus and 27 persons are in institutional quarantine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

Komal Chand passes away in Cuba …hailed a true workers’ champion PRESIDENT of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, died on Wednesday, in Cuba, where he was undergoing treatment for a prolonged period of illness.

Chand served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) since 1992. In the last Parliament, he was that party’s representative for the Essequibo Islands- West Demerara region. GAWU noted in a release that he was most committed to his work and tasks and for that he enjoyed the respect of the workers. It was his dedication that saw him rising to become the Union’s General Secretary and later it’s President, the union said.

“He was, in our view, an outstanding trade unionist and very much committed to the upliftment and advancement of the working-class in our country and even beyond,” the body said. Outside of GAWU, he served as the Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and a member of the Presidential Council of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).

“Cde Komal was also deeply admired by those who worked along and together. It was from this vantage point that many of us got an opportunity to see up close how deeply he cared for the workers and more so the working-people and their families.

He always embraced and espoused policies and initiatives aimed at improving the standard-of-living and well-being of the ordinary people. He also recognized that unity was an essential pre-requisite in order for the workers to win out their principled and justifiable demands. He was always supportive of measures to bring about unity as he brought to bear his own ideas and experiences,” GAWU said.

Meanwhile, several officials of the PPP/C have paid tribute to Chand following his passing. “Guyana has lost a champion fighter for freedom, democracy and workers’ rights. Cde Komal Chand dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. He led the struggle in securing workers’ rights, welfare and freedom. His political life was one of dedication and commitment to democracy, social and economic justice which he fought for and defended until today when he closed his final innings in the journey of life,” PPP/C presidential candidate Irfaan Ali said. He also extended condolences to Chand’s family.

Another PPP/C stalwart, Clement Rohee noted that the party has lost a leader who helped to make the party what

it is today. Former Minister of Agriculture under the PPP/C, Robert Persaud, said the sugar industry has lost a true fighter.

He said Chand “has been synonymous with the struggles of our sugar workers for respect

generally. He was also a staunch advocate for workers’ unity as he felt division was most harmful to their plight and call. Indeed, the FITUG is poorer with his loss but we are proud that we had the opportunity; we daresay privilege, to associate with him.

The Federation is stronger for that and certainly will go on to

President of GAW and Former MP, Komal Chand

and a decent pay for several decades.”

He noted that Chand’s focus on getting the best package and conditions for those who toil in the fields and factories cannot be questioned.

He said while as Minister of Agriculture, they at times held different positions on how to save sugar, however he said Chand’s commitment to the industry’s workers was unquestionable.

Also, he noted that the GAWU leader’s role in shaping the modern politics of Guyana cannot be ignored as a Central and Executive Committee member of the PPP/C and a veteran MP. He said Chand’s voice for Labour was at times the loudest and most consistent.

Chand led GAWU in several battles with the administration of the day and the management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) over the rights of sugar workers.

A FIGHTER For their part the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) extends sincerest sympathies to the wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and other relatives and friends of Chand. At the time of his passing, he served as the Federation’s First Vice President.

The umbrella trade union said Komal’s association with FITUG goes back many years and he was among those that played a critical role in the organisation’s establishment in 1988. Following FITUG’s resuscitation, he continued to serve the organization dedicatedly. He was among the key drivers in the advancement of our organisation.

During his lifetime, he was a tireless champion of the workers. He was never afraid to speak his mind as he stood up in defence of the members of the GAWU and workers

higher heights because of the foundation laid by stalwarts like Komal Chand.

INDEFATIGABLE FIGHTER The Alliance For Change hailed Chand as an indefatigable fighter which belied his gentleness as a person and character as a good man. “Mr. Chand was a veteran Trade Unionist who entered the National Assembly on December 17, 1992 on the list of candidates for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic with the objective of representing the rights and interests of workers in the sugar industry and wider farming community.

He acquitted himself capably,” the AFC said. According to the AFC throughout his career he was not known to deviate from his principles or to engage in personal invectives and attacks on others - even when his views differed vastly from theirs. “The Alliance For Change regrets that his position on sugar did not appreciate the national need for right-sizing of an industry in decline but we remember Mr. Chand as a man of principle, courage and dignity who has left an indelible mark on the trade union movement and has touched the lives of thousands.

We express our profound sympathy to his grieving family and pray that comfort and solace will be found in the marvellous works of his long career as a workers' representative,” the party noted.

INTEGRAL TO SUGAR The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) in a statement expressing condolences to Chand’s family and GAWU said he has been an integral part of the corporation and the sugar industry for over forty years. “Having joined GAWU in 1975, he no doubt found his passion; advocating for workers’ rights, his name became synonymous with the rights of

sugar workers. His commitment, dedication and overall resolve, was inspiring to those persons, at various levels in the Corporation who would have come into contact with him.”

The sugar corporation said when GuySuCo was established in May, 1976, Cde. Chand, through the participation of GAWU, was a key figure in shaping the industrial relations spectrum, from the conceptualisation to implementation of more worker-focused systems and general work environment in the Corporation. “Our Industrial Relations department remembers Cde. Chand as being ‘a well-informed, experienced and skilled negotiator, who was loved by the workers; always having his finger on the pulse of the working class. He always found a way to navigate out of what most might have concluded, the most difficult situations or scenarios,” GuySuCo said.

Other fond memories of Cde. Chand from workers were; ‘he never gave up on an issue until he would have exhausted all avenues in having it addressed’. ‘He had a good memory of matters’. ‘He made a day look like it had forty hours instead of twenty four hours with the amount of things he did within a day’. ‘You could have depended on him to read any document you gave to him and provide his analysis’.

‘If you needed assistance with anything, he never turned you away; even if he did not have the answer, he would find someone who could have given you an answer’.

“The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and staff of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc., stand with Cde. Chand’s family and GAWU at this time, as they reflect on the life of their beloved husband, father, leader and colleague,” the corporation said.

PARTY STALWART The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in mourning the passing of its stalwart and one of the nation’s truest champions of workers, said “Chand served our party in various capacities, inclusive of being a long-standing member of the Central and Executive Committees. He also represented the PPP and the PPP/C in Parliament for over 20 years. But his most notable contribution was as the head of GAWU, the country’s largest trade union”. The PPP said Chand’s contributions to protecting the rights of sugar workers, fisherfolk, and forestry sectors employees, among others are well recognised across the country and will be remembered by generations to come. “Also, his efforts to unify the Labour movement are unparalleled and this led to the formation of FITUG,” the PPP said.

ILO says:

COVID-19 eliminates the equivalent of 14 million jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean THE catastrophic effect of COVID-19 on working hours and labour income globally is also evident in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the pandemic is causing a loss of 5.7 per cent in working hours in the second quarter of this year, equivalent to 14 million full-time workers.

The data is available in a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report released this Tuesday in Geneva. It is the second edition of the “ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work”, and includes regional and sectoral information to begin assessing the impacts of the crisis on the world of work.

"We are facing a massive destruction of jobs, and this poses a challenge of unprecedented magnitude in the labour markets of Latin America and the Caribbean," said Vinícius Pinheiro, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "We already know that at the same time that the health emergency is overcome, we will have to face a true reconstruction of our labour markets."

Worldwide, the loss of hours of work was 6.7 per cent, equivalent to 195 million full-time workers in the second quarter of 2020. The ILO Monitor describes the pandemic as the worst crisis since World War II, which is causing a rise in unemployment and job insecurity.

The report also estimates huge losses across different income groups, noting that the sectors most at risk include hospitality and restaurant services, manufacturing, retail, and business and administrative activities. In Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 50 per cent of all workers are employed in the sectors most impacted by the crisis, such as commerce and services, according to data from the latest ILO Labour Overview for the region, which was released in January, just before the global contagion of COVID-19 began.

Pinheiro emphasized that there is particular concern about the employment of women, who could be more affected because they are over-represented in the health, tourism and services sectors. He also explained that the impacts of the crisis on tourism will have a greater impact on the Caribbean region, which is highly dependent on the jobs and income generated by this sector.

The new ILO report highlights that these sectors employ many people in low-paid, low-skilled jobs, where an unforeseen loss of income has devastating consequences. It says that countries with high levels of informality face additional challenges, both health and economic, including the lack of social security coverage. According to ILO estimates in Latin America and the Caribbean, the informality rate is 53 per cent, which affects more than 140 million men and women at work.

“The countries of the region are going to need ambitious measures to preserve jobs, promote businesses and protect incomes to get out of this intensive care situation," emphasized the ILO Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The ILO report also highlights the need to use social dialogue to deal with this crisis.

Pinheiro said that, “in order to achieve better results, and give political sustainability to the measures, it is necessary to have strategies that have support and are the product of consensus.

It is crucial to find ways to create social dialogue in which government representatives participate, as well, like those of employers' and workers' organizations.” Beginning 14 April 2020, the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean will host a series of virtual dialogue tables to address specific aspects of the crisis, triggered

by COVID-19, and collaborate to find concerted solutions that are adaptable to the realities of each country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

CEO wants 156 days for recount

…Commission to return today to further deliberate on proposal

By Svetlana Marshall CHIEF Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in his draft operational plan for a National Recount, indicated that the process would take 156 days – a proposal which has been rejected, in part,

by Opposition-nominated Commissioners.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), headed by Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, was presented with the draft operational plan on Wednesday, and while the Opposition-nominated Commissioners have objected to the proposed timeframe, the draft workplan, Guyana Chronicle was told, is in keeping with the decisions of the Commission.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, GECOM’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, indicated that the Chief Elections Officer drafted the plan based on the approved decisions of the Commission. Importantly, she said the draft operational plan for a National Recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections was presented to the Commission for its consideration, during which, amendments could be made.

“Though cognizant that the 156 days proposed for the activity may be quite a lengthy duration in the present circumstance, the Secretariat had to consider matters of law in relation to the procedures to conduct a recount; approved decisions of the Commission and the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting the health situation of the population,” Ward later explained in a press statement.

In drafting the plan, Ward said, the CEO took into consideration the various requests tabled by the Com-

mission that would allow the process to be as transparent as possible. “…[The] Secretariat considered the request by the Commission for each ballot to be projected on screen, examination of the contents of the ballot box i.e. ascertaining the number of electors on the list, the number of electors who voted, counting votes cast for both General and Regional Elections and validation of spoilt, questioned and rejected ballots,” she explained.

Based on those and other factors, the Chief Elections Officer estimated that it will take approximately two hours to count one ballot box. In his proposed work-plan, he suggested that there be a total of three workstations operating simultaneously for a period of 10 hours daily (09:00hrs – 19:00hrs) at a central location. There are a total of 2,339 ballot boxes; however, the number of ballots in each box varies based on the voting population of each area.

These are the factors that led him to arrive at the 156-day proposed plan.

Notwithstanding the Chief Elections Officer’s line of reasoning, Opposition-nominated Commissioner Robeson Benn expressed major objection shortly after the meeting of the Commission ended.

“I am telling you, fundamentally, in no way, shape or form, should we have been provided with a document, which gives that type of duration,” Benn told reporters outside of GECOM’s Headquarters on Wednesday.

While the Chief Elections Officer has said that the draft operational plan was drafted based on the decisions of Commission, Benn believes that the Commission’s instructions have been misinterpreted by GECOM’s Secretariat. “I think we are

still in the realm of being misled, misinterpreted and

the National Recount should take one week to execute.

“This has to be done in a matter of days, days; this country has waited long enough,” he lamented, noting that it could

Ward said.

While the Opposition-nominated Commissioners stated their objection, Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander declined to divulge critical information about the plan on the grounds that it is under discussion. “Commissioner Gunraj has asked for time to study and rework

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn

that the Secretariat itself is not being helpful,” he contended noting that a “simple recount” should not take 156 days to execute.

His colleague, Sase Gunraj also expressed concern over the timeframe proposed but said the Commission has committed to having the proposal amended. “I can confirm that the plan envisages completion in 156 days, and I would want to reject that out of hand. This nation cannot survive a 156-day wait but, like I said, we intend to rework it,” he told reporters.

From his point of view,

GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

be accomplished if the recount is diligently executed.

UNETHICAL Ward, however, said GECOM’s Secretariat finds the position taken by the Commissioners unethical.

“The Secretariat finds the comments by the Commissioners absurd, distasteful and unethical particularly since they are aware that the proposal considered the decisions of the Commission and its content is still being discussed for finalization,”

the plan. In that context, I think as a matter of principle that we shouldn’t discuss that plan; we should allow the system to work,” he said when approached by reporters.

Pressed for answers, Alexander said the operational plan is simply a draft tabled for discussion. “Nothing in the plan is final. It is under discussion,” he emphasized.

Alexander declined to indicate whether he believes the timeframe given is reasonable but said “the man did not pick 156 out of the air. He would have had some basis on which he arrived at 156. The first instance, he determined how long it takes to count a box, that is his basis.” The Commission will meet today at 09:00hrs to continue deliberation on the

proposed operational plan for the National Recount.

CLEAR DIRECTIONS The Chief Elections Officer drafted the operational plan after receiving clarity from the Elections Commission on Monday. When the decision was taken by the Elections Commission last Friday (April 3) to proceed with the National Recount, Lowenfield had asked for clear directions on the process to be employed. It was based on those directions, that he drafted the plan.

Some of the core issues included the conduct of the recount, the extent at which it will be carried out and the role of the Commission in resolution of disputes arising out of the process. The Commission also considered the reporting mechanism that would be employed following the tabulation of votes at the level of the Polling Station. In normal circumstances, information generated is recorded on Statements of Poll (SOP) following the tabulation of the ballots, however, in this case, the information would be recorded on a document with features similar to that of a SOP. Given that the modalities are still being worked out, the Elections Commission has not approved a commencement date; however, it has indicated that the recount of the votes cast would be conducted in chronological order, that is, from Region One to Region 10.

GECOM took a decision to facilitate a national recount after it was alleged that the tabulation of SOPs in Region 4 – the country’s largest voting bloc – was flawed.

Man wanted for murder nabbed by police AFTER being on the run for some time, one of the alleged masterminds behind the murder of Corentyne businessman, Lomenzo Jhonny, called “Sham" was, on Wednesday, arrested by police.

Daniel McLennon, called “Dutty" of Lot 153 Third Street, Rose Hall Town, was arrested by police on Wednesday morning at Laing Avenue, Georgetown, after they received information about his whereabouts. The police had issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest.

Jhonny, a father of three, was last seen alive on February 26 at around 19:30 hrs when he left for his usual evening jog.

His remains were discovered around 07:45hrs the following morning with his feet tied with a black lace, severe wounds to the head, injuries to his left eye and strangulation marks on his neck. Wounds were also seen on his back and bruises to the hands.

About four feet away from his body, a red and black sneakers, a pair of scissors and a piece of wood, about

Daniel McLennon called “Dutty"

three feet in length, were found. After committing the

Lomenzo Jhonny called “Sham"

act, the killer/s took the key to Johnny’s home and ransacked the premises and carried away a safe. Police subsequently found a .25 auto pistol with 28 live rounds of ammunition in a bedroom of the home.

Sleuths were able to recover some $2M on the suspects as well as the damaged safe in a trench aback the community of Williamsburg after the suspects in custody confessed to the robbery.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the businessman recognised two of his assailants as he was

being battered and left to die.

McLennon is believed to be the mastermind behind the crime in which he has also implicated four other men.

The four men are currently on remand for the murder of Jhonny.

On March 11, 2020, Navendra Narine, Gopaul Ramgobin, Satram Khuslay and Bilal Mc Lennon were jointly charged before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

‘An unconstitutional solution will not serve the interest of Guyana’ …Moore’s lawyers warn against CARICOM validating elections

By Svetlana Marshall DESCRIBING it as a landmark ruling, the battery of lawyers representing Ulita Moore, on Tuesday, said the Court of Appeal’s decision and consequential orders have made it clear that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) cannot delegate its supervisory functions to any other authority regardless of the circumstances.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that only GECOM can supervise election in Guyana or any aspect of it, as established in the Articles 62 and 162 of the Constitution of Guyana. “…it would be unconstitutional for the Guyana Elections Commission to abdicate or delegate its supervisory function over the election process, more particularly the recount of ballots cast at the March 2 elections,” the Appellate Court said on Tuesday as it handed down consequential orders following Sunday’s decision in the case – Ulita Moore v Bharrat Jagdeo and others.

Moore, a private citizen, moved to the High Court on March 17 to block a decision by the elections commission to have a high-level Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team supervise a national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections based on an agreement between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. And while the Full Court had ruled that the High Court had not jurisdiction to determine whether GECOM had acted outside of its constitutional powers when it acceded to the agreement, the Appellate Court set aside that decision. It went one step further and ruled that any agreement that usurps the constitutional powers of GECOM to supervise elections in Guyana would be unconstitutional.

Moore was represented

by Grenadian Queen Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis, Attorneys-at-Law, John Jeremie S.C., Keith Scotland out of Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana’s Senior Counsel, Roysdale Forde, and Attorney-at-law, Mayo Robertson.

Robertson, moments after the Appellate Court issued the consequential

orders, told the Guyana Chronicle that going forward, GECOM’s decisions and actions must “pass constitutional muster.”

“Our courts have demonstrated that even when the President, the opposition leader and CARICOM Heads agree on a course of action, that the courts, as guardians of the constitution, will scrutinise to ensure compliance with our constitution,” the legal counsel said.

Robertson said the individuals and authorities who

laws of the country to the extent that the elections commission cannot abdicate or delegate any of its supervisory functions to any other authority.

“It indicates clearly that

Attorney-at-law, Mayo Robertson

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde

Trinidad’s Senior Counsel John Jeremie S.C

have sought to “bully and intimidate” GECOM based on their political agenda, must take note that citizens of Guyana have access to the courts. Private parties, he emphasised, cannot agree to circumvent the Constitution – the supreme law of the land.

“No matter how urgent the matter is, an unconstitutional solution does not serve the interests of the people of Guyana,” Robertson told this newspaper.

Senior Counsel Jeremie, who had made his court appearance via Skype, in an online interview with the Guyana Chronicle said his client – Moore – has been vindicated.

“Indeed it is a vindication of the principle that the independent institutions of Guyana can solve all of the difficulties of the Guyanese people. That is what my client felt and that is what the Court of Appeal has held,” the Trinidadian senior counsel said.

Senior Counsel Forde, in echoing similar sentiments, said the Appellate Court clarified the Constitution and the electoral

the agreement entered into by the leader of the opposition and the President is unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal rejected the position of the leader of opposition, represented

by Mr. Anil Nandlall and Mr. Douglas Mendes, that the agreement was constitutional and that the High Court could not exercise its jurisdiction to examine any unconstitutionality on the part of GECOM…” Forde told this newspaper.

In the High Court, Full Court and Appeal Court, Nandlall and Mendes had argued that Moore’s challenge to GECOM’s decision to facilitate a recount under the supervision of CARICOM could only be adjudicated through an elections petition. But the Court of Appeal ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction to determine if such agreement fell within the perimeters of the Constitution. On Sunday, it ruled that any such agreement was unconstitutional – a position it reinforced on Tuesday.

In a letter to the Court on Monday, Moore’s lawyers had asked that the interim orders granted by High Court Judge, Franklin Holder, be restored having been discharged by the Full Court. The Appellate Court declined to grant such order.

“The interim orders were not restored because the Court of Appeal granted final relief in the matter.

The interim orders were only necessary to stop GECOM from acting on the agreement which we contended was unconstitutional,” the senior counsel explained.

He further explained that the Appellate Court, having determined that the agreement was unconstitutional, in effect, granted Moore’s relief, and as such there was no need for interim orders.

Forde said it is his expectation that GECOM will adhere to the ruling of the Appellate Court, even as he expressed concerned over intentions to have CARICOM validate the recount process this time around.

When the elections commission last met on Monday, Government nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, told reporters that the elections commission has a high preference for CARICOM’s involvement in the electoral process. “We have decided today that our preference, in terms of an external body to give some validation, is CARICOM,” Alexander told

reporters. According to him, the CARICOM arrangement would differ from the observatory roles of Elections Observation Missions. “The others were never for validation; the others were observers. CARICOM came into the process with a particular role,” Alexander said.

But the senior counsel said only GECOM can validate elections in Guyana.

“Validation is a matter for the elections commission because that forms part of GECOM’s responsibility…It has to be GECOM validating the electoral process,” Forde emphasised.

He said GECOM, as established by the Appellate Court, must adhere to the Constitution and electoral laws of the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

GPSU calls off May Day rally THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has announced the cancellation of the annual May Day --- also called Labour Day ---- March and Rally for this year for heath-safety reasons.

In a release, on Wednesday, the Union said that the event, which was slated for May 1, 2020, was cancelled to ensure that persons continue to abide by the health guidelines in effect for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The GPSU gave an undertaking to refrain from any action which can be considered to be in conflict with these restrictions and guidelines. With this undertaking in mind, and the fact that these guidelines extend until May 3rd, 2020, the Union has taken a decision, at its Statutory Administrative Committee Meeting, held on Tuesday April 7th, 2020, to cancel its traditional participation in the Annual May Day Parade and Lime,” the Union stated In 2019, decked out in their customary red t-shirt and carrying banners and placards that carried messages of unity, hundreds paraded through the streets of Georgetown, in solidarity for workers’ rights.

Trade Unionists used the platform at the National Park to give encouraging words to the masses on the need for a continued united front, even as they advocated for other labour-related matters.

It is also customary for representatives of the government to speak to efforts made in the benefit of workers and the challenges which still exist. Last year also marked the 100th anniversary for the trade union movement in Guyana. However, the GPSU said that the Union remains an integral part of, and is firmly committed to, the national efforts in confronting COVID-19.

RALLY: Some of the participants at the 2019 Labour Day rally (Adrian Narine photo)

Police enforcing anti-COVID-19 measures for public transportation TRAFFIC Chief Linden Isles is urging minibus operators and commuters to adhere to the precautionary measures when travelling to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

During an invited comment, Isles told the Guyana Chronicle that traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been placed at every bus park across the country as part of an anti-COVID-19 exercise to ensure persons are abiding by the law and are practising social distancing.

“We have ranks at all the parks throughout the 10 administrative region; we have traffic ranks going around and talking to the drivers, advising them because we know that there are some of them who are not complying, endangering the life [sic] of the commuters and their own lives,” he said.

However, the traffic chief noted that the Guyana Police Force has avoided arresting conductors and drivers, but they have had to reload a few buses so that passengers are seated in accordance with the three-feet-apart, social-distancing rule (two passengers per seat).

“We did not arrest drivers

and conductors, what we did was ensure that they take the

Traffic Chief Linden Isles

persons out of the bus so they have space [between passengers]… if the bus is seen with more than the suggested number of passengers, they would stop the bus talk to the driver and ensure that they comply,” he added.

He noted that a few minibus operators are still not implementing the precautionary measures and ranks will continue to educate both commuters and minibus operators about the seriousness of the pandemic and the results of having a nonchalant approach to fighting the

virus.

As regards public transportation, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) had proposed that minibuses as well as hire cars take only half the number of passengers which the vehicle is licensed to carry. In addition, the requirement of a minibus conductor on board public buses has been relaxed until future notice.

Private transportation, which includes cars, vans and pick-ups are not allowed to carry more than two adults and two lap infants if the vehicle is licensed to transport such numbers. There must be a clear passenger distance between two persons travelling in a private vehicle.

This measure is part of a number of steps taken by the government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Government has also reduced the prices for fuel to cushion the loss of income due to the mandatory reduction of passengers on public transportation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

Linden man tests positive for COVID-19 …six-year-old girl dies after complaining of respiratory problems, DCMO orders test to ascertain cause

THE Regional Health Authority in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to address several issues surrounding the rapid spread of COVID-19.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that a patient who was transferred from the Mackenzie Hospital Complex to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for a higher level of care was tested for COVID-19 and a positive result was returned. It was disclosed that the 49-year-old man is blind, and had reportedly accommodated some overseas guests at his home recently.

Reports are that though the man had not left his home, he has had several visitors, and they may now be at risk. Acting Medical Superintendent of the Linden Hospital Complex, Dr. Joseph London informed the

meeting that those persons who would have interacted with the 49-year-old will be quarantined.

He stressed that he is happy that several of the medical staff that dealt with him at the hospital would have had on their protective PPE gear, in accordance with standing operating procedures.

He, however, noted that there are reports that the very man had visited at least two health centres the previous week, and that the authorities are investigating to see if the attending nurses and health personnel had used the required protective gear, inclusive of the N95 masks, in dealing with him.

“We are cognisant of the impact and extent of this virus, thus anyone coming in to the hospital will see that our medical personnel are prepared and ready for any eventuality, as we are not taking nothing for granted,” Dr. London declared. “Our

nurses are expected to wear their masks, and be properly prepared, and a visit to the hospital will find that,” he added.

GIRL DIES It was further revealed at Wednesday’s emergency meeting that a six-year-old child was rushed to the Emergency Room at the Linden Hospital, suffering from respiratory challenges, and by the time medical staff were able to have her transported to Georgetown, she died.

Dr. London explained that the child was initially taken to the hospital suffering from mild fever, compounded by shortness of breath and tummy pains. He said that no sooner was she taken to the Emergency Room than the paediatric team began working on her, conducting whatever tests they had to inclusive of X-rays, before recommending that she be transferred to Georgetown for

Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr Tracey Bovell and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Karen Boyle visiting several facilities to review Region Ten’s readiness

a higher level of care.

He, however, disclosed that within 90 minutes of those arrangements being made, the child died. “While we were waiting to transfer her,” Dr. London explained, “she was not maintaining oxygen over 70, which made her unstable for transfer. She was resuscitated to a com-

She further warned that at this juncture, even if the tests do prove negative, it doesn’t mean that the child didn’t have the virus in the first place. **“It was

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle

important for the medical staff to have tested her within 24 hours after she would have Acting Medical Superintendent of the died about Linden Hospital Complex, taking into Dr. Joseph London account that she may fortable level, but her con- have already been taken to dition continued to worsen, the morgue where she is in resulting in her dying. Her the fridge oi am not sure if condition was suspicious; we the samples being taken off were unable to conduct a test will yield a proper results,” on her.” she said.

She continued, “I would **Deputy Chief Medical like to urge the medical team Officer (DCMO) Dr. Karen to conduct a test and even of Boyle, who spearheaded the it comes back negative this meeting, stressed the impor- can be because of the fact tance of having tests done to that the sample may have ascertain whether or not the been compromised and not a child did have COVID-19. case whereby she is negative.

She warned that because the With one confirmed case and child was already dead when a possible case within a day the body was taken to the of each other it is important morgue, and she had not been that the residents of Region tested prior to her demise, Ten and health authorities chances are that when the here enact their plan immetests do get done, the results diately as it is evident that may very well be negative.

COVID has already entered.”

Dr Boyle warned the health officials in Region Ten that with COVID 19 already in their region, she wants to see a continued proactive and aggressive approach congratulating them on their preparedness, while reminding them that the fight must be a collective one with one voice. “This is a serious disease and I can tell all of our health care professionals here that we have to fight united and together as that is the only way that we will be successful. I am pleased with the systems that has already been implemented as it demonstrates Region’s Ten readiness and ability in addressing the issues emanating from COVID -19 head on,” she said.

It was further revealed that the visiting team of health officials along with staff from the hospital are expected to reach out to the dead girl’s family to have a full investigation done with the view of evaluating and examining them properly.

Finance Ministry offers concession on student loans THE Ministry of Finance is offering optional interest deferrals for up to six months for guarantors of student loans.

In a notice on Tuesday, the ministry stated: “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Ministry of Finance wishes to let you know that your safety and security are our priority.”

Persons who have challenges meeting their financial obligations at this time have been asked to send an email indicating same to studentloanagency@finance.gov.gy. Persons can also call 2225403/5412/5414/5418 for more information.

At the commissioning of the $26.5M Student Loan Agency back in 2016, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had stated that, through the agency, former students of the University of Guyana (UG) can qualify for debt write-offs and waivers on student loans if they satisfy requirements introduced.

Through the agency, loans to study at UG are granted to local students residing in Guyana for 180 continuous days within a calendar year, and must each be the holder of a valid Guyana passport.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 9, 2020

EU presents €8M COVID-19 grant to Caribbean GUYANA is among the list of Caribbean countries to benefit from a €8M (US$8.6M) grant presented by the European Union (EU) to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to assist the Region with its fight against COVID-19.

In a release, the union stated that the cover grant will be used to cover urgent needs, including protection material, test reagents, lab material, amongst others.

CARPHA is the single regional public health agency for the Caribbean legally established in July 2011 by an

Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by CARICOM Member States with operations commencing in January 2013.

It takes special precedence during disasters, provides surveillance and management of non-communicable and communicable diseases inclusive of endemics in the Region.

CARPHA is working closely with CARPHA Member States (CMS) and Caribbean coordinating partners and mechanisms to respond to the threat and to prepare CMS to prevent further transmission from exported cases.

According to an official

statement, the grant will also increase the capacity of Caribbean countries to carry out laboratory testing for COVID-19, support coronavirus quarantine and isolation procedures and contact tracing.

It will strengthen surveillance at ports of entry, support laboratory testing and epidemiology training and support and promote the use of COVID-19 guidelines and protocols among health professionals.

Through the grant, CARPHA will hire three additional laboratory technologists to treat with an expected surge

in demand for testing for the COVID-19 virus.

To address the coronavirus crisis and its impact, the EU has pledged that €918M in resources will be redirected for Latin America and the Caribbean, targeting specifically most vulnerable countries and population groups.

In a recent letter on behalf of the Caribbean Region, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, told the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (MF) that the Region need specific financial attention as it grapples with significant economic

loss linked to tourism and braces for the catastrophic effects of the hurricane season.

“Several of our countries are highly tourism-dependent.

The stoppage of airlines and cruise ships has devastated our tourism industry. Hotels and other tourism facilities have been forced to close because of a loss of business as well as domestic measures to try to contain COVID-19 and to arrest its spread. The effect of this is a significant and unsustainable drop in government revenues, including foreign exchange, occurring simultaneously with demands for increased government spending to institute new health facilities

and to provide such assistance as possible to families whose only money earner has been laid-off,” Browne expressed in his letter.

The EU has stated that it is aware of the challenges especially faced by specific regions and will do its best to assist. The bulk of the funding for its partner countries comes from the reorientation of existing funds and programmes and amounts to over €15.6B from existing external action resources.

The EU grant is also intended to help finance treatment and vaccines when they become available.

Health Ministry receives help to manage hotline information - With launch of new COVID-19 Response App OVER 400 registrations were made during the first 12 hours of the launch of the new COVID-19 Response App, which was created by a local group of volunteer developers to aid the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in managing its hotline information.

Lead Developer, Julius Simon, told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that a team from various tech companies in Guyana, comprising Anton Kwang, Diante Callender, Troy Munroe, Shemar Moore, and Ryan Goliah, “wanted to do something to help.”

The app was officially launched on Tuesday, and a few issues that have been found by users are still being worked out. “As we fix them, the usefulness of the app is improving. We've had 400 plus registrations in the first 12 hours of the app going live,” Simon informed.

The app, a web application which provides several key functions in the fight against the deadly coronavirus, can be reached using the address covid19.health.gov.gy.

It provides data management and analytics for the MoPH, so that the health authority can effectively and efficiently organise the information it receives from hotlines, as well as from hospitals.

Suspected cases are automatically flagged and prioritised for follow up on the app, which also includes a self-screening tool that can be used by the general public.

The application further allows for individuals who have been directed to remain isolated,

Lead Developer, Julius Simon

to provide daily updates on their and their family's health condition.

By means of the app, it is possible for the general public to be in receipt of accurate, timely and relevant reports on COVID cases locally. It can also be used as a source of accurate information about the disease.

The app features a FAQ section (Frequently Asked Questions) which provides links to accurate information about the disease, and also includes a feedback button. If there are any issues or points of improvement for the app, the public is able to provide feedback.

“One of our team members in particular is always interested in humanitarian efforts, so he asked if we could help build an app to help the ministry manage the hotline information,” Simon explained, adding, “We proposed the idea and after some discussion, we got the go ahead, especially since it was a volunteer effort.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

Social relief reaches Region 10 residents

By Navendra Seoraj RESIDENTS of several communities in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have received social relief in the form of hampers from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Wednesday.

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has tremendously affected the lives of every Guyanese whether directly or indirectly.

In some cases, persons have lost their livelihood because their employers could not make profits or their source of income was not viable anymore.

As a substitute to the loss of livelihoods, the CDC had started the distribution of hampers containing essential

food items.

The effort, which started a few days ago, continued on Wednesday and reached the doors of residents in Region 10.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that the CDC started the initiative in Region 10, with the communities of Bamia, Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward and Syberia/ Old England. This exercise will continue throughout Region 10 in the coming days.

Persons were advised to stay at home, continue to observe social distancing, and wash their hands.

Director-General of the CDC, Lt Col Kester Craig, in a report on Monday, had said citizens across the country require assistance in these

challenging times.

“Personnel from the CDC, the Rotary and Rotaract clubs, several other organisations and the military were mobilised to ensure that we provide relief supplies to those in need,” said Craig.

Lt Col Craig further noted that focus is being first placed on the most vulnerable population and then other communities so that everyone receives their supplies.

Craig noted that this being the first such exercise of this nature conducted in Guyana, it will be evaluated to ensure that, going forward, the distribution process will continue to flow smoothly.

The CDC heads the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) which was

Residents uplifting their hampers from CDC representatives (CDC photo)

activated on March 31, 2020, and aims to ensure the highest level of collaboration among all stakeholders to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus, enhance preparation and strengthen the local response to this global pandemic.

Some of the agencies working along with the NEOC include the Ministry of Communities, Food For the Poor, the Private Sector Commission, the United Nations, the National Commission on Disabilities Guyana, the National Bureau of Statistics and the Guyana Defence Force.

The director-general said the commission welcomes assistance and donations from companies or individuals who are willing to join the cause.

Donations can be made in the form of food supplies, personal care and sanitation supplies and financing.

Supplies can be delivered to the CDC’s headquarters, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands; cash or cheque deposits can be made to the commission’s Republic Bank account number 962356519938.

Food and hygiene supplies can be dropped off at the Thomas Lands location daily between 09:00 hrs and 15:00hrs.

Hundreds of residents from between the communities of Dantzig and Fairfield received hampers containing essential food items.

These communities were specifically chosen because

residents have suffered a lot and even lost their livelihood because of flooding caused by a breach in the sea defence at Dantzig, last year. While the water has significantly receded, land, which was used for farming, was destroyed by salt water. In other cases, persons were afraid to farm and even practise livestock farming because they believed another disaster could happen at any time.

The existing challenges, compounded by the current challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have financially ‘crippled’ some persons. Considering those challenges, the social relief was openly welcomed and appreciated by those residents.

CDC representatives distributing hampers to residents of communities in Region 10 on Wednesday (CDC photo)

US requests additional travel permits for citizens here -- persons with symptoms of COVID-19 urged not to travel

THE United States (US) Embassy has requested permission from the Government, through the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), for another special commercial relief flight, in addition to four others previously requested, to assist US citizens and residents to leave the country.

In a health alert on Wednesday, the US Embassy said that the number of requests being made has caused the period to be an interestingly challenging one.

It noted that, while several flights have been successful thus far, the Embassy will not be able to facilitate such transport indefinitely.

“We are aware of the hardship land and airspace border closures have created for U.S. citizens who need to return to the United States.

We have been exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions since Guyana closed its airspace to commercial flights on March 18. To date, we have requested special permission from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to operate service for four commercial relief flights to transport Americans and their families home,” the alert stated.

It added: “We are requesting government’s permission for another special commercial relief flight, operated by Eastern Airlines, to offer service between

Georgetown and Miami on Tuesday April 14, 2020.

If you are a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident currently in Guyana who wishes to depart, we strongly encourage you to consider taking this flight or prepare to shelter in Guyana. We will not be able to offer this service indefinitely and cannot promise additional flights will be either available or approved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Flights will also be available in the coming week but the US Embassy has urged persons not to travel if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. They have been instructed to follow Guyana’s Ministry of Health

instructions instead.

Guyana’s ban on international travel has been extended to May 1, 2020 to prevent imported cases of COVID-19.

The ban first took effect on March 18, 2020 for 14 days and was extended for an additional 30 days based on the recommendation of the GCAA. With the ban, exception has been given to outgoing flights; cargo flights; medevac flights; technical stops by airplanes for fuel and special authorised flights.

During the last few weeks, these exceptions have been utilised and were approved by the Task Force based on requests submitted.

Those interested travellers are to complete the necessary form at: https://forms.office.com/ Pages/ResponsePage.aspx-

?id=dFDPZv5a0UimkaErISH0SyCOHfef1n9OpjpMdC14Xk1UOExMWkZNQUlLUFhPWUJCUlZUTjdQRVpQUC4u

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

Stranded National...

Rugby fraternity mourns the CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

passing of former president, Colonel John Lewis

By Ras Wadada

THE plight of two national footballers and four amateur boxers, stranded in the USA and Cuba respectively, have been comforted by the timely intervention and assistance of the Government of Guyana, according to By Toney country’sSports head coaches. theRawle Director of Sport of the National CommisHenry’s recollections sion, Christopher Jones.

Speaking related that,echoed “The KNOWN for tohisChronicle altruisticSport, of Jones Col. Lewis were welfare and protection of the two and four from boxattitude towards the sport byfootballers almost everyone ers Rugby, are beingformer adequately taken care of by Government of presiwithin thethe rugby fraternithrough the Guyana direct involvement of with the Guyana Consulate dent of the Rugby ty, everyone stating in Miami as it relates to footballers; and in Havana, the Football Union (GRFU) that he cannot be replaced.

Ambassador has made available to the boxers the Villa Colonel John PercyEmbassy Leon to house Lewis, an exceptional used by the Guyana visitors”.

Lewis’ death on Tuesday Civil Engineer, worked “I can safely say that the athletes are underwho the care of evening plunged the sport on several key projects in the Guyana Government and that they and their families into mourning.

Lewis had Guyana, the most recent have been informed as it relates to the current situation, and celebrated his 77th I am in contact on abirth dailyanbasis.being As soon the present the as Sherriff Streetsitexuation is improved and our are opened again, they niversary on February 13. airports pansion, was called a “good willLewis be returned home safely, restbyassured are in died while also but man” current they president of good care as it relates pandemic serving aseven president of theto the thepresent GRFU,global Ryan Dey, while COVID-19”, assured.

Pepsi HornetsJones Rugby Club. immediate-past president Footballers-- Jeremy Garrett and Curtis Kellman-- on He had a brief period of ill- Peter Green, who offered football scholarships in the US became stranded in Miami ness was alsodenied mourning condolences to thebooked family whenand they were boarding their confirmed the passing of his wife Juliet, of the deceased, was in flights to Guyana on a Caribbean Airlines flight with astill stopwho succumbed to an illness shock. over in TT. The Trinidad- bound flight was only taking anatives few days his this death.

Green, afterInteryears on prior boardtoand was on the eve ofwho, the two national Airports being to incoming flights.

“Rugby lost here one of theclosed at the helm of the sport,The had two are being housed and itfed at a hoteldown in Miami. most unselfish persons stepped owing Their to his expences being covered the Guyana ever had,”are Theodore Henry by own illness, Consulate. said John LewThe Amateur Boxers also met their unexpected told Chronicle Sport, while is’ service to the sport cirwill cumstances on the eve of the Timehri and Ogle Airports sharing his memories of be missed. being shut down and at the end of their stint which lasted Lewis during his tenure as Meanwhile, President just over two months.

GRFU president and manDavid Granger said– that he The four National and Caribbean Champions Kevin ager of the various national was saddened at the death Allicock (Bantamweight), Colin Lewis (Light Welterteams for Desmond both and women. of Col. Lewis, while offerweight), Amsterdam (Middle Weight) and Dennis Thomas (Light Heavyweight) – departed Guyana “When we would be training heartfelt sympathy to for Cuba on January 4th,Col. to fine-tune preparation training ing and even on tour, Colonel Lewis’s children, for thewould Olympic qualifiers, offriends. a tri-partite Lewis dig deep into his compliments relatives and pocket to ensure that we have Lewis’ military career everything. He never turned started on March 9, 1968 us away whenever he was when he enlisted as a Second asked to help out. He doesn’t Lieutenant in the Guyana look back or do things for Defence Force (GDF). people to praise him. He just President Granger, who CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE helps out because that’s the served with Lewis, rememCRICKET Indies Men’s, Womtype of personWest he is and that berssenior the former Army stal(CWI) President and Development will be missed,” HenryRicky added. en’s wart as someone who spent Skerritt Vice-PresiIt military also appoint“Rugbyand could’ve counted teams. his entire service dent Dr Kishore Shallow ed a woman for the first on John Lewis; everyone in the Reserve Force of the have lauded the revamp- time, Ann Browne-John, knows What will us as GDF; GuyanaforPeople’s ing of this. the system ofhurt team Leadthe Selector Womeven more is that many of the Militia (GPM). selections since the as- en’s cricket. times he was askedrespecto help He was promoted to out the sumption to their The review pointed he not just functioning in an that rankthe ofre-design Colonel on tivewas posts over a year andJanuary impleago. capacity, but just as a mentation of this admin 1 1999 and was new the selecComIn their one-year systemOfficer has already regular person payingreview, interest tion manding of the be22 released recently, the hurt top gun to return fan and player in the sport.

This will Battalion GPM. CWI said they “Confidence in rugby executives more than anyone can confidence.

According to President have established the previous selection sysimagine,” Henry said, he was Granger, in over 30 years of a successful selection tem had been badly eroded.” recently named astask oneforce, of the military servicealso to Guyana, system review The review touched Colonel Lewis greatly enled competently by Vice- on the Coolidge Cricket riched the life and developPresident Facility (CCG), describing of the Militia.

Shallow, which pro- itment as the hub, pointing out duced the most modern and that Apart the long-term plan isan to from being detailed West Indies selec- establish academies/HPCs exceptional rugby player, tion policy and system inPresident the various territories to Granger said, in CWI history. It was allow for Lewis more players to Colonel will also based on an accountable access basic and specialized be remembered as a good and transparent research and coaching resources. (Fortufootball, badminton consultative nately, some member and terbasketball player, who process.” ritories are already moving GDF in Among other changes, inrepresented this directionthe to establish the aforementioned this review resulted in spe- their own academies). disciplines. cialized, but collaborative, The review also said selection panels for that all cricketers from

Skerritt, Shallow laud...

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

World championships moved to July 2022 to avoid Olympics clash

By Brian Homewood (REUTERS) - The world athletics championships have been moved back 11 months to July 2022 to avoid clashing with Tokyo Olympics, which was also postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, the sport’s governing body said yesterday.

World Athletics confirmed in a statement here that the event, which is usually held every two years, would now take place from July 15 to 24 in 2022 in Eugene, Oregon.

The original dates of August 6-15 2021 would have clashed with the Tokyo Olympics, which was last month postponed by a year from the original July-August 2020 schedule.

The new dates for the worlds were chosen to avoid clashing with the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, from July 27 to August 7, and the European Athletics Championships in Munich, from

August 15 to 21.

World Athletics said these dates would enable athletes to compete in all three events, where eligible.

“The new schedule will prevent a direct conflict between any of these major events and, with careful programming, will ensure athletes can compete in up to three world-class competitions,” said World Athletics in a statement.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said that having the three events run consecutively over the course of a single summer would be “a bonanza for athletics fans around the world”.

“They will be treated to six weeks of absolutely first-class athletics,” said Coe. “We would not have chosen to have three major championships back-to-back but it will give us a unique opportunity to promote our sport and its stars around the globe over a six-week period.”

Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon will be totally transformed before the 2022 World Championships.

The previous world championships were held in Doha last year and the 2023 edition will take place in Budapest.

European Athletics said in a statement that the new dates had its “full support”.

It added that this year’s European athletics championships, due to be staged in

Australia went soft on Kohli because of IPL deals Clarke MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Former captain Michael Clarke believes Australia went soft against India during the 2018-19 home series, fearing sledging the likes of Virat Kohli would cost them lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts.

India’s 2-1 triumph made them the first Asian side to win a Test series in Australia who sorely missed batting mainstay Steve Smith and opener David Warner due to ball-tampering bans.

“Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL,” World Cup-winning captain Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme.

“I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually

Paris in late August, were “currently under evaluation.”

The local organising committee has been asked to carry out a feasibility study of the event “with input from the relevant national authority bodies, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic”, it said.

Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the game and hugely influential at home in India.

sucked up to India.

“They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”

Kohli captains Royal Challenger Bangalore and his limited-overs deputy Rohit Sharma leads Mumbai Indians in the Twenty20 league which features several Australian cricketers.

Smith skippers Rajasthan Royals and Warner is captain of the Hyderabad franchise, but the start of this year’s tournament has been put back to April 15 due to the global coronavirus pandemic and further postponement looks inevitable.

“So the players are like, ‘well, I’m not going to sledge Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore, so I can make a million U.S. (dollars) for my six weeks’,” said Clarke, who played for the IPL’s now-defunct Pune franchise

in 2012.

“I sort of feel that was where Australia went through that little phase of our cricket, became a lot softer or not as hard as what we’re accustomed to seeing.”

Clarke believes sledging Kohli is probably counter-productive anyway.

“I feel some players think by winding him up, he might try and play that big shot early out of aggression or frustration,” Clarke said.

“I sort of feel Kohli is one of those players that you are better off saying nothing to and just allow him to hopefully be a little bit sleepy at the start of his innings and make a mistake.”

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins is the IPL’s most expensive overseas buy after Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for $2.18M in December.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

South Africa to put fitness clauses into player contracts CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) will introduce fitness clauses into player contracts in the future in a bid to set minimum standards for selection, national team coach Mark Boucher said yesterday.

It follows a special fitness camp for four players held in January that cast their international futures in doubt, as well as fears that a strict 21-day lockdown in South Africa could leave a number of other players below the required standard.

All-rounders Sisanda Ma-

gala and Jon-Jon Smuts, spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi were all placed in what was termed a special ‘high-performance fitness and conditioning camp’.

With South Africa in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has led to a clampdown on exercising outside the house, Boucher admits players will have to take responsibility for maintaining their fitness levels.

“Guys need to keep up their fitness because we will be inserting new fitness clauses in

contracts,” Boucher confirmed via an audio statement released

by CSA. “In the recent past we have seen that players who are not fit enough don’t get selected.

They are professionals and they need to do what they have to do.”

South Africa were recalled early from a limited overs tour of India last month over fears around the coronavirus, but Boucher believes that so far their plans have not been disrupted to a great degree by the lockdown.

“The plan was always to

Real Madrid players agree to 10-20 percent wage cut

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid’s playing and coaching staff have voluntarily agreed to take a wage cut of between 10 and 20 percent this year to help the club deal with the stoppage caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the La Liga side said in a statement on Wednesday.

The club said the exact amount would “depend on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season.” Club directors have also agreed to a wage cut as have members of its basketball team, it said.

The club said the move followed negotiations between the team captains — Sergio Ramos for the senior soccer side — and club directors. It said the decision would save having to cut the wages of other employees.

Spain has been badly hit by the coronavirus outbreak with a death toll of 14,555. La Liga, as with most football around the world, is currently suspended and it is not known when, or even if, the season will re-start.

“This decision, taken by players, coaches and employ-

ees, avoids traumatic measures that affect the rest of the workers,” said the statement.

It said it would also help deal with “the reduction in income that the club is suffering these months as a result of the suspension of competitions and the paralysis of a large part of its commercial activities.”

The players at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also taken pay cuts and La Liga has asked other clubs to follow suit.

The Spanish sports daily Marca said that a 10 percent cut would save the club around 50 million euros.

Australia star Smith hoping for IPL action ‘at some stage’ AUSTRALIAN cricket star Steve Smith is hoping the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held “at some stage” as sports events around the world remain on hold because of the coronavirus.

The cricket calendar has been hit hard by the deadly pandemic, including India’s lucrative and star-studded IPL Twenty20 tournament, which was due to begin on March 29.

The opening match was pushed to April 15 but it is unclear if this year’s IPL will be played at all or cancelled altogether.

“Plenty going on in the world at present, but hopefully we can get an IPL at some stage,” said Smith, in a podcast published Tuesday by IPL side Rajasthan Royals, which he captains.

“The two seasons that I captained the Royals were both half seasons. Shane Watson gave me the captaincy in 2015 and then last year out of the blue, I took over at the back end of the season,” he added.

“Looking at having a crack at it full time and the Royals have a pretty good squad.”

Aside from the IPL, Smith also has his eyes on another big prize: winning a Test series in India.

“As an Australian cricketer - Ashes is always big and World Cups are big,” he told New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi in the Royals podcast.

“But now India are the number one team in the world, it’s a very difficult place to play Test cricket, so I’d love to be able to win a series there,” added Smith, currently the top-ranked Test batsman in the world.

Australia are not scheduled to tour India until

Australia’s Steve Smith is hoping the IPL will be played at some stage, with most sports events on hold because of the coronavirus. (AFP Photo/Saeed KH) 2022.

Smith, 30, was captain of the Australian Test side before he was punished for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and hit with a two-year leadership ban.

That ban expired last month, sparking speculation that he could return to the helm.

Smith is widely considered one of the modern-day giants of batting, having scored 7 227 runs - including 26 centuries -- in 73 Tests.

He had narrowly missed out on his series dream in 2017 when India edged the visiting Australians 2-1 in a bitterly fought campaign.

Ricky Ponting remains the only Australian captain to have won a Test series in India - in 2004-05. (AFP)

CSA to introduce fitness clauses into player contracts. give the guys some time off to spend with the family. It also gives them the chance to get over a few niggles.

“The first two or three weeks is always key, to refresh

physically and mentally. We have put in some programmes around the house for the guys to keep them fit and strong.

“They need to keep their discipline. There will be testing

after the lockdown period.”

South Africa’s next assignment is scheduled to be a limited-overs tour to Sri Lanka in June.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

2020 RAN Men’s 15-a-side, Women’s 10s and Men’s Under-19 tourney cancelled DUE to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, Rugby Americas North (RAN) announced that its 2020 RAN Men’s 15-a-side competition, along with the Women’s 10s and Men’s Under-19 tournament, which was set to take place July 8-12 in Nassau, Bahamas, have been cancelled.

“Rugby Americas North’s Exco has followed World Rugby and the global game of rugby by putting athlete, staff and public welfare first and foremost, by making the decision to cancel our upcoming competitions,” said RAN president Miguel Carner.

“While this is obviously difficult news for our member unions and region, we believe it’s in everyone’s best interest,” added Carner.

The Senior Men’s 15-a-side tournament was set to get underway in April and doubled as the first regional qualification round for Rugby World Cup 2023. These matches have now been tentatively postponed to 2021, with further details to be confirmed.

Currently, the 2020 RAN Sevens competition is still scheduled to take place in

November 2020 and will be assessed over the course of the coming months as further developments take place. A venue has not yet been finalised.

“As the situation develops over the coming weeks, RAN will be working with Rugby Americas, World Rugby and our Member Unions to monitor the situation and make decisions of when we can proceed with and reschedule events in a safe and efficacious manner,” said Niall Brooks, RAN General Manager.

Last week, Rugby Americas announced the cancellation of the upcoming 2020 Under-20 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) in Montevideo, Uruguay, which included Canada and the USA. Further decisions regarding the Senior and U-20 editions of the Americas Rugby Challenge (ARCh) and ARC will be announced in due course as the ongoing environment is continuously being evaluated.

“At this time, RAN would like to reinforce the importance of everyone focussing on social-distancing and all

that can be done within North America and the Caribbean to collectively address this constantly-evolving pandemic,” added

Brooks.

FLASHBACK! Guyana battling Guadeloupe at the National Park rugby field

TTFA lawyers request Mark Hovell as sole arbitrator for FIFA dispute

Mark Hovell is a highly experienced sports lawyer.

DR Emir Crowne and Matthew Gayle, the lawyers representing the ousted executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), have proposed that Mark Hovell, a solicitor from Manchester, England, be the sole arbitrator in their case against football’s world governing

body FIFA. Hovell is a highly experienced sports lawyer and insolvency practitioner who specialises in regulatory, governance, commercial and financial matters, across all sports, both in the UK and across the world.

Additionally, he sits regularly as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and The FA’s regulatory commissions.

FIFA has until April 14 to submit their comments regarding the request - whether they agree to a sole arbitrator deciding matters and Hovell’s appointment.

On March 17, FIFA wrote to the TTFA advising them that they were appointing a normalisation committee to take over the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday April 09, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Hema Adhikari-114* (Delhi, 1948-49) (2) Everton Weekes-207 (QPO, 1953) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first Indian bowler to bag a five-wicket haul against the WI in Tests?

(2) Who is the first WI to take fivewickets in a Test innings against India?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

running of the heavily indebted association.

However, despite protests from the executive because such a move would be in breach of the TTFA constitution, FIFA proceeded to name members of the committee on March 26.

The action prompted the attorneys to file an appeal to set aside FIFA’s decision before the CAS on Monday, April 6.

On Wednesday, April 8, CAS acknowledged receipt of the appeal.

The lawyers now have until April 17, 10 days from when the appeal was due to be filed, which was Tuesday, April 7. Should they fail to do so. CAS will deem the appeal withdrawn.

FIFA then has 20 days to respond to the

filed brief. They would be expected to do so by early May. CAS has also invited the TTFA lawyers to consider the possibility of mediation.

“I take this opportunity to draw the Parties’ attention to the possibility of submitting this dispute to CAS mediation, which would not prejudice the Parties’ rights to subsequently re-submit the dispute to arbitration, should the dispute remain unresolved at the conclusion of the mediation procedure,” wrote Antonio De Quesada, Head of Arbitration.

“A successful mediation procedure would result in a binding settlement, the terms of which have been agreed upon by both Parties.” (Sportsmax)

Ronaldinho, brother under house arrest in Paraguay FORMER Brazil forward Ronaldinho has been released from prison and placed under house arrest in Paraguay.

The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner had spent time in jail along with his brother after being arrested on March 6, accused of using fake passports.

The pair had previously been denied bail but posted $800 000 (£648 000) each and must now stay in a fourstar hotel in Asuncion while awaiting trial.

Both Ronaldinho, 40, and his brother Roberto Assis deny any wrongdoing.

Their lawyer has called

Ronaldinho was met by friends at the hotel in Asuncion where he must now stay. their imprisonment “arbitrary, abusive and illegal.”

In allowing the pair to leave prison, Judge Gustavo

Amarilla said the size of the bail paid was “significant” and would “guarantee they will not flee”.

Ronaldinho had initially visited Paraguay to promote a book and a campaign for underprivileged children.

The 2002 World Cup winner played for clubs including Paris St-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan before retiring in 2015 after a spell at Brazilian side Fluminense.

Ronaldinho won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was named Fifpro World Player in 2005 and 2006. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday April 9, 2020

‘Billy’ Braithwaite has moved on to the land beyond …ex-Pele FC and GFL president dies in NY

By Ras Wadada THE Sports fraternities in Guyana and New York are in a state of mourning as past outstanding football administrator, William ‘Billy’ Braithwaite, transitioned to ‘the land beyond’ early yesterday morning at the NY Presbyterian Hospital where he was hospitalised for just over a week.

Braithwaite, a former president of Pele FC and the Georgetown Football League (GFL), now Georgetown Football Association (GFA), during the 70s and early 80s, migrated with his family to the USA in 1981. He was the first elected secretary of the GFL, headed by former City Mayor, Kenneth Shortt, whom Braithwaite replaced as president in 1978.

The former Area Manager of BWIA, now Caribbean Airlines, is remembered by his very close friend and sec-

William `Billy’ Braithwaite is dead at 74.

retary during his leadership of the GFL, Ivor O’Brien, “The world has lost a very nice person. There is nothing bad about Billy I can recall over the decades we have been very close friends, almost like brothers.

“He is the one who encouraged me to be part of the GFL in its infancy years. In fact, I was elected secretary

Ivor O’Brien

at the first AGM of the GFL in 1974. As an administrator in football he brought a lot to the table and is a man of class. He always showed great respect to people and had a real charming personality.”

Also paying tribute to the 74-year-old Braithwaite was his cousin Terry Braithwaite, former Guyana and Caribbean Rugby captain now domi-

ciled in the USA, “My first recollection of him was as a young teenaged teacher at St Ambrose Primary. He was always well dressed and very articulate.

“He displayed leadership qualities at an early age and was very popular among friends and peers. His aggressiveness in getting things done had more to do with his influence and smooth manner in making things happen.

Definitely, he was charismatic, well loved and admired and had an eye for beauty. A very loving and caring soul has departed but his legacy will live forever. The news of his death has saddened me.”

It is reported that Braithwaite became another NY fatality of COVID-19 currently on a global destructive path. He leaves to mourn his wife Cicely, two daughters Michelle (Petal) and Billie as well as son Stokley.

Renewed player commitment a good sign, says Holding BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Legendary fast bowler Michael Holding has given a thumbs-up to some of the initial moves made by the new Ricky Skerritt-led Cricket West Indies (CWI) administration, and believes one of the major achievements so far is the renewed commitment by players to represent the embattled regional side.

Pointing out he was “extremely happy” when Skerritt toppled threeterm incumbent Dave Cameron in elections a year ago, Holding said the new administration appeared headed in the right direction but now needed to ensure the early work paid off.

“I am happy with a lot of things that I heard are being done,” Holding told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest here Tuesday night.

I’m not that close to know what has taken place but the different committees that I heard were set up and the actions that these committees are supposed to be taking I am happy in that regard. Let’s see if all this now comes to fruition.”

He added: “Another aspect of this entire thing that I’m happy with is that … cricketers are now looking forward to representing West Indies again – everybody is now making themselves available again, which is important.

“If you don’t have a huge pool from which to draw, you’re going to have mediocrity getting to the top and if you have more competition at the lower level and everyone fighting to be in the last 11, the cream will rise to the top.

“This is what you want in the Caribbean – everyone wanting to play for West Indies.”

Holding said one of the signs of success would be West Indies’ performances on the field, especially in Tests and One-Day Internationals.

The 66-year-old, now a respected international television cricket analyst, said special attention needed to be given to the longer form of the game as it developed the character required in players to contribute to the region’s development following their playing careers.

“What I want to see is West Indies getting back to being highly competitive at Test level and One-Day International cricket. (In) Tests especially, because that is the true test of someone’s character and we want that in the Caribbean,” said Holding, who snatched 249 wickets in 60 Tests between 1975 and 1987.

Rugby fraternity mourns the passing of former president, Colonel John Lewis

PAGE 19

Colonel J ohn Lewis

... President David Granger remembers Colonel Lewis as Army stalwart, sportsman FLASHBACK: Col. John Lewis (first from left), with the ‘Green Machine’ prior to their departure to the 2014 Rugby America’s North 7s Championship in Mexico. Guyana won the title for the sixth time that year.

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - England all-rounder Ben Stokes was named the ‘Leading Cricketer in the World’ in the 2020 edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, the publication said yesterday.

The 28-year-old played a leading role in England’s 50-over World Cup victory at home last year while his brilliant unbeaten knock of 135 helped the side to a thrilling one-wicket win over Australia in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.

Andrew Flintoff was the last English player to win the award in 2005.

“Without him, this Almanack might have been another English hard-luck story,” editor Lawrence Booth said. “Instead, it’s a celebration. Stokes is their all-weather cricketer, a giant come rain or shine.

“The next few years should be fun.”

Before Stokes, India captain Virat Kohli had won the award three straight times.

Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry was named as the leading woman player in the world while she also found a place as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.

England pace bowler Jofra Archer, Australians Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne and Essex off-spinner Simon Harmer were the others.

Perry scored the highest runs and took the most wickets as Australia successfully retained their Women’s Ashes title against England last year.

“Ellyse Perry dominated the women’s Ashes like no one before her,” Booth said.

Ben Stokes has become the first Englishman since 2005 to be named Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world.

England’s Stokes named Wisden’s ‘Leading Cricketer’

in the world

‘Billy’ Braithwaite has moved on to the land beyond Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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THURSDAY, APRIL 09, 2020