Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_04_17_2020

FRIDAY 17th April, 2020

' No.105972

‘Concerns raised over PPP recount plans’ SEE PAGE 11

…CARICOM expresses concerns over PPP 20 workstations proposal, due to COVID-19

- GECOM Chair to issue decision, today, on duration of exercise

Gov’t to revamp social relief response SEE PAGE 12

…promises tougher enforcement of emergency measures

COVID-19

cases move to 57

---four persons in ICU, most cases recorded in Georgetown 03 PAGE

No taxpayer $$$ used to hire lobby firm 15 PAGE

…Harmon says dossier was previously shared with Heads of CARICOM

Young mom killed by husband 03 PAGE

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday, inspected the bond of the Civil Defence Commission, as part of government’s efforts to revamp the distribution of social relief to citizens.

In this DPI photo Mr Harmon engages Director General of the CDC, Kester Craig

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

‘Social Protection’ beefs up restrictions at State-run facilities --to protect the most vulnerable from ravages of COVID-19

By Navendra Seoraj THE Ministry of Social Protection has heightened measures at various local care centres to protect “vulnerable” groups from contracting the dreaded Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has so far infected 57 persons here and killed another six.

According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), among some of the measures implemented by the social protection ministry is the adjustment to the daily operations at all of the care facilities.

Those care facilities in-

home centres.

Director of Social Services Whentworth Tanner told the DPI that the ministry has reviewed and implemented several measures.

“We enforced restriction of visitation at all care centres. Staff and visitors must sanitise before entering facilities; routine screening of staff reporting for duty, that is, taking and documenting their temperature by a nurse, medic or doctor on the staff,” he said.

Medical, administrative, and auxiliary staff have also been issued with protective equipment such as gloves and masks, and, where necessary, aprons, long boots and

aid, “and critical food items must be submitted by the

Protocols for new admissions, as well as recent infor-

Assistant Director, Childcare and Protection Agency Tionna October

Director of Social Services, Whentworth Tanner

The Children and Family Centre on Brickdam, Georgetown

clude the Palms Geriatric Home, Night Shelter, Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre, the New Opportunity Corps, Sophia Care Centre, Mahaica Children’s Home, Children and Family Centre, and specialty

overalls, while administrators are to ensure that staff are appropriately outfitted while on duty.

“There is an updated stock inventory of critical stock items, especially cleaning and janitorial supplies,” Tanner

storekeepers to administrators on Mondays and Wednesdays to ensure that stock does not fall below minimum stock levels.”

ADMISSION PROTOCOLS

Protection Agency Tionna October said that in addition to proper hygiene, their staff were instructed to bring extra clothing to change into while on the premises.

“There is a separate space allocated for this routine, which will eliminate cross-contamination,” October said. “Upon entering the building, everyone is to wash their hands, take off clothes, and place these in a plastic bag. Then they wash hands and face and dress in clean clothing,” she added.

QUARANTINED Additionally, all new children admitted to care facilities are placed in quarantine, in a

if needed.

“The Sophia Care Centre can be used, since it can cater to both male and female.

Children from the Mahaica Children’s Home and Specialty Home could be transferred to the Children and Family Centre apartments, or the Half-Way Home,” October said.

“The selection of the space will be dependent on the age and abilities of the children.

The apartments situated in the compound of the Children and Family Care Centre could be used, since they are physically detached from the dormitory,” she explained.

She added that the aux-

Senor residents at one of the Homes enjoying a meal

mation on suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, have been documented on user-friendly posters and displayed prominently at strategic points around each facility.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Childcare and

site set aside for this purpose, before they are allowed to join the general population, October said.

In light of a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the agency has identified spaces at the various care centres for possible isolation,

iliary staff within their care centres across the region are operating on a shift system, with three days off. October emphasised that the new hours have not affected services offered to the children or social services workers attached to the facilities.

Govt sees long term use for ‘Ocean View COVID-19 hospital’ ---to treat victims of epidemics/pandemics Works on the prospective COVID-19 hospital at Ocean View will produce one of the first specialised health facilities in the Caribbean to cater to patients of epidemics.

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon disclosed this on Thursday.

“In a very short space of time, we will have an A-1 facility where we can be able to say to the world that this is what we are doing for Guyanese who are affected by COVID-19,” he said during a media briefing at the Civil Defence Commission.

Because of the urgency needed to address the pan-

demic, the government has been given clearance by the owners of the former Ocean View Hotel to proceed with construction works that will see the birth of the new COVID-19 hospital.

The facility will house 300 critical patients once it is operational. According to the DG, “the financial

arrangements are still being worked out.” The decision to establish a COVID-19 hospital stems from a recommendation from PAHO-WHO. Other facilities that will be used to treat COVID-19 patients include the Guyana National Gymnasium, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and the building in the compound of the former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation on High Street, Georgetown. (DPI)

Director-General of the Ministry of The Presidency, Joseph Harmon

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

COVID-19 cases move to 57 -four person in ICU, most cases recorded in Georgetown

AS the world continues to battle against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Guyana is not excluded from the effects of this scourge and in fact, the number of local cases continue to rise, with the latest statistics showing that the country has 57 confirmed cases.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 moved from 55 to 57 within the last 24 hours, but the deaths remain at six.

Most of those cases have, however, been recorded in the nation’s capital, Georgetown.

“Our confirmed cases in Region Four-represent more than 80 per cent with most cases in Georgetown,” said Minister Lawrence during a virtual update on the COVID-19, on Thursday.

Health authorities have so far tested 260 persons of which 203 persons are negative and 57 are positive.

Nine of the persons who were infected by these disease, have so far recovered after incubation.

“As it is now, 14 are in institutional quarantine, 42 are in isolation and there are four persons in our COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” said Minister Lawrence during a virtual update on the pandemic, on Thursday.

Of the 57 positive COVID-19 cases, four are

known to have a travel history, and the other 53 persons contracted the disease in Guyana.

To date, most of those persons, who tested positive, are males. In the over 50 age group, males and females are almost equally affected, but, in the 30 – 49 age group, most of those who tested positive are almost 4:1 when comparing males to females.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, had said persons with underlying conditions are at additional risk for developing the more complicated form of COVID-19.

In essence, persons, who suffer from chronic lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or those who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases associated with immune-compromised cases, are more at risk.

“So, I am appealing to all those persons who fall in this group to take all precautions to prevent this disease. Further, if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 act promptly and seek medical assistance via our Hotline, the COVID-19 app and the nearest Health Facility,” said Minister Lawrence.

Globally, there are close to two million cases of COVID-19, with over 123,010 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive

A young mother of two was on Thursday murdered by her husband who later attempted to end his life during at Ithaca, West Coast Berbice.

Detectives in West Berbice are probing the murder of a 21-year-old Vanessa Benjamin of Fransin Street, Ithaca, West Coast Berbice. According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the incident took place after 17:00hrs when the suspect who she had separated from recently, turned up at the house they once shared.

This newspaper was told that once there an argument ensued between the two which ended up on the road where the man stabbed the woman until she fell to the ground. In a bid to escape the man who up to press time had not been identified, attempted to take his own life with the same knife he used to inflict the fatal stabs on the 21-year-old.

One woman related to the press

that she heard of the incident and went out to see what was happening and then found the woman on the roadway. A vehicle was summoned and both of the injured were taken to the hospital even as the police are continuing their investigation.

In a chilling video recorded at the scene, the victims could be seen writhing in pain as the assailant laid on the ground with wounds to his left abdomen.

The man and his mother-in-law are currently patients at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

Guyana Chronicle reported on Thursday efforts by a local NGO to help stem the tide of domestic violence. “What I’ve seen in the past three weeks I’ve actually managed in three months,” said activist and founder of United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM), Bonita Montague addressing a recent spike in domestic violence cases.

after contracting the disease.

In the absence of approved medication, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of

accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B on March 16 2020.

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.

President David Granger, in an address to the nation on Saturday evening, said

Guyana is in line to receive approximately 30,000 masks, a number of ventilators and other medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China as it ups its fight against COVID-19. Added to that, the country has turned to the Government of India for financial assistance.

According to President Granger, the fight requires unprecedented expenditure and outlay of resources to enable identification and testing, isolation, protection and treatment. These added resources will complement systems already in place to suppress the spread of the virus and provide appropriate medical attention.

As the country wages war against the deadly disease, the Head of State said the efforts of the country’s frontline workers, in particular, those within the medical field, should not go unnoticed.

“I ask you, however, to think tenderly of our public health professionals and service providers, that is to say, our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all other supporting staff – medical and non-medical – who are providing the required care for those in distress.

Public health practitioners are on the frontline of protecting those stricken by the disease.

They have been working tirelessly through this very difficult situation to provide

quality healthcare to those who have been infected and afflicted. Everyone in the public health system has played a vital part in the fight against this disease,” he said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus.

WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses 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 is spread.

“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.

She described the situation as overwhelming, as the COVID-19 challenge has intensified previous challenges the organisation would have faced when it comes to transporting, housing and providing for persons fleeing abuse. On April 3, the government instituted emergency measures which placed citizens nationwide under curfew, and saw the closure of all non-essential services in a quest to curb the spread of the deadly pandemic. These measures have increased the time of enclosed contact with abusers and the abused, and in other cases, it has opened the door to potential abusers due to prolonged close contact. Montague has become a popular point of contact for persons in need of help over the years.

Additionally, amid a “horrifying global surge in domestic violence,” the United Nations called for a “cease fire” and

“peace at home,” as vulnerable people sheltering in place amid the coronavirus pandemic are at the mercy of their tormentors, with everyone under enormous strain.

“Peace is not just the absence of war,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement, referring to his recent call for a halt to fighting around the world.

“Many women under lockdown for COVID-19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world. I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.”

“Reports from countries in every region suggest that restrictions in movement, social isolation, coupled with increased social and economic pressures are leading to an increase in violence in the home,” the UN said in a separate statement outlining

the scope of the problem.

Even before the pandemic, statistics showed that one in three women will experience violence during their lifetimes, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said. He added that the rate is two out of three women in Papua New Guinea, noting that those statistics don’t count countries with weak reporting systems.

“My concern today is for all women across the world who are suffering even more now due to the extra economic and social stresses caused by a radical shift away from normal life,” Mohammed said.

“This stress is leading to an increased danger of violence. It’s clear that when women and girls are ‘locked down’ in their homes with abusive partners, they are at much greater risk than ever before.”

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

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

Young mom killed by husband

Vanessa Benjamin was killed by her husband

On Wednesday, she told this newspaper that the efforts of her organisation are being stretched thin, due to the numerous challenges that have arisen due to COVID-19-induced lockdown.

The day before, the activist said, she received nine reports of domestic violence incidents in just three hours.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

Coronavirus: Weekly jobless claims hit 5.2 million (BBC) Another 5.2 million Americans registered for unemployment benefits last week as businesses remain shut amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The new Department of Labor filings bring the number of jobless claims over the last four weeks to more than 20 million.

That amounts to roughly as many jobs as employers had added over the previous decade.

The economic crisis comes as the number of US virus cases exceeds 629,000.

The surging joblessness is a stark reversal for the world’s biggest economy where the un-

employment rate had been hovering around 3.5%. Economists now expect that rate to have hit double digits.

While the 5.2 million new claims in the week ended 11 April were down from 6.6 million the previous week, the numbers still eclipse prior records.

Many economists warn that elevated numbers will linger, with Goldman Sachs researchers expecting some 37 million claims by the end of May. “Records are being broken left and right with respect to the depth and breadth of the current downturn,” said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at

Bankrate.com.

“With no immediate end in sight to efforts aimed at mitigating the virus’ spread and impact, it is impossible to see a near-term upturn in employment prospects.”

‘The phone rings and rings’ Electronics chain Best Buy this week said it would furlough more than 50,000 employees, while Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it would cut or suspend about a quarter of its American workforce.

The moves come as retail sales plunged by a record 8.7%, while manufacturing output dropped by the most in more than 74 years.

The US has expanded its unemployment programme, making disbursements bigger and more people - including the self-employed - eligible.

But requests to participate have overwhelmed state offices, which process the applications.

Glenn Hawker, co-owner of a now-closed hair salon in Virginia, said he had applied for the funds as an independent contractor at least twice and

been rejected. When he called to figure out why, he couldn’t reach anyone.

“The phone rings and rings and rings,” the 49-year-old said.

Mr Hawker had also sought assistance through a loan programme for small businesses, but he has not received any.

On Thursday, the Small Business Administration, which is in charge of administering that $349bn programme, announced it had run out of money.

‘Worse and worse’ Restaurant owner George Constantinou last month laid off most of the 130 people who work at the four businesses he owns in New York and New Jersey, retaining a core group to continue doing take-out and delivery.

He said he expected the move would allow the business - which saw sales drop some 80% in the early weeks - to conserve money and workers to receive at least some pay until he could bring them back.

“I honestly thought this was a two-week thing,” he

Friday, April 17, 2020–– 2:00hrs & 03:30

said. “Then it just got worse and worse and worse.”

Amid delays to claims processing, some staff have sought his help in applying for food stamps. If the economic downturn is prolonged, re-hiring everyone may not make sense, even after he can fully reopen.

“At this point, we have to take it almost day by day to

figure it out,” he said.

US President Donald Trump is expected to issue “new guidelines” for reopening the economy in parts of the country where experts believe the rate of infection is under control.

“There has to be a balance,” he said on Wednesday. “We have to get back to work.”

Coronavirus: Japan declares nationwide state of emergency (BBC) A nationwide state of emergency has been declared in Japan due to the country’s worsening coronavirus outbreak.

The move allows regional governments to urge people to stay inside, but without punitive measures or legal force.

The state of emergency will remain in force until 6 May. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had previously declared a month-long state of emergency in seven regions.

Speaking at a special meeting of medical experts, Mr Abe said: “Areas where a state of emergency should be carried out will be expanded from the seven prefectures to all prefectures.”

As the number of infections in Japan has increased, criticism of Mr Abe’s response has grown louder.

One poll shows 75% of people think the prime minister took too long to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo.

After a recent spike in cases in the capital Tokyo, experts warned that the city’s emergency medical facilities could collapse under the pressure. Officials in Tokyo have also urged people to work from home.

After the initial state of emergency came into force on 8 April, a number of other regional governors called for the measures to be extended to their areas, saying that cases were growing and their medical facilities were overwhelmed.

Japan’s two emergency medical associations also is-

sued a joint statement warning that they were “already sensing the collapse of the emergency medical system”.

And the mayor of Osaka appealed for people to donate their raincoats, so they could be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers whom he said were being forced to fashion PPE out of rubbish bags.

How has Japan responded to the outbreak?

Despite recording its first case more than three months ago, Japan is still only testing a tiny percentage of the population, the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reports.

Unlike South Korea which has brought its outbreak largely under control through a programme of large-scale testing - the Japanese government said that carrying out widespread testing was a “waste of resources”.

The health ministry fears that hospitals could be overwhelmed by people who test positive, but only have mild symptoms.

Testing is also governed by local health centres, not on the national government level - and some of these local centres are not equipped to carry out testing on a major scale.

Hokkaido became the first region in Japan to declare a state of emergency due to the coronavirus in late February, and lifted the state of emergency on 19 March. However, it was re-imposed this week because of a second wave of infections.

01-04-2020

10 12 13 14 20 23 17

B

03-04-2020

08 09 17 23 24

03 05 07 10 12

876

820

08 12 15 19 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

STEMGuyana develops novel app

5

--capable of connecting donors, the vulnerable, and businesses

By Tamica Garnett STEMGuyana, with the aid of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), is currently working on an app, HELPGuyana, to serve as a platform to connect persons in need, with those wanting to help out.

The platform will also be used to connect businesses, as well as consumers and delivery services, both within the ten Administrativer Regions and across the country.

Described as Guyana’s first-ever crisis-management web and mobile app, HELPGuyana will allow for households in need of support to register to be able access assistance, while there will also be a “marketplace” feature, where businesses will be able to advertise their goods and services, and delivery services will also be able to register.

With persons being asked to remain indoors as much as possible, the need for delivery services has been on the increase.

Companies offering delivery services all over the country will also be able to register and recruit volunteers for registered agencies. The app will also carry a security module that will enable users to anonymously report cases of domestic violence, fraud and abuse.

Developed by a stakeholder group of women from STEMGuyana, in commemoration of International Day of Girls in ICT, the app is being coded by Coily.us creator and STEMGuyana co-founder,

Asha Christian.

SOON COME

create a way to get them help in an organised and reoccurring manner,” Arams said.

Persons in need will be able to register on the app to receive assistance

The app is expected to be uploaded to android and Apple stores by next week.

Director of STEMGuyana, Karen Abrams, conceptualized the idea for the app, following several conversations with UG Lecturer, Dr. Mellissa Ifill.

“During every major crisis in Guyana, it is our vulnerable citizens who suffer most, and we wanted to use technology to identify these persons, and

donate a portal to share that information. However, the app will come in useful long after

The user interface of the HELPGuyana app

Having served as Director Of Risk Management for Earthlink Networks in Atlanta, Georgia, Abrams has multiple years of experience in the Crisis Management, Disaster Recovery Space during her time spent in Corporate America.

The current version of the HELPGuyana app is customised to meet the demands of the COVID-19 crisis, allowing those with masks to sell and

the COVID crisis will have died down.

“It’s important that we understand the scale and forms of vulnerabilities that exist in various communities, whether

urban, rural or interior, and use technology to address same.

Ultimately this app will place the needs of people, as they define them, at the centre of our planning and giving,” Dr. Ifill said.

COVID RESPONSE The app is a direct response to concerns developing from measures being implemented as a means of stemming the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since registering the first case on March 11, Guyana has recorded 57 confirmed cases of the virus.

To curtail its spread, Guyana, like many countries across the globe, has implemented several measures requiring persons to remain indoors as much as is practicable. Several businesses have had to close, after having to terminate staff, and many self-employed persons have also had to give up their means of income.

The vunerable and poor are expected to be the hardest hit by the situation. To help mitigate the crisis, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as well as several private organisations and individuals have been distributing social relief hampers, donating at times as much as $30,000 worth of food and sanitisation products to less fortunate communities.

With many private Guya-

nese citizens and organizations being willing to help, it is hoped that HELPGuyana will be able to be used as a tool to bridge that gap.

For its development, the project has received US$1500 in support from.

GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, said the company is delighted to have supported the creation of the app.

“We are always on stream with STEMGuyana’s initiatives as it continuously aims to bridge gaps in society through technology. I hope that persons utilize this app, especially during this time, to assist each other as we work to flatten the curve; we are in this together,” said Nedd.

STEMGuyana is also expected to work along with the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G), an NGO that focuses on aspects of community development primarily in AfroGuyanese communities, but also with a focus on vulnerable communities.

“We are connected with a network of farmers and other suppliers that we will connect with the application to get their products out to consumers,” noted IDPAGA-G Sustainable Community Development Officer, Elsie Harry.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Domestic Violence: The silent war at home

THE COVID-19 global health pandemic is having a complex and multifold effect on our society, both at home and in the wider international arena.

As most nations continue to record growing numbers of the virus amongst their populations, the measures that our governments have taken to curb the spread of the disease are having nuanced and significant effects on our societies; not only in the outer world and macrocos,m but especially in the microcosm and home world. The legislative measures taken to ensure all of our health and safety because of COVID19 is having a detrimental effect on women and children, because of interspousal and domestic violence.

Because of the physical distancing guidelines put in place to ensure we stop COVID-19, we are all spending more time at home than we might have been accustomed to, and often in the company of our families, spouses and children. Whilst the notion of quarantine has been widely romanticised in popular culture, perhaps to assuage some of our anxieties about COVID-19, the reality for approximately one in three women in the world is that they will experience, or currently experiencing, some form of domestic violence or abuse at home. Due to the new measures, however, women and

children are now spending more time at home with their abusers, and it is having a deeply disturbing and particularly heinous effect, as reports of increased interspousal violence and abuse are already starting to materialise.

For many women, abuse comes in various forms, ranging from physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Domestic violence and abuse are not just commonplace in the Caribbean and Latin America; it is truly a global pandemic. The United Nations (UN) has noted that in South Africa during the first week of their lockdown, there were more than 90,000 reports of violence against women. In Lebanon and Malaysia, the UN reports that calls to help lines had doubled, as compared to the same period last year. In China, the number of calls has tripled, and in Australia, there has been a 75% increase in Online searches for help with domestic violence, according to a Google report.

Certainly, here in Guyana, we are all too familiar with the outcome of domestic violence, which is sadly reflected in the number of femicides and crimes against women we record each year.

Figures from Europe show a clear trend, and researchers have already seen a spike in the number of domestic violence reports, as well as an increase in the number of women

‘If I can’t have it no one else will’

Dear Editor,

IT appears that the next stage of the PPP’s propaganda machine is to spread fear among the supporters of the APNU+AFC. Many mouthpieces and supporters of the PPP have posited theoretical implications of international sanctions based on the faulty assumptions that the PPP losing the election is tantamount to an “undemocratic government”.

How ironical for the PPP to suddenly become the experts in “democracy”, when back in 1997, the PPP was accused of unlawfully declaring Janet Jagan President, and there was no legal recourse to challenge the elections.

Firstly, it is the PPP and their supporters who are adamant on pressuring the world superpowers to enforce economic sanctions on the Guyanese economy. The PPP is justifying this by using tainted and unauthorised election “results” via Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and Mercury Public Affairs. This is another irony because the PPP has accused Mr. Clairmont Mingo of electoral impropriety for allegedly using Excel, yet the PPP has been using an Excel spreadsheet with

bogus election results as a benchmark to declare themselves the winners of the elections contrary to the laws regarding GECOM. Furthermore, the PPP is using a scorchedearth policy akin to the proverb, “If I can’t have it no one else will”. This is a hallmark of greed and thus, contrary to the principles of democracy.

I am no expert in psychology, but there seems to be something terribly wrong with the mindsets of the PPP and their supporters to have such dangerous sentiments. Their greed and lust to grab the oil reserves are making them depraved in their minds. The late Mr. Ronald Waddell once declared that the mind of the PPP is so dangerous that they would murder their own family members for greed.

To conclude, the PPP is to blame for their propaganda which will negatively affect every Guyanese and ultimately impair the social, political and economic progress of the country. So much for being the ambassadors of “democracy”.

The PPP are acting like psychotic bullies.

Regards, Riaz Hamid

seeking help for the same. Kika Fumero of the Canary Islands Institute for Equality in Spain noted that in line with previously-recorded spikes in reports of domestic violence or abuse during times of confinement because of floods or holidays, the introduction of COVID-19-related measures has already had a marked effect on reports of domestic violence. In the first two weeks of the new measures, the gender-based violence helpline in Spain received 18% more calls, as compared to the same period in the previous month. Similarly, in France, the government has said that police reports of domestic violence have gone up by a third since the COVID-19 lockdown measures came into force, whilst E-mail contact for help is up 286%. Again, in Belgium, calls to a listening service of the Collective Against Family Violence and Exclusion have increased three-fold.

As a result of the increased violence against women during this time of COVID-19, the Canary Islands Institute for Equality has launched a campaign called, Mascarilla-19 or Mask-19. The campaign works in collaboration with pharmacies, which are some of the few places persons are able to access freely. As a way of signaling that a woman needs help, the codeword, ‘Mascarilla-19’ is used, and the pharmacist

obtains the woman’s name, contact number and address and she is able to wait for help at the location or return home and await assistance from the relevant authorities.

Mask-19 has now been adopted in France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Argentina.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cited the sharp increase in domestic violence amid the COVID19 global lockdown and has called on authorities to take appropriate action. “I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plan to COVID-19”, he asserted.

The Ministry of Social Protection’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit has created a hotline and safe space for victims of domestic violence in Guyana. The 24-hour helpline is 640-1011 and the safe space has accommodation for families with children up to 14 years old.

Women are able to engage the services of the police as well as receive counselling services available at the facility.

The scourge of violence against women must be eliminated and we cannot allow the silent war at home to traumatize our woman and children any further. We must invoke our collective will to end this global pandemic.

Kudos to the government in their efforts to increase preparedness Dear Editor, GUYANA through its health authorities has been able to mount an adequate response, so far, to tend to those diagnosed with the killer COVID- 19 VIRUS. From both an empirical view, seen through the eyes of a layman, this current status quo of very small numbers of infected persons, compared to other jurisdictions may very well be due to the fact of increased testing.

One must therefore dread, as to what our actual numbers are, if this facility is increased, by becoming available.

However, out of this current situation, our local health authorities have been able to mount laudable responses in terms of measures, in dealing with the cases thus far, which have come to their attention. But

most importantly, by the mercies of providence, Guyana to date, has not been struck by very high numbers of persons diagnosed with the killer virus, which if it had begun, would have challenged our health system’s inadequacies, as pointed out by the PAHO/ WHO Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow.

This pause has been affording the health authorities adequate time to prepare critical support infrastructure such as a specialised COVID-19 hospital, and acquire other structures for quarantine and isolation purposes, in anticipation for increased cases. The reported efforts of acquiring vital personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, and critical See page 8

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Commonwealth urges GECOM to conduct recount within confines of law

THE national recount of the ballots cast at the March 2020 elections must be done in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, the Commonwealth Election Observer Group has said.

Led by former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, the Commonwealth Electoral Observation Mission, in a statement on Wednesday, said it has taken note of the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) decision to facilitate a recount of all the ballots cast in the 10 Electoral Districts of the country. Such a process, the mission posited, must be done in accordance with the Representation of People’s Act. Notably, the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh, in announcing the commission’s decision to facilitate the recount, said such decision was taken against the backdrop of Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates the commission to “take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.” Further to that, on Wednesday, GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, said while the recount is not provided for under the Representation of the People Act, the Elections Commission has agreed that it would rely on Sections 83, 84, 87 and 89 (1) of the Act for guidance in the execution of the national recount.

But according to the Commonwealth Elections Observer Group, the Representation of the People Act is “unambiguous” and sets clear guidelines on the technical modalities by which a general final count is bound. “…We strongly urge the leadership of GECOM not to depart from these legal stipulations,” the Commission EOM urged.

Further to that, the Commonwealth Mission underscored the need for the process to be transparent. “It is imperative [that] GECOM ensures that this is done in a credible, transparent and timely manner, bearing in mind that the people of Guyana have now waited an unconscionable 45 days to bring this electoral process to finality,” the Arthur-led mission said.

The Elections Commission committed to facilitating a national recount after the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), through its supporter, Reeaz Holladar, filed a series of legal proceedings against GECOM and its functionaries on the grounds that the tabulation of the Region Four votes was flawed.

The Commonwealth EOM posited that the electoral challenges facing Guyana is compounded by the coronavirus (COVID-19) global crisis. “This delay in credibly concluding the electoral process is now even more alarming as the entire world seeks to contend with the disruptive and devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on

Region 10 commences –– after two persons there contact tracing tested COVID-19 positive THE Region 10 Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) is in the process of tracking persons who have been in contact with the two Lindeners who have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This disclosure was made by the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Pansy Armstrong. In a statement on Thursday, Dr Armstrong said an investigation revealed that both of the COVID-19 patients were in contact with mutual associates. It was found too that the COVID-19 patients, unaware that they had the virus, had been in contact with other persons.

As such, Dr Armstrong is appealing to anyone who may have had contact with either of the two individuals over the past two weeks to immediately self-quarantine.

This, she said, is because there is a possibility that they are infected.

The RHO said that the first victim had visitors from overseas who came for a funeral while the second victim is related to a known associate of the first victim.

She said that this appeal is as a result of the region’s continued proactive approach in ensuring that there is contact tracing. She noted that contact tracing is pivotal in

Regional Health Officer, Region 10, Dr Pansy Armstrong seeking to curtail the disease and the potential spread of the disease in Region 10 and beyond.

“What we are aware of is that both individuals were infected by a known associate of them and there is a possibility that others may have been infected,” the RHO said while adding that “we are appealing to those persons to immediately self-quarantine themselves at home to protect their families and others, who they may have or meets”[sic].

The RHO declared that she is appealing to anyone within the region who is demonstrating signs and

symptoms of COVID 19 to immediately contact the hotline numbers listed: 4443007, 444-6127 and 4446137 where they will speak to a public health nurse or a doctor. “Let me say, do not visit any health facilities, call the hotline and someone will reach out to you,’ she reminded residents.

She added, “As it is widely known that there is no known cure for COVID 19, but if the medical personnel within the region are made aware of your situation, then immediate medical attention and assistance can be rendered.”

She also said that the general public should take the current situation seriously, warning that the region and, by extension, the Ministry of Public Health, continues to be aggressively disseminating information regarding the disease. As such, the required measures and guidelines should be followed. “As your RHO, I am personally appealing to everyone to follow the instructions as it is only way of keeping us safe.

Remember social distancing, wash your hands regularly and wear your mask when you are out; we must and should follow the guidelines to stay safe,” she warned.

economic, social and political life,” it said.

Nonetheless, it commended the people of Guyana for peacefully exercising their right to vote for the government of their choice on March 2. “This is a sacred constitutional and universal human right. The rights of the Guyanese people will be respected when a general final count is credibly administered in accordance with the law and given full effect,” the observer group said.

The Commonwealth Elections Observer Group’s statement came one day after the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) expressed similar sentiments.

While expressing deep concerns over the delay in the declarations of the results, the OAS challenged GECOM to ensure that the procedures for the national recount are transparent and consistent with the Electoral Laws of the country. Instructions to election officials conducting the recount, the OAS EOM said must be unambiguous and based on the provisions of the appropriate electoral laws.

The OAS EOM Chief of Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, said it is unfortunate that to date, an accurate and credible result that would allow a duly-elected government to assume office has not been determined. He said the electoral challenges facing Guyana come at a time when the country and the world at large are facing deadly pandemic. “This is especially regrettable in light of the global health crisis that requires every government to take deci-

sive actions and to be able to command the confidence of its people in order to mobilise them in thwarting the spread of the coronavirus,” Golding said.

However, with GECOM announcing that a national recount would be conducted to erase all doubts and boost the country’s confidence in the process, OAS is hopeful that requisite systems would be put in place to prevent the process from being compromised.

“In particular, the mission requests GECOM take particular care to ensure that: the officials to be engaged in the recount are selected based on their impartiality and those who have displayed partisan behavior are excluded; the duly authorised representatives of political parties and accredited observers are allowed to see (but not handle) each ballot and the legal provisions for challenging the determination of ballots are fully respected,” Golding said. Further to that, the OAS EOM Chief said GECOM should ensure that an ascertainment is made as to whether the number of ballots cast corresponds with the number of persons recorded as having voted. Additionally, it said that the result of the recount for each polling station should be compared with the statement of poll signed by the presiding officer.

Iterating its earlier position, the OAS EOM said that the casting and counting of ballots on March 2 was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, however, the process deteriorated during the tabulation of the Region Four Statements of Poll.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Covid-19 and spiritual guidance Dear Editor, CORONAVIRUS Covid-19 has impacted the whole world. It has caused not only worldly things to come to a halt, but all religious activities have also been affected tremendously. As a religious leader, we try to answer what role religion could play during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him (PBUH) has guided us about such situations. Narrated Saud: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) The spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) has been guiding us throughout this time of the pandemic. First, he enjoined everyone to take all precautions.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) said: “It is important to adopt all the precautionary measures. Try to keep a handkerchief so that when you sneeze, other people are not affected. Also, try not to touch your face if your hands are not clean.”

His Holiness also said that in addition to drinking plenty of water, people should rest sufficiently and adopt a healthy diet, avoiding junk foods.

Islam highly emphasises on cleanliness.

Holy Quran says “And keep thy clothes clean. And uncleanliness do thou shun.” ( Holy Quran Ch. 74: V. 5-6) After taking all necessary precautions Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) drew our attention towards our Creator God, the ultimate protector.

His Holiness said: “Only God knows how far this epidemic is going to spread.

However, if it is a result of God’s displeasure, then we need to turn to Him to be saved from its adverse consequences.

Every Ahmad? Muslim should pray and strive to improve their spiritual condition and should also pray for the world. May God enable the worlds’s people to recognise their Creator.

His Holiness quoted an article published in the Daily Telegraph, in which columnist Philip Johnston writes how the world has been turned upside down in the span of a couple of weeks. The columnist spoke of how the virus had exposed the vulnerabilities of the seemingly impregnable might of Western society.

His Holiness said that after highlighting that these are extraordinary times unimaginable to those born after World War 11, Mr Johnston concludes: “How many times have we heard people say “Everything will be OK because scientists will work something out”, whether it be global warming or the pandemic? We are about to find out whether such optimism is justified. If it isn’t, then I might be heading

back to church.”

Referencing the column, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) said: “This virus has forced people to think about returning towards God… He is the One who has announced that He will guide those who make an effort in coming towards God. He has stated that he will come fast towards those who take even one step towards Him and has said that He will take them into His shelter.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) drew our attention towards our duty and he stated: “In these circumstances… We must tell people that for the ultimate result to be good, we must turn towards God and realise that true life is that which is in the Hereafter and we must not associate any partners with Him and fulfil the rights of His creation” His Holiness further stated: “The ultimate tool we have at our disposal is that of prayer. We should all pray for the entire world that Allah the Almighty may save mankind from the harmful effects of this virus.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) has also advised the community leaders to help humanity in this difficult time.

“I have told Amir Sahib [President of the Community], Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya [President of Youth Organization] and Humanity First (NGO) that during these days, whatever is possible for the

welfare and help of people should be done.”

He further stated that, “Observing precautionary measures, they should help whoever they can. To please God, it is essential that one takes care of His creation and most importantly, beseech God the Almighty’s mercy for their own sake and for the sake of mankind.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May God be his Helper) cautioned Ahmadi Muslim businessmen to not to overcharge people in this time of epidemic. He explained that this goes against the teachings of Islam which are empathy for humanity.

One ought to seek Allah’s mercy by looking after humanity.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Guyana along with Humanity First Guyana is serving mankind by donating over 200 food hampers and 350 face masks to vulnerable families across our country.

We should shun all kinds of wrongdoing and evil ways and turn towards our Creator who is most merciful and forgiving.

Just like the people of Nineveh, we should seek forgiveness and God, the merciful will show mercy upon us.

May God forgive all of us and protect all of us against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amen.

Regards Maqsood Ahmed Mansoor Missionary in Charge Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Guyana

We will continue to work with this contractor to ensure project reaches the required standard Dear Editor, Kindly permit the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to respond and hopefully clarify a few issues highlighted in a letter published in the Friday, April 10, 2020 edition of Stabroek News under the headline, “China Rail should reconstruct substandard curbs between Better Hope and Buxton”.

The author, a well-known and intellectual engineer, pointed out that he believes there are flaws in the construction work done on the curbs between Better Hope and Buxton, East Coast Demerara. In fact, he opined that the curbs should be reconstructed to meet required standards. Additionally, he noted the lack of signage along the current East Coast road-expansion site.

The ministry would like to thank the engineer for his observations and it should be noted there are some works which are classifed as non-conforming to the specification., For these defective works, a non-conformity report is prepared and based on the conditions of the contract, the contractor is required to fix these defects before the issuing of the Final Completion Certificate. The contractor has not received payment for the construction of the curbs and if the restoration is not made for the curbs, the

client can withhold payment and nominate another contractor to execute the repairs to the curbs. However, China Railway First Group Company Limited has given the assurance that these defective curbs will be fixed.

Secondly, the ministry would like to remind or bring to Mr. Gonsalves’ attention, that the East Coast Demerara Public Road Widening and Improvement Project from Better Hope to Belfield Village is still ongoing. Even though the project was commissioned on February 27, 2020, some minor works remain outstanding. These include the installation of traffic signals and road signs.

The ministry was informed by the contracting firm, China Railway First Group, that the signs were delayed due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19. It was explained that the Chinese firm was having difficulties contacting their suppliers in the United States.

Also important to note, is that this project is still within the defects and liability period, meaning that damage or flaws, if present ,will be corrected by the contractor, free of cost. The ministry’s team will be deployed to reassess the curbs along this stretch of road. If it is found that the designs were not built to specification, works will commence to rectify same.

Moreover, the ministry would like to point to

the fact that a possibility exists for uneven curbs to be in existence, given the fact that it continues to be used on a daily basis by commuters as works progress. Currently however, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure advises that all the curbs are in a useful condition for pedestrians.

We would like to encourage all road users to exercise extra caution when using the road, especially at nights, as we have received reports of accidents caused due to speeding

and drivers losing control near construction sites for bridges.

We will continue to work tirelessly with the contractor on this project to ensure it reaches the required standards.

Regards Davina Ramdass Public Relations Officer Ministry of Public Infrastructure

Kudos to the government ...

From page 6 patient life-support technology such as ventilators, are a must if Guyana has to cope with increased numbers of diagnosed cases.

Add this also, ads for foreign medical personnel, points to a system that is sparing no amount of opportunities in preparing for extremes.

One hopes that among the PPE to be received would be protective gear for our health workers who have always been, and would continue to be, the health system’s frontline, in treating victims of the dreaded COVID-19, or in any other such crisis. The unfortunate and sad fact is the misguided, and archaic-minded attitude, of some members of our public, born

out of gross ignorance. It is a common behaviour, though on a very limited scale, reported in Great Britain, where these VITALS of the NHS continue to be lauded by an appreciative public. But we must ensure the proper and adequate protection of our critical patient care segment, without which, it would be best for any health facility to close its doors. Let us continue to follow the guidelines; we cannot go wrong, as it is our only means of survival in these perilous times.

Kudos to the government and its Ministry of Public Health, and their frontline an all staff for their great efforts.

Regards Carla Mendonca

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

The OAS has compromised itself DEAR EDITOR, The recent Press Release emanating from the OAS is a clear indication that the organisation has compromised its self and was never and will not be an impartial observer in the Guyana election process.

It is important to note that the press release heaped criticisms on GECOM’S CEO, noting among other things, that “Guyana’s Chief Election Officer, Mr. Keith Loweinfield’s proposed 156 days duration for the recount of votes cast in the general elections last month”. The Opposition Leader’s good friend Mr. Bruce Golding did not mention that the 156 days proposal is a direct result of the PPPC demand that the Commissioners from both parties must be present at each counting station and therefore there will only be three counting stations thus the need for 156 days. He was too busy parroting the PPPC’s position.

The partisan Mr. Golding, went further and called for the removal of persons he consider to be impartial from the recount process. Interestingly, he did not call for the removal off the two biased PPPC controlled ROs in Districts 3 and 6, among others. He is selective in removing people based on impartiality. It is known that Mr. Golding is aware of the skullduggery that these ROs were involved in.

What is evident is Mr. Golding is singing from the PPP song sheet.

Guyanese are not fooled. They are aware that Golding who resigned in disgrace as Prime Minister of Jamaica after seeking to protect a drug lord in Jamaica from extradition to the USA is neither impartial nor decent. In fact, his closeness to Jagdeo lends to the adage that birds of a feather flock together.

The involvement of the OAS as observers in elections in recent times has raised many eyebrows since they appear to be biased and do not operate as impartial observers. Hence, many Guyanese continue to express concerns about the OAS’ Mission’s improper behaviour in the recently concluded elections in Guyana. Guyanese are adamant that they should not be involved in observing the forensic audit of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections to be held shortly. The Government of Guyana should take note and think long and hard before inviting them to observe the recount process.

The OAS, by its various actions and inactions prior to elections day, and in the days and weeks that followed, proved itself to be biased in favour of the political opposition the PPP/C and its business front the Private Sector Commission (PSC). The OAS has shed itself of any appearance of impartiality and fair play.

Prior to the OAS arrival in Guyana, the leaked contract signed between Mercury Public Affairs (the controversial Washington-based lobbying firm which is alleged to have interfered with the US 2016 elections) and the PPP/C, indicates that OAS personnel were approached and indoctrinated against the APNU/AFC Government of Guyana by Mercury lob-

byists, and therefore approached the Guyana elections with an implicit prejudicial stance against the APNU/AFC. Under the heading (“Services”) that said contract notes (inter alia) that the “Consultant will provide strategic consulting and management services specific to issues facing the Client in the areas of government relations and issues management. The Services shall include, but are not limited to, representing the Client before, and arranging meetings with the Executive Branch of the Congress of the United States, the Organization of American States, and think-tanks in connection with issues relating to the anticipated general and regional elections to take place in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” The foregoing suggests that the OAS was conditioned against the government long before it came to “observe” the elections. This is coupled with the fact that Mr. Bruce Golding, a house guest and friend of the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was chosen as head of the OAS Mission to observe the Guyana elections.

It is therefore logical to conclude that the OAS should do the decent thing and recuse itself from the process since it has compromised itself.

It is no secret that the PPP/C has been harping the false narrative of election rigging by the APNU/AFC both locally and internationally long before an elections date was announced. The fact that the OAS was fed this narrative by Mercury absolves it of any claims to impartiality, and therefore cannot be trusted even in the face of a well-defined supervisory role/s in the upcoming forensic audit of the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

In addition to its pre-arrival prejudices, the actions of the OAS on arrival in Guyana further substantiate the claims of its favoritism towards the PPP/C. Its deviations from the fundamental principles of objectivity, impartiality and neutrality, which are hallmarks of International Electoral Observer Missions must, and, shall not be overlooked.

In commenting on the electoral process in Guyana in its March 3rd statement, the OAS Secretariat stated that “… The mission commended the electoral authorities of Guyana on an orderly and well executed voting process.” Subsequent to this declaration, the credibility of the OAS began to decline further.

Despite allegations and complaints of irregularities committed by PPPC operatives (including demands for recount) by the APNU/AFC vis-à-vis several electoral Districts including Districts 2, 3, and 6, no mention, enquiries, or strong statements of condemnation were made by the OAS. The OAS was however quick to jump on the PPP/Cs false bandwagon of rigging and irregularities in Region 4 allegedly perpetrated by APNU/AFC commissioners acting in cahoots with GECOM personnel. This is a false allegation.

This bias is vivid in its March 13, Press Release, where the OAS noted that “tabulation of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) in the other nine regions was carried out

in compliance with the law and no dispute has arisen in relation to the declaration of results.” This is a blatant lie, since the other regions were done by spreadsheets and not by Statements of Poll as requested of Region 4.

The OAS’ disdain and disrespect for GECOM, should also not be ignored. The said March 13 Press Release demonstrates that the OAS was not interested in documents emanating from this duly constituted agency responsible for the conduct of elections in Guyana. Their reliance on, and use of, SOPs acquired from the PPP/C rather than from GECOM exemplifies this fact. Its position that “images of the Statements of Poll published by the PPP/ Civic, on its website, which it claims were given to its polling agents after the ballots were counted at each polling station on the night of the elections, produce a result that is vastly different from that being declared by the Returning Officer and would have a decisive effect on the outcome of the national election…” is prejudicial and inciting given that the authenticity of the PPP/Cs statements of poll are highly questionable. That OAS statement bore implications for the legitimacy of the process and contravenes the mandate of the OAS mission of objectivity. We shall not have it!

The impartiality of the OAS is also questioned when one considers its lack of condemnation of post-elections violence perpetrated by acknowledged supporters of the PPP/C on assumed supporters and objects of the APNU/AFC. The OAS is yet to issue a statement on the violent attacks on the innocent school children of Region 5 and the destruction of school buses. It is yet to pronounce on video-recorded violent attacks on officers of the law and medical personnel by opposition supporters. Furthermore, the OAS’ failure to call on the leaders of the PPP/C to renounce these acts of violence against innocent Guyanese citizens further solidifies the claims of OAS’ bias in favor of the opposition.

Even further, the OAS’ silence on the storming of the GECOM's Command Centre by members of opposition political parties who interrupted the tabulation process of the District 4 votes in their (the OAS') presence makes it worthy of future distrust. We must not encourage their presence in the upcoming recount!

Finally, lest we forget the role played by the OAS in the Bolivian elections last year. The OAS’ claims of fake tally sheets and forged signatures (allegations which were subsequently deemed false and engineered) paved the way for the downfall of the democratically elected president, as well as the post-elections violence and instability which currently exist in that country.

This should be avoided in Guyana and one sure way to do so is to ensure the presence of genuine observers and avoid those like the OAS who have compromised themselves.

Guyana shall not be another Bolivia!

Regards Ganesh Mahipaul

CCJ a reflection of forebears vision for independence -- says Justice Sunders as apex Caribbean court turns 15

THURSDAY, April 16, 2020, marks 15 years since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has been serving the region.

The Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the CCJ, explained that, while the current global environment was a sombre one as we fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt it necessary to acknowledge this milestone and the work of all the employees from around the region who had contributed, presently contribute and continue to contribute to the rule of law in the Caribbean.

“Since its inauguration in 2005, the Court has worked on the premise that it is more just than a building, it is a service. This is a service that we have taken seriously, as the establishment of the CCJ was a defining moment in the history of the people of the region. For those countries that embrace our appellate jurisdiction, it symbolises the end of colonial ties. Even for those states that only operate under the Court’s original jurisdiction, the CCJ signalled a new and different approach to regionalism. Here, for the first time, was a judicial body that exclusively and authoritatively determine disputes or questions concerning the CARICOM Treaty” Justice Saunders said.

He further said “Underpinning what our stakeholders see in the judgments of the Court, is the hard work put in by the entire staff to ensure the CCJ’s efficiency and effectiveness.

The staff of the Registries of national judiciaries that support us must also be complimented for their assistance. We take the time to applaud each and every one of these staff members for their unfailing dedication to continually go over and beyond the call of duty”.

As the Court has adopted its vision “To be a model of judicial excellence”, Saunders said it has risen to the challenge, ensuring that it produces quality judgments that are responsive to the needs of the region and are reflective of our history, values and traditions.

The CCJ has also promoted a culture that supports legal development, one that enhances the quality of judges and court administration throughout the region.

This has resulted in capacity-building bodies such as the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers, the CCJ Academy for Law and The Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project, each of which, helps to transform the legal profession and justice sectors across the wider Caribbean.

The Court has been one that long responded to the need to meet its peoples virtually.

Thus, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the CCJ seized the opportunity to reap the benefits of its technology.

“For quite some time now, all of the Court’s filing and case processing and management systems have been electronic or automated. Many hearings are conducted via video con-

The Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

ferencing. Our new Practice Directions allow for emergency hearings so that we can continue our work seamlessly in both sure and uncertain times” Saunders stressed.

Finally, Justice Saunders thanked all of the countries that have allowed the CCJ to serve them, both in the original and appellate jurisdictions.

“We also thank counsel both from the region and outside the region who have appeared before the Court and assisted us with their submission. Your faith in us is our driving force as we continue to work towards providing accessible, fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community” he said.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was inaugurated in Port of Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 16 April 2005 and presently has a Bench of seven judges presided over by CCJ President, the Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders.

The CCJ has an Original and an Appellate Jurisdiction and is effectively, therefore, two courts in one.

In its Original Jurisdiction, it is an international court with exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and to decide disputes arising under it.

The RTC established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is critical to the CSME, and all 12 Member States, which belong to the CSME (including their citizens, businesses, and governments), can access the Court’s Original Jurisdiction to protect their rights under the RTC. In its Appellate Jurisdiction, the CCJ is the final court of appeal for criminal and civil matters, for those countries in the Caribbean that alter their national Constitutions to enable the CCJ to perform that role.

At present, four states access the Court in its Appellate Jurisdiction, these being Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Guyana.

However, by signing and ratifying the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice, Member States of the Community have demonstrated a commitment to making the CCJ their final court of appeal.

The Court is the realisation of a vision of our ancestors, an expression of independence and a signal of the region’s coming of age.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

A battle plan during the COVID-19 crisis

-- FAO’s chief economist maps ways the world can mitigate shocks to agriculture and food systems THE COVID-19 pandemic has put the world on a crisis footing, with unprecedented actions to restrict movements and plans for radical deployment of public funds to combat the threat posed by a novel coronavirus that knows no boundaries. Success will entail coherent and robust plans for our food systems. FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero Cullen outlines a framework for how countries can think about and craft these plans.

As more countries adopt lockdown policies to contain and mitigate the COVID-19 crisis, is there a risk that we will run out of food?

The short answer is both yes and no. There is that risk, but we have plenty of ways to reduce its likelihood, and the sooner we adopt them the more we can avoid exacerbating the global health crisis. Right now, supermarket shelves remain well-stocked. But already we can see signs that pressures due to lockdowns are beginning to impact supply chains, such as the slowdown in the shipping industry.

Disruptions, particularly in the area of logistics, could materialise in the coming months. Governments are rolling out large-scale campaigns against the coronavirus, and battle plans should include measures aimed at lessening the shocks to their food-supply chains.

These have to be kept alive, for everybody obviously and in particular for the most vulnerable, keeping in mind that the public health imperatives require everyone to collaborate and so must be possible for all. So the long answer, so to speak, is no, because we can’t afford to make the mistakes that would exacerbate suffering now.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP? Coordinated policy responses encompass all steps, but let me emphasise the priority of bolstering capacities to enhance emergency food assistance and bolster safety nets for vulnerable populations. Schools are closing down around the world, which means 300 million children will miss out on school meals, which for many of them were already critical sources of nutritious diets. On top of that, lockdown measures translate into layoffs and reduced incomes, making it more of a struggle for families to put food on the table. These households need cash more than anything else. One-off pay-

ments, as used for example by Hong Kong and Singapore, or multiple cash transfers, using existing programmes such as the SNAP programme in the United States or China’s move to accelerate payments of unemployment insurance, are appropriate. Peru has targeted the vulnerable by boosting cash benefits for those over 65. In some contexts, moratoria on taxes and mortgage payments, as Italy is offering in its already decreed “Heal Italy” package, will be effective. It’s important that such measures be robust and credible, as predictability is essential in a situation where workers are being forced to stay home and practise physical distancing. To be sure, food banks and efforts by charities and non-governmental organisations can also be mobilised to deliver food.

WHAT’S THE ROLE OF GLOBAL FOOD TRADE? The global food trade has to be kept going. One of every five calories people eat have crossed at least one international border, up more than 50 percent from 40 years ago. Low and middle-income countries account for around a third of the world’s food trade, which provides very significant contributions both to incomes and welfare. Countries that depend on imported food are especially vulnerable to slowing trade volumes, especially if as has been happening, their currencies decline. While retail food prices are likely to rise everywhere, their impact is more adverse when sudden, extreme and volatile, and where food costs account for a larger share of household budgets and where spikes can have longer-term effects on human development and economic productivity in the future. Countries should immediately review their trade and taxation policy options -- and their likely impacts -and work in concert with one another to create a favuorable environment for the food trade. Beggar-thy-neighbor policies, which popped up in the form of higher export taxes or outright export bans by some countries during the global food price crisis of 2008, must be prevented. They tend to produce copycat reactions, and they make things worse for everyone, not just for smaller trading partners. Open global food trade helps keep downstream food markets functioning. Actually, it would help to stabilise world food markets if

Global food supply chains are complex and include these kale farmers in Uganda

harmful import tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers and value-added taxes were temporarily reduced. At the very least, we must make the Hippocratic Oath of doctors our own.

WHAT ABOUT DOMESTIC MARKETS? The bulk of food-supply actions take place within countries, to be sure.

But there are still supply chains, which in the case of farmers are a complex web of interactions involving farmers and farm labourers, key inputs such as fertilizers, seeds and veterinary medicines, processing plants, freight distributors, retailers and more. A global pandemic will quickly strain such webs, so to prevent food shortages, every effort must be made to keep them intact and moving efficiently.

While we all know that fruit that goes unpicked or unsold will go bad, similar interactive time constraints are common along the chain. Ultimately, farmers won’t grow what nobody can buy, so the issue is about affordability but also availability and accessibility.

Ensuring the safety of food-system workers is paramount, so on-site health measures, empowering sick-leave policies, physical- distancing instructions and capabilities need to be assured, and the same applies to the delivery sector. More than a fourth of the world’s farm work is done by migrant workers, so to avoid labour shortages visa protocols should be expedited, regardless of how counterintuitive that may seem right now. Just as

frontline healthcare workers are hailed as heroes, those who staff the critical infrastructure of our food system deserve recognition and gratitude, not stigma and neglect, during these trying times. Meanwhile, visitors should be barred from production facilities as well as warehouses and wholesale markets. End-sale points such as supermarkets have begun reducing hours and rotating staff, while contact-free delivery services are becoming more widely used. E-commerce platforms have huge potential here as China has demonstrated.

WHAT ABOUT SMALL HOLDER FARMERS? A paradox of global hunger is that, despite their activity, smallholder farmers in the rural areas of developing countries are disproportionately at risk of food insecurity themselves, with low incomes a major reason for that.

It would be tragic if that problem were to be exacerbated, and their ability to produce food reduced, at a time when we are trying to make sure that food supply remains adequate for everyone.

So policy makers must pay attention to them. What we know -- and we saw it during lockdowns in West Africa during the Ebola crisis -- is that restriction of movements and road closures curb farmers’ access to markets both to buy inputs and sell products. They also reduce the availability of labour at peak seasonal times. The result is that fresh produce can accumulate without being sold, leading to food

losses, while those who grow it lose income. This is a doubly relevant issue for Africa, where the continent’s food supply is already threatened by the desert locust scourges. Another point here is that what we have seen so far is a spate of exceptional purchases of non-perishable foodstuffs.

In Italy, demand for flour has spiked by 80 percent. Canned goods are all the rage. Yet, due to psychology and the restrictions on movement, it’s proven harder to sell fresh produce and fish, both of which are harder to store for future consumption. So what to do? Temporary cash handouts for poor farmers are essential, as well as grants to restart production. Banks can waive fees on farmers’ loans and extend payment deadlines; capital can be injected into the agriculture sector to help small and medium-sized agribusinesses - and their workforce - stay afloat. Governments can during the emergency make a point of purchasing agricultural products from small farmers to establish strategic emergency reserves for humanitarian purposes.

China’s lockdown around the city of Wuhan offers some lessons. The Vegetable Basket, conceived in 1988, was revived, allowing access to fresh and nutritious produce to urban residents and benefitting periurban farms in the vicinity. In some provinces, local governments responded to bottlenecks in slaughterhouses by centralising activities and paying for refrigeration costs to keep livestock activities functional and tap them for contributions to the ultimate goal of making sure that food is available for those unable to leave their homes.

ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC? We must and we will survive the coronavirus pandemic. But we must understand - now - the enormous damage that measures taken to combat it will inflict on our global food system. The FAO has a lot of expertise on these matters and can help countries that need fast-tracked policy advice. By working together, we can mitigate that, and need to do so. Enacting the measures mentioned above, and actively seeking international cooperation, can help all countries brace for the battle to be engaged jointly. (FAO)

Ferry services amended to facilitate increased carriage, transport of goods -Only half of the number of passengers will be allowed at one time

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has taken a decision to amend the existing schedule for ferry services, in order to facilitate increased carriage and transport of goods and food supplies to various communities, but only half of the regular number of passengers will be allowed to travel at one time.

This decision was taken relative to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has infected about 55 persons and killed six locally.

As a result of the amendment, the operational timings for the ferry services from Parika to Leguan, Supenaam, Bartica and

Wakenaam, were changed. The amendments will take effect from April 16 and will last for one month, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

In a breakdown of the new amendments, the Public Infrastructure Ministry said there will be three “return trips” from Parika to Bartica on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the ferry will depart Parika for Bartica at 5:00hrs and will depart Bartica at 12:30hrs, while on Saturdays, the ferry will leave

Parika at 06:00hrs and depart Bartica at 12:30hrs.

For the Leguan to Parika route, there will be two return trips on Wednesdays and Sundays. The ferry will depart Leguan at 07:00hrs and Parika at 16:00hrs.

Additionally, there will be two trips per week from Wakenaam to Parika, on Mondays and Fridays. The ferry is scheduled to depart Wakenaam at 06:00hrs and leave Parika at 16:00hrs.

Lastly, there will be one return trip every day, from Supenaam to Parika. The ferry will depart Supenaam at 07:00hrs and leave the Parika Stelling for Supenaam at 14:00hrs.

“Please further note that as a matter of compliance with international and national guidelines in observance of social distancing, these vessels plying the various routes will only transport half the normal number of passengers,” said the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

This means, no more than 200 persons will be allowed on the ferry, to ensure proper adherence to health and safety measures at this time.

“The ministry sincerely apologises for any inconve-

nience these measures may cause but reminds the travelling public that it is of paramount importance that the health and safety of the Guyanese populace be taken into consideration, as persons continue to lose their lives as a result of the coronavirus,” said the ministry.

The authorities implored persons to stay at home for their own safety at this time and obey the curfew and directions for the health of the population at large.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry said it will continue to work under the direction of the Government of Guyana, in

order to implement measures to reduce the transmission of this deadly virus.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

‘Concerns raised over PPP recount plans’ …CARICOM expresses concerns over PPP 20 workstations proposal, due to COVID-19

- GECOM Chair to issue decision, today, on duration of exercise

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

By Svetlana Marshall THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in its communication with the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, reportedly expressed concerns over the large number of persons that would be required for the execution of the National Recount, should the Commission use 20 workstations as proposed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nominated Commissioners. The concern was raised in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the need to maintain physical distancing to flatten the curve.

Justice Singh and the CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, have been in communication since April 14 on GECOM’s renewed position to execute a National Recount of all the ballots cast during the March 2 General and Regional Elections. It was during their discourse on Thursday that CARICOM expressed concerns over the proposed 20 workstations. The Chair, who, at the time, was meeting with the Commissioners at GECOM’s headquarters, communicated CARICOM’s concerns to them.

At the conclusion of that meeting, Government-nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, told reporters that, like CARICOM, he has repeatedly expressed concerns over the number of persons that would be present at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) were the Commission to use 20 workstations as tabled by the PPP/C nominated Commissioners – Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn.

“This is a concern that I had raised on a number of occasions in making my own presentation

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque

Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

because the calculations show if we are to have 20 workstations, we would have somewhere in the vicinity of 300 persons assembling, and it is my humble opinion that in the context of COVID, that you cannot have 300 people assembled in one place at this time,” Commissioner Alexander said.

Commissioner Gunraj, who had tabled the proposal with the backing of his colleagues, had said that with the use of 20 workstations, the recount would be completed within a period of 10 days at a rate of one hour per ballot box. Though, in his interaction with the press, he did not indicate that CARICOM had expressed concerns over his proposal, Gunraj maintained that his plan was a viable one.

“I believe that I have sufficiently justified my proposal, both in the document and supplemented that orally, and it has been done by all of the members by my side,” the Opposition-nominated Commissioner posited.

However, Alexander is maintaining that the PPP/C nominated Commissioners’ proposal is not feasible in wake of COVID-19. He said following the Commission’s visit to the Conference Centre on Wednesday (April 15), Gunraj proposed that the 20 workstations be placed in the ACCC as well as on the lawns of the centre, while Commissioner Benn suggested that all of 20 the workstations be placed on the lawns of the ACCC. “The contention, however, continues to be that in any of those circumstances of 20, the large number of persons in the compound, to me, would defeat the whole question of how we are trying to deal with COVID-19. That apart, I maintain the position that 20 stations in the compound lends to the mob situation that we were disposed to at Ashmins (building) and we cannot repeat that, we have to learn from our experience. Therefore,

what we have to use is the building, where we can have greater control in terms of who attends what…” Alexander reasoned.

In his counter proposal to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield’s revised five (5) workstations operational plan, Alexander suggested that there be eight (8) workstations to execute the National Recount at a rate of two (2) hours per ballot box. Alexander told reporters that in his proposal, he also provided the Commission with optional durations. “If the exercise, I was envisaging, would take two (2) hours per box, that would require 64 days. If it was to take hour and half per box that would be 48 days. If it was to take one hour per box, that would be 32 days,” Alexander posited while rubbishing suggestions

by Commissioner Benn that it would take approximately 30 minutes to count one ballot box.

There is a total of 2, 339 ballot boxes, and, according to the CEO’s estimation, it will take each team approximately two hours to count each of the boxes. It was explained that each ballot would need to be projected on a screen, but before arriving at that stage, the contents of the ballot boxes would have to be examined to ascertain 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.

According to Alexander, CARICOM, in its dialogue with the GECOM Chair, asked whether there was scope for compromise between the eight workstations he proposed and the 20 proposed

by Gunraj. The number of workstations would influence the duration of the process, and the Chair of GECOM, during Thursday’s meeting, indicated that she would decide on the number of workstations, the duration of the recount and other

procedural matters on Friday, following consultations with the National COVID-19 Task Force.

In addition, to address the issue of the number of workstations to be used and the duration of the process, Justice Singh would also determine whether the recount would be streamed, Commissioner Gunraj told reporters.

However, Commissioner Alexander made it clear that CARICOM did not enquire about live streaming. “CARICOM did not propose a live streaming of the tabulation process; that’s a misrepresentation and an attempt to bring CARICOM in line with what other persons have said. What CARICOM said, is that, rather than having all of their personnel come here, that the personnel could be overseas and we could stream to them; that is not a live streaming,” Commissioner Alexander clarified. The PPP/C Commissioners, in their proposal, had advocated for the tabulation exercise to be live streamed for public observation.

Alexander was keen on noting that while CARICOM queried the possibility of streaming, it did not indicate whether its high-level team would return to Guyana or whether part of the team would return and another part remain in their jurisdictions. CARICOM has not made its decision known.

The independent high-level CARICOM team comprises former Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Dominica, Ms. Francine Baron; former Minister of Finance of Grenada, Mr. Anthony Boatswain; Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government of UWI Ms. Cynthia Barrow-Giles; Chief Electoral Officer of Barbados, Ms. Angela Taylor; and Chief Elections Officer of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Fern Narcis-Scope.

Guyanese adhering to curfew amid COVID-19 Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has stated that the level of compliance in Guyana’s 10 administrative regions has been good, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So far the compliance with the curfew has been between 90 to 100 per cent. I believe that is commendable but not the ideal,” he said during an interview with Trinidadian Journalist, Wesley Gibbings, on TTT Live Online.

Explaining further, he said that in some isolated cases, minibus operators in Guyana have taken more

passengers than they were allowed, during a single trip, during this social distancing period.

“They are allowed one half of their regular capacity to facilitate social distancing, but there have been occasions when they have been in breach. But in terms of getting people off the streets, night clubs and bars, they have complied, there is a willingness to comply” PM Nagamootoo stated.

Describing COVID-19 as invisible but not invincible, the prime minister told Gibbings, “I believe if we all garner our strengths and

discipline, it falls for the best in us to fight it and defeat it.”

On Guyana’s borders with Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela the prime minister assured these are closed and the regional authorities have collaborated.

“They are cooperating with us and setting up some restrictive measures, our greatest challenge is preventing persons coming from Venezuela, though we have welcomed persons from Venezuela on humanitarian grounds. We are doing pretty well so far.”

PM Nagamootoo made it clear that “everything is being done to protect the society, to ensure public

safety and to ensure we do not lose loved ones.”

Addressing the matter of Guyanese stuck overseas; in New York, Canada, Miami and other Caribbean countries, requesting permission to return to Guyana, the prime minister called for patience and understanding.

“We would want them to come back home, but because we have been establishing alternative facilities to quarantine people who come into the country, we are asking them to sit it out a little while longer until this first period of restraint is completed,” the prime minister said. (DPI)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Gov’t to revamp social relief response …promises tougher enforcement of emergency measures THE Government will be putting new measures in place to strengthen its social relief response even as it considers stronger enforcement of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon announced on Thursday.

The Director General, at the time, was speaking during a press briefing held at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Headquarters. Harmon assumed chairmanship of the Sub Committee of the National Task Force on COVID-19 with responsibility for the CDC and the coordination of the social relief measures.

He disclosed that during a Task Force meeting, on Wednesday, it was decided that, based on the current projections and timelines for the COVID-19, it would be better to undertake long-term solutions now. The distribution of food hampers, he said, is among the short-term social relief efforts but there needs to be a long-term system in place.

“The CDC is a Commission that responds to an emergency. Invariably those emergencies are usually of a short-term basis and so, imme-

diately, maybe after a flood, a

package in April would look

forward to receiving a package

Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig briefing Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, on the items available for the social relief efforts.

fire or some other disaster, the CDC would go and they would make an assessment of what is needed, and they respond.

This situation is a little different because it is likely that it will not be an immediate impact situation, but a long-term matter. We took the view that this is going to be a long-term matter and therefore a onetime distribution would not suffice, because, in the long run, someone who receives a

The items that form part of the CDC’s food hampers

in June and July and onwards,” the Director-General reasoned.

The Ministry of Social Protection, in normal circumstances, would take stock of vulnerable persons and a list would be generated. However, during this pandemic, persons are unable to leave their homes to petition the ministry.

“We had lists of the vulnerable in the past but in this pandemic, we have persons who weren’t vulnerable but have become vulnerable now.

There are persons who have lost their livelihoods because of the restrictions, persons have been dismissed, persons who are at home and cannot move. We are putting in place, now, arrangements that will facilitate distribution of items and facilitate the distribution of cheques or food vouchers to allow those persons to benefit,” Harmon said.

According to him, a database has been established for affected persons to register digitally. “Once that is done, the Ministry of Social Protection will do a check and then we will make a determination on who gets hampers and cheques or food vouchers. We are implementing a different approach since we believe it is going to be for a longer period and therefore, we have to increase the capacity of the CDC to manage an operation for a longer period and one that is across the country,” he explained.

STRONGER ENFORCEMENT The Director General also noted that persons appear to be flouting the curfew and other precautionary measures that the Government had put in place, and if the number infections continue to climb, the Government will consider stronger enforcement measures.

“It seems that when I look at the figures now, that the curve is still going in an upward direction and therefore, we must ensure that we take those measures that are necessary to flatten the curve. While we are still using what I would call a soft stem approach, I believe that we are coming to the time where we will have to be strong on the enforcement measures with respect to the curfew. This COVID-19 is not a joke and some people are still of the view that it is not going to affect them.

The numbers are clear. Many homes in this country are in mourning. Let us not take this as a joke. We have to take all the necessary precautions to ensure that curve doesn’t go upwards,” he said.

Additionally, Harmon has called for increased collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, noting that the entire country is affected by the disease, and, therefore, all hands are welcomed on deck. He also thanked the Private Sector for their contributions to the relief efforts.

Escaped convict captured

AFTER escaping from the Mazaruni Prison almost two months ago, convicted prisoner, Christopher Punch, has been nabbed by police in Georgetown.

On April 14, 2020, Punch was nabbed at Norton and John Streets, Georgetown, by police, after he attempted to rob a man.

According to Director of Prison, Gladwin Samuels, Punch has since been handed over to prison authorities.

Charges will be instituted, departmentally, as soon as he is reviewed and cleared by the medical department for Covid-19, after the fourteen (14) days segregation from the general population.

On February 29, 2020, Punch, who was serving time at the Mazaruni Prison for larceny, escaped from the facility According to Samuels, Punch was signed out to la-

Recaptured prisoner Christopher Punch

bour on the farms, attending to animals, when he escaped.

Punch was imprisoned for four counts of “larceny of motorcycle” and was serving four (4) two-year sentences, running consecutively.

He also has one count of attempted larceny for which he was sentenced to one year in prison. The one year is running concurrently with one of the two-year sentences.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Guyana's future remains bright -- says PM, despite downward revision of projected growth rate PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said that while the expected growth in Guyana from oil and gas has been revised downwards due to the global effects of COVID-19, Guyana is still well on the path to great economic development.

He made the foregoing observation on Wednesday on two separate live-streamed Trinidad and Tobago television programmes, namely ‘TT Live Online’ and ‘CNC3 Television’, where he spoke to the still-positive expectations for Guyana despite the global crisis occasioned by the advent of the deadly novel coronavirus, codenamed COVID-19.

In a recent report, the World Bank revised its previously projected growth for Guyana, initially pegged at 86 per cent in a particular year, to 50 per cent.

As was only to be expected, the revision was caused by the incomplete general and regional elections, the adverse effects of COVID-19, and falling oil prices.

As he told CNC3: “We would have not even anticipated that we could grow by 50 per cent; when we were told about the 86 per cent growth in a particular year, we felt that we had hit bonanza.

We have survived with much less in the past.”

He said Guyana has not detected any downturn in production in its oil-and-gas sector, as certain offshore and onshore activities are still in operation. He pointed out that the sector has recently been listed as “essential”, which allows it to operate 24/7, as it is still the new “bedrock” of Guyana’s economy.

“We know of no measures that could affect production,” he said, adding: “However, we’ve seen the impact on the cut-back in production, as well as the fall in price, and we expect to have between 20 to 40 per cent less revenue than we had anticipated.”

Even so, he explained that before Guyana found oil, it had long survived on just agriculture and mining.

Using as a typical example the tendency of gold prices to trend upwards and guarantee revenue flow in that specific area of the economy, Minister Nagamootoo said: “We are looking towards the oil sector, but oil has to be complemented with soil. We have a diverse economy; we are rich in agriculture… For example, last year Guyana had one of the highest rice productions.”

But for all the optimism, he said that Guyana is still engaged with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for possible

financial support.

back; there’s [another] flight very shortly, and there are others who have gone through Suriname to

The PM said that this, too, has been difficult, as, for example, there are more than 300,000 Guyanese residing in New York alone where the effects of the virus have been biting deep.

He explained: “We would want them to come back home, but because of the peculiarity of our health system, we have been setting up alternative facilities to quarantine people who come in; to put some in mandatory isolation. But we don’t have the capacity that we can place people in quarantine or isolation in large numbers, so we’re asking them to sit it out a while longer, until we get past this first phase.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamotoo

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS In his interview with TTT Live Online, Minister Nagamootoo, who heads Guyana’s COVID-19 Task Force, spoke of what the Government of Guyana has been doing to facilitate travel out of the country, without posing any undue health risks.

“It’s not easy” he said, “because, every day, I receive re-

Europe.”

He us the opportunity to inform his audience that many of Guyana’s COVID-19 cases were imports, which caused the country to have to put strict measures in place to protect those of its borders that are porous, land-locked as we are with neighbouring Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname.

EMERGENCY MEASURES Nagamootoo reminded that the emergency measures currently in place are not permanent and will be modified based on Guyana’s developing situation.

When it comes to matters internally, with the established curfew of 6am to 6pm, the Prime Minister said that compliance

University of Guyana students and members of the public engaging oil and gas experts on the Payara Development Project and its planned operations (Delano Williams photo)

quests from all and sundry that we should open the border for one reason or the other; to bring in cargo; to bring in special workers; to take them out, etcetera.

“We allowed international flights to proceed upon request; we have about 1,000 American nationals that have gone back home by special flights, and they have to observe meticulous procedures, that no crew member, no cabin attendant would deplane, and would just pick their passengers up and take off. We have Canadians who have gone

REGIONAL COOPERATION He acknowledged that Guyana has been accorded the full cooperation of Regional authorities to ensure that the travel restrictions remain in place on their ends.

Like many other countries, Guyana has had to deal with deciding on whether or how it can facilitate the return of nationals who are trapped in other countries with no means of returning home.

stands at between 90 – 100 per cent, which, though commendable, is still short of the ideal standard.

He noted that it is unfortunate that Guyana’s electoral challenges are taking place simultaneous to one of the greatest pandemics that the world has grappled with.

Even so, he noted that it is important for Guyana to settle its electoral matters in a timely manner as COVID-19 has the potential to destabilise any economy.

“The Clock is Ticking”

THE Bar Association of Guyana has cautioned the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that, according to the Constitution, it has only 13 days before it must complete the pending national recount before the next Parliament session should be held.

The Association reached out by way of a release on Thursday to hit home that “time is of the essence” and failure to adhere to the Constitution can have far- reaching consequences.

“Article 69 of the Constitution of Guyana mandates that, on dissolution, the next session of Parliament must commence no later than four (4) months from the end of the preceding session. The last session of Parliament was dissolved on December 30, 2019. The next session of Parliament must therefore begin no later than April 30, 2020,” the Association stated.

“It is in pursuance thereto, that the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana calls on the Guyana Elections Commission, inclusive of its Secretariat, to do all acts and things necessary, in the shortest possible time, to ensure the accurate, credible and transparent declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020, so that the next session of Parliament can commence, as constitutionally prescribed, that is, no later than April 30, 2020.”

It noted that, prior to the dissolution of Parliament, on December 30, 2019, the National Assembly (which comprises Parliament) last sat on May 23, 2019 ---- almost 11 months ago. It said that soon one year would have elapsed since the last sitting of Parliament, a record which no country would want to be known for.

The Association restrained from commending the Commission on its recent efforts, describing the recent approach of the Commission and its Secretariat to the recount as “laissez faire”.

It noted that the High Court and Court of Appeal had gone above and beyond to swiftly facilitate the related court proceedings, even working on weekends, but even now, the GECOM continues to “grapple with mundane decisions”.

It urged the Commission to immediately act in a manner exhibiting transparency, impartiality and fairness as failure to do so will not bode well for the country.

“Timelines laid down by the constitution are not merely matters of principle which one can simply choose to abide by or ignore. The failure to abide by the constitution has far-reaching consequences, both nationally and internationally, inter alia for good governance and the rule of law,” the Association cautioned.

“Guyana is a parliamentary democracy based on the rule of law. The absence of parliamentary oversight of those who purport to exercise executive powers, whether de facto or de jure, is of grave concern as it places the rule of law under siege. The absence of a declared election result some six weeks after the General and Regional Elections, in addition to being outside of the statutory prescribed period, is disgraceful and inexcusable.”

As of Thursday, the news coming out of the Commission was that GECOM Chair, Justice (rt’d) Claudette Singh, will decide on a timeframe of the national recount today.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

CARICOM examining future possibilities for regional travel ---- transportation of people, goods to come under scrutiny ---- proposals pending for joint procurement, digital commerce

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is considering a proposal for a protocol on re-opening international borders among Member States, as a means to lend support during the coronavirus pandemic.

This was discussed at the Ninth Special Emergency Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM via video conference, on Wednesday, where all 15 Member States and the five Associate Members were represented.

In a subsequent release, CARICOM stated that when such a decision is taken, all Member States would simultaneously adhere to the protocols established.

Leading up to the key meeting, CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, had stated that there would be discussions on the possibility of common border policies as a means for CARICOM Member States to sustain themselves during the crisis.

In recent times, international experts have surmised that it is likely that, as the threat of COVID-19 minimises in some Regions, there may be agreements for specific regions to open up travel to member countries.

Mottley has envisioned that “regional blocks” will become more important as countries worldwide may remain fearful of full globalization, regarding travel, even after the

pandemic begins to subside.

She said that countries will have to rely on their neighbours and there is no better time for CARICOM to band together than now.

In the interim of these protocols being decided upon, it was agreed that the transportation of people and goods, by air and sea inter-regionally, will come under scrutiny. Primary reference will be given to the operations of regional air carriers which have been adversely affected by the measures adopted to contain the virus.

At the emergency meeting, the Heads of Government also agreed on a general way forward in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

They agreed on a collective approach to the International Financial Institutions in accessing assistance to meet the financial fiscal challenges arising from the crisis.

Several institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU), have made known their intent to financially assist countries most in need.

To ensure that CARICOM countries receive attention, it was urged at the meeting that the criterion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita not be the sole consideration in assessing the needs of CARICOM. It was explained that an understanding of each country’s vulnerability is a far better measurement to determine need,

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, addressing the opening ceremony of 9th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

given that the Region faces multiple challenges.

Heads of Government called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela on humanitarian grounds, as all countries must be part of the global effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Heads of Government were of the view that it was regrettable that resources for the World Health Organisation were being threatened, at a time when all must join in leading the fight against the pandemic,” the release stated.

Regarding a Common Public Health Policy for CARICOM, it was agreed that proposals for same would first be presented to the Ministers of Health. This would include proposals for joint procurement with the inclusion of pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sourcing of additional medical personnel. The joint procurement would assist in addressing supply constraints being experienced.

As it relates to food security, any arising issues would be considered in the context of the CARICOM COVID-19 Agri-Food Risk Management Framework which was circulat-

ed to Member States, following a meeting of Ministers of Agriculture last month. It serves to address, in particular, the production and supply of food products.

Proposals will also be formulated for the building of a “robust digital architecture”, including governance, to facilitate digital commerce and to assist in the fight against the virus.

On the topic of security, The Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), which met last Wednesday, April 8, has been considering the threats to security, during the course of the pandemic.

CONSLE is an organ of CARICOM incorporated into the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in 2009 for the organization of common regional security strategies. Their recommendations will also come before the Heads of Government.

During the video conference, the leaders received presentations from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Archbishop

GLDA working to ensure food security -- as Guyana battles COVID-19

THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) is conducting regular checks on their meat and local dairy products to ensure there are adequate supplies, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior official at GLDA, Selwyn Anthony, told DPI, “We make periodic checks because we want to be sure that we continue to import the right amount of eggs so that there will not be a short supply of

chickens.”

“We continue to visit all the abattoirs in all the regions because we are responsible for ante-mortem inspection. The staff will be visiting the abattoirs on a designated day so that we continue to perform this service so that we can have meat available for the nation,” Anthony added.

Similarly, in the dairy industry, the authority is ensuring that farmers have the necessary supplies and that they are evenly distributed.

“The ports are closed so we don’t have control of what is coming in but what is being produced. We will continue to encourage the farmers to keep their production system in place and continue to work with them so we can have fresh cow’s milk available,” Anthony said.

While the GLDA staff are working remotely due to COVID-19, they continue to address the needs of stakeholders and farmers. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

No taxpayers $$$ used to hire lobby firm Harmon …Harmon says dossier was previously shared with Heads of CARICOM

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, has asserted that the Coalition’s hiring of a US-based firm was done with campaign contributions and not monies from the government’s coffers.

“This is not funding from the government. We have supporters around the world who are very incensed, who are upset that this kind of narrative continues to be perpetuated daily and have come forward to say, ‘what can we do to help”, DG Harmon clarified.

The narrative the Director-General referenced is a series of accusations levied against the APNU-AFC Coalition by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during the March 2 General and Regional Elections process.

In a release on Wednesday, the PPP accused the APNU+AFC of using public funds to pay for the promotion of its party by US company, JJ&B LLC. However, Harmon explained that in the interest of the Coalition, the campaign funded US-based firm was hired to set the record straight on the false accusations and to protect the image of the work done by the Coalition while in government.

“We believe as a government, it was our duty, our

responsibility to ensure that our narrative, the facts as they occurred, should be placed there [on the international stage]. We felt it was necessary to have a company that has that access to be able to put out our side,” he noted.

The PPP has been sending its own reports of what took place in Guyana during the elections period through Mercury Public Affairs – a controversial American firm.

However, the hiring of the firm commenced since in 2019.

The Director-General stated that the dossier circulating on social media with regards to the coalition’s hiring of JJ&B LLC is no secret as it was shared with CARICOM leaders during a visit to Guyana.

“We had shared that dossier to the heads of CARICOM while they were here. The Prime Ministers of CARICOM [countries] were given copies of that dossier. It was circulated to other places, but it is now getting traction because of where it is coming from,” he said.

“I believe that, as a country, as a government, we have a right to ensure that the developments which have taken place in this country, that they ought not to be derailed by a narrative which goes out there that is contrary to the facts of what is happening here in Guyana.”

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

From ‘bad egg’ to inspirational woman Young influencer aims to make a difference

By Gabriella Chapman

Growing up, especially in a Guyanese home and community with exposure to influences from people with varying cultures, morals and values, sometimes it is hard for a young person to determine what they want for their future at a young age.

With the prevalence of peer pressure and generally, the pressures of society, one sometimes find it hard to achieve success, and to dream a dream of a good life, and achieve it.

In fact, when a person, at a young age, displays negative behaviours, they are often cast aside by society, families, teachers and even friends.

But it is important to remember that a person cannot change where they started, but they can change the direction they are going.

Proving this a fact, 21-year-old Earlecia Akilah Hieronymo completely changed her life around, from a known ‘bad egg’, to a known ‘girl boss’.

Sharing her inspiring story with ‘The Buzz’, she said that she grew up with her mom in a single-parent home, and never had a stable place to live.

“So I’ve lived in a few areas around Georgetown during my childhood. But I always remember that adaptability and acceptance to change is key in con-

was old enough to come back to my homeland and make a way for myself. I worked at a law firm for a short while after which I was accepted on a training course to become an Air Traffic Control Officer, as I am today. Aviation is now my new found love as well as entrepreneurship and brand strategy. I am now happily married at the age of 21, building a life and career with a man that loves aviation as much as me,” the young woman shared.

Now grown up to be a woman passionate about women empowerment, eradicating racism, charity in all of its forms, and personal branding and youth entrepreneurship, Earlecia is continuously finding ways of pursuing the things she is zealous about and sharing her knowledge to inspire other Guyanese youths.

“Helping people was always a trait I possessed and I did in very small ways without realising its value until now, not that I’m in a position to do much more, but I am working on Khayr Foundation which will be doing many charitable projects. Entrepreneurship and personal branding strategy came when I started to travel and realised how much our youths are missing out on and lacking in Guyana in that regard. I want to use my creative ideas and determined mindset to: help others unleash their inner CEO; fill the lack of genuine positive role models in my age group; gaining financial freedom and creating

she said that she also plans to use her platform to normalise inter-racial couples, friendships, business partnering and more.

“I will be inviting many youths of all ethnicities to come on my channel and combat and discuss the topic that many need to hear. For too many years one huge development issue we are faced within this country is racism. “Men build too many walls and not enough bridges”.

Through my platform, we will continuously make strides to break down those walls and start building bridges to unity,” she said with much enthusiasm.

Adding that “as I am still learning and growing

Earlecia Akilah Hieronymo

quering most, if not all aspects of what this life has to offer,” Earlecia said.

“Growing up, I was what was considered to be the ‘bad egg’. I attended St. Roses High School and had friends from all walks of life, but I just had not found exactly which walk I should take just yet. Regardless of me being a troublesome, tomboy, embedded in me always from the teachings of my mother was that education is the key to success and as cliched as it may sound, it meant everything to me. I would always perform well in the academic areas and was active in debate clubs, etc. which was quite contrary to some of my behaviour patterns,” she continued.

Making a change It was after attending full-time lessons for CSEC she met with an individual who saw potential in her that was never truly highlighted in that manner before.

“My lessons teacher Sir Orin Morgan, saw the potential in me, and it was from then on that I made it my duty to curb my behaviour and become the woman I am continuously growing to be. I wanted to be an attorney at law or a diplomat and was well on my way towards it whilst living in Trinidad & Tobago. However, finances did not allow and I decided I

generational wealth within my family. I also want my children to be brought up in an environment where they know love and kindness is the real reward,” the young woman said.

Positive influence Using YouTube as her main influential platform, Earlecia started a channel to achieve the aforementioned.

“I also want to be able to facilitate a relatable Guyanese influencer experience. I love YouTube and would always look for influencers who I can relate to from all things including relationships, lifestyle, beauty and business. I believed that it’s a gap that needed to be filled. I am aiming for a channel that will be versatile, showcasing Guyana and its beauty and culture through my vlogs. I also want to share with my followers the knowledge that I gain continuously in terms of entrepreneurship and brand strategy, and from time to time giving snippets of my jovial personality and personal life through my videos,” she told ‘The Buzz’.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Given that Earlecia is also passionate about alleviating racism, and is in an inter-racial marriage,

towards becoming what I perceive as a successful woman, a few principles I would offer to other women would be to love and support yourself first as you would want someone else to love and support you. It is truly amazing the waves a woman can make when she is loved and supported the right way.

Also, to always remember that as women we always have the burden of doing what we set out to do and proving to others that we can get it done, we should always be mindful of this when dealing with other women and if you can hold a sister’s arm and pull her up with you, do so. You’ll already be successful before you arrive at the top.”

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

‘Women should find their true passion and pursue business’ --Budding nail technician In this era, a lot of persons are more empowered to be their own bosses. One can testify how innovative young people have become, given the wide array of small businesses that are emerging every day.

Moreover, young women have transcended the ancient norm, and are being more vested in being self-sufficient. This should be highly applauded.

In fact, one young woman, Lashawna Moore, says that she believes that women can dominate businesses, once they find that inner drive and passion, and focus on fulfilling their dreams.

Moore grew up in Lodge Housing Scheme, and since she was a teen, her ultimate goal was to be a boss and master a skill.

Before graduating with nine CSEC subjects from St. Roses High School, the young woman was passionate about fashion and nail designing. As such, she decided to start doing nails while in school so by the time she left school she would be good at what she loves. Saving from money given her to go to school, more was able to purchase items to practice her nail designing.

“I told my friends I would buy products with my lunch money. When I got enough to do a full set, I did girls nails in school. So at the age of 16, I started my nail business while I was still in school. After I left school, my friends came and support and I was nowhere close to ‘bomb’ then, so people spoke smack but I never give up so I continued practising and I got better and better and my business started to grow,” the young entrepreneur said.

Since she was practically self-taught, Moore decided

lifetime, which will keep them coming back. I also have my online boutique ‘Baddie on a budget’, and I decided to do an online boutique because Fashion is a big deal and I want persons to be able to afford nice clothing. I believe no dream is too big to achieve and once you work hard you will achieve

Lashawna Moore surrounded by her work

that it’d be wise to pursue a course to earn a certificate to be deemed more credible by future clients. So May of last year, she became a certified nail technician.

“Then I started doing a nail course to share what I know to help young girls start their own businesses because skill is wealth. And now I’m here, expanding my business, doing nails, as well as teaching how to do nails.

I also own my own online boutique. I believe that I am already fulfilling my dreams but I would like to expand my businesses to a greater level,” she told ‘The Buzz’ Elaborating on her expansion idea, she said that she is trying to create an experience for her clients and not just a regular nail shop.

“I want persons to be able to come and be comfortable and have the experience of a

Young woman boss, Lashawna Moore

them, so I am also a real estate agent,” Moore shared.

Her nail business is closed at the moment, but she said she will be doing a grand launch soon because of her expansion.

“I would like to encourage young females, in particular, to start their own business once they discover their true passion.

I would also like to say that starting wouldn’t be easy. You will face money challenges but your hard work and practice will pay off,” she advised.

Her nail page is @Everythingnails_592 on Instagram and Facebook. Customers can visit these platforms to make contact.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday April 17, 2020

Nothing to Laugh About pushed back to August

- TV shows seeing rapid loss of sponsorship

The NTLA show usually features some of the best personalities in comedy.

THE coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been taking its toll on the entertainment industry in Guyana with loss of sponsorship and an inability to earn, but some are continuing to hang on to their shows in hopes that things will soon be back to normal.

The producers of Nothing to Laugh About (NTLA), for instance, are hopeful that they will still be able to put on their show later in the year; perhaps in August.

Director Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones told the Buzz this week that around this time of year, the NTLA team would be busy preparing for the show. This time around, however, they are facing circumstances he said he’d never seen in all of his 30 years in the industry.

On the positive side, Jones said the team is viewing it as a good opportunity where they have more time to come up with ideas for the show, and additional time to more writing.

In the meantime, he said the team is continuing the television show, “Love and Laughter” on channels 9 and 28. These shows are not prerecorded and past clips are included in them. The presenter now prerecords from home and then the tape is sent to the TV stations.

“Entertainment is still important, especially now that people are at home and doesn’t have much to do,” Jones expressed.

It is for this reason that the team is continuing to air the shows even though they have been experiencing a rapid decline in sponsorship.

“We have been subsidizing our shows because many sponsors have come off. We don’t know for how long we will be able to do this, but this is what we’re doing for now,” he said.

At the moment, Jones said most entertainers are unable to earn, as they are not being hired to perform at shows or to do anything else, such as MC an event. “But this is nobody’s doing. We’re all in this together.

We’re hoping and praying because that’s all we can do at this time.”

The show, usually held at the National Cultural Center (NCC) in Georgetown, sees thousands of supporters each year, and due to sold-out crowds, it is often held over.

The team spends hours upon hours preparing and rehearsing for the show and often does not fail to wow their crowds. Their ideas are mostly derived from current news events, where the writers take serious issues and put a funny twist to them.

The NTLA show usually features some of the best personalities in the entertainment industry such as ‘Jumbie’; Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius; Leza ‘Radica’ Singh; Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim; Chris Gopaul, and Mark Luke Edwards.

The producers would usually incur lots of expenses, but they often express that they continue to hang on because of their love for comedy and what they do. “I don’t mind paying the NCC rental fees and the usher fees, but the 20 per cent on ticket sales and 14 per cent VAT! If they take off one of those taxes from the producer, I think a lot more persons will become involved in the arts,” co-director/producer Maria Benschop had expressed in a previous interview.

Jones had also said that the authorities can do little things to help producers promote such a cultural show. For one, they can air their advertisements on the government-owned station for free, and even allow them to use the electronic billboard outside of the NCC.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

PGA Tour announces plans to resume in June (BBC) - The PGA Tour has announced plans to resume in June with the first four tournaments played behind closed doors.

The Tour has been suspended since March 12 because of the global coronavirus pandemic that has halted all golf.

The Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas is scheduled to be the first tournament back on June 11-14.

“Our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in the world’s return to enjoying the things we love,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

The golfing calendar has been severely disrupted because of the COVID-19 outbreak, with The Open Championship cancelled and the three other men’s majors rescheduled.

The RBC Heritage is due to be the second tournament back from June 18-21 - the original dates for the US Open, which has been moved to September.

The Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands

The PGA Tour was suspended after day one of the Players Championship on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. is next from June 25 to 28 the end of July, a week before June, followed by the Rocket the first men’s major of the Mortgage Classic at Detroit year, the PGA Championship GC from July 2 to 5.

(August 6-9).

The Memorial TournaThe final two weeks in ment, originally scheduled for August will see the start of June 4-7, will now take place the three events that make from July 16 to 19, which is up the FedEx Cup Play-offs, when the 149th Open Cham- with the season-ending Tour pionship was due to be held Championship taking place at Royal St George’s in Kent. September 4-7.

The PGA Tour statement The 2020-21 season starts added: “At this time, the Tour the following week, but the plans to resume play with the US Open slots in September first four events closed to the 17-20 with the biennial Rygeneral public but will contin- der Cup between the US and ue to monitor the situation and Europe the following week follow the recommendations as originally scheduled, and of local and state authorities the delayed Masters set for in order to determine the most November 12-15. appropriate on-site access in Despite the announcement, each market.

Monahan insists the tourna“As such, the Tour will ments will only go ahead if it continually review available is deemed safe to do so by the COVID-19-related protocols authorities. that could be implemented at “Today’s announcement PGA Tour events to ensure is another positive step for our the health and well-being for fans and players as we look all involved.” toward the future,” he said.

In what could be a confus“But as we’ve stressed ing summer and autumn, the on several occasions, we will PGA Tour will end its 2019-20 resume competition only season and start the next one, when – working closely with with two of this year’s men’s our tournaments, partners majors still to be played. and communities – it is conThe reorganised calendar sidered safe to do so under will see the WGC-FedEx St the guidance of the leading Jude Invitational take place at public health authorities.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 17, 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) Nasim-ul-Ghani-5/116 (Bourda, 1958) (2) Eric Atkinson-5/42 (Jamaica, 1948)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What is the highest individual Test score made by a Pakistani player against the WI to date?

(2) What is the highest score made by a WI player in a Test against Pakistan to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

21

Premier League to discuss June deadline today

(BBC) - Premier League clubs will discuss the option of putting a June 30 deadline on the 2019-20 season at a meeting today.

Not all clubs have been involved in informal discussions at this stage but, with a hoped-for May resumption to the season unlikely, club owners are looking at how to avoid potentially difficult contractual situations.

Numerous players’ present deals expire on June 30, notably Chelsea midfielder Willian and Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.

In addition, Liverpool are due to change shirt manufacturers from New Balance to Nike, while Watford and Newcastle are also changing kit suppliers.

World governing body FIFA is aware of the problem and is looking at alternatives, like rolling contract extensions with the season currently suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, legally, players cannot be forced to sign them, raising the possibility of clubs losing key parts of their squad before the campaign has been concluded.

It has led to an increasing body of opinion that, no matter what the state of the Premier League at that point, June 30 should be the final day.

Such a move would also bring more clarity to the 2020-21 season, which BBC Sport has been told by numerous sources is more important than the current one.

Brighton owner Tony Bloom said yesterday, he does not want June 30 to automatically mark the end of the season, even though it would be “difficult” to play beyond then.

“There does come a point when you can’t keep waiting, but I don’t think June 30 is that point,” he said.

“It is difficult to play after June 30 because of contracts but we are in such a unique

situation, every option should be looked at.”

Putting a deadline on this season is fraught with problems, particularly surrounding relegation and promotion.

One idea being pushed forward again is to promote current Championship top two Leeds and West Brom, not relegate anyone from the top flight and go with a 22-team competition, which would increase the number of TV games and potentially avoid the need to repay this season’s broadcast money.

However, that would create a problem for the Football League as it would lead to an imbalance in their numbers.

These are all issues that will be debated

by Premier League executives today, although a definitive decision seems unlikely given UEFA has pleaded for leagues to give them time to return with their own proposals for ending the season across Europe, something they expect to do by mid-May at the latest.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder though does not expect a deadline to be set for the end of the campaign.

He told BBC Radio 4’s TODAY programme: “I’m sure that we will adjust accordingly. I think for the integrity of the competition and competitions, especially the top end of English football and European football, they’ll want to finish the season.

“I believe that there will be an ability next year to adjust, with international breaks, with moving a few games into midweek. We have that ability through organisation and planning to finish this season off.

“But only as everybody said, and I’ll reiterate that, when it’s safe to do so for everybody. And that obviously we have to take our lead off the government and what they suggest and want us to do.”

UEFA exco to meet as uncertainty continues (REUTERS) - UEFA will hold a meeting of its decision-making executive committee on April 23 with discussions likely to centre on how, when and if the European football season will be able to resume amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The sport has been brought to a standstill by the outbreak with the Euro 2020 competition postponed until next year and both national leagues and continental club competitions on hold.

Football associations, leagues, clubs and players around Europe are debating how to complete seasons and ensure the safety of players and officials.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing

body, has made it clear that it wants its member associations to complete their domestic seasons rather than abandon them. It also hopes to finish the Champions League and Europa League competitions.

UEFA said in a statement that the meeting, to be preceded on Tuesday by a session for the general secretaries of its 55 member associations, will “discuss the latest developments regarding the impact caused by the coronavirus outbreak on European football.”

“The meetings will look at developments across both domestic and European competitions,” it added. Both will be held by video conference.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

NACAC anticipates no major issues with CARIFTA postponement (CMC) – Track and Field’s regional governing body, NACAC, said it did not anticipate any major issues arising after the 49th CARIFTA Games was pushed back until next year because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Bermuda, who was expected to stage the region’s

premier junior track and field championship over the Eastern weekend, has been retained as host and the games will still be designated the 49th edition.

Guyana, originally scheduled to host next year’s showpiece, will now be the venue for the 2022 event.

“To be quite honest with you, I don’t see any logistical problems beyond the fact obviously the challenge now for Bermuda would be to confirm hotel accommodation which I believe they’re in a good position to do, simply because we have a year out to do it,” said Mike Sands, president of the North

American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).

“And obviously (there is the issue of) the travel arrangements into Bermuda. We had several charters lined up that were going to fly from the region including one from Trinidad and one from Antigua.”

Comprehensive plan needed for WI cricket - Sir Richie (CMC) – Former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson has urged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to come up with a comprehensive development plan to channel the region’s “immense talent” and transform West Indies into a competitive side.

Any such plan, Sir Richie contended, required the input of all stakeholders, especially if CWI wanted to establish “a strong cricketing culture” from the elite level to the grassroots stages and to ensure long term success.

“Quite often we focus on the end product, and the end product is the players. It is very easy to look at the players – and I can understand that – and criticise and see where they are going wrong,” Sir Richie told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

“We have to find a way to recreate a strong cricketing culture and how we’re going to do this is that it will take a concerted effort by the entire region, not just cricket boards but schools, parents, communities.

“We have to find a way to come together again. Someone has got to put a structure in place and I think that CWI has that responsibility to put that structure in place and work with all the other stakeholders.”

He continued: “You have to have a system from (CWI) right down to schools cricket. Once we can get that going and get everybody on the same page working together from the grassroots right through, I believe we can start to see a chance.

“It’s not going to be easy but I believe it can be done because our talent is immense; our talent is embedded in our genes and nobody can take that away from us. It’s for us now to harness that talent, pull it together and find a system to bring that talent through.”

Sir Richie, who now serves as an Internation-

al Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, was a member of the last dominant West Indies side.

He made his debut in 1983 in a side captained by the great Sir Clive Lloyd and played alongside the likes of Sir Vivian Richards, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall.

By the time he had played his last Test 12 years later, the Caribbean side were showing signs of decline and have since tumbled from the pinnacle of world cricket.

Sir Richie, a former West Indies team manager, said he believed there was a path back to the top for the former world-beaters but the process would be a strategic and gradual one, requiring lots of investment.

“There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. If you don’t think there’s light at the end of the tunnel then you’re wasting your time,” he pointed out.

“I’ve always said the world is a round place.

We’ve had our time and I’m sure it will come back again, maybe not as soon as we’d expect and we may not be the same, but as human beings we always want to be the best we can. We’re going to be trying to improve at all times.

“People in authority are going to try to do the things that can improve our game and I believe once we rally together, keep believing we can be better, invest in the players, invest in the young players, invest in a proper development system, then I can see our team becoming competitive again.

“I’m sure once we put all the right things in place, develop a strong culture again from the grassroots right through then I believe we can be very competitive again.”

West Indies are currently ranked eighth in Tests – only above Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland – and lie ninth in One-Day Internationals.

They are reigning Twenty20 world champions but have slumped to 10th in the world since that conquest in India four years ago.

The decision to postpone the CARIFTA Games was arrived at after talks between the Bermuda National Athletics Association, the CARIFTA local organising committee, the Bermuda government and all CARIFTA countries.

Antigua & Barbuda was the first nation to announce its withdrawal from the showpiece in early March and with COVID-19 already impacting several other Caribbean countries, it quickly became apparent the Games were in serious doubt.

Already, Bermuda has recorded 57 cases and five deaths, with the Caribbean having reported thousands of confirmed infections.

Bermuda’s Sports Minister, Lovitta Foggo, said

NACAC president Mike Sands government fully endorsed the decision to postpone until next year, and Sands said it was important the country was allowed to continue as host.

“We took a decision that we would give them the Games in 2021 and it would still be the 49th edition of the Games,” he pointed out.

“We’ve already cleared that with them because we’ve been in constant communication with them.”

Up to 27 teams had been expected to contest the CARIFTA Games.

WWII veteran in line for British Sports Personality-of-the-Year (REUTERS) - Bobby Moore was named Britain’s Sports Personality-of-the-Year in 1966 after leading England to triumph in the soccer World Cup, and now another Captain Moore has become a surprise contender to follow in his footsteps - at the age of 99.

World War Two Veteran Tom Moore has raised an astonishing £15 million ($19 million) for the National Health Service (NHS) as it fights the coronavirus epidemic - by walking 100 laps of his garden.

Wearing a blazer bedecked with his medals, he covered the 25-metre circuit with the help of a wheeled walking frame, completing the challenge just two weeks shy of his 100th birthday on April 30.

Boxer Tyson Fury and Liverpool soccer captain Jordan Henderson are the hot favourites to pick up the award at an annual gala to be hosted by the public broadcaster, the BBC, in December.

But the lack of sporting action due to the pandemic meant Moore’s odds were cut to 50/1 against by the bookmaker William Hill.

That put him alongside Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, former tennis world number one Andy Murray, England rugby captain Owen Farrell and cricketer Ben Stokes.

Stokes, who won the award last year for his 50-over World Cup-winning heroics and Ashes performances against Australia, said he hoped he would be moving as well as Moore when he was 50, let alone 100.

Health Minister Matt Hancock called Moore a “shaft of light” as Britain deals with an epidemic that has already killed 12 868 persons.

An online petition for Moore to be knighted by the queen has already received more than 326 000 signatures.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 17, 2020

Phillips still stuck in Australia (CMC) – Barbados and West Indies left-hander Omar Phillips has been forced to wait even longer before he can return home, after the Australian state of Victoria extended its state of emergency for another four weeks, in response to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Australia closed its borders last month to mitigate against rising cases of the virus and while the travel ban does not apply to international departures, several airlines have grounded flights until May-June, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

Based in Melbourne where he has been playing for Stratmore Cricket Club, the 33-year-old Phillips was scheduled to return home on April 12 but as tension heightened amidst the outbreak, he re-booked his ticket for March 23.

However, that flight was subsequently cancelled and attempts to secure a flight for the following day also proved futile.

Perhaps the biggest blow to his chances of leaving Australia came earlier this week when Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, extended its shutdown for another

four weeks until May 11.

“Every day it’s something new so I’ve just got to play by ear at the moment. I’m just waiting on word on when they will start back flights,” Phillips said. “(The club) has been great, (they’ve been) fantastic. It’s a good family club and everyone’s been chipping in and trying to make sure I’m as comfortable as possible because it’s not easy being away especially in this time.

“For me, I have to give them top marks because before they realised how serious it was, they had certain measures in place to make sure I was comfortable and they made a promise to my Mom that they would look after me so I really have to tip my hat to them.”

Phillips, an opener, played two Tests for West Indies as part of a second-string team during the tumultuous players’ strike of 2009, when Bangladesh toured West Indies.

He narrowly missed out on joining an illustrious club of batsmen with centuries on debut when he perished for 94 in the first innings at Arnos Vale in Kingstown.

Overall, he has played 57 first-class matches and scored a single hundred but has not featured in the domestic cham-

Left-hander Omar Phillips pionship in nearly two years.

Phillips said he was trying to make the best use of the time while the city remained under the state of emergency.

“I’ve been on a couple bike rides out just to get some exercise. The gym I was in do the online fitness courses so it’s been good,” he explained.

“Staying indoors can be mentally challenging especially for someone who is not accustomed to being locked indoors all day.”

Australia has already recorded nearly 6 500 infections and 63 deaths.

Victoria, meanwhile, has reported 1 291 infections and 14 deaths, and Premier Daniel Andrews said he had not yet ruled out extending the curfew “well beyond” the May 11 date.

E-sports pull in more viewers as coronavirus halts live matches (REUTERS) - Sports fans and players across the world, frustrated by cancelled matches because of the coronavirus epidemic, are turning to e-sports, with professional real-world athletes joining virtual game tournaments of football, auto racing and basketball.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in viewership for e-sports broadcasts,” said Todd Sitrin, senior vice-president of Electronic Arts Inc.’s Competitive Gaming Division, adding that the maker of battle-royale sensation ‘Apex Legends’ saw an increase of two to three times its normal viewership in the first quarter of 2020.

“All the traditional sports have suspended their seasons and their broadcasts, so what we’ve seen is that fans are really searching for a way to get their sports fix,” Sitrin said.

E-sports tournaments are largely available on game streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Facebook Gaming and Mixer and are also broadcast on TV channels including ESPN and Fox Sports.

Online streaming platforms recorded a 43% jump in viewership to nearly 495 million hours in the week starting March 29, compared to the week at the beginning of 2020, according to analytics firm Stream Hatchet.

Amazon.com Inc.’s Twitch, which

Daniel Suarez, driver of the #96 Commscope Toyota, races during the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series Race - O’Reilly Auto Parts 125 at virtual Texas Motor Speedway on March 29, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by NASCAR via Getty Images) dominates the market for game streaming, recorded a nearly 60% jump in viewership in March with over 1,300 million hours watched, compared to a year earlier, according to Superdata, a Nielsen

company.

Besides online streaming platforms, viewership across TV broadcasts of tournaments has also seen a significant increase from January to March.

The March 29 race at the Texas Motor Speedway in the eNASCAR iRacing series, a popular simulation racing game, is the most viewed e-sports event ever on linear television as of March 30, according to Nielsen Sports.

Simulation racing games in e-sports provides an opportunity for professional drivers who are stuck home missing the competition and camaraderie on the tracks, said Steve Hood, president at Motorsport Games.

But sports fans are hungry for any competitive action. Last week, ESPN said here it would broadcast League of Legends’ 2020 Championship Series Spring Split Playoffs, highlighting the online multi-player battle game and venturing beyond traditionally broadcasted sports like NBA, FIFA and NASCAR’s iRacing.

The move to League of Legends shows a real paradigm shift, said Charles Conroy, vice-president of gaming at The Switch, a live video production firm.

“They’re no longer just pandering to normal sports fans and giving them a replacement (for live sports),” he said.

“They’re actually showing true hardcore e-sports.”

Riot Games’ League of Legends is the most-watched game on Twitch in the first quarter of 2020, according to Superdata.

Comprehensive plan needed for WI cricket

Former Test captain Sir Richie Richardson

- Sir Richie

See story on page 22

World Rugby announces US$100M global relief fund to assists unions

WITH rugby, like the rest of other sports, shutdown due to the COVID-19, World Rugby announced yesterday that it has created a relief fund of approximately US$100M, to assist unions around the world as they grapple with the financial impact of the pandemic.

With fixtures either postponed or cancelled, the body said the fund would be available to rugby unions that are in need of “immediate emergency funding” as long as certain criteria are met.

The global governing body is also exploring options for rearranging the international rugby calendar in the short term in preparation for sport restarting.

World Rugby’s contingencies include the possibilities that cross-hemisphere travel may not be permitted, which would impact on the northern hemi-

FLASHBACK! Guyana’s Avery Corbin on his way to scoring against Spain at the 2017 IRB Hong Kong Sevens

Premier League to discuss June deadline today see story on page 21

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

sphere’s autumn series, and that no international rugby at all may be feasible until 2021.

Rugby Americas North (RAN), the body to which Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is affiliated too, recently made-known 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.

The Senior Men’s 15-a-side tournament was 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.

When contacted recently-elected president of GRFU, Ryan Dey, told Chronicle Sport that the local rugby body will have to go through their affiliate (RAN) to access any funding from World Rugby, while noting that a proposal was already sent.

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 will be announced in due course as the ongoing environment is continuously being evaluated.

Premier League clubs will meet to discuss what should happen to the remainder of this campaign at a meeting today.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020