Guyana Chronicle Epaper 04 25 2020

SATURDAY 25th April, 2020

'

25 days

No.105980

for recount

…GECOM approves operational plan, draft order SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…decision on commencement date pending

COVID-19

PAGE

08

claims eighth life GECOM chair justifies 11 rejecting PPP proposals PAGE

...blanks livestreaming of recount and nullifying of declarations

Harmon appointed CEO of COVID-19 taskforce …to appoint staff for permanent secretariat PAGE

02

Police officers questioning a man about his reason for being on the streets during the curfew period (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Harmon appointed CEO of COVID task force …to appoint staff for permanent secretariat PRESIDENT David Granger has directed that a permanent National Task Force Secretariat be established to manage the campaign and ensure longterm preventive measures against COVID-19.

The directive was given on Friday during a meeting of the National Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force (NCTF). At the meeting, he appointed Director- General of the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), Joseph Harmon to carry out the functions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCTF. It is under the general or specific directions of the Chairman of the NCTF, Prime Minister Moses Nagamoootoo, that the CEO will establish a permanent National Task Force Secretariat. The CEO must also assign permanent staff to

DirectoroGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP), Joseph Harmon

manage the national campaign; create preventive measures against the disease to safeguard citizens’ health and collaborate with regional task forces and stakeholders to safeguard citizens’ health.

Harmon will be responsible, under the direction of the Chair, for directing the NCTF operations and restarting interrupted activities; all important logistical measures necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further, directing rapid responses to unexpected and emergency incidents; developing short-term plans for disease prevention and safety of the people; communicating directly with agencies, ministries, regional task forc-

es, agencies and stakeholders and disseminating accurate information with regard to COVID-19 to the public.

The President said that the changes were made as a means to strengthen the task force. “The Head of State iterated that efforts are being made continuously to strengthen the NCTF to the fight against the dreaded COVID-19. He gave the assurance that the task force and the Ministry of Public Health are working assiduously to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19,” a release from the MoTP stated.

Added to this, he announced that Senior Executive Director of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, Colonel (ret’d) Lawrence Paul has been seconded to the NCTF and Consultant Dr. Mark Kirton will assume Colonel Paul’s post.

Meanwhile, Director, Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit of the MoTP, Mark Archer, has relinquished his appointment and will work with the NCTF on a full-time basis. Ariana Gordon will now assume the post of Director of the Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit effective April 25, 2020.

The NCTF was established by President Granger in March 2020 to better coordinate government’s action plan in response to the presence of the coronavirus

in Guyana.

It is headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and also includes Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix.

Meanwhile, a team of medical professionals which includes Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Karen Boyle-Campbell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Ms. Collette Adams, Permanent Secretary, MoPH; Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Director of Medical and Professional Services, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Dr. Tracey Bovell, Mass Casualty Specialist at GPHC, as well as Dr. William Adu-Krow, PAHO-WHO’s Country Representative in Guyana, will work to provide an insight to the NCTF on containment of the virus.

Emergency measures will likely be extended WHILE, as of Thursday, there was no representation made to the National COVID-19 Taskforce (NCTF) for an extension of the partial COVID-19 lockdown, NCTF Chair, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, has hinted that this will likely be extended.

The PM stated that the NCTF is aware that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that lifting lockdown restrictions too quickly could lead to negative consequences. “If something is working and working for the interest of Guyana, then we will need to review its effectiveness and to make decisions as we go along.

As of now, we cannot say that any measures have been relaxed,” he told reporters.

The curfew in place states that unless a citizen is conducting or visiting an essential service between the hours of 18:00 hours and 06:00 hours, he/she is to stay within the enclosure of his/her home and yard. A number of social activities have also been prohibited.

The last time the emergency mea-

sures in place were updated was on April 20, 2020, where the services of attorneys-at-law were deemed essential. The same was published in the gazette in the amended COVID-19 Emergency Measures.

The preamble to the list of measures have made it clear that it could be terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the conditions.

The Prime Minister stated that the NCTF has recognised that, in isolated cases, the measures are not being adhered to. “We are using the more popular measure which is persuasion.

We have no coercive measures in place, not that we cannot have coercive measures in place but we can try as best as we could to use information via public media, via the regional authorities…to ensure that we don’t have crossing of the borders and we don’t have violations of the curfew in the curfew hours,” he stated.

25 days for recount

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

…GECOM approves operational plan, draft order …decision on commencement date pending

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Friday, approved a 25day operational plan and a draft order for the national recount of all votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Though the draft order has been agreed by the commission, a commencement date for the national recount, has not been set as the commission awaits word from the CARICOM Secretariat regarding a high-level CARICOM team to scrutinise the process. According to the approved operational plan, the national recount will take place at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) for a period of 25 days; however, the duration is subject to review. On a daily basis there will be 10 workstations operating for a period of 10 hours – from 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs. The plan also details the tabulation process and those who will be involved such as party agents, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officials, observers and GECOM officials.

DEEP SATISFACTION In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chairperson of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh expressed deep satisfaction with the progress made on Friday in finalising the operational plan and the draft order, but noted that it was no easy task, given the composition of the commission. “I am sitting on a very difficult commission, and people must appreciate that. It is a very difficult commission; it is a highly divided commission and they don’t necessarily agree, and sometimes you have to take the bull by the horn,” Justice Singh told this newspaper. In addition to the chairperson, the commission comprises six commissioners – three nominated by the government and three nominated by the opposition, and at times discourses are not necessarily constructive and cordial.

Nonetheless, Justice Singh said she is confident that the recount will be realised soon through a very transparent process.

Though the operational plan entails a 25-day duration for the recount to be executed, the GECOM Chair gave a reminder that the duration is subject to review. While iterating her commitment to the process, the GECOM Chair said once the recount commences, the workstations will operate every single day of the week, even on holidays, from 08:00hrs to 18:00hrs until the process is completed.

Outside GECOM’s headquarters on High Street, Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters that the operational plan and draft order were approved by the commission after manoeuvring through 10 motions

Elections Commissioner Vincent Alexander

es. “What we have decided is that we would start off with an anticipation of

plan, the votes cast in District Four will be tabulated simultaneously with other

one final declaration,” he posited.

DRAFT ORDER On the issue of the draft order, Alexander said that though the order has been agreed, it does not include a commencement date. GECOM, he noted, is awaiting communication from CARICOM on the likely arrival date of its high-level team. It is expected that within days, the draft order will be shared with the CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, so as to provide CARICOM with a greater understanding of the process, and the role of the high-level delegation.

“Their Terms of Reference speaks to scrutinising the process, and submitting a report at the end of the process,” Alexander explained.

Questioned whether GECOM is prepared to proceed in the absence of the CARICOM officials, Alexander said the commission does not anticipate that CARICOM will not

GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

tabled by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nominated commissioners.

Alexander, like the chairperson, was keen to note that the duration specified in the operational plan is not written in stone, as such, it is subject to review once the recount commenc-

completion within 25 days but that will be subjected [sic] to review in the first week, based on the pace of work, and then we will have a finite time,” the government-nominated commissioner explained.

He said key in the plan is the tabulation process.

According to the approved

districts. There are a total of 10 Electoral Districts.

Of the 10 work stations, three will be assigned to District Four – the country’s largest electoral region. Importantly, Alexander noted that there will be one final declaration at the end of the tabulation process. “It was agreed that we will have

participate in the process, and has suggested that if, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the high-level team is unable to return, that CARICOM officials be selected from the CARICOM Secretariat here in Guyana.

CARICOM’s intervention in the country’s electoral process was birthed out of

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an agreement between President David Granger and the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, on March 14, to have a high-level CARICOM delegation oversee the process; however, the order does not include the Aide Memoire subsequently signed by the two leaders.

“The order does not mention the Aide Memoire but what the order does, is mention the fact that there was some CARICOM proposal,” Alexander clarified, while adding that “it is not a CARICOM-supervised recount; CARICOM is primarily being asked to scrutinise the activity.”

He further explained that unlike the first order, which was drafted days after the two leaders had agreed to the national recount, the draft order currently before the commission identifies GECOM as the sole institution responsible for supervision of the national recount in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana and the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

“Previously, the documentation had suggested that CARICOM “supervise,” and the documentation had suggested that this activity must be pegged on the Aide Memoire; the present order makes it clear that the activity is pegged on the fact that recounts had been rejected, recounts had been put in abeyance, and recounts had been aborted and this was leading to some kind of uncertainty about the way forward and so it was thought that it would be good to do an overall recount to overcome this problem,” Alexander explained.

He pointed out that in Districts Four and Three, recounts were requested but were refused by the Returning Officers, which had led to allegations of fraud. As such, the national recount will address any anomaly that may have occurred, and will result in a final declaration of the results of the March elections. Alexander is optimistic that by Monday the order will be gazzetted, paving the way for the national recount to commence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

Coronavirus: Disinfectant firm warns after Trump’s comments (BBC) A leading disinfectant producer has issued a strong warning not to use its products on the human body after Donald Trump suggested they could potentially be used to treat coronavirus.

Reckitt Benckiser said "under no circumstance" should its products be injected or ingested.

On Friday, Mr Trump said his comments during Thursday's coronavirus taskforce briefing had been made "sarcastically".

Disinfectants are hazardous substances and can be

poisonous if ingested.

Even external exposure can be dangerous to the skin, eyes and respiratory system.

Mr Trump's comments have been heavily criticised by doctors and have generated a huge online response. They have provoked hundreds of thousands of comments and caused wellknown cleaning brands to trend on social media.

Reckitt Benckiser, which owns brands including Lysol, Dettol, Vanish and Cillit Bang, said its products should not be administered "through injection, ingestion

or any other route".

"Our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information," the company said in a statement.

What did President Trump say?

During Thursday's White House coronavirus task force briefing, an official presented the results of US government research that indicated coronavirus appeared to weaken faster when exposed to sunlight and heat.

The study also showed bleach could kill the virus in saliva or respiratory fluids within five minutes, and isopropyl alcohol could kill it even more quickly.

Mr Trump then hypothesised about the possibility of using a "tremendous ultraviolet" or "just very powerful

light" on or even inside the body as a potential treatment.

"And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute," he said. "And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?

"Because you see it gets in the lungs and does a tremendous number on them, so it'd be interesting to check that," he said.

In a statement on Friday morning, the White House press secretary said the president had "repeatedly" told Americans to consult doctors about coronavirus treatment.

"Leave it to the media to irresponsibly take President Trump out of context and run with negative headlines," Kayleigh McEnany said.

However, the White House statement did not

Friday, April 25, 2020–– 5:30hrs & 06:00

make any reference to the comments being sarcasm.

On Friday afternoon, Mr Trump told journalists: "I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen."

The president's comments have dominated social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit since Thursday night. Many compared his idea to a dangerous viral trend in 2018 where people ate Tide laundry detergent pods.

The Maryland governor's office said the state's emergency management agency issued an alert warning against injecting or ingesting disinfectants after receiving more than 100 calls to a hotline.

Lysol, which is one of the America's best known cleaning brands, has been named in tweets at least 125,000 times since the White House news conference.

Owners Reckitt Benckiser said they issued their statement on Friday "due to recent speculation and social media activity".

What's the medical reaction been?

Doctors warned that the president's suggestion could have fatal results.

"These products have corrosive properties that melt or destroy the lining of our innards," McGill University

thoracic surgeon Dr Jonathan Spicer told the BBC. He said suggesting ingestion of a household cleaning product was "extremely dangerous".

"No one should be undergoing any preventative measures, as suggested by the president, without some kind of guidance from a licensed physician with the expertise in managing Covid-19," Dr Spicer added.

Meanwhile, Dr Donna Farber, an immunologist at Columbia University, told the BBC Mr Trump's suggestions of using ultraviolet (UV) light were "not practical".

"UV doesn't really penetrate very far," she said. "So even if you were to put it inside or outside, it's not going to even get to the lung... we just get a suntan or sunburn, and it causes DNA damage."

Dr Farber also said any radiation that would penetrate deeply enough " would cause so much damage that you're better off with coronavirus".

This is not the first time that Mr Trump's medical advice has generated controversy and criticism.

He has previously hyped a malaria medication, hydroxychloroquin, despite a lack of clinical evidence it helps treat Covid-19 and some concerns it can even be detrimental.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

Brazil justice minister Moro quits in Bolsonaro clash (BBC) Brazil's Justice Minister Sergio Moro has resigned amid tension with President Jair Bolsonaro.

Mr Moro, a former judge, had threatened to quit after the president fired one of his allies - federal police chief Mauricio Valeixo - on Thursday.

Speaking on TV, Mr Moro said angrily there was no reason to sack Mr Valeixo, and called it political interference.

Mr Moro is one of the president's most popular ministers. He oversaw Brazil's biggest-ever anti-corruption probe.

Mr Valeixo's dismissal was announced, with no further details, in

the official gazette.

Mr Moro had threatened to resign if Mr Valeixo were dismissed, but then said he would stay if he were allowed to choose a replacement.

Brazil's currency - the real - sank to a record low of 5.50 per dollar on Thursday, amid the political uncertainty.

In mid-April the right-wing president sacked his health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, for his response to the coronavirus pandemic. The minister had advocated social distancing, which Mr Bolsonaro has scorned.

Fighting corruption was a central issue for Jair Bolsonaro in his 2018

presidential campaign.

The BBC's South America correspondent Katy Watson says Mr Moro made a damning speech, accusing President Bolsonaro of meddling in federal police efforts to fight corruption.

After announcing his resignation the sound of pot-banging protests rang out in cities across Brazil.

Seen as an anti-corruption crusader, he was a star pick when Mr Bolsonaro asked him to join the government.

Earlier Mr Moro oversaw a huge corruption probe which exposed billions of dollars in bribes and ended in the jailing of many powerful busi-

nessmen and politicians, including leftist former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

BBC Americas editor Candace Piette says Mr Moro's accusations against President Bolsonaro have thrown Brazil into an institutional crisis.

He accused the president of trying to remove the federal police chief for no other reason than to secure intelligence on police investigations.

Mr Moro also said President Bolsonaro had expressed concerns about supreme court investigations, without specifying which had caused concern.

The court is currently investigat-

ing the activities of the president's sons. It has also opened an inquiry into the possible financing of last week's anti-democracy protests by supporters of the president. Both charges could further damage an already unpopular president, Candace Piette reports.

Mr Moro once said he "would never enter politics", but later agreed to serve in Mr Bolsonaro's cabinet, in order to fight corruption and organised crime.

He was promised full autonomy for his department, which united the justice and public security portfolio in a so-called "super ministry".

Murders continue spike despite COVID lockdown (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Although the movement of the majority of citizens continues to be affected by the Stay-at-Home measures, the spate of murders continued yesterday with five people killed, including two separate double murder incidents, in less than 24 hours.

Two headless were found in Guapo on Wednesday evening, Sangre Grande resident Shameed Ali was found with his head bashed in and brother and sister Vishal and Vishanie Chitbahal were shot dead during a home invasion in Couva.

In the latest incident in Couva, residents of Winsdor Park were awakened by the sound of gunshots around 5.30 am.

According to police, Anne Chitbahal, 46, the mother of Vishal and Vishanie, got up to start breakfast at their Sand Road home around that time.

But just as she was about to start kneading flour to make a roti, a masked gunman entered their pink wooden shack and demanded to see Vishanie. During the commotion, two other men entered the house and Vishal was alerted.

The gunmen later shot Vishanie in the chest and she died on the spot while Vishal was shot in the upper left shoulder. Vishal was taken to the Couva District Hospital where he died around 6.30 am.

At the scene yesterday, the victims’ aunt Louann Moonilal said she was deeply hurt by the double murder. She said she saw no reason why anyone would want to shoot the siblings, whom she described at quiet people.

“I never knew my front yard would be a crime scene investigation for two soft-spoken children growing up in the community. It’s shocking,” she said, noting they kept to themselves.

“It’s the only two children for their parents, who are in a mess. When I got there my niece was already on the ground. COVID lockdown because they want people to wear mask and you can’t identify people.”

Investigations are being undertaken by the Homicide Bureau South.

In the second incident, a Sangre Grande man who left his house to harvest some yams to prepare a meal was found with his head bashed in and shot in the chest a day later.

When Shameed Ali, 46, left his Barker Trace, Coalmine, Sangre Grande home on Wednesday, he told his father Shaffick, 70, he had already seasoned chicken for a meal and would fetch the yams after tending to his cows two miles away.

However, relatives mounted a search after he failed to return home and they eventually found him dead yesterday morning. The left side of his head had been bashed in and he had a gunshot wound to his chest.

Ali’s death shocked the village and when Guardian Media visited yesterday many people were gathered at the family home offering condolences.

His sister Sharfeea said her brother was hard-working and looked after 13 cows in the nearby lagoon in addition to doing construction work. She said he was well-known in the village as a disciplined and likeable person.

Police said around 7.30 am yesterday, Ali’s younger brother Ashmeed reported his death at the Sangre Grande Police Station. Ashmeed told the officers family and friends started a search after his father said he had not seen him since Wednesday. Ali was found by one of his relatives along a track in a forested area off Barker Trace.

A party of officers led by ASP Gabriel Joseph, Sgt Keith Castro Leon and officers from Arouca Homicide Bureau Region II were later taken to the scene by Ali’s relatives. Officers said they believe Ali was beaten and then shot by his attacker/s.

District Medical Officer Dr Nzedinma viewed the body and ordered its removal to Forensic Science Centre, St James, for an autopsy.

PC Lopez of Arouca Homicide Bureau Region II is continuing investigation.

And finally, police have not yet identified the bodies of two people found in a forested area in Guapo on Wednesday evening.

According to police, around 4.30 pm on Wednesday, PC Williams and WPC Jameson

were on patrol in the Guapo area when a resident alerted them that two bodies were seen off Lime Field Road in Cochrane Village.

The resident took the officers about a mile into a forested area where the badly decomposed bodies were found. Both bodies were decapitated.

There were reports on social media yesterday which identified the two victims as an 18-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man who

were said to have been reported missing several days ago.

But yesterday police said the gender of the victims could not be determined due to the state of decomposition.

Police said while going to the scene they found a man with a shotgun and ammunition and he was arrested. However, they have not yet linked the man to the discovery of the bodies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Guyana and the bread basket tag PRIME Minister and Chairman of the COVID-19 taskforce, Moses Nagamootoo at a news conference on Thursday stated that Guyana has the advantage to boost food security in the Region, noting that this country has long been touted as the food basket of the Region, similar to the way Trinidad and Tobago has been thought of as the Caribbean’s industrial basin.

“Guyana has always been considered the food basket of the Caribbean from the point of view of having vast natural resources of fertile land, fertile soil, clean air, clean water and vast land space,” the prime minister said. The issue of food production is assuming an ever increasing importance as the world grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 disease. In addition, even before the current pandemic the world was challenged with adequate food with an increasing world population and with the shrinking in arable lands and water resources.

Only this week the United Nations said the world is at risk of widespread famines “of biblical proportions” caused by the coronavirus pandemic. David Beasley, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said urgent action was needed to avoid a catastrophe. A report estimates that the number suffering from hunger could go from 135 million to more than 250 million. Those most at risk are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change, the WFP says.

Today many countries are finding it increasingly challenging to meet their national demands for food, especially those that are hit regularly by drought and other natural disasters. And as the factors of climate change and

global warming bite deeper the situation with global food production and supply are creating even greater difficulties and complications.

The outlook is, so far: unfortunately dismal. Recent reports outline in stark terms the relationship between climate change, more severe and frequent natural disasters, and their effects on current and future hunger should the world not solve its food supply, distribution, and insecurity problems.

Here in the Caribbean region leaders have recognised the need to pay special focus on agriculture because neglect in this vital sector by many countries has resulted in a staggering annual food importation bill of some US$3 billion.

CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley recently said that the notion of a “single domestic space” for CARICOM with regard to travel, food security, health and more, has now become more important. She said that with globalisation expected to return to the world region by region, countries will have to rely on their neighbours for support and there is no better time for the Region to band together than now. At the Ninth Special Emergency Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on April 15, food security was high on the agenda.

“Guyana has always been considered the food basket of the Caribbean from the point of view of having vast natural resources of fertile land, fertile soil, clean air, clean water and vast land space.

Guyana, like so many of its sister CARICOM member states, has a traditional history of agricultural activity, that has its genesis in

the sugar plantation system. And along our very expansive coastal belt, cane-farming, whether as a private or state activity, is still very much in evidence. But there are hundreds of rice and coconut farms, and numerous examples of other-crops activities, as well.

It is because of this continuous activity through the decades, that Guyana for a while had largely been recognised as the food basket of the Caribbean, an accolade that assumed even greater significance for a period during our early modern political history with the Grow More Food campaign, as part of the Clothe, House and Feed the nation plan. Citizens, particularly those in Georgetown and its environs, were encouraged to plant ground provisions and other crops on every available land space around their homes and residences.

Even public offices took part in this national food drive.

No doubt, that such a project did reveal what can be achieved, despite criticisms from the then political opposition of the day that later in government, introduced a similar national call, especially to farmers to “Grow More.”

However, despite its importance as a pivotal economic activity and contributor to national GDP and keeping the nation fed, national agriculture has continued to face national challenges. There are questions too, such as whether optimal use has been made of the country’s vast arable land opportunities – the hinterland; and the critical issue of diversification. More important, is the question of food security, so vital to the growth and development of developing countries.

The hinterland as an agricultural producer

to the national food chain can be said to be under-utilised, given its vast land opportunities that have traditionally centred its produce on mostly ground provisions. This explains why residents, within the wider hinterland, have lived a reliance on food supplies from the coastlands. But this has been undergoing gradual transformation within recent years, with initiatives such as a Rice Beans Project, and spice cultivation in Region One. There is also fruit and peanut-planting at Aranaputa, Region Nine.

However, with the government’s introduction of a five-year Action Plan, the acceleration is under way to advance largescale agriculture in a more diversified and climate-resilient manner. The emphasis will be to transform agriculture in Region Nine, making maximum use of its vast arable land.

A target area of 400 acres for this programme is to cater for acquaculture, livestock development, crops, and ruminants. This reflects the introduction of large-scale agriculture, or mega farms, into the intermediate and Rupununi savannahs; introducing eco-friendly and cost- effective methods. It also hints at diversification, taking the lessons learnt from the parlous state of the sugar industry which is debt-ridden, due to its unprofitability and other factors. Food security is the stimulator and engine of the economic production of especially developing nations.

For apart from increasing the purchasing power of farmers who sell their marketable produce, it is an important foreign exchange earner — It protects a nation and its peoples’ dignity.

Follow the directives and the measures Dear Editor, I WAS most disheartened, disappointed, and, frankly, frightened to see photographs on social media of crowds of people huddled together, in extremely close proximity to each other outside of banks, apparently waiting to access the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).

Editor, considering the reality of the

ongoing existence of a deadly pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, and the fact that all of the scientific experts have recommended social distancing as the primary key to containing, mitigating, and ending the crisis, I was shocked that my fellow Guyanese would adopt such a cavalier attitude, based on their actions, towards such a serious matter. I iterate, editor, it was a frightening scene.

Sir, I value my life; as such, I have

placed myself in total lockdown. I would have thought that others would have shared those sentiments and taken similar precautions. Perhaps, I was wrong. Further, it would seem that mathematically, the more infected persons that are present in my environment, the greater would be the probability that I, or my loved ones, may be exposed to the deadly pathogen. And, certainly, crowding up at any location will

not help the situation.

I implore my fellow citizens to follow all the directives and recommendations of the experts.

And, I wonder if the authorities can do anything to enforce those directives and recommendations.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Op-Ed

Questioning Gerry Gouveia’s role as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission

By Beni Sankar RECENTLY, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia, took the commission into the political arena.

For starters, like any stakeholder in the elections process, the PSC applied for and was granted observer status. Gouveia was more than an observer. He became the transport officer for the diplomats stationed in Guyana.

When the results of those elections were announced Gouveia, like the opposition forces in Guyana and the diplomats of the ABCE countries, claimed that the results for District Four lacked transparency and credibility.

The matter was taken to court and in the end a final decision was taken. But even before President David Granger and Oppo-

sition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, agreed to a recount of all 10 regions.

They agreed that CARICOM would have a supervisory role in the recount.

Soon after, Gouveia decided to write to a number of foreign organisations seeking to have them influence the outcome of the recount. One letter was sent to the Organisation of American States which had fielded an observer team.

That letter was sent on behalf of the PSC but many in the PSC said that they were not consulted or shown the letter before it was sent.

The letter, which was published in the local media, echoed the sentiments of the People’s Progressive Party. Although the opposition agreed to a total recount, Gouveia, like the opposition members, wanted a recount of District Four (Region Four)

alone.

This did not make sense as there would have been a lot of uncertainty of the result.

GECOM, based on the ruling of the courts, agreed to a total recount and that the recount would be done in chronological order starting with Region One. Again Gouveia, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the PSC, said that there was no need to count the other votes since there were no objections, which is not true.

The coalition had sought recounts in four regions—Region One, Region Five, Region Six and Region Three. None was allowed.

Based on information provided by GECOM commissioners, the Chief Elections Officer produced a timetable that would see the recount taking 156 days. This is still to be discussed by the commission.

But Gouveia, like the mouthpiece of the

7

political opposition, criticised the duration of the recount.

The opposition, on its own, did not voice an objection, publicly, but Gouveia made the opposition voice heard by writing on behalf of the PSC criticising the recount.

Guyana is in a gridlock over the elections. Every Guyanese, more so the business community, wants to see the results declared and the matter put to rest once and for all.

To limit the recount as Gouveia is advocating would not put the issue to rest. Why is he opposed to the total recount? He must have a reason. And his reason probably coincides with the opposition which also does not want a total recount but cannot object publicly because Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the PPP, agreed to it.

Gouveia has split the PSC, unnecessarily. A total recount is the only solution.

Ramadan 2020 message from the President of CIOG, Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad My Dear Brothers and Sisters, ASSALAMU ‘Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh.

May the Peace, Mercy, and Blessing of Allah (SWT) be upon you all!

On this Blessed occasion, the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, I wish all Guyanese and especially our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, “Ramadan Kareem!”

Ramadan Mubarak to all our dear Imams, Presidents and Executives of all Masjids and Jamaats, and Leaders of all the Islamic Organizations!

Let us begin by expressing our profound gratitude for the gifts that Ramadan bestows upon us, especially the opportunity to purify our bodies, minds, and hearts so that we can get closer to Allah (SWT), our Creator, the source of all Peace and Happiness.

During Ramadan, our faith (Iman) is manifested through acts of obedience (Islam).

We willingly submit to the guidance of Allah (SWT), who made it known in the Holy Quran Chapter 2: Verse: 183: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).”

During this Ramadan, let us also strive to practice Ihsan (Excellence in Faith). Ihsan refers to the attainment of perfection, beauty or excellence, in worship and in actions. To achieve this, our every thought and actions must have the intent of being perfectly pleasing to Allah (SWT). In response to questioning from the Angel Jibreel, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) affirmed: “Excellence is to worship Allah as if you see him, for if you do not see him, he surely sees you.” (Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 48)

Let us perform every prayer knowing that Allah (SWT) is looking. Let us utter every word and perform every act with absolute certainty that Allah (SWT) is hearing and observing us.

May our prayers, charity and fasting cleanse us of all physical, mental, and emotional toxins.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the wisdom to let go of anything that hinders or prevents us from attaining Perfect Peace and Harmony.

When we contemplate the Magnificence of Allah (SWT) nothing should bother, worry, or disturb us. When we practice Excellence in Faith, we are steadfast in the conviction that loving and obeying Allah (SWT) brings us perfect guidance, protection, and wellbeing.

Let us express our love for Allah (SWT) by being extremely kind to all his creation. Comfort those who are sick or sad or afraid. Feed those who are hungry. Protect the orphans, widows,

and elderly. Be kind and compassionate to all people, animals, and the universe. Be caring of the environment, the trees and plants that provide us with oxygen and sustenance. When we display mercy and love, then we shall receive same in return.

I pray that Allah (SWT) gives us the strength and health to fast throughout the Holy month of Ramadan and to stand in prayers during the nights of Ramadan.

Once again, Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless, guide, and protect us, and have mercy on us all. May Allah (SWT) bless our country and the entire world.

WASSALAMU ALALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAHI WABARAKAATUH! Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad PRESIDENT CIOG

The shared-governance debate

Dear Editor,

IN recent weeks, there has been a great deal of thought, emphasis and consideration placed on the concept of shared governance.

While the idea of shared governance is innovative and could possibly put an end to various disputes faced by our small nation, the execution and timing of this push can only be seen as a malicious attempt to further complicate the already volatile circumstances we face right now.

I ask, what of the people who left their homes on election day to make their voices heard and to choose their government? These people have experienced life under both of

the political parties who have ruled over the last 28 years and were prepared to select who would lead them during the next five. Are their opinions to be ignored? To accept any other result than has been chosen by them is tantamount to telling them that their voices do not matter. They had no idea that shared governance was even an option; I plead that they are not hoodwinked by the people who are supposed to be representing their interests.

Additionally, to accept shared governance now would also be an abominable misuse of resources. Millions of dollars were spent in the lead-up and implementation of this grand election. I do not believe that these millions were taken out of the pockets of those who are currently petitioning for the scrapping of the

election results and creation of an interim government. On the topic of interim government, how is this shared government to be effected?

Who is to delegate ministries and positions? How are these to be delegated? I sincerely hope that the persons petitioning for shared governance do not intend to do this by using the results of the election. If they did indeed care about the results of the election, they would not have suggested this alternative which will effectively render the votes of the people moot. Lastly, the convenience of this process is far too blatant for one to possibly believe that it is with benevolent intentions.

Why is shared governance only discussed when there is a major dispute as to the victor of the election? I am not a soothsayer and I

do not claim to be, but I strongly believe that if there was no controversy over the election results, the idea of shared governance would remain at the back of people’s minds instead of in the spotlight as it is currently.

As I mentioned previously, the concept of shared governance is not a bad one, but in this particular instance it only serves the purpose of being a scapegoat tactic.

The people have spoken and must be heard, not in the medium decided upon by those with questionable intentions, but rather in the medium the people intended when they voted.

Regards Oliver Thomas

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

COVID-19 claims eighth life

THE Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the life of 45-year-old, Lennox Williams, who became the eighth person to succumb to the disease, in Guyana.

Williams, who was fighting for his life in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), lost the battle, on Friday afternoon.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, confirmed that the man died around 14:45hrs, on Friday, after being hospitalised for a while.

“Mr. Williams was an ICU patient at GPHC and had suffered from other complications,” said the minister, in a press statement.

The Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) extended condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Williams.

Considering the local situation, Minister Lawrence said the ministry will continue to plead with all Guyanese to intensify efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by practising social distancing, staying at home, wearing face masks and regularly and thoroughly washing hands.

Earlier in the day, on Friday, local health authorities had said five of the COVID-19 patients were being treated in

the COVID-19 ICU. Health authorities had also said a total of 410 persons were tested so far for COVID-19, and the results showed that 337 persons were negative and 73

pecially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities. This was according to doctors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

a primary condition; in the countable sense of the term, a comorbidity is each additional condition.

“Most of the people who passed, have [sic] co-mor-

during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Among the persons who lost their lives to the deadly disease was local Drag Racer, Deryck Jaisingh, called

were positive. Twelve of the infected persons have so far recovered. As a containment measure, health authorities have placed 54 persons in institutional isolation and 17 persons in quarantine.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the COVID-19 disease has proven to be a “real killer,” es-

At that time, Guyana had recorded six deaths due to the COVID-19 disease and while the loss of life is never pleasant, doctors had said most of the persons, who died, had co-morbidities.

In medicine, comorbidity is defined as the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with

bidities…some had diabetes, hypertension, asthma and one of them even had severe pneumonia, which, without COVID, can also cause death…these, coupled with the complications related to COVID-19 can be dangerous,” said Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at GPHC, Dr. Genellys Camps,

‘Mad Dog.’ It was reported that Jaisingh was also being treated for malaria and reports are that he was diabetic. Guyana’s first COVID-19 victim, 52-year-old, Ratna Baboolall, was also hypertensive and a diabetic. Jermaine Ifill, an emergency medical technician (EMT), who had also succumbed to the dreaded

COVID-19 disease, was also being treated for pneumonia.

Two other persons who died from the disease were OSA Collins, a 78-year-old resident of New Amsterdam; and 77-year-old, Colonel, John Percy Leon Lewis.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that 81 per cent of persons who contract COVID-19, will have mild symptoms while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms and five per cent will need intensive care.

The disease, however, remains a serious concern and so far government has extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded coronavirus with the implementation of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were made pursuant to the paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement B, March 16, 2020, government said in a notice on Friday evening.

The measures took effect from the April 3, 2020 and will last for 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.

Persons should be jailed for price gouging Dear Editor It is always despicable to know that in some countries where disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and/or any kind of pandemics strike, that there are people in business who will price gouge. Price gouging, better known as black marketing in Guyana and around the world is a despicable, distasteful, dishonorable, and total act of thievery and deceit.

For any businessperson to use such a painful situation to enrich themselves when there are viruses or any crisis affecting the population of a nation; such persons need to be imprisoned and lose their licenses. I witnessed someone selling sanitizers on Facebook and

even read in an article from the newspapers whereby it was highlighted that a particular business is selling a small bottle of sanitizer for fifteen hundred dollars in Mahaica.

Sanitizers, which are usually sold for one hundred dollars are now being sold for four to five hundred dollars, suddenly. I have seen in Miami when there is a hurricane approaching and people try to buy a generator or two, the price has a tendency of suddenly tripling.

Further, I wish to make a particular mention of Demerara Distillers Limited's (DDL) product “Environ" which I think is a magnificent sanitizer that is being sold at a very affordable price – between a thousand to eleven hundred dollars - at most retailers. However, unfortunately, I noticed one drugstore, near to

Middle and East Streets that was selling the same product for eighteen hundred dollars. The acting Government of Guyana through the Guyana Revenue Authority (G.R.A) has withdrawn all taxes on sanitizing products. However, some of our Guyanese people in business have taken advantage of the situation at hand and are seeking to make an absolute killing in the country.

We must not forget that this is a time when people are confused and depressed, not only by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but with the madness of the prevailing election and therefore adding to the mental pressure, confusion, and depression of the citizens of this country.

The G.R.A, in league with the officials and the enforcement arms of the Ministry of Public Health,

should have some methodology or a system in place to target establishments conducting this type of practice and sanction them by use of the judicial system to charge them before the courts and concurrently place them in the media by naming and shaming them publicly for these unethical and atrocious acts.

My advice to them, also, is that you must remember that the businesses seeking to price gouge in a time of pandemic, and employers taking advantage of their employees, generally, is that you must understand: what you put out is what you will receive. So if you acquire things by deceit, the paper money may look plenty but those gains become cursed and consumption of it within that family - inclusive of the owner - would have to suffer undue divine

retribution from the Creator and the universe.

At this juncture, I beseech you, my fellow Guyanese, to show concern, care, and work to support each other. Please remember that monies are very short at the moment and that many people are not working or their full-time jobs have now become part-time.

Do not abuse the citizens of the country by taking advantage of the circumstances at hand for personal gain. Let us work as one human family under God to alleviate the stresses of the present time. After all, we are all in this together.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

Mobile COVID-19 testing to start on Monday -health workers to be screened -Two new cases recorded, five persons in ICU IN ramping up its response to the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, health authorities will be introducing mobile testing units at various health centres across the country.

“As of Monday 27th April, 2020, in Georgetown, the MoPH (Ministry of Public Health) will launch its mobile units at the East La Penitence Health Centre.

On the East Bank of Demerara at Herstelling; and on the East Coast of Demerara at Paradise, our COVID-19 health facilities will begin to provide services to persons along those corridors,” said Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during a virtual update on the COVID-19 pandemic, on Friday.

She explained that these operations will take place between 09:00hrs and 15:00hrs.

In addition to introducing these services at health centres, health authorities will be partnering with private institutions and supplying them with medical supplies for sample collection.

Sample collection will be done on inpatients and outpatients, who may present with signs or symptoms of COVID-19.

Minister Lawrence said it is imperative to identify and equip “standalone facilities” which will be specifically outfitted for COVID-19 patients. “As part of this exercise, we will also be screening our frontline workers (health and non- health) both public and private across the ten administrative regions,” said the minister.

These measures are being established at a time when COVID-19 continues to spread all across the world and right here

in Guyana. In the past 24 hours, there have been three new confirmed cases of the disease. These new cases took the national total to 73, said Minister Lawrence.

She said health authorities have so far tested 410 persons, of which 337 are negative.

“Of the positive cases, five persons are in our COVID-19 ICU (Intensive Care Unit); 17 are in institutional quarantine and 54 in isolation. The deaths remain at seven,” said the minister, adding that 12 persons have so far recovered.

The epidemiology and surveillance unit has reported for the period under review, March 16 to April 24, 2020, that 793 persons have been on home quarantine. To date, 596 persons have completed the 14-day incubation period and they were cleared by the Health Emergency Operations Centre. Health authorities, however, continue to monitor 197 persons.

Additionally, there are persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 that need to have other medical procedures such as pregnant mothers who need to deliver, persons needing emergency surgery, dialysis, Malaria and other conditions that require hospitalisation.

“At all times we must remember that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease! In light of all this, my fellow Guyanese, you need to be brave and come forward and let us help you.

As these units are put in place, I urge you to make use of this opportunity; utilize our services and help us to flatten the curve and contain this disease,” said Ministry Lawrence.

One infection and even one

death is one too many because seven deaths out of 73 cases represent a death rate of 9.6 percent, which is still much higher than the death rate of COVID-19 presented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which stands at 2-4 per cent.

In expressing the seriousness of the situation, Minister Lawrence referred to a statement made by Director General of WHO, Dr. Tedros, who said: “There are worrying upward trends in Central and South America… even though the numbers are relatively low...make no mistake, we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time.”

This simply means that Guyana, like the other countries globally, must strengthen its response by putting medium and long-term measures in place.

Globally, there are over 2.5 million cases of COVID-19, with close to 175,000 deaths.

And with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported recently that Guyana is on course to “flattening the curve” and reducing the spread of the COVID-19 disease. This was according to Resident Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, who noted that this will only be possible if the government maintains the exist-

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

ing containment measures.

Locally, the government has extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directive issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B, on March 16, 2020.

The measures at reference took effect from April 3, 2020, and are expected to 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. “The measures in place are working, and individual measures are working too, but we need to ensure that government enforces the existing measures… The few persons who do not go by these measures need to comply; we

need to see more improvement,” Dr. Adu-Krow said during a virtual press briefing on Friday.

REVISED PROJECTIONS Already, there have been revised projections which show a reduction in the probable cases, but Dr. Adu-Krow said this new forecast can only be maintained if the measures that have been put in place are adhered to.

On Friday, Dr. Adu-Krow, with the aid of graphs, showed journalists how the projected cases moved from reaching 20,000 in a month to just under 1,000 in a month, with the implementation of the containment measures.

If these measures were to be relaxed, however, Guyana could see about 5,000 cases in no time.

As the country wages war against the deadly disease, President David Granger is on record as saying that the efforts of the country’s frontline workers, in particular those within the medical field, should not go unnoticed.

“I ask you… 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,” President Granger said, adding: “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.”

According to the WHO, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly-discovered coronavirus.

The 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.

Third COVID-19 case recorded at Linden ....contact tracing methods bear fruit A 40-year-old man from Region Ten has tested positive for the Coronavirus, taking the total number of positive cases from the region to 3.

According to a statement from the Region Ten administration, Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Ten, Dr Pansy Armstrong, said that the 40-year-old patient was taken to the COVID-19 facility at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara last night by the authorities. Reports are that the man has close relations to the first patient, who passed away recently.

She disclosed that while the patient, initially, was reluctant to go to the facility, they were able to impress upon the patient that it was mandatory, once tested positive.

“The patient had expressed reservations about going but I was able to convince him that he must go as itís part of the new regulation and he complied. He is one of the now 73 cases in Guyana,” the RHO said.

The RHO disclosed that a few days ago samples taken from ten persons were sent to Georgetown to be tested as these all formed part of the contact tracing being done by the region. She disclosed that the results returned with nine persons being negative and one positive.

She said that a regional investigation has found

that the infection thus far in Region Ten is a cluster and not a community spread, noting that the third victim had close relationship with the first patient who died recently. This, she stressed was able to be revealed through the contact tracing that was introduced by the region.

She disclosed that the patient had confessed that he had no signs of COVID 19, and, as such, health officials are concerned that, within the region, there may be others who could have been infected but also asymptomatic. ìItís interesting to see that the patient had not demonstrated signs and symptoms of the disease but was tested positive, which is an indication that there may be others in similar position,î Dr Armstrong said.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon, reaffirmed his appeal for persons to take all required precautions, warning that the infection rate will continue to climb if people are lax in their protection.

“Now that we have found that this individual had contact with the first patient, it means that we would now have to circle this individual and those that he may have gotten in contact with to see if there are any others who may have been infected. This would now give us an idea of the scope of the virus in that

Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Ten, Dr Pansy Armstrong

kind of cluster environment. As all that we have so far is basically those who have been in this cluster, so we are trying to lock down the cluster and thankfully we have not had any other person outside of that cluster,” REO Gordon said.

The REO went on to state that the stigma is real, noting that the patient expressed this very concern regarding his family. He said the patient agreed to be taken to Georgetown on the condition that the ambulance and authorities will not pick him up from his home but at a separate location. “The patient was very concerned about the stigma and itís real and didnít want his family to suffer any stigma and or undue embarrassment, so he opted for the ambulance to pick him up somewhere else,î the REO said.

This is the third person who has been tested positive in Region Ten. On April 8, Sydney Trellis was identified as the first patient. He subsequently died. On April 14, a second patient, a female, tested positive for the virus and is still in institutional isolation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine not being used in Guyana to treat COVID-19 DESPITE the experimental use of drugs “We are also aware of increased use the NCTF, inclusive of the Minister of internationally to fight COVID-19, the of these medicines through outpatient Public Health, local medical institutions Ministry of Public Health in Guyana is prescriptions. Therefore, we would like are not administering the drug in relation not participating in such experiments to remind health care professionals and to COVID-19. “I’m not aware that there such as the use of the anti-malaria drug, patients of the known risks associated hydroxychloroquine. with both hydroxychloroquine and chlo- is any discussion in Guyana as regards a treatment of the coroThis was relayed navirus disease and I’m to the media by Chairman of the National not aware that any preCOVID-19 Taskforce scription has been made (NCTF), Prime Minfor and inside Guyana as ister Moses Nagato any particular drugs or mootoo on Thursday. medicine that could be On the global scale, used in the treatment of COVID-19 treatments the virus,” he said. are under investigation and will be tested “We heard of the hythrough clinical tridroxychloroquine being als. Presently, most used experimentally in medical workers have some other countries, been treating the many particularly in the United symptoms of the virus States, and we’ve seen as a means of indirect adverse comments being mitigation.

International memade…that it might have dia have reported that speeded up casualties in the rush to find treatcertain sections of the ment for the virus has An arrangement of hydroxychloroquine pills. (John Locher /AP) United States where the resulted in the use of hydroxychloroquine had hydroxychloroquine, leading to a shortage roquine,” the FDA said. been administered together with azithro“Hydroxychloroquine and chloroof the drug in the United States.

Researchers do not know whether quine have not been shown to be safe mycin antibiotic.” hydroxychloroquine is actually good at and effective for treating or preventing As of April 24, Guyana now has fighting COVID-19 and the drug has COVID-19…we will continue to inves- 73 confirmed cases; five persons in its list of side effects and risks. The U.S. tigate risks associated with the use of COVID-19 ICU; 17 in institutional Food and Drug Administration warned hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for on Friday that the drug could cause “seri- COVID-19 and communicate publicly quarantine and 54 in isolation; 12 persons have recovered; seven persons ous heart rhythm problems,” often when when we have more information.”

On Thursday, the prime minister have died and 410 tests have been combined with azithromycin and other QT prolonging medicine. said that based on his interactions with conducted with 337 returning negative.

Soldiers warned against wearing camouflage masks while in civilian attire RANKS of the Guyana Defence Force are hereby advised that they are not to wear their camouflage masks when dressed in civilian attire; this was stated by the Chief of Staff, Patrick West in a press statement to the general public on Friday.

“The camouflage masks are military kits and must be treated as such,” he noted.

The chief of staff added thal members of the general public are advised that it is an offence in law to be in possession of or to wear any item of military issue, “As such, the force advises against the wearing of these masks by members of the general public.

“Guyana Defence Force officers and ranks are hereby advised that they are not to wear their camouflage masks when dressed in civilian attire.”

The Guyana Defense Force Uniforms Act stipulates that persons who do so shall be liable to fines of $4,875, $9, 750

A rank of the Guyana Defence Force clad in his camouflage attire

or to imprisonment for a month.

Section 2 of the Guyana Defence Force Uniforms Act states(1) No one who is not serving in the Guyana Defence Force may wear, without the Minister’s permission, the uniform of that force, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of that uniform:

Provided that this enactment shall not prevent—(a) any person from wearing the cast-off uniform of any of that force if all regimental buttons and other regimental or distinctive marks are removed therefrom; or (b) any person from wearing any uniform or dress in the course of a stage play performed in a place duly licensed or authorised for the public performance of stage plays, or in the course of private theatricals, or at any fancy dress ball, or in the course of a music hall or circus performance, or in the course of any military representation in good faith.

(2) No one may lawfully sell, or dispose of to any other person, not serving in the Guyana Defence Force, the uniform of any of that force, except for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (b) of the proviso to subsection (1), unless all regimental buttons and other regimental or distinctive marks

are first removed therefrom.

(3) Anyone who contravenes this section shall be liable to a fine of four thousand eight hundred and seventy-five dollars [$4,875].

Section 3 of the Act which speaks to Bringing Contempt on Uniform statesAnyone not serving in the Guyana Defence Force who wears, without the Minister’s permission, the uniform of that force, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of that uniform, in such a manner or in such circumstances as to be likely to bring contempt upon that uniform or employs any other person so to wear that uniform or dress shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of nine thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars [$9, 750] or to imprisonment for one month.

Price gouging will be further investigated

PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, has stated that reports that some stores are still raising their prices for key items needed in the fight against COVID-19 are being investigated.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

“There’ve been allegations of price gouging and these are being investigated,” he said on Thursday, in a video conference with the media.

While he noted that his preference has always been one of persuasion as opposed to stern action, he said that those participating in price gouging at such a time must desist.

“We are appealing to organisations that are involved in providing essential services that they do not take advantage of persons by upping the prices for some of these very, very essential materials,” Nagamootoo said. He said that the Food and Drugs Department and the Ministry of Public Health has been doing its best to ensure that the right standard and best quality of drugs make it to Guyana, and efforts have even been made to provide these at a reduced cost to local suppliers.

“We’ve been trying to work with the private sector, pharmaceutical and medical institutions to see that they’re given concessions to import these essential medical supplies that are related to the fight against COVID-19,” he said.

“For now, we would like to promote the best relationship with the private sector and medical institutions and import companies as well as to be able to work in partnership in making these essential goods, medicine and equipment available.” When COVID-19 first made its way to Guyana, there were many claims about price gouging, especially for cleaning agents known to kill 99.9 per cent of germs.

However, in a recent letter to the editor, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr. said: “I witnessed someone selling sanitisers on Facebook and even read in an article from the newspapers whereby it was highlighted that a particular business is selling a small bottle of sanitiser for GYD$1500 in Mahaica. Sanitisers, which are usually sold for GYD$100 are now being sold for four to five hundred dollars, suddenly.”

Questioned whether the government would involve itself in the procurement and distribution of these essential items to the public, the Prime Minster, Head of the National COVID-19 Taskforce (NCTF), said that such would first have to be discussed by the NCTF for arrival at a consensus. However, he said that when it comes to the medical supplies for medical providers, the government has procured its own stock of the same.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

GECOM chair justifies rejecting PPP proposals ...blanks livestreaming of recount and nullifying of declarations

By Svetlana Marshall IN overturning the majority of 10 motions tabled by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) nominated Commissioners, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has ruled that the National Recount will not be live stream from start to finish nor will the declaration of the results for the 10 Electoral District be nullified ahead of the completion of the National Recount.

Added to that, the Elections Commission, in a majority decision, ruled that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, will not be ordered to produce the Statements of Poll (SOPs) for District 4 that are currently in his possession, due to the fact, that plans for a National Recount have been initiated.

Those decisions were made on Friday, in response to 10 motions tabled by PPP/C nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj even as the Elections Commission was preparing to finalise the Operational Plan and Draft Order for the National Recount of all the ballots cast at the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

At the end of the more than 5-hour long meeting of the Elections Commission at GECOM’s Headquarters, Gunraj told reporters that the motions were intended to address outstanding matters of the Commission with respect to the draft Order. The motions were seconded by Commissioner Robeson Benn and supported by Bibi Shadick, however, they did not gain the support of the Government nominated Commissioners, and in many instances, the Chair of the GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

In his first motion, Gunraj sought to have Chief Elections Officer produce the original copies of the more than 800 SOPs for District 4 (Demerara-Mahaica). It was his intention to have the Elections Commission examine the SOPs and copies, thereof, shared among the Commissioners but this motion did not secure the support of the majority of the Commission, including that of the Chair of GECOM. In justifying her decision, Justice Singh, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle, explained that the Elections Commission, having agreed to proceed with a National Recount on April 3, 2020 cannot backpedal on its decision,

noting that the production of the SOPs, at this stage, will be of little value to the process.

“I committed to a recount. I made a commitment to the Court to have a

wise to expose those involved in the tabulation exercise to the public. However, Justice Singh noted that during the tabulation process, those persons who are entitled to

GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

recount; and if you have the SOPs that will not resolve the problem,” the GECOM Chair said.

NO TO LIVESTREAM In keeping with demands of the PPP/C, Gunraj in one of the motions sought approval to have the entire National Recount live streamed on traditional and or social media but this too did not receive the support of the Government nominated Commissioners nor the Chair of GECOM. “We attempted, argued for a long time to have some changes, some compromise on this but as it is there is no live streaming to be done,” Gunraj complained.

But Justice Singh, in justifying her decision, explained that to live stream the National Recount, particularly the tabulation of the votes within the ballot boxes would be to breach Section 90 of the Representation of the People Act. Section 90 of the Representation of the People Act states: “Every person attending at the counting of votes shall maintain and shall not communicate any information obtained at the recount as to the list of Candidates for which any vote has been given.”

That Act, the GECOM Chair, emphasised speaks to the secrecy of the tabulation process. “Because of the secrecy, they cannot show the ballot but what they can do, they can show the results after the results would have been tabulated, I have no problem with that,” Justice Singh explained.

Given the charged political atmosphere within Guyana at the moment, the GECOM Chair, in making her decision, submitted that it would be un-

be there, in accordance with Section 86 of the Representation of the People Act, will be allowed to observe the process. Those persons include members of the Commission, duly appointed candidates, counting agents and observers.

“I don’t have no problem showing the Statements of Recount (SORs) and the results, I have no problem with that,” Justice Singh iterated.

Government nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander expressed similar views even as he referenced to Section 90 of the Representation of the People Act. “The question of live streaming came up and it was clearly articulated that the question of live streaming – putting those ballots up one by one in some stream to the public would not be done. In fact, Section 90 of the Elections Amendment Act prohibits us from doing that kind of live stream,” Alexander said. He too noted that at various periods of the recount exercise, the results would be broadcast.

RESULTS CAN'T BE NULLIFIED That aside, another motion tabled by Gunraj to have the declaration of results for District 4 made by the Return Officer Clairmont Mingo, and the CEO’s subsequent report, detailing the general results, be set aside but this too did not receive the majority vote of the Elections Commission.

Justice Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that the declaration of the results for District 4 or any other district cannot be nullified at this stage of the electoral process. “The declarations are in abeyance, we put them in abeyance because I cannot replace them

until after the recount. They only can be replaced by a new declaration from the recount,” the GECOM chair explained.

Other motions sought to have the a time be limited for the conduct of the National Recount and for the Audit Office or a duly accredited audit firm, to observe the entire process but those were also voted against by the Chairman of GECOM. Gunraj had proposed that the national exercise be conducted within a period of 14 days but GECOM specified a period 25 days subject to review by the Commission.

Another of the motion sought to have a resolution that all members of staff of the Guyana Elections Commission, who were involved in the activities which resulted in controversy, allegations of fraud and legal proceedings in the High Court following Elections on March 2 be removed from active participation in the

recount process.

With the Opposition-nominated Commissioners voting in favour of the motion, and the Government nominated Commissioners against, the GECOM Chair was required to vote break the tie.

Justice Singh, in making her decision, indicated that while the Returning Officers have no role in the National Recount, there was no evidence before the Elections Commission, which support the basis of the motion. She emphasised that the National Recount would be a transparent process, observed by those entitled to be there.

Both Gunraj and Alexander confirmed that the GECOM Chair advised that it would be unwise to have District 4 Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo involved in the process. Mingo was responsible for the tabulation of the SOPs for his electoral

district, when the electoral process was repeatedly disrupted and allegation of fraud leveled against him and GECOM. However, a motion tabled treating with the tabulation process during the National Recount, was approved in part by the Elections Commission, much to Gunraj’s satisfaction.

OLD STUFF In expressing his frustration, Commissioner Alexander said a large percentage of the motions brought by Gunraj, were long decided upon by the Commission, as he pointed to the issue of tabulation of the process.

He explained that while the Commission, approved a motion in part on the issue of tabulation, it was made clear that Region 4 votes will be tabulated parallel to other regions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

COVID-19 poses new risks to vulnerable countries -- Global Report on Food Crises reveals

AN international alliance of UN, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies working to address the root causes of extreme hunger, have released a new edition of their annual Global Report on Food Crises.

The report indicates that at the close of 2019, 135,000,000 people across 55 countries and territories experienced acute food insecurity.

Additionally, in the 55 food-crisis countries covered by the report, 75,000,000 children were stunted and 17,000,000 suffered from wasting in 2019.

This is the highest level of acute food insecurity and malnutrition documented by the network since the first edition of the report in 2017.

Additionally, in 2019, 183,000,000 people were classified in stressed condition -- at the cusp of acute hunger and at risk of slipping into crisis or worse if faced with a shock or stressor, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than half (73,000,000) of the 135,000,000 people covered by the report live in Africa; 43,000,000 live in the Middle East and Asia; and 18,500,000 live in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The key drivers behind the trends analysed in the report were: conflict,

People are gathering to vaccinate livestock such as cows and sheep in the targeted area supported by FAO, in Alhudaidah, Alzaydiah, Yemen (FAO photo)

(the key factor that pushed 77,000,000 people into acute food insecurity), weather extremes (34,000,000 people) and economic turbulence (24,000,000).

Acute food insecurity is when a person's inability to consume adequate food puts their lives or livelihoods in immediate danger. It draws

on internationally-accepted measures of extreme hunger, such as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and the Cadre Harmonisé. It is more severe than / not the same as chronic hunger, as reported on each year by the UN's annual State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. Chronic

hunger is when a person is unable to consume enough food over an extended period to maintain a normal, active lifestyle.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL NETWORK The Global Network against Food Crises seeks to better link, integrate and

guide existing initiatives, partnerships, programmes and policy processes to address sustainably, the root causes of food crises.

The Global Report on Food Crises is the flagship publication of the Global Network and is facilitated by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).

The report is the result of a consensus-based and multi-partner analytical process involving 16 international humanitarian and development partners (in alphabetical order): the Comité Permanent Inter-Etats de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS), the European Union (EU), the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Food Security Cluster, the Global Nutrition Cluster, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Global Support Unit, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana (SICA), the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Diabetic Association, MoPH partner to distribute insulin, test strips for diabetics – GDA President highlights diabetics’ risk of COVID-19

THE Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) and the Ministry of Public Health are partnering to distribute test strips and insulin to help diabetic patients in light of the growing incidence of the novel coronavirus cases locally.

During an appearance on the ministry’s live update, President of GDA, Glynis Beaton, advised diabetics how they can safeguard themselves from

the virus.

Diabetics, she explained, have a weakened immune system which makes them prone to contracting many other diseases including COVID-19.

A diabetic herself, Beaton noted that it is important that persons like herself adhere to precautions, and comply with measures while following their regimen to keep their

diabetes under control.

“As a diabetic, I am deeply concerned after learning that the coronavirus disease affects persons like myself, and that we are at risk of developing the most complicated form of this disease and even death,” she noted.

Those persons living with diabetes, who also have other complications such as kidney and nerve dam-

age or cardiac issues, are also at risk.

“Infections in diabetic patients can either cause the blood sugar to increase and remain that way even with the use of your medication, or it can cause the blood sugar to be reduced causing you to fall into a diabetic coma that can result in death,” the GDA president explained.

Beaton shared some guidelines that diabetic patients should follow.

Diabetics must take all prescribed medication; follow a specially-recommended meal plan; observe the cough and sneeze etiquette; wash hands; stay at home and avoid visitors outside of their home. If they must venture outside, wearing a face mask is compulsory, and if they feel ill, urgent medical consultation must be sought. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

Six road deaths during curfew

GUYANA is currently under a countrywide Coronavirus (COVID-19) curfew from 18:00 hours to 06:00 hours, but, since the April 3, 2020, implementation, there have been five fatal accidents between those hours which resulted in six persons losing their lives.

On April 3, to combat COVID-19, the Government handed down emergency measures which brought a 12-hour curfew There were exemptions made for essential service workers.

Vehicles will only be permitted to work at nights if they can prove that they are only

Jones was proceeding along the centre of Line Dam at a fast rate of speed, and, as he approached a speed bump, he lost control of his motorcycle. As a result, Jones was flung into the air and landed on the roadway.

He was picked up in an unconscious condition by passers-by and rushed to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical staff there.

On April 13,2020, 20-year-old motorcyclist, Raphael Haly, died following an accident at Bartica, Region Seven.

Haly of Robb Street, Georgetown, and also

parts of his body.

He was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Hospital where he succumbed.

On April 13, around 20:55hours, Ron Thomas, 23, was struck down by a car at Moleson Creek on the Corentyne. He died on April 14,2020, while receiving treatment at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

He was reportedly walking to his Moleson Creek home when he was hit by the vehicle.

On April 14, 32-year-old Rakesh Singh, was killed in the fatal accident on the Good

dead on arrival. Benjamin was treated for his injuries.

On April 19, around 21:00 hours, best friends Courtney Marcus, 19, and Ronaldo Simmons, 20, were tragically killed after the car they were in crashed on the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

The car”PVV 7570”was being driven by 29-year-old Steven Roberts. The driver is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in a critical condition. He suffered a punctured right lung, broken ribs and head injuries.

Rakesh Singh

Ron Thomas

Jermain Jones

Raphael Haly

transporting essential workers.

Since the curfew there have been a number of accidents which left several persons dead and others severely injured.

On April 9, 2020, around 22:00 hours, Guyana Defence Force Private, Jermain Jones, died in an accident at Line Dam, Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.

Jones of Sand Reef, Queenstown, Essequibo Coast was riding a red and white 150cc Honda XR motorcycle on April 9, 2020, at the time of the accident. The accident occurred around 18:35 hours.

Bartica was involved in an accident on Sunday, April 12, 2020 and died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, on Monday, April 13,2020.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Haly was in Bartica and had borrowed a friendís motorcycle to purchase food.

According to reports, around 18:35 hours, Haly was riding at a fast rate of speed, and as he approached a speed bump, he lost control of his motorcycle.

As a result, Haly crashed into a utility pool, and sustained injuries to his head and other

Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD.) Singh was a passenger in a motor car PJJ 675 which was driven by 24-year-old Kelron Benjamin.

According to reports, around 22:00 hours, the two men were in the motorcar speeding west along the northern lane of the southern carriageway, when the car collided with a cow that was standing on the said carriageway.

Both were picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where Singh was pronounced

According to reports, the car was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane of the Bagotstown Public Road at a fast rate when the right side front of the vehicle collided with the concrete median on the road.

As a result of the impact, Roberts lost control and careened into a concrete fence on the eastern side of the road and slammed into a utility pole.

All three persons in the car were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where Marcus and Simmons were pronounced dead on arrival.

The wrecked motor car PVV 7570

Courtney Marcus and Ronaldo Simmons

The remains of the mangled car which claimed the life of Rakesh Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

GNNL honours its Administrative Professionals IN spite of the devastation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the world, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) Board of Directors and Management held steadfast to the tradition of honouring their Administrative Professionals during Administrative Professionals Week.

The last full week in April was designated in 1952 by the National Secretaries Association to celebrate the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, executive assistants, personal assistants, receptionists, client services representatives, and other administrative support professionals. It was first known as Secretaries Week but was

Administrative Professionals of GNNL being honoured

later renamed Administrative Professionals Week.

For decades, GNNL has been honouring the relevant staff during this week, and, even in the face of a deadly virus, still stuck to their commitment.

In the form of a small observance in the Companyís boardroom on Friday, the secretaries were acknowledged with delicacies, kind words from the companyís representatives, and a token in the form of a cheque.

Director representing the Chair and Board, Ganesh Mahipaul, said the company must pay respect to its Administrative Staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment. ìIt is our belief that their strength is what we perform on; it is on their strength that we are being praised for good work, and we recognise their contribution, and notwithstanding COVID-19, we still believe that they should be honoured. We isolated in this small grouping because of COVID-19

but we have not distanced ourselves from recognising them, on the basis of their hard work,î Mahipaul said.

Finance Controller of GNNL, Moshamie Ramotar, said that secretaries are the backbone of any department and truly deserve to be acknowledged for the important role they play. ìÖbecause when the bosses are not there, they expect the secretary to perform on their behalf. Sometimes they perform even better than the boss because they know where all the files are and everything. With that Iíd just like to say thank you to all our Adminstrative Professionals attached to the company.

Administrative Professional Christine Jackson, said she had been working at the company for 28 years, and it had been a delightful experience.

She profusely thanked the company for continuously treating the staff with utter love and respect.

GTT apologises for internet disconnections

…says reconnections occurred overnight; stores may need to re-open

GTT on Thursday apologised profusely to a batch of customers whose internet service was disconnected though they said they had made on-time payments, according to a press release.

“Having started the process of vetting claims of payment against proof provided, some 1,200 customers would have had their internet service restored today,” said GTT CEO, Justin Nedd on Thursday. He said that for these customers no reconnection fees nor penalties were applied.

“We are actively examining our payment system to see where something went wrong. But in the interim, we could not in good conscience leave our customers without internet service for any extended period of time – especially now, knowing that so many of us are at home needing to maintain connections with others,” Nedd acknowledged.

The release said GTT had closed its stores weeks ago and had re-directed customers to several other points of payment to support physical distancing and e-commerce as the country tries to manage the spread of COVID-19. Nedd hinted that GTT may need to reopen its stores in the interest of handling transactions directly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday April 25, 2020

‘Techies’ helping make ‘lockdown’ fun

--in bid to take edge off social distancing

By Jared Liddell IN an effort to facilitate the smooth transition from working and learning in a traditional environment to doing it from home, several electronics retailers have taken to selling products that are best suited to this COVID-inspired ‘lockdown’ period, such as desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, as well as other computer-related products at significantly reduced prices.

Some have even been offering what in business parlance is known as ‘bundles’, by throwing in a computer desk and a chair, and if possible some other ancillary appliance, like a printer and so on, for good measure.

The Guyana Chronicle reached out to a sales representative named John at Riaz Computer Center on down-town Church Street, and he said that the company came up with the idea after realising that there will be a greater demand at this time for appliances like laptops and desktops, as both adults and children try to navigate what appears to be fast becoming the new norm where earning a living as well as an education are concerned.

He made the very interesting point that although the selling of computers and other Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-related products is not regarded as an “essential service”, it does not negate the fact that the services they offer are indeed essential. As he went on to explain, not only will adults be working from home, but so too will students as well as other school-age children, and would be in dire need of the relevant tools to be able to carry out the various tasks they will be assigned.

He said that ‘Riaz’ initially started off by offering the package deals at reference to the student community, after noticing that several learning institutions, whether primary, secondary or tertiary, have been moving away from the traditional mode of education delivery and gravitating more to Online learning platforms.

“If persons are gonna have to work from one system, like most of the companies are doing right now, they will need supplies. So, at present, it’s not really all about money for us; it is about assistance; helping out every individual,” John said, adding: “Right now, we know that we have a large customer base; our supporters who we could assist and ensure that they are completely prepared to do what they have to do. And now that they are in need, we can’t just leave them there, so we decided to offer these products at a somewhat reduced cost.”

NOT JUST COMPUTERS Noting that the initiative is not just about laptops and desktops, as there are lots of other items that persons will need to conduct their Online activities at home, John said: “We are trying to help as much persons as possible by reducing prices from as many items as we can; we’re trying to get items to people that’re not available right now; items like headsets, for example. Persons have to work from home, and they would need these items to work, so we are currently working to source them. Sometimes they have a high markup, but we still source them, because it’s what is needed right now. And we are going to work to assist as far as possible.”

NO CONCESSIONS He stated that although ‘Riaz’ has been offering these products at a lower rate than normal, it has not been granted any concessions in terms of tax breaks by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), since the regular duties are applied to the electronic products that the company imports.

Besides ‘Riaz’, Starr Computers has also been offering the public similar deals, particularly of late, with the advent here of COVID-19 and the stringent measures that the health authorities have put in place to keep the deadly disease at bay.

Riaz Computer Center on Church Street, Georgetown

Police flatten ‘ganja’ farms in Berbice River --in latest crackdown in the area in weeks

SEVERAL fields of cannabis were found and destroyed at Gaettroy, on the Berbice River on Thursday by ranks of the Guyana Police Force during a narcotics eradication operation.

The exercise, which lasted almost 14 hours, saw the destruction of in excess of 4,000 plants ranging in height from two to four feet.

Over the last three weeks, the police have destroyed over 87,000 marijuana plants, and seized in excess of 13,850 kilograms of cannabis during eradication operations in just Berbice alone.

The crackdown was carried out in the villages of Ebini, Gaettroy, Bartica and Morgunston, all on the Berbice River.

Proof of what obtained before and after Thursday’s ‘ganja’ eradication exercise on the Berbice River

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

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NRL determined to resume 2020 season by May 28 (REUTERS) - AUSTRALIA’S National Rugby League (NRL) is determined to resume its 2020 season on May 28 despite misgivings by one of its broadcasters due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league commission chairman Peter V’Landys said on Friday.

The NRL, the most popular winter sport in Australia’s eastern coastal states, was interrupted after two rounds but said this month it would return in May, although no details were given of how the season would be structured.

After one of the league’s two broadcasters Channel Nine - which pays A$185 million ($117 million) a year for television rights - described the resumption date as “premature”, V’Landys said

point of difference between Nine and fellow NRL broadcaster Foxtel.

“We have two different broadcasters, one has a different view to the other.

Today is D-Day for me. A decision will be made as to the length of the season,” he added.

“We will meet our contractual obligation to the broadcasters but a decision has to be made.”

Australia has so far avoided the high coronavirus death toll of other countries, with only 78 deaths, largely as a result of tough restrictions on movement that have brought public life to a standstill.

V’Landys said he was confident it was much safer to resume the league now with the rate of infection dropping.

Players shake hands after the round 2 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium on March 22, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) he was convinced it would be safe to play.

“This is like a boxing match, you take a few blows to the head, a few body blows, but you save your best punches to the end,” he said in an interview on a Channel Nine programme.

“I think you’ll find on May 28 we will start and we won’t be a problem.”

V’Landys, the head of the independent board that oversees the game, said he also expected to make a decision on Friday on the length of the season, a

“The facts are for the last 12 days in New South Wales the infection rate has been less than 1%. When we suspended play on the last round the infection rate was 25.5%,” he said.

“The health experts then said we could play, so what’s the difference?

The difference is that it’s much safer now and it’ll be safer in five weeks than it ever has been.

“Why are we going to rob our fans and players because of scaremongering and alarmist rhetoric?”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday April 25, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 6839500) & amp; CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Hashan Tillakaratne-204* (Colombo, 2001) (2) Chris Gayle-333 (Galle, 2001)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first Sri Lankan player to take a Test match hattrick?

(2) Who is the WI with the best bowling figures in a Test match to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Dutch league abandoned for the season (BBC) - THE Eredivisie the top tier of football in the Netherlands - has been abandoned for the season with no title winner and no teams relegated.

The move comes after the national government banned major events until 1 September because of coronavirus.

Dutch football’s governing body the KNVB said “it has become impossible to play out the 2019-20 season”.

Ajax led the table from AZ Alkmaar on goal difference with nine games left but will not be named champions.

Both Ajax and AZ Alk-

maar will go into the Champions League qualifying stages, pending ratification

by Uefa.

No sides will be relegated or promoted, meaning Cambuur - who topped the second tier and held an 11-point gap over the play-off positions will not go up.

Cambuur head coach Henk de John told broadcaster NOS the decision felt “like the biggest disgrace in the history of Dutch sport”.

The KNVB added: “The KNVB is aware that whatever decision had to be made, every option would hurt

somewhere.

“It will be crystal clear to everyone involved, from supporters and players to directors and referees, that public health always comes first.

“Nevertheless, the professional football board is aware that today’s decisions will cause great disappointment in football for some.”

More than 4,000 people have died so far from the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

The Eredivisie has never ended a season without a champion being named since

Ajax were ahead of AZ Alkmaar on goal difference at the top of the Eredivisie it was formed in 1956.

The KNVB added that clubs could not be promoted from the second tier without relegation from the top division, in order to ensure there was no fixture congestion next season.

The body said it consulted with the parties involved and asked them to vote for “no relegation and no promotion” or “relegation and promotion” - but the result returned “no clear preference”,

resulting in the KNVB being left to take the decision.

“Because many rounds still have to be played in the competitions, we believe that we cannot apply promotion/ relegation and that is decided,” the KNVB added.

Third-place Feyenoord will qualify for the Europa League group stages, with fourth-placed PSV and fifthplaced Willem II entering the qualifying stages of the competition, subject to Ue-

fa’s approval.

The Eredivisie Women has also been cancelled without a champion being named, with a Champions League place being awarded to league leaders PSV, while second-placed Ajax enter the qualifying stages.

Football authorities in neighbouring Belgium are expected to decide whether to ratify the cancellation of its top-flight Pro League on Friday.

Five former Osasuna directors jailed for corruption (REUTERS) - FIVE former directors of La Liga club Osasuna and two ex-Real Betis players have been handed prison sentences after being found guilty on a series of corruption charges, a Spanish court filing showed on Friday.

Osasuna’s former managing director Angel Vizcay was given the heaviest prison sentence, of eight years and eight months, for charges including misappropriation of funds, falsification of accounts and sporting corruption.

Former Betis players Antonio Amaya and Xavi Torres were handed prison sentences of one year each for sporting corruption, added the filing, which said this was the first time any convictions had been made in Spain for sporting corruption.

The sentences are subject to an appeal.

Osasuna president Luis Sabalza said he was pleased with the sentence and reiterated that his club had denounced the previous administration which led to them being convicted.

“We are happy. Osasuna were the ones who brought this case to the courts because when we arrived at the club we saw things which we didn’t like and I think the suspicions we had have been confirmed and the courts have done their job,” he said in a statement on the club website.

Betis meanwhile said they were “repulsed” by the actions of their two former players, who they said had “caused unfair damage to our club.

“As it has been proved, Real Betis had

nothing to do with these lamentable actions,” added their statement.

“Real Betis has always played an active part in the fight against corruption in football and in favour of fair play, working hand in hand with La Liga and the other organisations that run our sport.”

La Liga also welcomed the convictions.

“This sentence strengthens La Liga’s fight against corruption and its bid to defend the integrity of football competitions against any attempts of interference be it altering the course of a season or the result of a match,” said a statement from the organisation.

The court filing said it had been proved that the Osasuna directors agreed to pay Amaya and Torres a total of 650,000 euros ($701,935.00) to incentivise them to help Betis beat Real Valladolid in the penultimate match of the 2013/14 season and to lose their final game of the campaign against Osasuna.

Betis, who had already been relegated and finished bottom of the table, beat Valladolid 4-3 while Osasuna won 2-1 against Betis but were still relegated.

Two real estate agents were also convicted for falsifying documents to help Osasuna balance the books for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons and were given prison sentences of nine months.

Vizcay and the other jailed Osasuna directors were also ordered to reimburse the club 2,340,000 euros for the misuse of funds during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Johnny Grave cautiously realistic about 2020 CPL ... believes tournament is important to helping W.I retaining World T20 title

By Rawle Toney CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, believes that this year’s staging of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is unrealistic, but, stressed that unlike any other time, the Caribbean’s most lucrative sporting event, forms part of an important pillar for the West Indies in their quest for a third ICC T20 World Cup title.

Reports had stated that the CPL organizers are hoping that the tournament can still take place as scheduled in September, as plans are being developed to stage it behind closed doors, without overseas players, or in a ‘social-distancing stadium’.

With the Caribbean in lockdown and attempts to stop the spread of COVID-19, CPL organizers are being optimistic that fixtures could be among the first staged globally, though chief operations officer Pete Russell confirmed the league would try to avoid a clash with a postponed IPL season.

“I don’t know how realistic it is, but, I certainly can say that I’m in regular contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board and they will do everything they can do to protect as much as their English Summer as they can,” Grave revealed when asked for his opinion on the possibilities of the CPL happening.

Grave gave some insight into the ECB’s new ‘cash cow’, relating that “they’re entering a new Broadcast relationship with SkySports, which is worth (reportedly) up to 300M Pounds for this summer alone, so clearly the ECB is going to do everything they can to get that tournament going; if that means playing behind closed doors, if means chartering planes to fly players in, or playing under reserved conditions - everyone in the world of cricket is exploring every option and the CPL is doing exactly the same.”

With the West Indies being twotime winners and defending ICC T20 World Cup champions, Grave stressed that “If the world Cup can go ahead of schedule in Australia, in whatever circumstances, then clearly from the Cricket West Indies point of view as defending champions, it’s hugely important for us and our players, who may not have played as much T20 cricket as they perhaps may have expected too; to get some cricket being played and get some preparations.”

“It’s important also for our selectors also to look at the players and select a group of cricketers; not just the best on paper, but also those in the best form.

So (the CPL) is really important and we really hope that the CPL can happen in some way, shape-or-form and I think all the players are reminded that we’re in a very difficult position and I think the fans will need to understand,” Grave said.

In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Chief Operations Officer of the CPL, Pete Russell said he hoped that staging the tournament as planned could be “a sign that the Caribbean is open for business again” once the worst effects of the pandemic have passed.

Russell believes that it’s good that the Caribbean was on locked down early, which prevented the virus from spreading as quickly as it did in North America and Europe.

He added that the CPL will only play if it’s safe to do so, but admitted that they have been approached by a lot of the countries who are anxious to be part of probably the Caribbean’s largest sporting event.

Russell said that while the CPL would not try to compete for eyeballs with the most lucrative T20 league in the world, he hoped that the IPL could “figure out their own window”.

If the tournament does go ahead as planned, it is possible that no overseas players will be involved due to health

concerns and restrictions on international travel.

The CPL’s organizers are also drawing up plans to hold games while maintaining social distancing within a stadium, a situation which would involve all players staying in the same hotels and the tournament being held at one or two venues instead of the planned six.

The picture may become clearer next week, following an ICC meeting via videoconference in which board CEOs will discuss contingency plans, and Russell has been in regular contact with WICB chief executive Johnny Grave to work out how West Indies’ fixtures might affect the competition’s staging.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Cricket authorities consider legal ball tampering (ESPNCRICINFO) - CORONAVIRUS may force the busting of one of cricket’s greatest taboos, as authorities consider the possibility of allowing the use of artificial substances to help polish the red ball under the supervision of umpires in long-form matches, in order to end the need for player to do so with saliva.

The problem posed by the use of saliva to polish the ball is understood to be among the items raised by the ICC’s medical committee to be addressed before cricket can resume, meaning that lateral thinking is required to allow bowlers and teams to continue to find effective ways to shine the ball to help encourage conventional or reverse swing.

Decision-makers well understand the need for the ball to be polished to enable a fair balance in the contest between bat and ball beyond the early overs of an innings.

As a consequence they are open to the option of allowing for the use of an agreed artificial substance to polish the ball under the supervision of the umpires - in the fashion they currently allow the ball to be cleaned by players under supervision.

This would effectively allow for what is currently considered ball-tampering, in the interests of health and safety.

Such a move would likely require flexibility in terms of the substance depending on the ball being used. Kookaburra, Dukes and SG balls, to name three, are all likely to respond better to slightly different substances such as leather moisturiser, wax or shoe polish.

It would also require a degree of flexibility in terms of being allowed at all levels of the game, to prevent players at every level from sharing a ball that has been lathered in saliva.

The two major groups likely to discuss the issue before cricket returns are the ICC cricket committee, set to meet via video conference in late May or early June, and also the MCC’s world cricket committee, which cancelled its most recent meeting, scheduled for Colombo in Sri Lanka in late March.

When asked about the issue of using saliva to shine the ball in recent weeks, the Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were adamant that it would make life intolerable for bowlers if they did not have a means by which to polish the ball to encourage sideways movement in Test matches.

“I think the white ball would be fine, [but] Test cricket would be very hard,”

to his woollen playing shirts or sweaters. “Most fast bowlers used something to help shine the ball; there’s no doubt about that,” Lillee wrote in his autobiography, Menace. “I used spit and perspiration from my oily skin and I discovered that if I wore a pure wool jumper which contained lanolin and rubbed the ball on the jumper, it really glossed up.”

The checklist for a return to play following the coronavirus restrictions will also feature broader issues such as those of travel. “The situation is rapidly evolving and full of significant risk as there is still a lot to learn about COVID-19 which can make decision making difficult. The ICC Medical Committee is working with Member medical representatives to build a comprehensive picture of the issues cricket is facing,” head of the ICC’s medical committee Dr Peter Harcourt said. “Our next step is to create a roadmap for the resumption of international cricket which will include a criteria for decision making and a checklist for what needs to happen.

This will consider everything from player preparation to government restrictions and advisories and bio-bubbles.”

It could be that players will be allowed to manage the ball under the watchful eye of the umpires AFP Hazlewood said. “Bowlers rely on any ball-tampering, there is a hidden histosort of sideways movement in the air,” ry of using artificial substances to help he said. “If you didn’t maintain the ball polish or grip the ball, in addition to the at all for 80 overs it would be quite easy well-documented recent use of sugar to bat after that initial shine has gone. from mints or lollies in combination Whether you use saliva or sweat, maybe with saliva. one person can do it. I’m not sure. It’s In the early part of the 20th century, something that will have to be talked resin was commonly used by bowlers to about when we get back out there and help them to grip and polish the ball. hopefully come up with a solution.”

As the wrist spin bowler Arthur The former Test paceman and current Mailey related in his autobiography: coach Jason Gillespie also tapped into a “Although it was against the law, I wider issue for the game - the fact that must break down and confess that I while traditional, the use of saliva was not always carried powdered resin in my one of cricket’s more hygienic elements. pocket.” Its use was not explicitly “I don’t think anything is off the table,” he banned from cricket in Australia until told ABC Grandstand. “It could be a point 1931, with the allrounder Monty Noble where at the end of each over, the umpires once commenting of English objections allow the players to shine the ball in front that “if they don’t use it, they are very of them but you can only do it then. I don’t foolish”. have an answer to that but it certainly will More recently, Dennis Lillee has be a conversation that will be had. If you quite openly recounted how he used think about it, it is pretty gross.” lanolin, a type of wool wax, to help him Despite the evident stigma of shine the ball after it had been applied

WHAT THE LAWS SAY 41.3 The match ball - changing its condition 41.3.1 The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball. In addition, they shall immediately inspect the ball if they suspect anyone of attempting to change the condition of the ball, except as permitted in 41.3.2 41.3.2 It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball. Except in carrying out his/her normal duties, a batsman is not allowed to wilfully damage the ball. See also Law 5.5 (Damage to the ball).

A fielder may, however 41.3.2.1 polish the ball on his/her clothing provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time.

41.3.2.2 remove mud from the ball under the supervision of an umpire.

41.3.2.3 dry a wet ball on a piece of cloth that has been approved by the umpires.

41.3.3 The umpires shall consider the condition of the ball to have been unfairly changed if any action by any player does not comply with the conditions in 41.3.2.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, April 25, 2020

Hercules endorses fight against covid19 –– cricket coach says training and staying fit crucial during forced off-season

By Clifton Ross

ESSEQUIBO head coach Ryan Hercules is the latest local sports figure to endorse the fight against the covid19 pandemic, as fans and players eagerly await the return of cricket.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Hercules said during these times of isolation, he maintains his condition by doing his own series of physical training.

“Well I have been keeping myself in shape by working out every morning, doing a lot of short sprints, beep tests, squats and core workouts; while trying to eat healthy which is very important”, said the coach.

With social distancing being a part of our daily lives due to the virus outbreak, Hercules revealed some of the advice he has been giving his players.

“My advice first is basically keep safe, practice self-distancing, wear a mask if you go in public and follow all the guidelines by the ministry of health. In terms of training I let my players know how important it is to use whatever space they have at home to get some work done physically and even mentally”.

He continued, “I tell them to reflect on your game from an individual point of view, work out strategies in your head on how you can better yourself.

Most players are finding it hard cause

we never went through a pandemic like this before where you have to train at home, but in the long run they know it’s the best thing to do at the moment till it goes away.(covid 19 coronavirus)”, said the Essequibo head coach.

Cricket like many other sports have been shut down indefinitely with a number of tours and tournaments locally, regionally and internationally being called off.

Regarding Guyana’s current state of lockdown, Hercules said despite missing cricket he is advocating for a longer lockdown period if needed.

“I would agree with a longer lockdown if needed to make sure the safety

of yourself and loved ones, this year’s CPL, Regional cricket or any cricket of the sort is now secondary when it comes to fighting the covid 19 coronavirus”.

The former national youth player turned qualified coach, wrapped up his interview by adding that it is important for all to adhere to the guidelines as it will ensure the longevity of players, fans and the sport.

“Yes, it can be disappointing for players to not play cricket for a few months or even a year, but at this point health and life is more important .There will be more CPL’s and Regional Cricket in the future, as for now we all have to do our part to fight this virus and stay safe”, he ended.

West Indies tour of England postponed till July BBC - THE shutdown on cricket in England and Wales will remain until at least 1 July, meaning the postponement of England’s Test series against West Indies.

No domestic competitions have been cancelled yet, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will meet on Wednesday to discuss the inaugural season of The Hundred, which is due to start on 17 July.

The domestic season, scheduled to start on 12 April, had been delayed until at least 28 May because of coronavirus.

The ECB says it will look to schedule all international cricket between July and the end of September.

England women’s limited-overs series against India - scheduled to start on 25 June - has also been postponed.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority - over and above the playing of professional sport - will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole.

“That’s why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it’s safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if government guidance permits.”

England’s men were due to play three Tests against West Indies, starting on 4 June, followed by visits from Australia, Pakistan and Ireland.

The women were set for two Twenty20 internationals against India, followed by four one-day internationals in July.

After a board meeting on Thursday, the ECB said blocks for domestic firstclass and limited-overs cricket will be included in a new schedule.

ECB planning for matches behind closed doors Harrison said international and county matches could be played behind closed doors, with players and officials potentially staying in a “bio-secure” environment.

He told the BBC that the ECB is “starting to get comfortable with the idea that there won’t be crowds this summer”.

“Much of our planning is now based on what behind closed-doors-cricket might look like,” he said.

“If you talk about the measures the government has got in place through this lockdown and the subtle messaging that’s coming out about the longevity of some of the measures, probably the last lever the government is likely to pull is the one around

mass gatherings.

“That is obviously something for us that impacts the ability to put cricket fans into stadia.”

The ECB will prioritise the most financially important forms of the game, its commitment to broadcasters and the growth of the women’s game.

To that end, the Twenty20 Blast, which was due to begin on 28 May and had 11 rounds of matches scheduled up until the beginning of July, will be pushed as late as possible into the season.

Nine rounds of the four-day County Championship have been lost, but the ECB moved to allay fears that no domestic first-class cricket would be played by stating that a window for red-ball cricket will be scheduled.

The men’s version of The Hundred, which will feature eight city-based franchises, is set to run from 15 July to 14 August, and the women’s competition from 22 July until 14 August.

‘Games could be played in UAE’ Surrey chairman Richard Thompson, whose county will host the Oval Invincibles, said he does not think The Hundred will be held this year.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I can’t see how in a season of four months you could possibly cram

that in with an international schedule, which is crucial; the Blast, which is essential to the counties; and the County Championship, which is still the gold standard.”

Thompson also said it is possible to extend the season by playing matches in the United Arab Emirates.

The MCC Champion County match, the curtain-raiser to the domestic season, was played in Abu Dhabi between 2010 and 2018, and several counties often play pre-season matches in the UAE. The UAE has been less affected by coronavirus than many parts of the world, recording 56 deaths so far.

“Abu Dhabi have made it clear that they could host matches if the season is to be extended,” said Thompson.

“If the season needed two months to finish the competitions, they could potentially host it. Abu Dhabi have got four grounds now and Dubai have got three. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility.

“There’s a significant cost to ship 18 counties to one location and to play a tournament out that way. But if there is no possibility of playing in this country then you’ve got to be creative.”

The suspension of all recreational cricket remains until further notice.

Johnny Grave cautiously realistic about 2020 CPL ... believes tournament is important to helping W.I retaining World T20 title See story on page 21

Johnny Grave Cricket West Indies CEO

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Cricket authorities consider legal ball tampering See story on page 22

Morne Morkel spits on the ball during a practice session

West Indies tour of England postponed till July See story on page 23

Mark Wood of England looks frustrated after following during Day Four of the Third Test match between the West Indies and England at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground on February 12, 2019 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images,)

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020