Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_04_28_2020

TUESDAY 28th April, 2020

' No.105983

15 beat COVID-19 so far

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…as Guyana goes second day without a new case

US injects 05 additional US$ 1.7M into COVID-19 fight PAGE

…Guyana, rest of Caribbean to receive financial aid

Gov’t approves CARICOM’s recount team’s travel to Guyana 03 PAGE

Silvercorp Metals acquires Goldfields in CDN$103M deal The Region Ten Regional Health Emergency Committee (RHEC), in conjunction with the Region Ten Department of Health, has begun screening persons entering the Upper Demerara-Berbice area for the novel coronavirus.

The RHEC has established screening stations at the Bamia Police Outpost, 58 Mile Police Outpost and the Kwakwani Waterfront. Healthcare workers have noted that incoming passengers have been very cooperative. Persons are screened for above-normal temperature, and, if necessary, are referred to the nearest health facility. The operation is conducted from 08:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. In this DPI photo, a truck driver is being screened at the Kwakwani waterfront by a health worker

…Guyana Gov’t welcomes new investment PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

‘Taking the service to the people’ -Health authorities ‘roll out’ mobile COVID-19 testing units, centres -major focus on ‘high-risk’ ECD corridor

By Navendra Seoraj

INSTEAD of sitting back and waiting for cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease to ‘show up’ at various medical institutions, health authorities have taken testing services to communities which are considered ‘high-risk’.

These COVID-19 services are being delivered through mobile sample-collecting units and screening and sample-collecting centres.

The mobile unit’s first stop was at the East La Penitence Health Centre, on Tuesday. The screening/ sample-collecting centres were established on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) at Herstelling; and on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) at Paradise.

“We had a fixed site, where people would go and

which are at a high-risk and those where there is a need for higher testing,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, in a recording released by the Ministry of Public Health, on Tuesday.

While the centres and mobile units were established

to increase the rate of testing, Dr. Boyle said authorities will not test any and everybody. Persons will have to go through a screening process and meet certain criteria before they qualify for testing.

Persons were, as such, asked to visit the mobile unit and the centres only

Medical Professional attached to the Regional Health Services, Region Four, Dr. Mark Vifhuis (Adrian Narine photos)

get their samples taken, but now we have decided to take the services to the people to make it convenient and efficient…the mobile unit is basically a vehicle so we will take it to communities,

The mobile COVID-19 testing unit which was set-up outside of the East La Penitence Health Centre

be tested, the initiative remains necessary because the units are targeting communities where persons, who tested positive for the disease, are from.

“We are going to places where there have been COVID-19 cases before… so we are checking to see if other persons in the areas or communities might have the disease,” said the DCMO. ECD CORRIDOR A specific area, where major focus is being placed, is the ECD corridor, said a Medical Professional attached to the Regional Health Services, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Dr. Mark Vifhuis.

Dr. Vifhuis, who is supervising the facility at Paradise, told the Guyana Chronicle that communities along the ECD corridor are in the

to the public health system on March 10.

Babaoolall, who was from Good Hope, on the ECD, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on March 11. Since then, three of the woman’s relatives had tested positive for the disease, but recovered and were medically cleared.

Considering this case and the many others found on the ECD corridor, Dr. Vifhuis said the ECD is a zone to pay attention to, and, that was why the screening/ sample-collecting facility was placed at Paradise.

He said the idea of the centre is the same as others and was established using protocols outlined by local and international health authorities.

In giving his advice to persons, who would want to utilise the services of the centre, Dr. Vifhuis said persons, who notice signs and

The COVID-19 testing facility which was established at the former Region Four NDC complex (Adrian Narine photo)

if they have symptoms of COVID-19, which, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) include fever, tiredness, dry cough, aches and pains, sore throat and even diarrhoea.

Once persons meet the criteria for testing, a sample will be taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory, where the actual test will be conducted.

As it is now, Guyana is using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method to test persons for COVID-19.

And, according to health authorities, this type of testing takes about seven hours to produce results.

Although everyone won’t

spotlight because a lot of COVID-19 cases have been found in those communities.

“Nationally, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is in the spotlight, moreso the ECD corridor because that is where we have a lot of patients coming from and also persons who are isolated and in quarantine,” said the doctor.

Guyana had confirmed its first imported case of COVID-19 in Georgetown, on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. That patient, Ratna Baboolall, a 52-year-old Guyanese woman, who had travelled from the United States of America to Guyana on March 5, 2020, presented

symptoms of the disease, should call the COVID-19 hotline or the Health Emergency Operating Centre.

Once contact is made, he said there may be instances where health authorities will provide transportation for persons, who may be considered as a suspected case, to travel to the sample-collecting site for the procedure to be undertaken.

This will reduce the chances of suspected COVID-19 cases coming into contact with others by eliminating the use of public transportation.

Health authorities have so far tested 464 persons, of which 74 persons were positive and 390 were negative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

15 beat COVID-19 so far

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…as Guyana goes second day without a new case

THE number of confirmed cases of the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) remains at 74 – a positive sign for Guyana as it wages war against the disease by establishing COVID-19 mobile units. The last case was recorded on Saturday, and although 22 tests have since been conducted, there has been no new recorded case.

“Today we are reporting no new cases. The number of confirmed cases remains at 74,” Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, announced on Monday, while adding that 15 persons have thus far recovered. Last Saturday, the number of recovered cases stood at 12.

“We have tested 464 persons, of whom 390 are negative,” the Public Health Minister further reported while adding that five persons remain in the country’s COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Twenty-four (24) persons are currently in institutional quarantine while fifty-one (51) in isolation. There have been eight (8) COVID-19 related deaths.

Globally, there are approximately 2.8M confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Of that number, more than 193,700 persons have died.

Here in Guyana, the Government, through the Ministry of Public Health, is increasing the number of tests conducted on a daily basis. On Monday, the Public Health Ministry launched its mobile unit at the East La Penitence Health Centre as well as the community COVID-19 facilities of Region#4 at Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara and at Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara.

“As you are aware, Georgetown is the epicenter of the Coronavirus Disease

with 55% of all confirmed cases residing in Central Georgetown,” Minister Lawrence said as she challenged persons with COVID-19 related symptoms to capitalise on the opportunity provided and get tested.

According to WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. However, it was keen on noting that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat and even diarrhoea. “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, contain this disease and get back to normalcy,” Minister Lawrence urged.

Meanwhile, Maternal and Child Health Officer, Dr. Oneka Scott said that, even as the Public Health Ministry continues its fight to stop the spread

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

of COVID-19, it continues to provide vaccines. Vaccination Week in the Americas 2020 spans from April 25 to May 2, and it is the Ministry’s intention that, despite the challenges currently faced, vaccines will be provided as

the need arises.

“Our strategy for this year’s vaccination week is to reduce the size of the clinics by scheduling appointments so that social and physical distancing guidelines are enforced. We encourage parents to embrace this strategy as a part of their civil responsibility towards flattening the transmission curve of COVID-19,” Dr. Scott said.

Guyana has long maintained a successful vaccination programme, and, in 2019, it maintained a vaccination coverage of over 90% for the under 1-year-old population in all the 10 administrative regions and the 13 immunization districts.

“Currently, the Expanded Programme for Immunization has vaccines against 17 diseases and the programme has extended beyond childhood to include adolescents, adults and the elderly,” Dr.

Scott said while noting that healthcare workers have gone above and beyond to ensure that children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. These efforts, she said, are to be highly commended and praised. This year, Vaccination Week is celebrated under the theme “Love, Trust, Protect! #GetVax.” Minister Lawrence also used the platform to applaud the country’s Medex, health visitors, midwives, nurses and community health workers who continue to go the extra mile to keep the nation’s children and communities safe against vaccine-preventable diseases. In her closing remarks, she reminded the nation that “a mask is better than a ventilator, home is better than the ICU. Prevention is better than cure and it’s not curfew, it’s care for YOU!”

Gov’t approves CARICOM recount team’s travel to Guyana A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) high-level delegation will travel to Guyana on Thursday April 30, 2020 to validate the country’s National Recount by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) announced late Monday night.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque had written the Chairman of the NCTF, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo seeking approval for a chartered plane to transport the high-level delegation in and out of Guyana.

That approval was granted when the NCTF held its virtual weekly statutory meeting on Monday.

“Among the decisions taken was the approval of the request from CARICOM for officials to travel to Guyana on Thursday, April 30th for the purposes of overseeing the recount of ballots by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),” Director of Public Information, Imran Khan said in a statement. The independent high-level CARICOM delegation is expected to validate Guyana’s National Recount of the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

On Monday morning, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward explained that Ambassador LaRocque sought approval for the departure of a chartered flight from Guyana to collect the high-level officials, and for its return the very day. The CARICOM

Secretary-General has also asked that a similar arrangement be put in place for the return of the officials upon the completion of the exercise.

Permission to enter and depart Guyana is needed in light of Emergency Measures instituted by the Government to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The country’s international airports – Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport – have been closed to regional and international travel since March 18, 2020.

PCR COVID-19 TEST Ambassador LaRocque, in his communication with Prime Minister Nagamootoo, also indicated that the high-level officials will undergo the World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19 before arriving in Guyana. He noted that arrangements would be made for the officials to be tested in their respective country, however, he requested that the WHO approved PCR COVID-19 test also be administered to the team before they depart Guyana.

Last week, the NCTF granted approval for the CARICOM officials to undergo the PCR COVID-19 test as against the mandatory 14 days quarantine. Approval was granted based on the intervention of President David Granger. President Granger had insisted that “nothing

should be done, or appears to be done, that could delay the start of the recount process.”

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

Now that an arrival date for the CARICOM officials have been announced, it is likely that the Elections Commission will announce a commencement date for the National Recount soon and gazette an order for the recount to take effect.

Already an operational plan and a draft order for the National Recount to take place have been approved.

Last week during a visit to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) – the site of the National Recount – Chairperson of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh said, in light of the global pandemic, GECOM will take all necessary precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of the

CARICOM high-level team that is expected to oversee the process, as well as all other individuals who would be integrally involved.

The NCTF has since provided the Elections Commission with 14 guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease.

CARICOM INITIATIVE The CARICOM high-level team is returning to Guyana having earlier withdrew from the country due to a number of legal challenges that arose.

On the instruction of the CARICOM Chairman, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the high-level team had arrived in Guyana on March 15 to supervise a planned national recount, which had stemmed from an agreement between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

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

However, on March 17, 2020, the high-level team withdrew from the process, after it was beset by several stumbling blocks. A private citizen, Ulita Moore, secured four injunctions from the High Court to

block the recount, on the grounds that it was unconstitutional. Added to that, though President Granger and the Opposition Leader had signed an Aide Memoire agreeing to the recount, CARICOM had requested a legal cover, in the form of a gazzetted order. However, Guyana’s Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-a-Fat, advised against it. According to him, to do so would be to supersede electoral laws, and infringe on the rights of electors.

On April 3, however, GECOM took a decision to proceed with the National Recount after the Full Court had discharged the injunctions and dismissed the Fixed Date Application for Judicial Review filed by Moore on the basis that the challenge ought to have been filed by way of an Elections Petition.

Justice Singh said the decision was taken in accordance with Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates the Commission to “take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.”

But while the Court of Appeal ruled out the possibility of CARICOM supervising the recount, the Elections Commission thought it important to have CARICOM integrally involved to validate the process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

Coronavirus: New Zealand claims no community cases as lockdown eases

(BBC) New Zealand says it has stopped community transmission of Covid-19, effectively eliminating the virus.

With new cases in single figures for several days - one on Sunday - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the virus was “currently” eliminated.

But officials have warned against complacency, saying it does not mean a total end to new coronavirus cases.

The news came hours before New Zealand moved out of its toughest level of social restrictions.

From Tuesday, some non-essential business, healthcare and education activity will be able to resume.

Most people will still be required to remain at home at all times and avoid all social interactions.

“We are opening up the economy, but we’re not open-

ing up people’s social lives,” Ms Ardern said at the daily government briefing.

New Zealand has reported fewer than 1,500 confirmed or probable cases of coronavirus and 19 deaths.

New Zealand’s Director-General of Health, Ashley Bloomfield, said the low number of new cases in recent days “does give us confidence that we have achieved our goal of elimination”.

He warned that “elimination” did not mean there would be no new cases “but it does mean we know where our cases are coming from”.

Ms Ardern said there was “no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand”, adding: “We have won that battle.”

But she said the country “must remain vigilant if we are to keep it that way”.

How did New Zealand

respond to the virus?

The country brought in some of the toughest restrictions in the world on travel and activity early on in the pandemic, when it only had a few dozen cases.

It closed its borders, started enforcing quarantine of all arrivals in the country, brought in a stringent lockdown and mounted an extensive testing and contact tracing operation.

Beaches, waterfronts and playgrounds were shut on 26 March, as were offices and schools. Bars and restaurants were also closed, including for takeaway and delivery.

Ms Ardern said modelling indicated New Zealand could have had more than 1,000 cases a day if it had not brought in the lockdown so early.

She said the country could never know how bad

it would have been but that “through our cumulative actions we have avoided the worst”.

New Zealand’s remote location and easily sealable borders played in its favour when the virus broke out, experts say.

But the government has also been praised for the clarity of its messaging throughout the crisis.

At midnight local time (12:00 GMT on Monday), New Zealand moved from Level Four lockdown to Level Three. That means most businesses will be able to reopen - including restaurants for takeaways - but not those involving face-to-face contact.

New Zealanders are being told to stick to their “bubble” - a small group of close friends or family - and to stay 2m (6ft) away from people.

Mass gatherings are still banned, shopping centres remain closed and most children will remain away from school. New Zealand’s border will remain closed.

What’s happening in Australia?

In Australia, the rise in infections has also slowed considerably in recent weeks.

There were just 16 new cases recorded on Sunday.

Much like in New Zealand, its government has been praised for its response to the crisis and opinion polls show that trust in the country’s leadership has risen.

Restrictions are easing in some areas, with some states planning to relax social distancing rules to permit larger outdoor gatherings this week.

In Queensland from Saturday, people will be free to go shopping for clothes, have a picnic in the park or go for a

swim at the beach as long as it is within a 40-minute drive from home.

Western Australia is also joining South Australia in expanding the national two-person limit on gatherings to 10 people.

However, most Australians are still required to stay at home unless they have essential work, shopping or exercise reasons to go out.

More than a million Australians also downloaded a coronavirus contact tracing app within hours of it being released by the government.

Users of the app will be notified if they have had more than 15 minutes of close contact with another user who tests positive for Covid-19.

There are reports that Australia and New Zealand are considering opening up travel between them but no decision has been made.

Coronavirus: Germans don compulsory masks as lockdown eases

(BBC) Germans have started wearing facemasks outside the home as new rules

Tuesday, April 28, 2020–– 9:00hrs & 10:30hrs

come into force to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The use of cloth masks

is now mandatory on public transport and, in most regions, within shops.

The rules vary among the 16 German states - Bavaria being the strictest, while in Berlin shoppers do not have to wear masks.

But the authorities are moving very cautiously in easing the lockdown.

Across the world countries are coming up with their own guidance on mask-wearing. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advice suggests people should wear protective masks only if they are sick and showing symptoms, or if they are caring for people suspected to have Covid-19.

It says masks are not recommended for the general public because they can be contaminated by coughs and sneezes, and might offer a false sense of security.

German media report that mask-wearing is now re-

quired in school corridors and when children go on breaks, but not in the classroom. Students sit in class spaced apart and there is more frequent cleaning with disinfectant.

Students preparing for their school leaving exams are also back in class. Most German schoolchildren are still at home under lockdown.

The German authorities require mask-wearing at stations and on buses and trains, but not yet on long-distance trains.

Home-made cloth masks are acceptable; people are not expected to wear hospital-style intensive care masks. These are now on sale in station vending machines and at markets.

Monday also saw some further easing of the lockdowns in the Czech Republic and Switzerland, while Italy has set out a detailed plan for easing its lockdown which remains one of the strictest in Europe.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

US injects additional US$1.7M into COVID-19 fight

The United States Government has committed an additional US$1.7M to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean, the US Embassy announced on Monday, even as it challenged other donors to contribute to the global fight.

The announcement comes days after the US made available US$475,000 to Guyana to suppress the spread of the deadly virus.

In a statement on Monday, the Embassy said the US Government, through USAID, is providing life-saving support by coordinating with the Government of Guyana, international humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment.

“The United States Government is committed to assisting the people of Guyana to combat the spread of COVID-19 to prevent illness and

deaths associated with the dreaded pandemic and ultimately improve the quality of life and the economic outcomes of this wonderful country and its people” Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch said.

According to the Embassy, USAID will support infection prevention and control in health-care facilities.

Additionally, major emphasis will be placed on public awareness. Information detailing preventative measures will be disseminated through country-specific media campaigns.

Surveillance and rapid response with case-finding and event-based surveillance for COVID-19 will also be done, the Embassy noted while adding that USAID also helps countries train and support rapid-response teams to investigate cases and conduct contact tracing.

Last week, through the U.S. Caribbean Resiliency Partnership, the Regional Caribbean Office of

…Guyana, rest of Caribbean to receive financial aid

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made available US$475,000 to help address Guyana’s priority areas of laboratory diagnostics and systems strengthening and supplies, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and emergency operation centers.

In the past, the United States Government contributed substantially to improving the healthcare services, systems and infrastructure with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Cervical Cancer and Zika infections.

Support through USAID and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) resulted in Guyana being the first country in the region to attain the 1st pillar in the goal to achieve epidemic US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch control of HIV; by diagnosing at least 90% of those persons estimated to be infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the living with HIV. On Monday, the Embassy chal- United States calls on other donors to lenged other donors to join the fight contribute to the global effort to comto flatten the curve. “Because an bat COVID-19,” the Embassy said.

To date, Guyana has recorded

74 cases of COVID-19 inclusive of eight death. Fifteen persons have recovered since the country recorded its first case on March 11, 2020.

On Monday, the Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence disclosed that a total of 464 tests have been administered – 390 negative.

The Government, through the Ministry of Public Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force, is taking a multifaceted approach at tackling the disease. In its quest to increase testing, the health authorities on Monday rolled out mobile testing units, which are targeting areas considered COVID-19 ‘hotspots’. Added to that, it is constructing the country’s first COVID-19 hospital, and has implemented a menu of measures such as the closure of non-essential businesses and social and physical distancing requirements to prevent the spread of the disease.

Local company helps CDC, minibus GWI tailors services in view of COVID-19 operators stock up on sanitiser

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Monday received a large quantity of locally-produced sanitiser from Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI).

The donation was presented by acting PPDI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gary Hall to CDC Director- General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig at the Kingston Power Plant in Georgetown.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency stated that the contribution is a welcome and timely one, and will be used at the CDCís headquarters, as well as its storage facilities, and will also be shared

with convalescent and elderly homes across Georgetown.

The Guyana Minibus Union also received a similar donation, which was accepted on its behalf by Narine Beepat, who said that the sanitizer will be used to aid in the safety of the travelling public on routes in Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and West Bank Demerara, Berbice and Bartica.

Hall said that the donation is not only part of the PPDIís corporate social responsibility but its desire to assist in any way it can during this period.

Recipients and donors on Monday at the Kingston Wharf where the cherished donation of sanitiser was delivered (MOTP photo)

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has tailored its services to meet the safety needs of citizens., in view of the COVID-19 epidemic.

In a live press update on the company’s Facebook page hosted by the company’s Public Relations Officer Leanna Bradshaw, Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako and Customer Relations Manager Andrea Khan, shared with the public measures that have been put in place to cater to their needs.

Khan said that the offices have now extended their opening hours from 8am– 12pm so that customers can have enough time to visit the office for queries.

Even though the offices are open to the public, Khan highlighted that the company has expanded its online platforms and persons are being urged to make use of those and avoid visiting the offices unless it is absolutely necessary.

“In keeping with social distancing, we are asking customers to make use of our services online, and only if your concern cannot be addressed via phone or other online means, then come in to the office. We have a customer portal on our website to view your balance and make fault reports. You can also get us on WhatsApp on the number 620 1667. We also have a GWI customer app so you can download and have access to all your account information. You can pay bills online, through Bill Express, Sure Pay and post offices, or via MMG,” Khan outlined.

She assured the public that it is also safe to pay at payment agencies.

She noted too, that at this time the company is not delivering bills and doing meter-reading, and as such, persons are being urged to submit their meter readings.

To this end, Shako said that there has not been a waiver in payment of water bills, because of the cost of the service required to ensure that water reaches every home.

However, he noted that the company is working with an estimation system that will be based on the individual’s average monthly water use. If persons are not comfortable with the estimation system, they are free to submit their own meter readings.

FAIR SYSTEM Shako said that he believes the estimation system is one that is fair since it will most likely amount to less than the usual monthly bill. In fact, he noted that there has been a 200, 000 meter cubes increase per day, in consumption since COVID-19. This amounts to a 20 per cent increase.

This, he said, is a result of more persons, homes and places practisng sanitisation methods which include the vast usage of water.

Shako said this increase is somewhat strenuous; however, it is understandable that this is what is necessary to keep everyone safe.

He highlighted that GWI is often confronted with sentiments such as “Guyana is the land of many waters, so

water should be free”, and pointed out that persons are often unaware of the investment to get potable water to their taps.

“The operational cost for chemicals and to produce water is quite expensive.

Chemical costs on the coast alone is approximately 60 million a month. Electricity costs added, takes it to 245 million a month, adding employment and labour to that, it is over 400 million a month. You don’t pay for water, the water is free; you pay for the service. You can go to any river, any canal, and have that water. But for us to ensure that water is drinkable, and safe when it comes to your tap, that is what you pay for. And there are people working 24 hours a day to ensure the water remains potable. In fact, VAT was removed on water, so you just pay water consumption cost,” Shako said.

He also noted that GWI has ceased all disconnections, and is urging consumers who have been disconnected to reach out to the company, so that they can ensure everyone has access to water at this time.

The company has also been working with squatter settlements since the advent of COVID-19 to ensure that they too have access, to keep everyone, especially the children, safe.

Shako urged that if there is any problem pertaining to water, consumers must not hesitate to reach out, as the company is committed to providing the best service they can at this time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

PPP and the delay in the declaration of the elections results MANY Guyanese are asking why it is taking so long to declare the winner of the March 2 Election. This is a legitimate question, after all, it has never taken this long to declare the results of an election in Guyana, or the wider CARICOM region. Of course, if you listen to PPP propaganda, you get the impression that the long delay is all the APNU+AFC’s fault. But nothing could be further from the truth; we are without a result because the PPP has conspired with others to block GECOM from declaring the winner.

As things stand, the Returning Officers of the ten

administrative regions have already submitted their results to the Chief Elections Officer. But the latter was prevented from making the final declaration by the PPP’s use of the courts in a series of suspect cases and other delaying tactics. Each time, the court has made it pellucidly clear that the power to determine the process by which elections are administered lies with GECOM. Anyone who has followed elections in Guyana knows that parties which dispute electoral outcomes must do so via an Election Petition after the elections. The Constitution is crystal clear about this, yet the PPP has sought to get the

court involved in the process while it is unfolding. In effect, that party has been trying to change the rules of the game through a combination of frivolous court cases and outright bullying of GECOM. This is what is at the heart of the long delay we are experiencing. The Opposition Party has clearly decided that it would only permit the election to be duly completed if it is declared the winner.

And what is most disgusting is that it has influenced otherwise level-headed citizens to cosign its grand scheme.

When all else failed, the PPP demanded a recount, although this was correctly rejected by GECOM’s secretar-

iat. Both President Granger and GECOM’s Chairwoman, in the spirit of transparency, agreed to the recount. But that did not satisfy the PPP; they demanded to administer the recount themselves. They insisted that GECOM should adopt their modalities. They want ten weeks’ work to be done in ten days, and they want their friends to administer the recount. They want GECOM to disqualify its officers from the count; they want to be player and umpire at the same time. It is a case of every time you give them an inch, they demand a mile.

So, here we are, almost two months after the election, having to fight the dreaded

Remembering Komal Chand Dear editor,

It is with profound sadness that I feel compelled to add my bit on the passing of Mr. Komal Chand in Cuba where he was undergoing medical treatment.

Our last chat was late last year at a funeral at Canal #1 and although he was not as robust as in earlier years, he still exuded the camaraderie and spirit that characterized him since I knew him in the early seventies.

Candidly, we were never on the same side of the fence. I was Economic and Statistical Advisor to the Manpower Citizens Association (up to Crane Arbitration Tribunal of 1974) when GAWU was battling to dethrone it as the recognized Union for filed and factory employees in the sugar industry. Komal officially joined the Union in 1975 and at year’s end GAWU trounced the MPCA by almost 80% (there was no need for a recount!) when there was arguably the best combo of Minister of Labour and Chief Labour Officer (Winslow Carrington – Freddi Eytle). His tutelage under GAWU’s Pres-

ident Ram Karran (snr.) then became the genesis of what we now regard as his legacy. Alas!

We were again on opposite sides of the fence, since I became Secretary of the Corporation’s Industrial Relations Committee for a year, which included the famous 135 day general strike.

Thereafter, I served on five sugar estates as Personnel Manager so we still were very much engaged along with the Union’s officials – Albert Boodhoo in Berbice and Jewan Jankie at Uitvlugt readily come to mind. Komal’s leadership qualities were always at the fore as General Secretary by then, and often kept over-zealous followers in line.

The central point in the above is that Komal has always put principles above personalities and his ardent pursuit of workers’ welfare and upliftment later saw him playing a pivotal role in the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and on the world stage as well, when he became a member of the World Federation of Trade Unions’ (WFTU) Presidential Council. While I could never be

mistaken for a Marxist –Leninist, some conversations I have had with Komal on my visits (most when GAWU was still headquartered in Regent St.) often veered into politics but there was never any animosity; his keen intellect and sociable personality always prevailed.

In view of the current pandemic, I am sure the appropriate authorities have what it takes to arrange Komal’s remains to be brought for a decent funeral. I note a Guyanese boxing contingent is also stranded in Cuba along with any number of students who wish to return home for now. Additionally, I understand specialist personnel are being sought (hopefully in immunology, epidemiology and pulmonology among others) who will also have to be flown here.

I share his family’s grief and look forward to a speedy closure.

Regards Jagdat Persaud

COVID19 pandemic while the PPP insists on dragging on what has become an impasse. At some point, it must become clear that we cannot sensibly and effectively do both; the PPP must take responsibility for getting the country in this mess. Some citizens have floated the option of power-sharing as a mechanism to address the underlying political and ethnic tensions, but the PPP has flatly rejected that proposal; it wants all the power, despite losing the elections.

We have editorialised many times that while the government was busy governing, the PPP was hatching the plan, which has

unfolded since March 2. It is amazing that Guyana’s oldest political party could be so politically callous; it is either their way or no way at all. But the truth must be told; we must continue to tear off the political masks from their faces, and let all Guyana see them for who and what they really are.

They should not be allowed to get away with fomenting a crisis, and then blame others for it. They are not the innocent ones; they are not the victims, they are the intellectual authors and the practical driver of the impasse that has caused the delay in declaring the true winners of the election.

All these acts were committed during reign of the PPP Dear Editor, I have read the most recent iteration of calls for democracy set out in a letter to the editor by Roy Beepat in the Stabroek News (Sunday April 26th, 2020).

Permit me as a Guyanese of a different persuasion to add another perspective.

Prior to the 2015 elections, Shaka Blair was gunned down in front of his wife and children in Buxton (April 2002) before the advent of the crime wave and before the escape of the five from the Georgetown prison, by a leading member of the Guyana Police Force who enjoyed special privileges and protection by the political leadership and who was never held accountable. That retired officer is now employed by the same political party, democratically elected and in power in 2002. Prior to 2015, Head of the Presidential Secretariat testified under oath that “No African Guyanese was qualified to represent Guyana as an ambassador”.

Prior to 2015 a leading member of the criminal fraternity took out public advertisements on the advice

of his Attorney announcing his active engagement by and support of the Government of the day in suppressing the crime wave. What followed was the ruthless torture and assassination of hundreds of African Guyanese men and women. All these acts were committed during democratic reign by a democratic government.

The acts might be seen by some as a matter of excesses but for part of the population it was, day-to-day, a dread-filled time, a matter of life and death.

So now that there are calls to let democracy reign, we in some parts of the society understand fully what is meant by the Call.

There is an old story of a chicken and pig who said that they would personally contribute to making breakfast. The chicken suggested to the pig that she brings the eggs and he brings the bacon.

Regards Olive B. Sampson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Who dem to condemn Mingo Dear Editor, It is a Mount Everest type uphill task to get any level of understanding of those PPP dramatis personae, in their political novel of horror, deception and character assassination. It is for this reason that I have tried, for many moons I hasten to add, in desperate attempts at psychoanalysing their thought processes but must humiliatingly admit that my efforts have been nothing short of a colossal and dramatic failure.

They have been shouting for all to hear that the Region 4, RO committed electoral fraud which based on their Freedom House Court’s consequential orders, precluded him from any active part in the recount. Then Sase Gunraj, their GECOM mouthpiece was given a golden opportunity by the Madam Chairwoman to settle the matter once and for all. Suited, booted and armed with ten of Jagdeo’s motions, thankfully not of the faecal type, he confidentially took the witness stand, in the GECOM commissioners meeting. Not dissimilar to a well-trained parrot, in full echolalic and robotic mode he repeated that Mingo should not be a part of the recount. The Madam Chairwoman, Ret Justice Singh politely requested of him to substantiate his assertion with supporting evidence. Under this gentle interrogation, the mediocre LLB wilted.

Gunraj took the witness stand with no smoking gun. And even as I grappled with internalising this turn of event, I was concomitantly, for want of a better word, undertaking a personal resuscitation of my shocked psyche as I interrogated my cerebral matter of rationality, as to how all this time these fatuous cretins were shouting and screaming, like a woman in labour, they could have been clueless to Mingo’s alleged crime and shockingly were devoid of any supporting evidence? Bewilder, bemused and baffled, I struggled to determine a motive and resorted to the local vernacular, to add clarity and dramatisation, in articulating my abhorrence at their unforgivable acts. Like a performer on stage I questioned, who dem to condemn Mingo but condone Irfaan Ali’s 19 criminal charges and serious allegations of academic fraud? Who dem to condemn Mingo but condone Jagdeo under whose Presidency the phantom squad murdered hundreds of innocent men while Roger Khan trafficked, with impunity, tonnes of cocaine and guns

from FARC while being protected by PPP? Who dem to condemn Mingo but condoned Dr. Ramsammy actions of acquiring Roger Khan’s spyware?

Who dem to condemn Mingo but condone Ronald Gajraj involvement in the deadly phantom squad? Who dem to say Mingo is not eligible for the recount but condones Irfaan Ali eligibility for the Presidency? Who dem? Who dem?

And even as the electoral process continued its bumpy ride, the associated events were making me more bewildered by the passing day. Enter Bruce Golding, the Head of the OAS observer mission to Guyana and next on the witness stand to bamboozled the rational mind. As his job title suggests, his role was observatory but that either eluded him but more likely the page which defines observe was torn out of his dictionary. Clearly not wanting to abide by his observership status, he in true Bruce Lee fashion did a double summersault and landed in PPP attack arena where he inserted himself with the political mob who was conducting a good 1960type, Mingo lynching. In Shakespearean dramatisation mode, he then ascended Freedom House roof top where he shouted, in full Shaolin attire, “Mingo murdered my uncle 50 years ago and today I am seeking revenge to ensure that he has no part in the recount.” His utterance was not only preposterous at best but also lacked substance or evidence, as we would expect from a PPP surrogate. Again like a performer on stage but much more distressed at this point I demanded to know who dem to condemn Mingo but condoned deadly drugs and arm trafficker Christopher Coke? Who dem to condemn Mingo when they did condone the actions of their government in obstructing Christopher Coke’s extradition to America for drugs and guns trafficking charges?

Who dem to condemn Mingo but did condone the unnecessary deaths of 74 Tivoli residents after the Americans threatened sanctions if he continues to resist Coke’s extradition? Who dem to condemn Mingo but condoned criminality which resulted in him leaving office in disgrace? Who dem to condemn innocent Mingo to a life of no recount when they themselves had condoned deadly criminality and still demanding a right to observe elections internationally?

Who dem? Who dem? Who dem?

Then there Selwyn Pieters, another election observer who was given his election observer break with the OAS.

During his time as an election observer he unashamedly demonstrated his disregard for rules and established norms, as he broke all the rules as it pertains to the UN Handbook On Elections Observership. The attorney was clearly partisan and he flaunted. He took smiling pictures with whoever in PPP he could have gotten his hands on. Said pictures were uploaded, with much fanfare to his Facebook account, for all to see that rules and norms don’t apply to him. He talked until his lips went white as he provided uninterrupted biased interviews to both Guyana Times and Newsroom, both PPP news outlets. He joined the PPP gang of Mingo bashing and in the process slandered the gentleman on his facebook page with impunity. In his jaundiced eyes, Mr. Mingo had 666 inscribed on his forehead which made him the worst thing that transpired during the elections.

PPP terrorist invasion of GECOM with guns followed by the assaulting of the staff was child’s play to him compared to what Mingo alleged to have done. PPP terrorists kicking down the office door of the likely scared Madam Chairwoman, Ret Justice Claudette Singh isn’t worth mentioning on his Facebook wall of judgement. The PPP supporters who burned cane fields, burned properties and burn private cars were innocent protesters that he need not pass judgement on. The PPP protestors that attacked policemen and women were just exercising their rights to peaceful protest and deserved to be respected and supported as such. PPP protesters who dealt two policemen life threatening chops to their arms resulting in compound fractures and hospitalisation were the actions of innocent and innocuous protestors.

PPP protestors who attacked the police, who out of fear for their lives had to hide in a ditch, were simply offering the police a cup of bush tea and a cheese sandwich resulting in the police panicking. The PPP protesters who attacked a school bus transporting innocent kids, with many requiring hospital admissions, have a right to kill and maim as they wish, since we owe them our lives.

Who really are these PPP Scribes and Pharisees? Who dem is Gerry Gouveia, another Mingo basher who acquired the Duke Lodge, under PPP at a way below market price?

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

The challenges for a second term coalition government

Dear Editor

The two major parties persist in claiming election victory. Needless to say, the recount will identify the loser. Should the recount confirm a PPP defeat, the party has already activated the excuse that the process has been rigged. We can therefore expect various voices to chant eternally “cheated, not defeated.”

On the other hand, the APNU+AFC’s victory claim presents a more intriguing case. The coalition, it seems, has pre-purchased no political parachute should its claim crash. It has shown absolutely no interest in setting up a “cheated, not defeated” smokescreen.

Quite the opposite, we hear it daringly asserting that the recount will give it a wider margin of victory. Nowhere in the coalition’s official challenges to the results in the PPP strongholds of Regions 3, 5 and 6, or in its broader allegation of PPP fraud, is it even hinting that the PPP has thereby swindled itself into office. From its composed management of the COVID pandemic to the long-term policy statements from a few key ministers, this is a government adopting a second-term posture, concerned only with the true size of its parliamentary majority.

For supporters of the coalition, if this behavior does not reflect outright confidence in victory, then what does. For those in opposition, however, the bullishness signals that the coalition must have a diabolic plot to derail the recount and to forever bury the truth. The Monday editorial of Stabroek News (“There will be riggers at the recount”), for instance, displays this paranoia.

The newspaper expects the coalition scrutineers to create “confusion and controversies” by using every opportunity to be disruptive during the recount. Maybe, in fairness, we should apply this test to all the political parties.

For what it’s worth, let’s digress to remind ourselves that the nation has conducted a successful

national recount before, viz., the Caricom Electoral Audit of 1998 (the Cross Audit). This recount ensued amidst near civil war, in circumstances that make the present dispute look like a storm in a teacup. Yet, for ten weeks at GECOM HQ, with minimum security and no local or international observers, and in the presence of zealous PNCR activists (myself included), the ballot papers were counted in an atmosphere of placidity.

Plainly, those who have now invested heavily in the coalition-rigging theory would blame the coalition for anything they do not like, even should a freak storm blow out the power at Arthur Chung.

No deep analysis is required to predict that should the recount confirm a coalition victory, the government would still be seen as illegitimate by too many. Even with Caricom’s validation, a coalition government would face an excessive acceptance deficit among masses of PPP supporters, and much of the local news media and civil society. While diplomatic recognition would clear a critical path, the unabated attacks from losers and loathers would surely put the government and country under stress.

To counteract, a second-term coalition government will have to do three things well: (i) upheave and invigorate its anemic political and PR strategy and operations, (ii) competently execute a national exit strategy from the COVID pandemic, and (iii), most critically, radically rethink Guyana’s politics, economics and society (a Guyana 2.0). Even initial steps to point the country in these directions can detoxify and vitalize the nation’s innards.

Regards Sherwood Lowe

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‘Containment measures should remain indefinitely’ -DCMO advises, says COVID-19 pandemic still unfolding

AS Guyana continues to battle an “invisible” killer in the form of the Novel Coronavirus , it remains imperative that the existing containment measures be sustained for “as long as it takes,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle.

Guyana had confirmed its first imported case of COVID-19 in Georgetown on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

That patient, a 52-yearold Guyanese woman who had travelled from the United States of America to Guyana on March 5, 2020, was presented to the public health system on March 10. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on March 11. Since then, three of the woman’s relatives and 70 others have tested positive for the virus, of which eight have succumbed.

In recognising the need to contain the spread of the disease, government has extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the 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.

When asked how long these measures should remain, Dr. Boyle, in an invited

maintains the existing containment measures.

“The measures in place

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

comment, said: “These measures should continue as long as it takes…we would have to use them (measures) until enough persons have contracted the disease and recovered so that there will be very few people who do not have immunity.” This, she said, could take months or even a year because the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding and it would, therefore, be hard to predict a deadline for the existing containment measures.

It was recently reported that Guyana is on course to “flattening the curve” and reducing the spread of the disease. This was according to Resident Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, who noted that this will only remain possible if government

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,” said Dr. Adu-Krow. Already, there have been revised projections which show a reduction in the probable cases, but Dr. Adu-Krow said the new projections can only be maintained if the measures are maintained.

The Ministry of Public Health, using the PAHO/ WHO method, had initially projected 1,400 cases, but a study done by PAHO/WHO found that with every case, another 2.5 persons will be affected within five days if there is no partial lockdown and if persons do not exercise effective social distancing.

“That 2.5, if I infect you, you infect 2.5 others and they infect another 2.5. Within a month we will get over 20,000; it is a simple model but it makes a lot of sense,” said Resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, in a News Room report. Dr. Adu-Krow had said if this should happen, five per cent or 1000 of those infected, would need intensive care and Guyana simply does not have the capacity for this.

This study was, however, done prior to government’s implementation of additional measures, including a curfew. Dr. Adu-Krow, with the use 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, however, be relaxed, Guyana could see about 5,000 cases in no time. Additionally, the past projection of one person infecting 2.5 persons was also revised to one person infecting about 1.5 persons.

“Because of the curfew and other measures we are seeing a drop in the projections…we were seeing a bad curve, but these measures have contributed to a drop in the number of cases,” said Dr. Adu-Krow.

The revised projections are also credited to the work of healthcare workers, who, according to Dr. Adu-Krow, have played their role in ensuring that Guyana does not get to the initial 20,000 projected cases.

Murder suspect apprehended THE suspect behind the gruesome murder of a 52-year-old woman of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was, on Monday, April 27, 2020, apprehended by police at De Kindren Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The youngster, who has been identified as ‘Kevin’ or ‘Gepper’ has since confessed to the murder of Tameshwarie Sonilal. The woman was hacked to death at her Lot 2 Goed Hope, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara home, on Sunday night, between 19:00h and 20:30h.

Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Simon McBean, told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspect

was arrested on Monday morning and is currently assisting the police with investigation into the matter.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Sonilal was in her bed when she was attacked by the young man, who is also from the same village.

She was chopped about her body with a cutlass and a knife. Neighbours who heard her screams responded and found the young man in the house.

However, he managed to escape.

According to reports, nothing was stolen from the woman’s home and the motive behind the incident points to rape.

Sonilal’s lifeless body was discovered with multiple stab wounds. Her

Dead Tameshwarie Sonilal

remains are presently at Ezekiel’s Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy.

Persons living in the neighbourhood described the suspect as a drug addict and a troublemaker.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Distasteful cartoon in KN Dear Editor

The Sunday’s cartoon in Kaieteur News (April 26, 2020) is distasteful. It has nothing to do with the cartoonist trying to make a point about the election being messy and President David Granger and GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh are in a field of flowers, skipping along as they hold each other’s hand, with their free hand each holding a roll of toilet paper, heading towards a pit latrine.

There is a suspicious looking cylindrical object hidden under Justice Singh’s blazer that is sticking out which doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

Among the more decent interpretation people can have from this cartoon is the cartoonist is seeking to suggest Justice Singh’s slip or underwear is showing.

It is unusual to see the slip showing from the hemline not the waistline. A woman of Justice Singh’s stature this style of dressing is unlikely. This lady is always well dressed. She is known for her soberness in attire and has upheld this all the years, in the fine historical tradition of a lawyer and judge. Dressing

with your underwear or underclothes out is never considered decent even though modern trend may suggest otherwise. I find the cartoonist’s depiction offensive to Justice Singh and all professional women whom she has always stood out as an exemplary representative of. It saddens me the newspaper has moved from calling Justice Singh “Fraudette” in the ‘Dem boys seh’ column to now depicting her in a manner that for her and many other would be seen as crude and vulgar.

Editor, this is a woman with class and dignity. It is because of her principles, integrity and for respecting the rules of law in her role as GECOM Chairperson has cause many to put out un-tastefully statements and making lawless accusations. By doing so, they think they would tarnish her reputation and she will back down. (NEWS FLASH SHE AIN’T BACKING DOWN! Regards B. Beniprashad Rayman

City Hall says remain steadfast in fight against COVID-19 Dear Editor The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown wishes to inform the general public that it remains steadfast in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

For this purpose, hand washing sinks were placed at the entrances of Municipal Markets and its contiguous areas, to be used by all members of the public, free of charge. Notwithstanding this, the Council wishes to state that, contrary to news being reported in sections of the media, the Council is neither involved in nor has it granted permission to anyone for the collection of monies to enter its markets or for the use of hand washing sinks placed therewith.

The unauthorized collection of monies by unknown individuals is a crime punishable by law and the Council wishes to encourage the culpable

persons to desist from this dishonest act.

In addition, actions to solicit funds in the name of the organization, from citizens in this regard should be reported immediately to the City Constabulary Headquarters, City Hall Compound, Regent Street, Georgetown or to the Guyana Police Force. Also, the Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick has instructed the Chief Constable (ag) Peter Livingstone to carry out a full investigation into this matter Let us join in the effort to flatten the curve by practicing good hygiene, social distancing and the use of a face mask if we must leave our homes.

Otherwise, let us remain within the confines of our homes, it can save our lives.

Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Silvercorp Metals acquire Guyana Goldfields in CDN$103M deal

9

…gov’t welcomes new investment

VANCOUVER –BASED Silvercorp Metals Inc has entered a definitive agreement with Guyana Goldfields Inc , which sees the former acquiring the Region Seven- based company in a CDN$105M deal.

According to a release from Guyana Goldfields, the transaction “will create a diversified precious metals producer with two profitable underground silver- mining operations in China and a gold-mining operation in Guyana with a strong balance sheet to fund growth opportunities.” Silvercorp is one of the world’s largest silver-producing firms, with its main business interests based in China.

The move comes at a time when Guyana Goldfields has been experiencing turbulent relations with its shareholders, as regards its management of operations here.

According to Guyana Goldfields, under the terms of the transaction with Silvercorps, each holder of shares will have the option to receive, for each Guyana Goldfields share held, C$0.60 in cash or 0.1195 of a Silvercorp common share and this is subject to a maximum cash consideration of C$33.2 million.

“If all Guyana Goldfields shareholders elect to receive cash, consideration for each share will consist of C$0.20 in cash and 0.0796 of a Silvercorp common share (valued at C$0.40 based on the volume weighted average price for Silvercorp common shares for the 20 trading days ended April 24, 2020). Assuming the maximum cash consideration, existing Guyana Goldfields shareholders will own 7.1% of Silvercorp's pro forma basic shares outstanding following the Transaction,” the company said.

As part of the financial negotiations between the two firms, Guyana Goldfields said that concurrently with entering into the Arrangement Agreement, the two companies have also entered into a loan agreement, whereby Silvercorp will lend Guyana Goldfields up to US$15 million with a defined use of proceeds re-

lated to ongoing operations at the Aurora Underground Project, as well as for certain working capital and

With a strong operating history, solid balance sheet and significant underground experience, Silvercorp's man-

large gold-mining opera-

despite its internal and other

economy, by extension.

tions here, the company has

difficulties, to annual gold

“Therefore, the government

contributed significantly,

declarations, and Guyana’s

welcomes this investment that is expected to put the company in a more stable financial position to continue its operations and fulfil its obligations to its shareholders and the Government and people of Guyana.”

According to the government, prior to approval being granted, it will be carrying out the necessary due diligence exercises as required by the laws of Guyana to ensure that there is legal compliance with the proposed transfer of interests, and that matters pertaining to workers’ rights especially, and other important obligations, are satisfactorily

The Aurora Goldmine project in Guyana (Guyana Goldfields photo)

general corporate purposes.

Said Rui Feng, Chairman and CEO of Silvercorp: "This transaction will create a new globally diversified precious metals producer with the addition of Aurora to our growing asset portfolio. We believe this is a rare opportunity to leverage our underground mining expertise and strong balance sheet to unlock value for all shareholders through the development of the Aurora Underground Project as well as aggressive exploration programmes in a proven gold district. We look forward to partnering with the Government of Guyana to make a successful entry into the region, leveraging Guyana Goldfield's existing team and relationships to ensure a smooth transition and continued development that benefits all stakeholders."

On the other hand, Alan Pangbourne, President and CEO of Guyana Goldfields stated: "This transaction provides our shareholders with an immediate and significant upfront premium and exposure to a geographically diverse mid-tier precious metal company.

agement team is well-positioned to fund and continue to advance the underground project at Aurora."

Guyana Goldfields said that its share will benefit from exposure to an immediate premium, enhanced trading liquidity, and a significant re-rating opportunity.It said that the deal reduces development risk given Silvercorp's track record of operational excellence in underground mining over the last 15 years.

In addition, it noted that Silvercorp's balance sheet eliminates the funding risk associated with the Aurora Underground Project, providing access to Silvercorp's strong balance sheet and financing options available to a larger company during these times of uncertain market conditions; and provision of Interim Loan Facility to fund expenditures at the Aurora Underground Project during the period before closing of the transaction.

On Monday afternoon, the Government of Guyana welcomed the news of foreign investment by SilverCorp Metals Inc. It noted that as one of two

addressed.

Several injured Soesdyke smash-up

A late night trip to the creek, beyond the curfew, was cut short for four persons after the driver of the car lost control of the vehicle and slammed into an electrical pole at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Reports are that the driver of the car, known only as ‘Chris’, was allegedly speeding around 21:00hrs Monday when he lost control of the Toyota Fielder wagon, bearing registration HD576.

The car ended up slamming into the electrical pole, wrapping the pole in the process.

The car is registered to a South Ruimveldt-based taxi service.

Two men in ‘boxer shorts’ as well as two young ladies in swim wear were pulled from the car.

They were taken to the Diamond Hospital and reports are that at least two of the occupants of the car sustained critical injuries.

Persons at the scene noted that the driver of the car would have passed a police-check point at Providence. Several boxes of

The car as it was taken away from the scene

fast food and alcohol were found inside the car. Police are investigating the accident. Since the implementation of a nationwide curfew, there have been several

fatal accidents along the roadways. Over the weekend, the police noted that the force will be stringently implementing the curfew.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

‘Massiah dedicated Guyana receives protective his life to the law’ equipment from China …Supreme Court, Bar Association

Keith S. Massiah, SC, OR, Chancellor of the Judiciary

IN expressing deep sadness at the passing of Keith S. Massiah, SC, OR, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, said the late Chancellor and Attorney General served his country with distinction.

“The late Mr. Massiah dedicated his life to the law and served his country with distinction. His long and illustrious career saw him holding the positions of Chancellor of the Judiciary, Attorney General and Professor of Law,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said in a statement on Monday.

Massiah, 93, died on Friday, April 24, 2020 at a city hospital. He served as the Chancellor of Judiciary from 1984–1988. The legal luminary also served as the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs from 1988-1992.

“He was a true legal luminary whose indelible contribution to the jurisprudence of Guyana is known throughout the Caribbean and the Commonwealth. He will always be remembered for his intellectual prowess, and his rich, passionate and poetic judgments. His many landmark judgments in constitutional and public law, as well as criminal cases, changed the legal landscape of Guyana,” the Chancellor said.

It was noted that as Chancellor of the Judiciary, Massiah conducted himself and his court with admirable grace, decorum and integrity. “He was an inspiration to us all,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said, while noting that the legal fraternity has lost a great jurist, orator, teacher and friend.

A special Full Court sitting will be convened to honour the memory and legacy of Massiah when public health conditions

permit. On behalf of the Judiciary, the Chancellor expressed heartfelt condolences to Massiah’s wife, children and other relatives and friends.

On Sunday, the Ministry of the Presidency, on behalf of President David Granger, expressed heartfelt sympathy to Massiah’s wife, Maureen Massiah, CCH, his three children, three grand-children, other relatives and friends.

In that statement, the President acknowledged that the former Chancellor was awarded Guyana’s second highest honour — the Order of Roraima (OR) — for service of an exceptionally high quality and beyond the normal call of duty in the administration of Justice and in the field of law.

The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana also expressed deep sadness at the passing of Senior Counsel Massiah, while hailing him as an exemplary legal luminary.

“The Judiciary in Guyana, in the embodiment of the Bench, may at first glance, be seen to be the substantial beneficiary of the service of the former Chancellor. However, a closer examination of the judicial service of the former Chancellor demonstrates that both the Bench and the Bar benefitted simultaneously from his service. A reading of any judgment written by the former Chancellor highlights the importance of research, scholarship, industry and purity of writing. For those who walk the halls of justice in Guyana, and seek to ascend to the Bench, his is an example to be emulated,” the Bar Council said.

It said Massiah’s shift from the Judiciary to the State as Attorney General is a strong indication that service to the law can be delivered in several ways and through various paths.

The Bar Council noted that his most recent call to service was his role in the Department of Law, as a distinguished professor and a former Head of Department.

“His legacy will leave an indelible impression on the manuscripts of his reported judgments, the content of laws passed in his legal service, and the minds of the legal profession in Guyana,” the Bar Council said while emphasising that the country has benefitted significantly from Massiah’s distinguished service. “The chapters of his legal memoirs may have come to an end, the pages will continue to be turned,” it said, while expressing its deepest condolences to Massiah’s family and friends.

--more to come says China’s Deputy Chief of Mission

GUYANA has received timely support, in the form of protective equipment, from the People’s Republic of China, as the battle against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Public Health, China’s donation, which was made on Monday, comprised 500 protective face masks, 500 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 100 infrared thermometers. Also included in the gift from the Chinese

that Guyana can look forward to more donations from his country, nothing that there is more to come.

The relationship between Guyana and China dates back to 1972 and Xilai wants the two friendly nations to “work together” to win the battle against the deadly pandemic.

Earlier this month, it was reported that China had responded to Guyana’s call for help in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and has so far agreed to send about 30,000 masks, ventilators and other

from India by way of the Indian grant of US$14 million to Caribbean countries.

“It is a low hanging fruit, and we have outlined that Guyana’s allocation will be utilized for supplies relevant to COVID-19.” The government, through the Ministry of Finance, had also requested US$5M from the World Bank. “There have been approaches to international organisations for funding… specific applications have been made to certain banks to address the disease…the Ministry of Finance is active

electoral process is incomplete. This suggestion, the ministry said, is inaccurate because Guyana remains engaged with several of its partners. It was only on Thursday, April 23, 2020 that the United States of America (USA) announced that financial aid to the tune of US$475,000 will be provided to help address Guyana’s priority areas in its fight against COVID-19.

“The Ministry wishes to make it clear that no international or financial institution has linked support

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Collette Adams (left) and China’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Guyana, Chen Xilai, signing the requisite documents before the handing over of the protective equipment

are 500 medical goggles, 500 pairs of disposable gloves and 500 isolation shoe covers.

The donation was accepted by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Health, Collette Adams.

During the handing-over ceremony, China’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Guyana, Chen Xilai, reminded officials how his country has suffered since the COVID-19 outbreak, in the Wuhan Province last year.

Xilai said hundreds of thousands have been affected and some 3,000 died as a result of the outbreak.

Despite the devastating impact of the outbreak in China, Xilai assured Adams

essential medical equipment.

“We have approached China and I have been told that assistance is forthcoming and an estimated 30,000 masks, ventilators and other essential medical equipment are coming to Guyana,” said Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in a past report.

He had said authorities are actively seeking international assistance in the form of financing, which will go towards funding measures to combat the COVID-19 disease.

Speaking about the active search for financing, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said: “We are pursuing assistance

on that front, to approach the CDB, IDB, IMF or wherever, even UN funds,” said the prime minister in a past report.

In clearing the air on Guyana’s eligibility for financial aid, the Ministry of the Presidency had said: “Guyana is not shut out of international aid to fight COVID-19.”

The ministry was directly responding to reports, published in Friday’s (April 24, 2020) daily newspapers, which suggest that foreign partners as well as international financial institutions are unwilling to provide Guyana with financial aid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 disease because the country’s

to the Guyana’s national COVID-19 campaign to the outcome of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections,” said the Ministry of the Presidency. The ministry said no international financial institution has indicated that financial aid has been made conditional upon the completion of the electoral process.

In Guyana, eight persons have died from the contagious virus, 15 patients have recovered and 24 are so far in institutional quarantine. Health authorities have so far tested 455 persons with 53 of those remaining in institutional isolation.

‘Country’ charged for murder of children’s mother

TWENTY-four-year-old Jamol Angus known as "Country" and "Doctor", who allegedly murdered the mother of his two children, appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plea to a charge of murder.

His appearance before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh was made possible through Skype. This was

as a result of the Supreme Court emergency directive with respect to the global pandemic Covid-19, as all "in house" court sittings have been further suspended, and the sitting of the court continues to be conducted remotely.

Meanwhile, on April 15, during a misunderstanding with twenty-one-yearold Vanessa Benjamin, the defendant, of Number 30

Village, West Coast Berbice, inflicted several stab wounds to the victim before attempting to take his life.

The victim’s mother was also injured in the fracas.

The injured persons were transported to New Amsterdam hospital, where Vanessa Benjamin was pronounced dead by doctors on duty.

The defendant and his

mother in law were admitted as patients.

On Monday, he was discharged from the health institution and was promptly charged by Constable 23664 Ali of the Blairmont Police Station.

The Magistrate denied him bail, and he is expected to return to court on June 10.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Alleged COVID-19 conmen remanded

By Svetlana Marshall

THE two men, who were allegedly involved in a COVID-19 medical scam, have been remanded to prison, Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junior, has said.

The men – Randy Persaud and Shiv Delchand – appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 20, 2020. According to Assistant Commissioner Andries-Junior, the Regional Police Division Number Four (C) Commander, Persaud and Delchand were charged with the offence of an attempt to commit a felony to with obtaining money by false pretense on Tishana DeSouza.

According to the Assistant Commissioner, the accused were not required to plead to the indictment and were remanded to prison until June 9, 2020. Persaud and Delchand were arrested by ranks of the Cove and John Police Station on Thursday, April 16, 2020, even as they

had arranged for part of the money to be picked up by his brother at a gas station in the village, caused DeSouza to become suspicious. And though she managed to confirm that her uncle was alive and well, DeSouza agreed to meet with the brother of the self-professed doctor. She

One of the vehicles used by the scammers

One of the men who allegedly teamed up with a fake doctor to solicit monies from people for COVID-19 treatment

This man was seated at the back of the car that the scammer was in. He was also remanded

were allegedly attempting to solicit money from DeSouza to save her “ailing” relative in the U.S. Tishana DeSouza, who lives in Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara, told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspected con artists contacted her family via telephone on April 16, 2020. They had alleged that her uncle, Kwesi DeSouza, who resides in the U.S, was infected with the coronavirus, and needed GYD$360,000 to pay for treatment.

The caller, who reportedly had a deep American accent, had introduced himself as Dr. Raj. He reportedly told DeSouza that the virus was in her uncle’s throat, and would travel to his lungs and kill him if he did not get the treatment within 36 hours.

Repeated calls by the self-professed doctor, who

also had her brother contact the police.

DeSouza stalled the alleged scammers, who were seated in a Toyota Fielder PWW 1446 parked a short distance away from the gas station, until the police arrived on the scene. They were immediately taken into custody. It is unclear, whether the fake doctor resides in Guyana or overseas, and how they identify their targets.

Another Victoria resident, Teacher Iola Jarvis, told the Guyana Chronicle that the alleged conmen had made contact with her one day before they were arrested. Jarvis fell prey to the con artists having been told that her brother in Canada was dying from COVID-19, and needed financial assistance to the tune of $200,000 for treatment.

According to the teach-

er, the suspects had bona fide information about her family, such as their names and details about where they live. They were strategic, Jarvis said, while disclosing that one of the conmen imitated her brother’s voice perfectly. Her brother has been living in Canada for more than 20 years, and they communicate, many a times via telephone.

It is alleged that the men had been soliciting

monies from people on the East Coast of Demerara and other parts of the country for COVID-19 treatment. To date, more than four persons have reportedly stepped forward, indicating to the police that they have either given or were in the process of giving the alleged scammers monies for ‘COVID-19’ treatment to be given to their relatives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Hotel industry to lose over US$4M -- but NICIL CEO says Guyana likely to bounce back faster than other Caribbean countries

By Lisa Hamilton CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Com-

mercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London, estimates that the hotel industry in Guyana will lose over

US$4M in revenue as a result of COVID-19 but will bounce back faster than other Caribbean countries due to unique advantages.

In an invited interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Heath-London said that due to the international travel ban implement-

ed to curb the spread of the virus, accommodation levels at all NICIL guest houses, lounges and hotels are “ridiculously low”.

NICIL Chief Executive Officer, Colvin Heath-London

“Occupancy at all these facilities is way below 10 per cent,” he said. “We’re still open for walk-in customers and we’re trying the keep the staff working during this period.

The Marriott Hotel is owned by Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), a company owned by the Government of Guyana through its shareholding company, NICIL. Some of the other hospitality and accommodation facilities NICIL manages include the Watooka Guest House, the LBI Estate Lounge, the Berbice Inn, and the Skeldon Heritage Resort.

Seeking to maintain job security, staff at these facilities with leave due were sent on leave, while others remain to assist with the daily operations and inventory-related work.

The hope is that the travel restriction will be lifted soon enough to allow for a transition back to normalcy.

“When it comes to the point where we can’t afford to keep the staff working, then we’ll have to make arrangements,” he said.

Over a three to four month period, beginning March, 2020, he estimates that the entire hotel sector in Guyana will lose over US$4M. On the international scale, Tourism Economics reported that the impact to the US travel industry is nine times worse than 9/11 and every eight in 10 hotel rooms are empty.

Prior to the emergence of the virus in Guyana in early March, Heath-London said occupancy levels across the entire hotel sector in Guyana was high as a result of the steady and growing interest in Guyana.

This is primarily as a result of the promising new sector of oil and gas which has attracted business persons from all around the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Caribbean tops 10,000 cases --- Dominican Republic worst, all St. Lucia patients recovered THE total number of coronavirus cases in the Caribbean region has topped 10,000 with the Dominican Republic leading with 6,293 cases, 282 deaths and 993 recovered while Saint Lucia has had 15 cases, 15 recovered and no deaths.

This is information, as of April 27, 2020, coming out of over 30 Caribbean countries with Guyana having the 15th highest number of cases, at 74, with 8 deaths and 12 recovered.

In the hardest hit in the Region, Dominican Republic officials have put in place a national curfew that prohibits all traffic and movement of people from 5pm to 6am.

nal travel in the country, along with several other measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Less than half the country’s number of cases have been seen in Puerto Rico with 1,389 and 84 deaths and Cuba with 1,389 cases, 56 deaths and 525 recovery. Still the three Spanish-speaking countries rank the highest by far in the Region.

On April 13, 2020, Jamaica recorded 73 cases and was managing detection of the virus fairly well, when, suddenly, in a matter of just two weeks, the country’s cases shot to 350.

Reports as of April 27, 2020 state that a total of 178 of those now confirmed has come

with 116 cases, 8 deaths and 59 recovered.

Just on Saturday, the twin island extended its stay-athome order to May 15 and its Prime Minister will address the population on May 10 to advise whether any changes are necessary.

French Guiana, Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados all have cases between 111 and 79 while Saint Maarten, Haiti and Guyana all had 74 cases as of Monday.

In the Cayman Islands there are 70 cases, 1 death and 8 recovered; in the US Virgin Islands there are 59 cases, 4 deaths and 51 recovered; in Saint Martin there are 38 cases, 3 deaths and 24 recovered

Saint Lucia; the latter experiencing full recovery and no new cases.

On Monday, the country’s government announced a relaxation of some of the measures, put in place to prevent the spread of virus but said that the 10-hour daily curfew, zoning and stay-at-home policy would remain in effect.

Its Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet said that the construction sector, private doctors and clinic and local designers, tailors and seamstresses would be allowed to reopen under strict protocols.

“We must have the ability to take decisions quickly, if the situation suddenly changes,”

A Map of the Caribbean Region

Cruise arrivals have been suspended at all ports and coasts and public transportation has suspended services to limit the public’s ability to move freely in urban areas.

Roadblocks have been set up at various points throughout the country, prohibiting inter-

as a result of workplace cluster at one BPO company, Alorica.

Somewhat close behind are Martinique with 175 cases, 14 deaths and 77 recovered; Guadeloupe with 149 cases, 12 deaths and 95 recovered and Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana’s close neighbour,

while Antigua and Barbuda has 24 cases, 3 deaths and 11 recovered.

With COVID-19 cases hovering in the teens and with high recovery rates are Belize, Grenada, Curacao, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and

he said in a media broadcast.

Experiencing the lowest cases thus far are Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, Saint Barthelemy, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Eustatius and Guyana’s neighbour, Suriname with cases between 12 and 2.

No fee to enter Stabroek Market -- M&CC investigating reports of crooks targeting shoppers THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has received multiple reports from persons that they are being charged $100 to enter the Stabroek Market, and another $100 to use the wash sink that was set up in the vicinity of the market.

Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick, told the Guyana Chronicle, on Tuesday, that the municipality does not know exactly who is collecting the monies, but the complaint is being investigated.

“We do not know; we are currently investigating but thus far, no reliable leads to identify the perpetrators. Investigations are continuing,” she said.

Clerk of Markets, Sherlock Lovell, could not be reached for comment, but Jerrick offered that the council has not authorised anyone to collect monies to enter any of the municipal markets or to use the public wash sinks.

“Anyone found doing such will be prosecuted.

Also, I wish to encourage citizens to report promptly, to the City Constabulary or Guyana Police Force anyone who is demanding monies from them for those services,” Jerrick urged.

According to her, the complaints are being investigated with a view to finding the perpetrators. “I wish to signal a strong warning to all of the persons who are participating in such and using this period as an opportunity to exploit others, to cease and desist.”

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, said the M&CC remains “steadfast” in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

“For this purpose, hand-washing sinks were placed at the entrances of municipal markets and its

Hotel industry to lose ...

Last year, Guyana has hosted numerous business expos, tradeshows and conferences while investors poured into the country seeking out joint venture and other business opportunities across sectors.

It is for this same reason that the NICIL Head expects that when travel to the world is reopened, Guyana will benefit from business tourism long before the world’s population ‘warm up’ to leisure

tourism once again.

“It will take some time but Guyana will bounce back a little quicker than the rest of the region because the persons that come to our hotels are mainly business-oriented people unlike in the Caribbean,” he said.

Added to this, he said that Guyana does not have the high amount of rooms [collectively] as in other Caribbean countries which allows the country to face less of a loss in

that regard.

Currently, CARICOM heads are discussing the possibility or re-opening regional borders when the time is right, based on mutually-agreed protocols among countries.

The move is intended to ensure trade and travel among the countries until the world is entirely back to previous international travel arrangements. Even so, Heath-London noted that most guests to hotels

in Guyana come from outside of the Caribbean Region.

When it comes to his assessment of which business of accommodation would be affected the most, he said that this is likely to be small accommodation facilities. Should the government agree to some form of stimulus for the private sector in this regard, he believes that small accommodation facilities should receive priority.

“The smaller lodges would feel

Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick

contiguous areas, to be used by all members of the public, free of charge. Notwithstanding this, the council wishes to categorically state that… the council is neither involved in nor has it granted permission to anyone to collect monies to enter its markets or for the use of the hand-washing sinks placed therewith.”

Lewis reminded that the unauthorised collection of monies by unknown individuals is a crime punishable by law and that the council is encouraging the culpable persons to desist from this “deceitful” act.

“Also, actions to solicit funds in the name of the organisation, from citizens in this regard should be reported immediately to the City Constabulary Headquarters, City Hall Compound, Regent Street, Georgetown or to the Guyana Police Force. Let us join in the effort to flatten the curve by practicing good hygiene, social distancing and the use of a face mask if we must leave our homes.

Otherwise, let us remain within the confines of our homes, it can save our lives,” Lewis stated.

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the squeeze much quicker because of their room count and lack of occupancy and they won’t have much financial reserves,” he said.

“There’ll be need for some stimulus but I can’t speak to the extent. Smaller [facilities] would suffer more and some stimulus might be needed across the sector but the level of that we won’t be able to speak to.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

Patrick Ford memorial boxing tourney still likely in 2020 2020--promoter PROMOTER Alford McDonald is optimistic that the second annual Patrick Ford Memorial boxing tournament will be held in the latter part of 2020 once approval is given by the Guyana Boxing Association(GBA).

McDonald yesterday spoke to Chronicle Sport about his company’s (McDonald Promotion) plans for this year and disclosed that staging of the PFM is high on the agenda.

The former boxer explained that the competition was first scheduled for February 15 but was shifted to July 25. He explained that it has now been postponed indefinitely because of COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am in constant contact with GBA president Steve Ninvalle and he has assured me that once all hurdles are cleared I would be given the go ahead,” McDonald said.

The PFM which McDonald host in conjunction with the GBA, is one of at least two international tournaments held annually by the GBA. The other is the Winfield Braithwaite Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors competition.

According to McDonald, his company had no hesitation in postponing from July.

“The safety, health and wellbeing of the boxers, officials and the general public is of most importance.

While we would want to have this

tournament staged we cannot and will not do so at the expense of the health of the boxing fraternity,” McDonald added.

The last tournament saw Guyana defending against St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. This year it was planned that Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago would have participated.

Meanwhile, McDonald confirmed that two of the Caribbean’s most talented female teenagers will be a part of the tournament headline whenever it is staged.

“Our aim is to expose Abiola and Alesha Jackman to constant international competition. “I am personally impressed of their achievements so far. My intention is to keep exposing these two young women and we at McDonald Promotions will continue to do our part to assist in their development. It is the only way that they will reach their true potential,” McDonald declared.

In an invited comment Ninvalle applauded McDonald’s commitment even in such difficult times. “The PFM is an important tournament to

Chris Gayle calls...

“Don’t even consider seeing the Universe Boss and saying ‘Yow Chris’ because I am telling you this straight up, that’s it.”

Gayle said this backstabbing behaviour from Sarwan was nothing new. Back in 1996, he and Sarwan were roommates when they were playing youth cricket in Barbados.

Sarwan, he said, told Gus Logie and Easton McMorris that he was unable to sleep because he (Gayle) was watching television too late in the night. That accusation, Gayle said, convinced the team management to send him home.

This time, however, the stakes were different.

Sarwan, Gayle said, wanted to take control of the Jamaica Tallawahs. He wanted to be head coach and manager and was prepared to do whatever was necessary to achieve his goals.

In 2017, Gayle had departed the Tallawahs for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots where he spent a couple of seasons. However, he said, he became aware of the

dysfunction that was taking place within the team once Sarwan arrived as an assistant coach, a year later.

“When I left the Tallawahs it was a high-spirited team and the amount of complaints I get when I wasn’t there. The amount of problems they had with Sarwan.

(Andre) Russell was the captain at the time; the amount of problems Sarwan and the captain have, keeping meetings behind the captain’s back and these sort of things.”

Gayle went on to explain that when he returned to the Tallawahs in 2019, Sarwan was telling him that he was going to be the head coach and Donovan Miller was going to be his assistant. “I told Sarwan directly that ‘Sarwan, you have no experience being a head coach. It is not an easy job.”

The Tallawahs named Miller head coach and Gayle said his refusal to back Sarwan’s ambitions began eating away at the Guyanese assistant coach. Gayle said the team, while a good one, underperformed because they were ‘traumatized by Sarwan”.

boxing and we welcome Mr. McDonald’s dedication. We will notify when there is a definitive time for the resumption of boxing. At this point in time I am confident that it will not be within the next three months,” Ninvalle said.

The Patrick Ford Memorial is held in honour of the first Guyanese boxer to fight for a world title.

Patrick Ford ended an eleven-year professional career with a total of 19 victories and four losses. Ford died on November 13, 2011 at the age of 55.

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE “The amount of lies this guy told on the players,” Gayle said.

“Sarwan wanted to put curfew on the players when the games were 8 ‘o’clock at night…he wanted to know why there were so many Jamaicans on the team. You take it upon yourself and say too many Jamaicans on the team.”

Several calls to Sarwan’s Guyana number went to voicemail.

However, Gayle said the news carrying was only part of why he was released by The Tallawahs.

In 2018, Gayle accepted an invitation from Guyana’s Minister of State Joseph Harmon, whom he has known for a long time.

“This is all coming from one visit to Guyana. Apparently, Guyana had their election and the minister invited me to his community and the other side, which the owner is a part of as well, got offended and they all take it personal,” Gayle said.

That said, he claims he harbours no ill will against the owner of the Tallawahs, Chris Persaud, whom he said is a decent person.

FIFA proposes up to five substitutions per match on a temporary basis

By Brian Homewood BERN (Reuters) - FIFA has proposed that teams should be allowed to make up to five substitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as a temporary measure to help cope with potential fixture congestion in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Football has been at a standstill since mid-March but many leagues and federations are still hoping to complete the season but to do so they would have to cram fixtures into a shorter period than usual once play re-starts.

The proposal for more substitutes would have to be approved by soccer’s rule-making organisation IFAB and the final decision would rest with competition organisers, the sport’s global governing body said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

“One concern in this regard is that the higher-than-normal frequency of matches may increase the risk of potential injuries due to a resulting player overload,” FIFA added.

“Each team would now be given the possibility to use up to five substitutions during the match, with the

possibility of an additional substitution remaining during extra time, where relevant,” it explained.

FIFA added that the substitutions would have to be made in a maximum of three slots plus the halftime interval.

The measure would apply to this season and next season plus all international matches until Dec. 31 next year.

FIFA said that “football should only resume when the health authorities and governments say it is absolutely safe and non-disruptive of health services being delivered to the populations.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

On this day day:: Born April 28,, 1942 28 1942:: Mike Brearley

Mike Brearley captained England in 31 of his 39 Tests with an 18-4 winloss record.

–one of England England’’s finest Test captains

By Amlan Chakraborty

(REUTERS) – Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg quipped that Mike Brearley had a “degree in people” - an apt description for a limited batsman who became one of England’s finest captains and penned arguably the best treatise on the subject.

For someone who averaged under 23 with the bat in his 66 Test innings and could not manage a century, Brearley was clearly not an automatic choice for the team.

Yet he still captained England in 31 of his 39 Tests with an 18-4 winloss record, which spoke volumes for the leadership

qualities of a player blessed with legendary man-management skills.

To preside over a dressing room containing, among others, a mercurial Ian Botham or a pugnacious Geoffrey Boycott would have tested any captain but Brearley knew how to blend individuals into a successful group.

The scholarly Middlesex captain studied Classical and Moral Sciences at Cambridge and brought a distinct, cerebral approach to the job.

Though not everybody was convinced of his leadership credentials.

One of his predecessors, Ray Illingworth, branded Brearley: “England’s luckiest

captain”.

There were others too who felt he was fortunate to have the likes of all-rounder Botham, batsman David Gower and bowler Bob Willis simultaneously at their peak.

After his belated test debut at the age of 34, Brearley was shoehorned into the captaincy in 1977, following Tony Greig’s removal due to his involvement in the rebel World Cricket Series.

Under Brearley, England won the Ashes series at home in 1977 and 1981, and also triumphed in Australia.

Critics pointed out that quite a few of Brearley’s wins came against sides weakened by defection to the rebel series and that he never led En-

gland in a test series against the all-conquering West Indies side.

Brearley made his lasting impression in his final series in 1981, taking over the captaincy reins from Botham who resigned two matches into the Ashes series with England trailing 1-0.

Under Brearley, a remarkable turnaround unfolded with Botham as the catalyst.

With the leadership burden off his shoulders, Botham rediscovered his all-round mojo and England won three matches in a row to complete a memorable series victory.

The sight of Brearley, his collar upturned and his hair grey and tousled,

marshalling his bowlers and manoeuvring the field suggested a kind of calm assuredness that few other captains conveyed.

A wicket-keeper in his early years, he was a safe catcher in the slip.

A psychoanalyst since retiring in 1983, Brearley offered deep insights into leadership in his seminal “The Art of Captaincy”.

“The good captain enables talents to flower,” he wrote.

“Like a gardener, he must not prune too hard; but nor can he leave all to nature.

“We should not forget too, that there are many pleasing styles of garden, from the formal symmetry of Fontainebleau to the happy wilderness that was, once, Highgate Cemetery.”

Premier League ramps up plans for resuming season PLANS to resume the Premier League season will step up this week in what has been labelled “Project Restart”.

Arsenal, Brighton and West Ham have opened their training grounds to players for individual work on Monday.

The league is hopeful of a potential 8 June restart and finishing at the end of July to fit in with Uefa’s European competition plans. This would require full training to begin by 18 May. Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart.

It comes as details emerge of a cross-sport working group set-up to discuss options for returning to training.

The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic and all clubs remain committed to playing this season’s 92 remaining fixtures.

All games are expected to be held behind closed doors and the league is considering making some available on free-to-air TV. One issue under debate on Friday will be what “approved stadiums” will be used and whether that will be a limited number of grounds or neutral venues.

However, a return to action still depends on the government’s five tests being met, especially an increase in testing, and meeting social distancing guidelines.

What are the five tests?

It also hinges on the conclusions reached by regular crosssport meetings of senior medical officials discussing the health protocols for competing behind closed doors, which are set to start late this week.

The BBC reported on Saturday how the government has plans for a series of these meetings to help elite sport resume.

The move was described by a source close to the plans as a “quickening of the pace” and intended to help sport resume “within weeks”, if progress was made.

More than 20,000 people in the UK have died with coronavirus.

On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it would

be “difficult” for amateur sport to return this summer due to the “level and scale of interaction” but that professional sport may

be able to return “because of the scale of testing” that could be introduced.

Clubs in Germany’s Bundesliga have already returned to training and the top-flight season is ready to restart on 9 May if given the go-ahead by the government.

In Italy, Serie A sides can return to individual training on 4 May and team training on 18 May after the Italian prime minister announced the first steps in lifting the country’s coronavirus lockdown.

World players’ union Fifpro

says the return of football risks sending a “bad signal”.

“There is a huge logistical and medical/scientific question about testing and protocols but also a social one,” said secretary-general Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.

“We need guidance and protocols on how to return in a healthy and safe manner. Football is a contact sport and we feel very high protection standards are required.

“Are we sending the right message to society, and are we encouraging a healthy return to normal life? Or are we sending a bad signal that football has different rules to the rest of the world?”(BBC Sport)

UEFA releases 236.5 million euros to member associations amid pandemic (REUTERS) - UEFA has released 236.5 million euros ($256 million) to its 55 member associations who are grappling with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s soccer governing body said on Monday.

UEFA said each association would receive 4.3 million euros from a fund earmarked for targeted areas of development but decided to allow each association to “set its own priorities” due to the new coronavirus outbreak.

“UEFA wants to help its members to respond in ways that are appropriate to their specific circumstances,” its president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement here “As a result, we have agreed that up to 4.3 million euros

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin

per association, paid for the remainder of this season and next, as well as part of the investment funding, can be used as our members see fit to rebuild the football community.”

UEFA is considering two possibilities for resuming its Champions League and Europa League competitions — run domestic and European competitions in parallel or complete domestic matches before restarting UEFA competitions in August.

Soccer has been suspended across the continent since March and last week UEFA released nearly 70 million euros of compensation payments to clubs ahead of schedule to help deal with the loss of revenues due to the stoppage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

Australia offer to host England fixtures: ECB THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have revealed Australia and New Zealand have emerged as contenders to host matches to help England complete its season.

The ECB on Friday last extended the delay to the start of its season until July 1 at the earliest, with Australia’s white-ball tour that includes three T20s and three ODIs originally scheduled to start on July 4.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said Friday the board had received “multiple offers” from other countries to help them complete the domestic season.

His comments came after Surrey chairman Richard Thompson earlier said Abu Dhabi had offered to host matches for the ECB. “We’ve had offers as far away as Australia and New Zealand,” said Harrison. “Those offers are on the table.

“I haven’t had anything from Abu Dhabi, but that’s not to say the offer hasn’t been made.”

It’s unclear what offer from Australia was made to the ECB, following Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts joining Harrison and 10 other chief executives on an ICC conference call to discuss responses to the COVID-19 pandemic last week.

The CEOs discussed contingency planning for both the men’s T20 World Cup, as well as the women’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand next year, with planning for both tournament’s

England cricket chief confirms Australia have tabled offer to host England fixtures impacted by coronavirus pandemic continuing as scheduled for now.

CA’s focus remains on ensuring this summer’s four-Test Border-Gavaskar series goes ahead, as well as the T20 World Cup that is scheduled to be played in October and November, as well as the WBBL and BBL domestic T20 tournaments.

A ‘biosecurity’ option – where an international team could serve a quarantine, such at the Adelaide Oval’s under-construction 138-bed hotel in the eastern grandstand – is among the plans being considered.

Roberts has indicated a decision on the T20 World Cup may not be made until August. The tournament requires 15 teams to

fly in and play matches at seven venues around the nation between October 18 and November 15.

And while Harrison said the ECB was still aiming to stage a full home 2020 international season, he warned: “We’re probably getting to the point now where any further delays beyond where we’ve already started planning for will involve losing cricket rather than rescheduling again.”

England’s international season was due to start with three Tests against the West Indies from June 4, and the Caribbean authorities said they were “flexible” about rearranging the tour but would not risk their players’ health just to complete a three-Test series.

English officials remain hopeful they can reschedule all international fixtures in a programme that also includes three more Tests against Pakistan and white-ball matches against Australia and Ireland, from July until September.

It had earlier been reported in the UK media that Australia’s white-ball fixtures may be moved to September.

CWI chief executive Johnny Grave insisted while the West Indies were open to a change of dates, player safety remained the priority.

“Clearly playing in June is now not possible and we will continue our discussions with the ECB and other international boards on trying to find new dates,” said Grave in a statement from the governing body.

“Our respective medical teams are beginning to discuss how this (England) series could be played whilst guaranteeing the health and safety of our players and support team.

“We will be as flexible as we can without compromising the safety of our team,” Grave, himself an Englishman, added.

Even if the two boards find mutually acceptable dates, Britain’s lockdown restrictions would have to ease for the series to take place in England and even rules banning mass gatherings would likely still be in force, meaning matches would have to take place behind closed doors.(Cricket Network)

Yorkshire cancel overseas player contracts for 2020 season YORKSHIRE have cancelled the contracts of the three overseas players they were due to employ in 2020.

No cricket will be played in England and Wales until July 1 at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the structure of the season beyond that unknown.

Spin duo Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) and Ravichandran Ashwin (India) were due to split Championship duties between them for the White Rose, with West Indian Nicholas Pooran flying in for the T20 Blast.

Yorkshire’s players are currently on furlough while

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj

the pandemic plays out, and Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon said: “Firstly, I really appreciate the players’ understanding in this matter.

We have been in regular contact with the players and their agents throughout this Covid pandemic.

“They have been extremely professional and appreciate the uncertainty facing counties at present.

“We hope that we will be able to see them at Emerald Headingley in the future.”

Maharaj was a big hit for Yorkshire in 2019, taking 38 Championship wickets in five matches.

(PA Sport)

British sprinter Henry says will put health before Olympics

Team GB athlete Desiree Henry trains at a golf course in Edmonton, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), London, Britain, April 26, 2020. REUTERS /Tom Jacobs (REUTERS) - British sprinter Desiree Henry will prioritise her health and family’s well-being over competing at the Tokyo Olympics next year if the COVID-19 pandemic has not been brought under control.

The Games were pushed back by a year to July-August 2021 due to the new coronavirus and Henry, a 4x100 metres relay bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Games, urged athletes not to risk their health, saying she wouldn’t “die for the sport”.

“We are more than just athletes and performers that want to entertain people in a crowd. We’re humans that have families and lives to think of,” Henry told Reuters.

“You have to put your health first. I want to live, I want all the other athletes to live and be healthy. If the pandemic hasn’t been sorted by 2021, I would have to put my health first, I have a family to come back to.

“I would personally take a step back, because I’m not trying to say, ‘I’m going to die for the sport’... I’m not going to do that.

“I really do care about my own health and my family and I would honestly encourage others to think outside of being an athlete and just remember you’re an individual where people and family love you.”

With training centres closed due to lockdown measures in the United Kingdom, Henry has been getting her designated daily exercise on a golf course in London.

The 24-year-old said the uncertainty surrounding upcoming events made it mentally tough to “train towards a goal” but she was looking forward to competing in smaller competitions throughout the year.

Henry also said she was not worried about being unable to fulfill her potential but that the Olympics postponement must have hit some athletes hard, particularly those who looked at Tokyo as their swansong.

“It’s probably the hardest for athletes that are either looking to retire, looking to start a family and their sights were set on making the Olympics one more time as the largest pinnacle of our sport,” she added.

“That must be kind of a hard moment where you have to really change everything in your life... I kind of do have age on my side. So I’m not thinking of anything too far ahead in terms of ‘oh, I can never reach my potential’.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

BCA might pay match fees BCA president Conde Riley

PRESIDENT of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Conde Riley says he will try to persuade his Board to pay the match fees of the Barbados Pride franchise cricketers as a gesture of goodwill toward the players.

The members of the Barbados Pride franchise, along with the other cricketers of the five other franchises that took part in in the 2020 West Indies Cricket Championship, have

not received their match fees from Cricket West Indies (CWI) thus far.

Riley told Barbados TODAY that while he had no problem with the BCA paying the match fees of the Barbados Pride players, it was up to the Board to make the decision.

“These are tough financial times but the BCA is always willing to look after its players. I don’t like to see our cricketers being placed at a disadvantage. If CWI are unable at this time to pay the match fees of our cricketers, I will take the matter to my Board and we make a decision on the situation.

These are tough financial times and I don’t want to see any of our cricketers being placed in a position that creates a disadvantage for them. I will speak to my Board and we will reach a consensus on whether we should pay the match fees of our players. I believe that

we should pay our cricketers if CWI cannot do so at this time, but it is not a decision that I can make alone, it is a matter for the members of my Board do decide on,” Riley explained.

The president said only one cricketer in the Barbados Pride team (Kevin Stoute ) played as a play-for-pay contract player during the season and he had already received his salary. Riley acknowledged that the players had received their salaries and it was the match fees that were outstanding.

He pointed out that in the current rough economic times the cricketers needed their money.

“Our cricketers performed well during the season. After the tournament ended because of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Pride were declared champions by CWI. The members of the team are young

men with families and have financial commitments. Therefore they will need their match fees. I will do my utmost to assist them to get it,” the veteran sports administrator said.

In March, CWI discontinued the season due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic after eight of the scheduled ten rounds were completed. Barbados Pride were declared winners of the Headley-Weekes Trophy.

The cricketers that played in the West Indies Cricket Championship are on monthly retainers with the Barbados Pride, Guyana Jaguars, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Jamaica Scorpions, the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

They are contracted under two categories: 90 players are on monthly contracts that are divided into A, B, C and Development. Cricketers

in Category A are paid US$2,666 monthly, those in Category B earn $2000, while the remuneration of those in Category C is $1500 and development players are paid $1000.

The second contracted category is the play-for-pay, where players are paid on a per-match basis. All regional players, across both categories are paid a fee of $1600 per match which is separate from all the allowances including per diem.

According to chief executive officer of CWI Johnny Grave, the governing body of cricket in the region is facing a tough time financially and while all of its contracted players have received their salaries and allowances and others have been given prize money and match fees, there are still some outstanding emoluments to players which CWI is trying to settle as a matter of urgency.

Pakistan’’s Umar Akmal gets three Pakistan three--year ban for match match--fixing approach CONTROVERSIAL Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal was banned Monday from all forms of cricket for three years after pleading guilty to failing to report match-fixing approaches, the country’s cricket board announced.

Umar, who turns 30 in May, last month withdrew a challenge to the charges.

The batsman’s ban is effective from February 20, when he was provisionally suspended by the board under its anti-corruption code, which states a player must report being approached to fix games.

The decision was announced by a disciplinary committee after a brief hearing of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which

charged the player with two breaches.

“The PCB referred the matter to the chairman of the disciplinary committee after determining that the batsman had not requested a hearing,” said the board.

Asif Mahmood -- the PCB’s anti-corruption and security director -- said authorities took no “pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible” for three years on corruption charges, but defended the ban as necessary.

“I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached,” Mahmood added.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brendon Kuruppu-201* (vs NZ, Colombo, 1987) (2) George Headley-176 (vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) Today’s Quiz: (1) When and where did the WI and SA contest a

Test match for the first time?

(2) When and where did SA defeat the

WI in a Test match for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Umar was whisked away by his driver without speaking to the media after the sentence was delivered.

The batsman burst onto the scene with a century in his first Test in 2009, but his career has been marred by disciplinary problems, resulting in various bans and fines.

He was arrested in Febru-

ary 2014 after a scuffle with a traffic warden who stopped him for a signal violation.

Umar last represented Pakistan in two Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka in Lahore last year, falling to first ball ducks on both occasions.

He has so far played 16 Tests, 121 one-day games and 84 Twenty20s for Pakistan.

Umar’s ban is the latest in a series of match- or spot-fixing punishments meted out to Pakistan players.

In 2000, former captain Salim Malik was banned for life and six other players -- including greats such as Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis -- were fined after a judicial inquiry on fixing.

A decade later then-Test

captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned for five years in a spot-fixing case over an incident during the team’s tour of England.

The Pakistan Super League’s second edition in 2017 was also marred by a fixing scandal, resulting in a five-year ban on Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif.

Archer finds his World Cup medal at last

London (AFP) - England’s Jofra Archer said Sunday he’d finally found his World Cup winner’s medal after “going mad” looking for the prized possession following a house move.

The 25-year-old Sussex fast bowler published a photograph of the medal on a bed with the caption: “Randomly searching the guest bedroom and boom.”

Archer, when previously asked about the whereabouts of his medal, told BBC Radio on Saturday: “I had it hanging off a portrait someone did for me and sent to me, I had my medal hanging on that.

“I moved flat and the picture is on the new wall but there’s no medal. I

bados-born Archer establish himself on the global stage as he helped England win their first men’s 50over global title, with his 20 wickets at 23.05 the most taken by any member of the champions’ squad during the tournament.

Archer, who only made his international debut in 2019, was also given the daunting responsibility of bowling the Super Over in the final at Lord’s.

But he held his nerve brilliantly as England edged out New Zealand England’s Jofra Archer has finally found his World Cup in a thrilling finish decidwinner’s medal ed on boundary countturned the house upside in the house so I will keep back when the teams’ down for about a week eyes out for it but I’ve scores were level after but I still haven’t man- gone mad looking for it both regulation play and aged to find it. already.” cricket’s answer to ‘extra “I know it should be Last year saw the Bar- time’.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 28, 2020

FIBA freezes 3x3 rankings BASKETBALL’s global governing body, FIBA yesterday announced that it will freeze the FIBA 3x3 Individual World, Team and Federation Rankings in all categories.

The FIBA 3x3 Rankings, where Guyana is ranked at 152 in the men’s division and unranked for the women’s, are based on the nine best performances of the players in the previous 12 months.

April, according to FIBA, traditionally marks the start of the professional 3x3 seasons.

However, due to the Coronavirus outbreak and in order to protect the health and safety of

players, coaches, officials and fans, FIBA competitions have been suspended since March 13, 2020.

In light of this suspension, the basketball body will freeze all rankings as of April 1, 2020 until the suspension of competitions is lifted by FIBA or until any later date so communicated

by FIBA. Ranking points will still be awarded for events taking place during this period but will only count towards the rankings for the usual 12-month period - when rankings are unfrozen.

The lifespan of the ranking points awarded for events that

Downtime critical to T20 World Cup post--mortem post mortem,, says chief selector ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – West Indies Women chief selector Ann Browne-John says the Caribbean side will use the downtime during the break caused by the novel coronavirus outbreak to critically examine their recent performances, especially in the wake of a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Playing in the 10-nation tournament Down Under, the Windies won just one of their four group matches to finish third in the preliminaries and miss out on the semi-finals for the first time in six appearances.

“As you would be aware, the team did not do as good as we would have liked or we would have expected,” Browne-John said.

“But with the coronavirus we have not been able to get together as we would have liked to and do our post-mortems but we have been doing as much we can electronically.

“So we have been having discussions and have been looking to see where we fell short, what we did good and how can we use this as a learning curve as we move forward.”

West Indies Women won their maiden world title when they captured the T20 World Cup in 2016, beating multiple-time champions Australia in the final in Kolkata.

They failed in their title defence two years ago when the Caribbean played host to the tournament, bounced out at the semi-final stage.

The Stafanie Taylor-led unit were also unconvincing in this year’s showpiece, beating minnows Thailand in their opener but then falling to Pakistan and England, before suffering a washout against South Africa in their final game.

Browne-John said while the current COVID-19 lockdown was frustrating for the players as it kept them out of action, the time away from the game could prove useful.

“We are not sure how soon we would be able to move forward because everyday we realise the dates for lockdown or stay-inside order or going further and further back,” she pointed out.

“I know it’s affecting a lot of sports people, I know it’s frustrating a lot of the girls and a lot of the cricketers but it is something that we have to do if we want to keep safe.

“We’re going to do our work, we will look at what has happened in the World Cup, we will look at the areas we need to build on.”

The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted sports globally and the effects have been also felt in the Caribbean, with Cricket West Indies forced to abort several development tournaments including the Women’s Super50 Cup scheduled to start last month in Guyana.

Browne-John said the inability to stage the tournament had deprived authorities of the chance to assess emerging players.

“We had hoped really that with the regional tournament coming up that we would’ve had a chance to look at so many other players and look at a wide expanse of persons and to see where we can move forward,” Browne-John lamented.

“This has not been able to materialise right now but we hope that we will be able to do it as we move forward.”

took place prior to the freeze will be extended by the duration of the freeze. However, this extension shall not exceed the date of October 1, 2021.

The freezing of the ranking is undertaken with the full support of the 3x3 athletes of the FIBA Players’ Commission, with whom FIBA will continue to liaise before the rankings are unfrozen.

FIBA said they will contin-

ue to monitor the situation on a regular basis and will evaluate the options for the continuation or not of the respective competitions, when and if the situation allows.

The FIBA 3x3 Rankings are a key component of the 3x3 basketball system; federations qualify to national team competitions based on the Federation Ranking and teams are granted privileged access to the professional circuit

- Guyana ranked 152 based on the Team Ranking.

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of ‘street-ball’ played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth

Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly citybased FIBA 3x3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3x3 World & Continental Cups.

On 9 June 2017, 3x3 was added to the Olympic Program, starting from the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Wilson is the Global Ball Partner and Tissot the Official Timekeeper of FIBA 3x3.

Talented female boxer Alesha Jackman

GBA president Steve Ninvalle

PAGE 19

Patrick Ford memorial boxing

Boxing promoter Alford McDonald

tourney still likely in 2020 2020--promoter

Chris Gayle calls Sarwan a ‘snake’

Universe boss unloads on former Guyana captain (SPORTSMAX) - AN angry Chris Gayle has described Jamaica Tallawahs Assistant Coach Ramnaresh Sarwan as a snake and a backstabber in a series of videos in which he explains the reasons behind his move from the Jamaica Tallawahs to the St Lucia Zouks for the 2020 CPL season.

The Jamaica Talllawahs chose not to retain Gayle for the upcoming season, which facilitated the move to the Zouks where he will play under the captaincy of former West Indies captain Darren Sammy if there is a 2020 season.

In the second of three videos posted on Youtube on Monday, Gayle said he believes politics was behind the decision not to retain him and thinks the Sarwan was partially to blame.

The global T20 star said he signed a three-year contract with the Tallawahs in 2019 because it was his intention to end his career wearing the Jamaican colours of the two-time CPL champions.

Gayle suggested that Sarwan after failing to get his support to be team manager turned the owner of the franchise against him. That situation along with some Guyanese politics resulted in the Tallawahs’ decision not to retain him for the upcoming season.

“Sarwan, you are worse than the Coronavirus right now. What transpired with the Tallawahs, you have a big part to play because you and the owner are like this,” he said crossing his fingers. “ You were the one at my last birthday party here in Jamaica on the platform giving big speech (about) how far we coming from.

“Sarwan, you are a snake. You are so vindictive. You are so immature. You still stabbing people in the back.

You’re still carrying news. When are you planning to change?”

Gayle then sent a clear message that whatever relationship there was between the two of them, was over.

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

FIFA says “safety of the players is the main priority” Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

FLASHBACK! West Indies cricketers Ramnaresh Sarwan (L) and captain Chris Gayle (R) meet at midpitch after Gayle hit a four against Australia July 4, 2008 at Warner Park in Basseterre, Saint Kitts during their One-Day International match. Gayle finished with 92, Sarwan with 63, but Australia won with 282 for 8 to West Indies 281 for 6. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/ AFP via Getty Images)

FIFA proposes up to five substitutions per match on a temporary basis See story on page 19

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020