Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_05_04_2020

MONDAY 4th May, 2020

No. 105989

Recount to begin Wednesday ... GECOM chair agrees to live stream, after initially deeming it illegal

... order to be gazetted today

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COVID-19 quarantine cases down to seven 13 President hails contribution of Portuguese to 11 Guyana’s development PAGE

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‘Create a 10 secure home for children’ PAGE

On Sunday, the world celebrated World Press Freedom Day, and, here in Guyana, journalists, amid the observance, were hard at work, ‘staking out’ the Guyana Elections Commission, during a meeting of the commission on the impending national recount.

(Carl Croker photo)

–– Greene urges parents to be responsive, consistent, during COVID-19 crisis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Guyana not wholly responsible for O&G emissions –– local environmentalist scotches rumour Guyana likely to become world’s highest polluter

By Vishanie Ragobeer THOUGH its vast oil-and-gas resources could contribute to the emission of millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), veteran local environmentalist Dr. David Singh believes that Guyana should not be held wholly responsible for that.

Dr. Singh’s position comes in the wake of a recent report put out by Urgewald, a German Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), saying that if all the oil currently in Guyana’s offshore reserves were to be exploited, the resulting carbon emissions from oil alone could be close to 860 million tons, and another 1.7 billion tons from natural gas.

Essentially, what Urgewald is saying is that such huge volumes of greenhouse gases would cause Guyana, a country that is a net carbon sink due to its vast rainforests, to become the country with the highest per capita emissions in the world.

Dr. Singh, who at one time headed Conservation International-Guyana (CIG), couldn’t agree more, in that while the emissions would be significant, and could have detrimental environmental impacts, whether the responsibility for

this should be laid squarely on Guyana’s shoulders is a matter for discussion.

As he was at pains to explain, in the longstanding climate change conversation, there has been debate as to whether a country that produces oil should be the one that bears the full responsibility for the carbon emissions that result from the oil.

“If ExxonMobil produces a million barrels of oil,” he asked, “is that million barrels of burnt carbon to be attributed to Guyana, or should it be attributed to the people who actually finally use the million barrels of oil?”

He doesn’t believe that that should be the case. He explained that you would have to look at the final consumers of the oil.

“If you look at the overall value chain, it is not only the responsibility of the producer, but also the consumer. And Guyana’s oil, and oil in general, ends up in developed countries to fuel or support their lifestyles and their economies,” he said.

Whatever fossil fuels are consumed within the country, and those which are used for the production of Guyana’s oil should, however, be factored into Guyana’s carbon emissions, according

to Dr. Singh.

And even while looking at the value chain and the producers and final consumers, he noted that not much attention is given to those corporations which profit from the production of oil and their responsibility.

As such, he said that the German NGO is correct in predicting that Guyana’s oil will contribute to global emissions, but added that the organization did not factor in the role and responsibility of the oil-producing companies as well.

“I think what they have done is let Exxon go scotch-free at this time,” he said.

In light of Urgewald’s report, too, Dr. Singh stressed that Guyana must remain committed to its ‘green’ agenda, and upkeep its reputation as a responsible nation.

According to him, it is not unusual for countries to be oil producers while at the same time maintaining a ‘green’ image, as Norway has so aptly proven.

However, he contended that Guyana’s current political situation presents some challenges to the country’s “reputation” as a responsible nation.

“If any one of the ministers of government tries to speak about Guyana’s ‘green agenda’, they would be compromised, because of the political

WWF Guianas Director, Dr. David Singh context in which we are operating,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “It becomes almost impossible for them to demonstrate this balance between, on the one hand producing oil and gas, and on the other hand, being a ‘green’ country.”

St Ignatius village erects gate to stem … trench dug to deter motorists illegal border crossings from accessing Takutu River FOLLOWING reports of the frequent usage of illegal crossings by residents along the Takutu River to travel to and from Brazil, the village council of St Ignatius near the town of Lethem has tightened entry and exit points at the village.

Reports are that a gate has been set up at the main bridge which links Lethem with St Ignatius and will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 18:00 hours to 06:00 hours daily. In addition, a roadway which leads to the river was also cut-off by a trench which was dug by the authorities to ensure taxi drivers, who have been making frequent trips to the river with passengers making the illegal trip, are deterred from doing so.

Although a nationwide curfew is in effect, persons in the area continue to utilise illegal crossings to get into Brazil, especially at night.

In addition, the Brazilian author-

ities have implemented an order to close the border crossing at the Takutu Bridge, only allowing essential good vehicles to traverse the area on Thursdays.

Reports are that Toshao Dennis Benedict has put in place a special unit to monitor the movement of persons at St Ignatius. It was noted that the main offenders are taken to the Takutu River crossings by taxi drivers while others have been riding to the riverside to get across to Brazil.

Recently, Brazilian police arrested several persons who were seen crossing the Takutu River. They were found with 400 infrared thermometers which were believed to have been smuggled from Guyana.

Brazil has so far recorded more than 100,000 cases of the global pandemic with over 5000 deaths attributed to the virus.

Workmen erecting a gate at the entrance of a bridge which leads to St Ignatius from the town of Lethem. (Mark Rodrigues photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Recount to begin Wednesday ... GECOM chair agrees to live stream, after initially deeming it illegal

... order to be gazetted today

By Lisa Hamilton SHOULD plans remain on track, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will commence the long-awaited national recount process on Wednesday with an order, expected today, to solidify the process.

This was one of the main decisions coming out of an extremely heated meeting, at the Commission’s Cowan and High Streets office, on Sunday.

The meeting was particularly heated, as members of the media, from their position on the pavement, could hear loud screams emanat-

Commissioner Vincent Alexander (Carl Croker photo) which we will do tomorrow morning, and we’re looking at a start date of the recount process to be Wednesday, May 6, 2020.”

The minor changes include matters in relation to the CARICOM team and a decision to go ahead with live streaming, the latter which drew ‘the heat’ of the discussions.

Commissioner Sase Gunraj (Carl Croker photo) ing from the building, as the Commissioners engaged in a verbal battle on the issue of live streaming the recount.

“Transparency! Transparency!” one Commissioner shouted while another argued that no one should “hide behind the law.”

Coming out of the meeting, a much more composed Commissioner, Sase Gunraj said: “We intend to gazette the Order tomorrow, after some very minor changes

LIVE STREAMING On Sunday, according to Gunraj, GECOM’s Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, decided that the entire tabulation exercise will be live videoed and audio streamed and the entire counting process will be audio streamed.

He said that Justice Singh placed the matter up for discussion, again, as she had reservations about the persons behind the conduct of the proposed live stream.

The Commission is expected to finalise these changes within the Order, at the meeting today.

“Live streaming will in-

ject the necessary credibility and transparency in this process,” Gunraj submitted, while adding that “GECOM has nothing and ought to have nothing to hide in this process, and, as a consequence, that is something that we should focus on.”

Gunraj believes that due to the availability of technology here in Guyana, live streaming should not be a major technical issue.

However, Commissioner Vincent Alexander has questioned the effectiveness of live streaming the procedure to the public as there is no provision for the public to object or intervene should there be a disagreement with the processes.

He is also displeased that Opposition-nominated Commissioners have quoted Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act to justify GECOM’s flexibility to facilitate a live stream, but ignored the provisions altogether, when it comes to the

Commission’s intention to conduct more than a numerical count.

“There is no provision for streaming in any of the legislation so if we talk about streaming we can only go to 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 [of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act] that gives us latitude.

But, at the same time, those who are trying to use that latitude are seeking to object for the use of that latitude for other things,” he said.

Alexander further added: “You want to take away that latitude when it comes to how we conduct the count.

My question is, if you’re transparent, what is it you want to hide in relation to matters such as taking the List, which was used at the place of poll…to determine how many persons turned up to vote and then to check the actual ballots to see if there is a correlation.”

Alexander said that, apart from the live stream, the GECOM Chair indicated that a clear photo should be

taken of the ballot boxes, upon their removal from the containers, for record, and to rule out any claims of tampering. She also would prefer that there be an audio broadcast of the counting process.

Though Alexander does not know how such an audio broadcast would take place with multiple counting stations to be present, he explained the possible reason behind Singh’s thinking.

“The Chairperson is very, very conscious of what is taking place in the media -the electronic media, the print media, and, probably, moreso, on social media.

Therefore, she is trying to respond by lowering that tempo of aggression --- much of which is directed to her --- by doing these things,” he said.

SCRUTINIZING TEAM As it relates to the CARICOM team, Alexander said that the individuals will no longer be described as a “high-level team” but a CARICOM “scrutinizing team” which is still separate and apart from observers.

Unlike observers, during the course of the process, they can express opinions or be asked to express opinions by the District Coordinators, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) or the Commission.

At the level of the work stations, they may only seek clarification.

The scrutinizing team is also expected to provide a report on its observations following the recount.

Should a conflict arise and a resolution does not come from the Supervisors, there is a hierarchy for conflict resolution continuing on to the District Coordinator, CEO and finally the Commission.

Meanwhile, the Chair

did not budge on some matters, such as the objection of the Opposition to the opening of the envelopes to determine whether there were errors by the Presiding Officers (POs) during the election tabulation process.

When it comes to the involvement of local and international observers, this was not largely debated by Commissioners as it was agreed that their initial status stands and they remain invited to the process.

“The elections process has not ended, so the issue of re-inviting observers does not arise. What will happen is a reminder or statement will go out there to say that the observers remain engaged and remain invited to the process to observe as is necessary,” Gunraj said.

He added that, thus far, the Carter Center and the International Republican Institute (IRI) have indicated their interest in sending representatives to Guyana.

Before the recount date, local and international observers, as well as party representatives, will be briefed by the CEO on the guidelines of participation in the process.

While there is an ongoing discussion about whether the Carter Center was denied entry into the country, Alexander said that he has heard two separate accounts of the matter, and, either way, their entry into the country is a matter for the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

Although Gunraj described the meeting as long, tiring and vociferous with “rank disagreement”, Alexander said that he was confident that everything was set for the recount to begin as planned but he could not speak to ulterior motives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Coronavirus: Russia’s cases rise by 10,000 in one-day record (BBC) Russia has recorded 10,633 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, the highest daily rise since the outbreak began in the country.

The increase brings Russia’s total number of coronavirus cases to 134,686, the seventh highest tally in the world.

But Russia’s mortality rate remains low relative to other countries, such as the US, Italy and Spain.

On Sunday, a further 58 coronavirus-related deaths were announced, bringing the total to 1,280 in Russia.

Moscow has been hit particularly hard by the virus, leaving its healthcare system struggling to cope.

Moscow’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Saturday cautioned against complacency, saying the capital was not past the peak of its corona-

virus epidemic.

The mayor said around 2% of residents in the city - around 250,000 people - had tested positive for coronavirus. On Sunday, Moscow’s total number of cases jumped by 5,948 to a total of 68,606.

A strict lockdown has been imposed in Moscow, where its 12 million residents have been ordered to stay at home with few exceptions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said situation remains “very serious”, warning Russians to brace for a “gruelling phase of the pandemic” in the weeks ahead.

Earlier in the week Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, confirmed he had been diagnosed with Covid-19, the first senior minister in the country to

do so.

Mr Mishustin, who was appointed as PM in January, was still being treated in hospital on Sunday. His

Yakushev, became the second senior minister to be confirmed to have Covid-19.

Russia puts big rise down to testing

increase in testing - over 40,000 people a day, in Moscow alone.

They also say up to half of the new cases are people

spokesman said he was feeling fine, enabling him to work from hospital.

On Friday, Russia’s housing minister, Vladimir

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases here is rising steadily each day. The Russian authorities put that down to a big

without symptoms - including those detected through screening, like healthcare workers.

Still, the virus is spread-

ing more quickly now in Russia’s regions - where hospital facilities are far worse than in the capital and where medics have been complaining they don’t have the masks and protective clothing to keep them safe.

And even here, in Moscow, some 1,700 people are being admitted to hospital each day, increasing the strain on the system.

President Putin has extended a nationwide non-working period until 11 May, saying “the peak is not behind us”.

Beyond that, the president said his government will consider gradually lifting coronavirus restrictions from 12 May, depending on the region.

Last week, Mr Putin admitted there was a shortage of protective kit for medics on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

North and South Korea in gunfire exchange after Kim Jong-un reappears (BBC) North and South Korea have exchanged gunfire in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) which divides the two countries.

Seoul’s military said shots from the North hit a guard post

Monday, May 04, 2020 ― 02:30hrs - 04:00hrs

in the central border town of Cheorwon. It said it returned fire and delivered a warning announcement.

Such incidents across the world’s most heavily fortified border are rare.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told US media the shots from the North were believed to be “accidental”.

Meanwhile South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quoted a government official as saying the shots were not likely to have been intentional.

No injuries were reported in the incident. Military officials in the South say there was no sign of unusual troop movements.

There’s a “low possibility” that the shots fired by North Korea were intentional, according to the South Korean military. But at this stage it is unclear how they’ve made that assessment.

Even if it was an accident or a miscalculation, it shows just how important it is for troops to keep level heads in the heavily fortified DMZ to ensure the situation isn’t made much worse.

If it was a more tactical decision by North Korea then that’s a very different matter.

The timing is interesting.

It’s just 24 hours since the North Korean leader Kim Jongun re-appeared after a 21-day absence. There have also been a large number of military drills in the North in recent months to improve readiness to fight an “actual war”, according to state media.

Pyongyang has sometimes used the tactic of escalate to

de-escalate, using its military posturing as leverage in later negotiations.

But any sign of direct fire will be a disappointment to many in South Korea. There has been a lot of work in the last two years to ease tensions between the two countries after President Moon Jae-in met Kim Jong-un. The two sides signed a military agreement - any deliberate shots fired would breach that pact.

The last time the North opened fire on the South happened in 2017 when a North Korean soldier made a dash across the military demarcation line to defect.

The demilitarised zone (DMZ) was set up after the Korean War in 1953 in order to create a buffer zone between the two countries.

For the past two years, the government in Seoul has tried to turn the heavily fortified border into a peace zone.

Easing military tensions at the border was one of the agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries at a summit in Pyongyang in September 2018.

Kim Jong-un’s reappearance in public, reported by North Korean state media on Friday, followed an almost-three-week unexplained absence that sparked intense global speculation about his health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Venezuela says eight killed in foiled ‘invasion by sea’ (AL JAZEERA) Venezuela’s government has said it foiled a marine incursion by “terrorist mercenaries” who attempted to enter the country on speedboats from neighbouring Colombia, adding security forces killed eight of the fighters.

The group landed early on Sunday on a beach in the port city of La Guaira, about 20 miles (32km) from the capital Caracas, Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said in a televised address.

“They tried to carry out an invasion by sea, a group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia, in order to commit terrorist acts in the country, murdering Interior Minister Nestor leaders of the Reverol said the group revolutionlanded early on the ary governcoast of La Guaira, ment,” he about 32km from the capital Caracas [Reuters] said.

Socialist Party leader Diosdado Cabello said eight people were killed and two were detained.

“We have deactivated an attempted incursion of our territory, thanks to intelligence efforts,” Cabello told reporters.

President Nicolas Maduro frequently accuses political adversaries of attempting to overthrow his administration with the support of the United States, which has promised to force him from office through sanctions that have crippled the OPEC nations’ oil exports.

Critics of the governing Socialist Party often dismiss such accusations as stunts used as an excuse to detain opponents of the government.

Maduro has overseen a six-year economic crisis that has left many citizens unable to obtain basic food and medicine and forced nearly five million people to emigrate.

Tough sanctions The US and more than 50 other countries disavowed Maduro after his disputed 2018 election, which they say was rigged, and instead have rec-

ognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the nation’s legitimate interim leader.

But Maduro retains the backing of the country’s armed forces as well as countries including China and Russia, which have harshly criticised the US sanctions.

The US has led a campaign to remove Maduro, increasing pressure in recent weeks by indicting the socialist leader as a drug trafficker and offering a $15m reward for his arrest.

The US has also increased sanctions, cutting off Venezuela’s oil sector to choke Maduro from a key source of hard cash.

In addition to that pressure, Maduro’s government has faced several small-scale military threats, including an attempt to assassinate Maduro with a drone and Guaido’s call for a military uprising, which was joined by few soldiers.

Maduro and his allies say the Trump administration is determined to end Venezuela’s socialist government to exploit the South American nation’s vast underground oil reserves.

PM’s committee to recommend Clico assets for recovery

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Cabinet will be told to move quickly and sell the Clico assets to raise much needed cash and also to float a major bond that could mobilise billions of dollars.

These are two major recommendations that the Prime Minister is to receive from his 22-member committee appointed to prepare a way forward to revive the economy, post the COVID-19 lockdown.

Several members of the committee who spoke with the Sunday Guardian on condition of anonymity, have said the Government was being urged to raise cash in this way rather than significantly increasing the country’s debt stock by massive borrowings, while providing much needed stimulus for the economy.

Some members of the committee are urging the Government to sell the assets in Clico that includes majority holdings in companies like Republic Bank and Angostura, and raise the money for the stimulus and budgetary support.

The construction sector is also being looked at as a major area for investments.

This committee is also

likely to give the Government ideas on what it can do to increase both demand and spending and to get people back to work.

Co-vice-chair of the committee and Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunt said he would neither confirm nor deny the information, but found it to be interesting suggestions.

“I am not discounting what you are saying, but that is why you plan and why you have a team and why you go through the process to get options, and all of those things you mentioned might be or might not be part of the recommendations,” Le Hunte told the Sunday Guardian.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert has already projected that the country’s deficit for 2020 alone will be $15 billion due to the impact of the coronavirus on government revenue, lower crude and natural gas prices and extraordinary spending.

Imbert has proposed that the country borrow part of the money on the local market and has already raised $500 million this way. He has also accessed multi-lateral funding in the sum of US$300 million, over $2 billion (TT) and has parliamentary authority to withdraw up to

US$1.5 billion or $10 billion (TT) from the Heritage and Stabalisation Fund.

Le-Hunte said the shortterm objective of the report will be about how to jumpstart the economy with a focus on creating and sustaining jobs, increasing aggregate demand, increasing spending in the economy, increasing aggregate supply, enhancing and dealing with the social programmes, so that no one is left behind.

“Based on where we are projecting to come out, we are going to have to increase aggregate demand, aggregate spending, create jobs and there are a number of different issues,” Le Hunte said.

He said one way of increasing demand and jump-starting the economy was in the construction sector.

Le Hunte explained, “What we are asking the construction sector is to give us a state of where you are and where you think you shall end, where is your baseline position now post-COVID, what are the types of projects, both in the public and private construction sectors that you have on your drawing board that you feel you could execute immediately, get going, because one way

of increasing spending and getting people back out to work is via the construction sector. What are your projects, what do you need from me as a government to get these projects going?”

Asked if this meant that the Government was likely to spend even more money when there are such budgetary constraints and the flooring of revenue from the energy sector, Le Hunte said it could also mean a re-prioritising of projects.

“What are the construction projects? What are the expenditures that we currently have, what we were presently going and spend money on? Should we be spending it on that? Should we stop those things and refocus our spending in other areas?” He questioned.

The committee’s vicechair said the country also had to look at other areas of revenue since core earnings were insufficient to maintain T&T’s current lifestyle. He was quick to add that if the Revenue Authority was able to ensure that the 200,000 people who are not today paying taxes were to pay their fair share, there will be enough money for the country to function.

He asked: “Are there oth-

er areas for revenue? Are to do all of that. So while I there immediate leakages am fighting this war I need that need to be plugged, to start to think about my and are there new areas of recovery plan even while I revenue we need to explore? am still in the war, because When you look at enhanced if I don’t I will end the war execution capabilities where and then I am now starting do we need to work on im- to put a plan in place.” mediately to improve? What Le Hunte added, “This are some of the social pro- is serious business, this grammes that we have that is a time that T&T needs worked, what are some of all hands on deck, this is the social programmes we not a time for confusion need to add in light of the and bacchanal, we are in new environment that we are serious times. This is not a facing?” time for us to be divided.

The Public Utilities Min- This is a time for us as ister said people may re- best as possible to work turn to work without the t o gether.” full pay they were earning before COVID-19 and the Government had to consider if there will be additional programmes needed to assist those kinds of citizens.

He said this was analogous to fighting a war and the country needed all hands on deck.

“When I win this war I now need to run an economy. There is another war I have to fight because when I come out of this war I will be in a battered Public Utilities state, I need to Minister Robert get people back Le Hunte to work, I need

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

We stand with GECOM

P

REDICTABLY, the PPP has cried foul even before the first ballot box of the imminent recount of the votes of the March 2 election is opened. They have threatened to move to the courts yet again, but worse, they have now decided to swear in Irfan Alli as the next president of Guyana if the recount does not lead to an outcome favourable to them. If anyone doubted those who raised the alarm about the nefarious intentions of that party, then the pronouncements referenced above should remove those doubts. The PPP is up to no good; it is hell bent on keeping Guyana in a perpetual state of uncertainty and possible instability until it bullies its way into office.

But there comes a time when principle and the interest of all of the country have to take precedence over narrow and dangerous partisan posturing. That the PPP is now turning its back on the recount it previously championed should not deter GECOM from discharging its responsibilities under the law. The count must proceed without much delay. The CARICOM scrutineers have arrived and GECOM has put most of the arrangements in place for

the process to begin. To our CARICOM partners, we say thanks and welcome.

The PPP is angry that it did not get to impose its own rules on GECOM. As we have noted in the past, Mr. Jagdeo and company want to be player, umpire, and jury. Nowhere in the world is that allowed to happen. The law is clear on GECOM’s role and the courts have said equally clearly that that body cannot outsource its constitutional mandate. So, let us get on with the people’s business and relieve Guyana of the uncertainty which the PPP is intent on indefinitely prolonging.

This publication is satisfied that GECOM has put in place the most transparent mechanism to guide the recount.

We have said all along that a credible recount must address, in a comprehensive manner, the charges raised by the PPP, the Coalition, and the other political parties.

The preference of the PPP to isolate its concerns in Region 4 and ignore the other regions is simply ridiculous. The PPP is not the only contestant. It is undemocratic and downright wrong to have a recount which caters only to the concerns of one party. GECOM has a responsibility to all electors and parties and to the society at

large.

Towards that end, we endorse the checklist that GECOM proposes to use. It captures the transparency of the process and should satisfy all stakeholders that GECOM is going the extra mile to ensure the exercise is above board. It is our considered opinion that a matter of this importance should sacrifice expediency for integrity. We find it most inconsistent that forces which are charging GECOM with fraud are simultaneously calling for the process to be recklessly expedited and truncated.

The PPP not only wants a truncated recount as far as the regions are concerned, but also are unhappy with a thorough verification of each ballot. For example, Jagdeo has registered his party’s objection to an examination of the counterfoils. He contends that that would compromise the secrecy of the electoral process and as such is against the law. While he points out that there could be inconsistencies between the number of counterfoils and the number of votes cast, he is prepared to leave that unexamined. The question, as always, is why the reluctance to examine clear areas of potential fraud?

The other inconsistency in Jagdeo’s reasoning relates to his assertion that examining the counterfoils is akin to violating the secrecy of the ballot. This is the person who is nevertheless calling for televising the recount. Isn’t that even more an intrusion into the secrecy of the ballot. The PPP is clearly not interested in consistency. This publication takes a strong position against televising the recount. To do so is to set a precedent that would in the long run be difficult to disentangle from.

Finally, we stand firmly with GECOM in its refusal to discard the existing declarations from the ten regions. It is not just a commonsense decision, but one that is grounded in law. Whatever one may think about the accuracy of those declarations, they are thus far official declarations which have not been struck down by the courts.

Commissioner Alexander’s reasoning in that regard is spot on. Let us go through the recount and see what it throws up, before tampering with those declarations. In the end, it is GECOM’s call subject to the law and the constitution.

To the PPP, we say your slip is showing.

A case for Time to bring home stranded Guyanese livestreaming the recount E Dear Editor,

Dear Editor:

S

INCE the 1980s the Open Concept has been the preferred choice for office layouts. This concept is preferred because it lends itself to improved communication amongst the workers, greater team work and enhanced supervision.

Along with those benefits, customers much prefer those types of offices. They prefer them as it gives them greater confidence in the workers that they are dealing with and they relish the fact that they can view their transactions as they are being dealt with. Banks, Insurance companies and generally every company

that caters to the public utilise the Open Concept.

Even some restaurants utilise this concept. When one visits government entities they generally are met with an open layout and you can view the staff as they go about their duties.

That’s why it was surprising to hear Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson using the excuse of protecting the GECOM staff as the reason for not wanting the recount to be livestreamed. The majority of persons who will be working during the recount are accustomed to working in full view of the public, so livestreaming would not bother them one bit. In fact, a majority of those workers would prefer the live stream

as it would work as free advertisement for them to hundreds of potential employers who would be able to view their work ethic and their professionalism as they engage in the recount.

It is transparent however, why Patterson and the coalition are against the livestreaming of the recount as it would show the world the true winners of the elections, or expose those who would seek to corrupt the recount.

I therefore implore the Chairperson of GECOM to acquiesce to the wishes of the majority of Guyanese and give us unfettered access to the recount.

Regards Sherwyn Greaves

XPATRIATES who were unable to return to their respective countries when the curfew/lockdown had commenced, are being assisted by their respective governments to return to their destinations. The American, British, Canadian and now the Trinidad Governments have been assisting their nationals to return home via chartered flights.

It is now 45 days (May 2) since the lockdown became effective (March 18) as it relates to Guyana. My understanding is that there are Guyanese who are stranded in Trin-

idad, Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia. It is certainly not an easy task for our Guyanese compatriots to be going through this prolonged ordeal. There is the likelihood that they are heavily stress sed out, some may have lost their employment, and they are in financial (deficit) problems due to this extended stay overseas.

Tr i n i d a d r e c e n t l y brought home 70 of their nationals from Suriname. Guyana’s authorities should now be addressing this issue. Hence, Mr/Ms. Editor, those in authority such as His Excellency President Granger, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the

Covid-19 Task Force, the Director of Civil Aviation Authority, etc. should now have in place, arrangements to bring our fellow Guyanese home at the earliest opportunity.

Financial and other arrangements such as being quarantined for a period of 14 days, among others, will need to be decided on.

That having been said, it is expected that positive action is required to be taken early. We must continue to display that we are a caring nation and follow what Trinidad did for its 70 nationals.

Sincerely Concerned Citizen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

The President has insisted that GECOM must be allowed to do its constitutional duty Dear Editor

I

T has been contended in your column, in so many letters, that the 23 years of the PPP/C ‘s regime governance has resulted in a new morality. The passage of time has indeed proven such a contention correct, because of the plethora of evidence that have been continuously underlining this view.

There is a new meaning of wrong as against what is right, and this has been because of the unchecked advancement of corruption and other venalities that had become the new barometer for acquisition of both personal gain and material gratification, in which it mattered not the route towards possession, once its goal had been achieved.

What this created was a category of the nouveau riche, whereby its new members, conscious of the social status and power which their newly acquired wealth accorded them, and the patronage and protection under which they sheltered, flaunted their untouchable status, even before the eyes of the law, who would have felt helpless in bringing criminal charges against them, due to complaints filed.

The law had been aware of the powerful political connections which this class had, thus placing them beyond their reach.

One will recall all those voices that had once spoke out against this parasitical collective and their lecherous deeds; not so many, to be precise, as those who recently crawled out from their woodwork with hypocritical voices that seek to condemn a President who has led by all moral examples, and his

coalition government which governance has sought to introduce an entirely new understanding of respect for the law; upholding of human rights, and respect for the constitutional organ of the state, such as the autonomy and the right of GECOM to administrate the holding of free, fair and transparent elections, without the interference of the Executive. The daily attacks on this critical organ of state by the political opposition and its clique of political carnivores, supported by the shocking silence of the supposed elders of conscience, but who have been finally exposed as nothing but a bunch of full-time hypocrites, will be the political topic for years to come.

For a section of this country not to be outright in condemning acts of politically immoral behaviour, moreover, seeking shelter behind the facilitating veneer of their political party, cannot bode well for the often demanded moral behaviour, so often demanded and expected of the nation’s young people. It makes no good sense, a grave contradiction for any child to be aware that his/her parent is becoming enriched by illegal means, stealing; but then listens to the news/read in the papers that a citizen, a low-down dangerous snatcher, as far as that youngster is concerned, is sent to jail for the offence, which pales in scope to what he/she is aware is being carried out by a parent. If this is the new moral norm, then those guilty of such criminal indecencies are guilty of undermining the future spiritual and moral development of the very young, while concomitantly distorting their understanding of being citizens, in its true sense.

It is a shame, in every way a serious deg-

radation of the standard of a political party’s choice of a presidential candidate, that had been selected as nominee, really a puppet, for the nation’s highest office, despite being before the court for 19 criminal charges, and whose academic certification is as cloudy and questionable, because of the contradictions that have arisen about their origins. It does not become any better, when our mainstream diplomatic community has struck up a more than cosy relationship with such a candidate.

Notable has been the absence of those very so-called conscientious citizens, none of whose voices had ever been raised in protestation over the scandal of the PPP/C presidential nominee and his “Uitvlugt University” certification. But it is interesting to note that one of them spoke about the president having a last chance to ‘’redeem himself’’.

All that the president insisted on, as he still would do, is for GECOM to do its constitutional duty. How convenient that this particular Guyanese to not remember, as well as the others, to give such a ‘’last chance for redemption’’ advice to a political party candidate, for him to produce his academic credentials. Obviously, a case that reeks of kith-and-kin politics, but which also poses very grave negatives/consequences for the question of personal integrity and propriety.

Can such persons ever be concerned about a nation rising above immoral behaviour, irrespective of the race of the person involved?

Let them search their consciences, if they have any.

Let me remind the eminent lady representative of the United States, a traditional

friend of Guyana. Some moons ago, the Bharrat Jagdeo administration was informed by the then government of the US that it was not going to support his appointment of the late Henry Greene, as Commissioner of Police, whom he went on to appoint. The latter reason was – that the long-departed commissioner had allegedly benefitted from the proceeds of drug trafficking. His visas were also withdrawn, standard procedure for those blacklisted for such reasons by the US. Now, for the sake of argument, Greene was never charged for such an offence, but given the all-seeing reach of US intelligence sources they had such information. It is only fair that one should ask, why the cosy, cosy treatment of the PPP/C presidential nominee? Is this the new norm of diplomatic conduct, as governs the US treatment of a candidate of such a tainted background, who vies for the highest office of his/her country? At least Canada has made him persona non grata.

Editor, such an example has given impetus to the further perception in this country that it is the new morality as far as any citizen is concerned, that may wish to vie for such high office with such a shady background. Simply put, it cannot, and does not, assist in any way, a country that has been doing its best to re-direct a new trajectory of moral decency and personal integrity for any holder or would be holder of any level of state office, after such desultory examples of the past.

Regards Aditya Panday

PPP, no need to fear, the smallpox virus isn’t in those ballot boxes Dear editor,

I

DO recognise that our Guardians and Champions of Democracy are only awake when they serve to peddle the have PPP’s narrative of misinformation. I also do recognise that the failed de facto leader of that group, the failed academic, the failed column writer, the failed political analyst, the failed Phd student and the failed researcher Freddie Kissoon may conveniently develop political myopia when it comes to this important and pertinent issue that I’m about to share, hence I would humbly ask that one of his “democrats “share same with the perennial and failed Mingo basher, once his political eyes have been reopened .

Mr. Editor, the PPP were bawling like bereaved relatives of a deceased, when they discovered that it was five more years and likely longer, in opposition for them. They employed adjectives such as rigged, fraud and cheated among other similar-meaning literary tools. They maligned everyone, including the Gods. The GECOM Chairperson endured daily public derogatory name calling and misogynistic attacks. President Granger, Clairmont Mingo, Keith Lowenfield and Roxanne Myers had to endure daily public racist innuendos-laced verbal and written attacks.

They painted themselves as whiter than white. They demanded a recount. They got their recount. And now this.

Anil Nandlall, one of the many PPP members rightly facing criminal charges, desperately made these utterance at the ACCC on Saturday with reference to the recount, “Why are you expanding the scope of the process [to] check off things like the List of Electors who were ticked [off] by the presiding officers? What is the purpose of that? Why are you going to open envelopes of unused ballots and count it?”

Further Nandlall said this, “Why are we running in a collision course with the law?

Why not recount the ballots, isn’t that what we are asking for, a recount of the ballots cast by the electorate? Why are we going

to examine the whole process of elections? You are bound to find irregularities. That to me is creating a platform for unnecessary queries to be raised because we are embarking on a scope of a process that is so wide that it was never intended. We asked for a recount. GECOM agreed to a recount. The President and Jagdeo agreed to a recount. Why are we doing all these things, to create platforms for queries to be made, for objections to be made, to derail the process to the end.” Finally, Nandlall then shockingly admitted that there may have been, “errand (sic) or delinquent” presiding officers who may not have accurately ticked off the names of persons who voted and as such give rise to discrepancies.

Mr. Editor, these are the words of PPP chief legal adviser, a man who is likely to have chosen his words carefully. The fact is, I have longed concluded that the PPP were trying to avoid entering those ballot boxes as if within them was the smallpox virus. First after agreeing to a chronological recount of 1-10 they reneged and demanded only Region Four be recounted. They once again reneged and now made the irrational demand of all regions, but illogically starting from Region Four.Then they turned to rushing through the process in 10 days, to minimise contact with their feared smallpox virus. Then they changed to 14 days.

In effect, they were all over the place like scattered rice which is a reflection of the scattered brain and scattered attempt at rigging. Now they wish to place the blame on an errand(sic) presiding officer.

To begin, the poor chap, in his state of despair, can’t even get his errant and errand right. For surely, I would not expect these presiding officers to be running errands when there was a serious business of election to conduct. This errant not errand hypothesis may be true, but what if the errant not errand presiding officers are mostly associated with the PPP and attributing more votes to them than they actually got? What about if the errant not errand presiding officers, who inaccurately ticked off the wrong names,

are mostly aligned to the PPP? What if these inaccurate ticking of names have a much higher incidence than that expected from human error? Surely, the aforementioned cannot be attributed to a rogue presiding officer. Surely this cannot be viewed as an isolated event but rather systemic which could have influenced the outcome of the elections. The fact is that none of us know if such incidents, if they ever actually arise during the recount are isolated or systemic. As a result, applying Murphy’s law, GECOM should enter those boxes prepared for the worse ie that is incidents are systemic.

Then Nandlall is arguing for a numeral recount. Putting aside the allegations of fraud that the PPP alleges, it is clear that a recount simply means a repeat of a count. Since amalgamating the words “repeat” and “count” would be linguistically and aesthetically unattractive the prefix “re” derived from repeat is used hence the word recount. As a result, from basic semantics a recount has to include or retrace the steps taken during the initial count. Hence , it is illogical and nonsensical to argue or believe that it should simply be a numerical recount, since the initial count was not only numerical.

In concluding, It is now abundantly clear that the PPP never wanted this recount albeit, a numerical count which would have kept their skeletons in those ballot boxes were their preference. The fact is that the PPP has done much damage to Guyana on the international stage. They have brought GECOM into disrepute. Now the Mercury- free repair process has begun. Now the recount is about to begin.

PPP, this is your last chance to come clean with the electorate that you had rigged the elections. Try striking a plea deal with the electorate, when they may be amenable to it. Once those boxes are opened, plea-dealing is off the table and the political penalty will be very severe.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Digicel Guyana employees to take pay cut DIGICEL Guyana has asked its employees to take between 5 to 20 per cent pay cuts in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has negatively impacted business locally and globally.

When contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Digicel Guyana Communications Manager, Vidya Sanichara confirmed that the communications giant will be cutting the salaries of is workers in light of the pandemic which has resulted in a partial shutdown of the country.

“Whilst we recognise that this will be an extremely challenging period for everyone, we have reluctantly decid-

ed that we must ask every employee to take a temporary reduction in salary until the end of FY21. This has been a v e r y

of business continuity,” Sanichara told this newspaper.

The pay reductions will be implemented on a tiered b a s i s – dependent on salary level -- with

Digicel Guyana noted that the world has been hit by an unprecedented crisis with “serious knock-on effects” already being witnessed in economies in the Ca-

difficult decision; however, it is necessary in order to keep as many people as possible in employment and in the interests

the lowest reduction at 5 per cent and the highest at 20 per cent.

Staff on a basic salary of US$10,000 or less will not be affected.

ribbean, Central America and the Pacific.

It said that while it cannot yet quantify how severe the impact will be, it will be worse than the global financial crisis. It also highlighted that leading global economists have predicted that economies could shrink by 15 to 20 per cent --- especially those

relying on tourism – and it could take up to 2-4 years before they recover.

“Against this very difficult backdrop, our own business is similarly affected. Consumers have lower disposable income and lockdowns have altered customer behaviour – while businesses of all sizes are negatively impacted.

As such, we find ourselves having to make tough decisions in tough circumstances and must reset our cost structure in line with these new realities…we realise that this is going to be hard for everyone but we are asking our staff to accept these measures in the hope that, by taking these significant steps now, we can come through this together,” Digicel Guyana said.

Just three days ago, Digicel Trinidad and Tobago reported that similar pay cuts would have to be taken by its staff

noting that the same would occur across the entire Digicel Group.

According to T&T Newsday, the company estimated that 68 per cent of staff would be affected by the pay cut which the Board said is a difficult but necessary decision to prevent job losses.

The decision came after the company realised a significant impact from prepaid customers as many have lost their jobs or have reduced incomes because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific.

Digicel Guyana said it will continue to invest strongly in its networks, in content, in digital and in its community outreach programmes and Digicel Foundations.

Canada’s High Commissioner must be recalled Dear Editor,

I

WATCHED with disgust, an interview aired live with Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana and the former President of The Guyana Press Association.

When asked to clarify her infamous “Frivolous Statements,” the diplomat (no longer honourable in my opinion) maintained that she believes that no one ought to have challenged CARICOM’s agreement which would have usurped GECOM’s role in a “supervisory capacity,” which our Constitution does not allow.

Editor, based on the facts presented by the moderator to the Canadian diplomat during the interview, it is clear that she has no regard for the rights of Guyanese, our Constitution and our Supreme Court’s ruling. We call on the Prime Minister of Canada to recall this unprofessional diplomat with immediate effect.

The facts are that the Appellate Court of Guyana ruled that the agreement made to have CARICOM supervise a recount was unconstitutional, as it would seek to usurp GECOM’s constitutional authority, which is to have General Direction & Supervision of the electoral process at all times.

It must be noted that were it not for that legal challenge brought up by a private citizen Ms. Ulita Moore, the Appeal Court would not have been able to rule that CARICOM cannot supervise Guyana’s elections.

Given all these facts presented to the Canadian diplomat, when asked if she would still say that the legal challenge was frivolous, she maintained that she thinks they were frivolous.

This must be rejected by all patriotic citizens of Guyana as it means the Canadian diplomat does not think Guyanese citizens have rights to approach the courts, even when the courts ruled in their favour.

Interestingly, this same Canadian diplomat has not rejected or referred to the legal challenges brought by the PPP’s Holladar as frivolous. The diplomat went on to say that she thought since the President and the leader of the opposition agreed to it, it ought to have some weight and not be challenged. This I find to be a frivolous statement, since no one is above the law, regardless of his/her position as a government leader.

We demand an apology on the basis that the courts did not dismiss the legal challenge as frivolous, instead, they upheld that the CARICOM- supervised agreement was unconstitutional and they ruled that it doesn’t matter who made the agreement, it would have been a breach of our laws. To still say this is frivolous is beyond unacceptable and very undiplomatic.

Regards Concerned Citizen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

‘Weathering the Covid-19 Storm’ … the public health crisis aside, the Caribbean faces daunting economic prospects … quick adaptation to the new realities and innovative solutions required “This is completely a black swan event. No one saw it coming. It’s affecting every single person on the planet, and we have to muster up courage, first of all, to do the right thing, especially for people who are absolutely desperate and need our help,” says Therese Turner-Jones, general manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department.

Caribbean countries have had to weather many storms in the past, but none that unleashed impacts quite like the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside the lives at stake are millions of livelihoods, and understanding the economic forces at work is essential to planning a way forward for the region.

“Our region is pretty much just climbing out of the recession in 2020. It has taken us a long time to really catch some air, really feel our economies again, and now we are hit with another whammy,” says Turner-Jones.

“We have a crisis that is presenting itself with innumerable ways to reflect and think about doing things differently and we really have to take this seriously. It’s not going to be business as usual.”

THE CHALLENGES Economists at the IDB have been closely tracking the virus’s effects on the region and its economies to provide a basis for needed responses.

A newly published report sheds light on potential economic implications for the Bank’s six Caribbean member countries: The Bahamas, Barbados,

Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The first of two main challenges behind the economic shock to the region is common to countries across the globe right now: “flattening the curve,” or reducing the spread of the virus. While COVID-19 cases are low in the Caribbean, even in relative terms to its small population, the curve has not begun to flatten in the region. Although public health experts say social distancing and quarantines are critical, the economic uncertainty that comes with those measures provides a powerful counterweight – particularly in a part of the world where reliance on face-to-face transactions is high.

The second challenge derives from the nature of the region’s linkages with the rest of the world. In The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica, 34-48% of GDP comes from tourism.

With the sector screeching to a standstill, the repercussions are already enormous.

In a worst-case scenario, in which tourist arrivals drop by 75% in the last three quarters of the year, the GDP of The Bahamas would fall by more than 10 percentage points relative to pre-crisis expectations.

The coronavirus represents the second major economic shock in a year for country; Hurricane Dorian inflicted losses that amounted to $3.4 billion, or 27% of GDP. For Barbados and Jamaica, two countries that have been on the road to economic stabilization in recent years, the GDP could also take a significant hit from curtailed tourism. Other

key sources for the two countries, foreign direct investments and remittances, are also at risk, given that primary suppliers – the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada – are also facing economic shocks.

Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago are commodities-based economies. As such, the pandemic’s impact on trade is crucial. Oil and natural-gas prices especially affect Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, and gold prices impact both Suriname and Guyana.

In fact, Guyana could be among the region’s most affected countries due to the rapid fall in oil prices. Before

the outbreak, The International Monetary Fund projected GDP growth of 86% for the country based on oil production starting in 2020, with the assumed oil price of $60 per barrel. But with spiraling trade prices, growth is predicted to be greatly diminished THE OPTIONS As for fiscal, monetary and social policies, the report highlights key measures the six countries have been taking, ranging from tax instruments to targeted spending and financial relief for small enterprises. All the countries have already implemented

the latter, along with targeted increases in social spending.

They have also requested lower-cost financing from international financing institutions. The IDB is assisting its borrowing member countries mitigate the impact of the crisis by focusing on four key areas of lending and technical assistance.

To increase understanding of the pandemic’s many impacts on the region and how to navigate them, the IDB has organized a series of webinars, the first assessing the economic outlook and the second delving into how businesses can cope. Two points stand out: the importance of digital access and intra-regional economic strengthening.

Gaps in digital access and knowledge significantly limit how much the Caribbean can take advantage of the opportunities that the online world offers during the lockdown.

Turner-Jones rates the Caribbean at “barely a 5” on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of readiness to operate in the virtual space. “We’re not nearly as ready as we ought to be, despite mobile-phone penetration throughout this region, which is quite high. A lot of these mobile devices aren’t smart devices and people don’t have access to data at home.” Adapting will require not only focusing on closing gaps for the entire population, but also increasing countries’ investment in e-government infrastructure, reinforcing digital governance and creating a legislative framework to accompany the changes.

“I think government needs to… perhaps realize that wifi should be a public good.

It should be available to everybody,” says Allison Peart,

among the webinar panelists, who manages an advisory firm specializing in taxation and business strategy. “It’s time for us to have efficient governments. When you start to innovate from the government, it will force the rest of us to get with it.”

James Scriven, the CEO of IDB Invest, the Bank’s private-sector arm, says one of the most challenging characteristics of the Caribbean is that its territories and populations are spread out – meaning technology is all the more needed to shrink those distances.

“To solve this, we have prioritized working with large and privately-owned telecommunication companies to improve connectivity and access to smart phones in the region,” he says.

As international supply chains wobble and tourism plunges, an alternative could come from the region itself. A large amount of untapped economic potential, in which online access could play a supportive role, means opportunity for much more intra-regional business.

“The largest single untapped source of business for Caribbean tourism is the Caribbean itself.

If we were to begin to tap into the possibility of tourism from within the region, we would be much farther ahead”, says Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Principal Partner in an advisory company on travel and tourism and a former minister of tourism and aviation in the Bahamas.

“A crisis is a terrible thing to waste,” he says.

Could a more self-reliant, more digitized regional economy emerge from the wreckage of the pandemic? (Features taken from the IDB)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Looking out for children THERE are adversity and uncertainty in the air at the moment and for some, it is hard to look on the bright side and picture a time to come when things will be better.

Although none of us know what the ‘new’ normal will look like when the pandemic eases, one thing is for sure, WE WILL GET THERE. We have managed and reached this far; now is the time to keep going, to build our resilience and tenacity, even more, this is not the time to quit. As parents and all those in a position to help our children, we must keep our spirits uplifted.

It is difficult for some parents to stay positive in times like these and they take out their fears and anxieties on their children.

While being a child is transient it is also a time of great learning. Most childhood experiences become part of the psychological, emotional, intellectual and social structure, that children carry into adulthood. Because of this fact, it follows that children globally will remember this time of their lives as a mammoth occasion when they are grown.

For some, it will be remembered as nothing but a nice long holiday with a little school work thrown in here and there (and not being able to access KFC perhaps). But

for others, the memories will not be so good.

This could be the first time some children are experiencing deprivation on a major scale with no hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Other children will have had the firsthand experience of living 24/7 with domestic violence in their homes. Or living with a parent or parents who have mental, drug or alcohol problems; Their circumstances exasperated because of the lock-down. These children can be scarred for life due to the situations they are presently enduring and it is those children who we need to be aware of and to look out for during this crisis.

Everyone has their way of dealing with matters that confront them and some parents have good coping skills, while others lack poorly in that area. However, children are on the receiving end of whatsoever a parent chooses to say or do and when parents become short-tempered or verbally and physically abusive, children suffer. They suffer because there is nowhere to turn and no one there to help them; besides, they no longer have the outlet of attending school and/or the social comfort of talking and mingling with friends to distract them. They are isolated.

Some parents have no time or wish to

be cognisant of their children’s feelings at the best of times and those who intervene are usually told to mind their own business.

Children have fears and anxieties too, they need reassuring and they need to feel safe and loved. They don’t need to feel like a burden, a nuisance or in some cases even a pawn during this time. Neither do they need additional pressure or abuse as a result of how badly their parents or caregivers are coping.

We must keep an eye out for children whose dysfunctional family lives seem to be in peril during this crisis and where we can, give them some positive encouragement.

We can help by doing some schoolwork, teaching or reading, with them. This will go a long way in restoring some hope in a child’s outlook on life. If you can take an hour of your time to teach and interact with a small group of children (acknowledging the rule of social distancing of course) in your community, it will help. Children need people to be there for them and with whom they can share positive experiences.

Where there is a lack of communication between pre-adolescents/teenagers and their parents the child may feel subdued and

cannot express his/her feelings due to fear, usually of verbal or physical abuse. This leaves the child at the mercy of whatever the parent says and does and is damaging to his/ her self-esteem and confidence.

On the contrary, a lack of communication can also mean the child is allowed to go and come as he/she pleases without proper adult supervision. These children are at risk. The streets offer a variety of ‘ills’ that await children who are left to their own devices. These ills range from following the wrong company and being involved in a felony to becoming a victim of rape or sexual abuse.

We must not let this unprecedented crisis shape the future for disadvantaged children if we can help them. All it takes is a little observation, a little concern, a little proactivity and some care, and safeguarding shown towards them today, can result in giving them the chance of a better future.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

‘Create a secure home for children’ –– Greene urges parents to be responsive, consistent during COVID-19 crisis

By Navendra Seoraj CHILDREN are the “leaders of tomorrow,” and just as everyone else, their health and wellbeing remain important, especially as the world continues to face and endure the dreaded effects of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The threat of COVID-19 presents daily challenges to the wellbeing of children and families. Parents, caregivers and guardians suddenly become responsible for managing the children’s education, due to school being out and to cope with the other challenges with the necessary imposed partial lockdown, which may include a lack of adequate resources for the sustenance of the family.

“Coping with this has resulted with increased tension and anxiety in the home. It is also under-

standable that with everyone being at home together, some conflicts are unavoidable, but how families cope will have a great impact on the children,” said Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene in a virtual message.

She said parents are anxious and many are having difficulty coping, resulting in frustration with the children, but parents need to remain resilient and manage anxiety.

Generally, what is needed is a secure home, a safe place, and this could be done by being predictable and consistent. This is also achieved by being responsive, by being nurturing and affectionate, by modelling confidence and thoughtful problem solving.

“Children are known to be resilient and they seem to be able to cope better than the parents and guard-

ians, but how they come out of this depends on how we, the parents, cope.

This brings me to violence in the homes – family violence, child abuse and domestic violence. In some homes, these were ever present and now with all parties having to be constantly together, the abuse has escalated, so we have to be our neighbours’ keeper and watch out for children and families and call the Ministry of Social Protection hotlines,” said Greene.

Although the situation could be destabilising, the director, in giving advice, said when the going gets tough, step away, take a break, go into another room or step outside into the yard and take deep breaths or a quick shower.

Greene also advised persons to limit their exposure to social media because being informed is one thing, but being over

informed or exposed is another thing. “…all the dooms day information you are receiving that set you thinking about the world is over.

This can cause anxiety that is inadvertently passed on to children in the home.

The CPA has a response WhatsApp group and a couple of Sundays ago, I had to put a halt from all the ‘Unnecessary tweets’ – the dooms day tweets-and asked everyone to send something to make us get a good laugh. Humour helps,” said the director.

Instead of being engrossed in negativity, parents should focus on creating a structure in the home.

It is said that it is easy for children to get bored or ‘fretful’ if they are facing a day without structure.

A day without structure is a setting for anxiety to thrive, so parents should alternate chores, school work and free time.

In sharing an example, Greene said: “A parent told me she was having her children dressed for school for the teaching session at home. Do things with the children… bake, play a game of Ludo, start a kitchen garden, and be creative about new activities.

Rules regarding screen time for children – television, iPods and tablets-can be relaxed a bit, since the children are at home with no school. A little longer viewing time will not do harm, but it is a ‘no no’ for those under 2 years old.”

It is also important to use those devices to keep children in the loop – informed about what is happening, but keep it simple. Parents need to remind children of the things they are doing to take care of themselves (washing hands, staying indoors etc.).

“We can beat this if we

Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene are responsible – keep the physical distancing, wear a mask when out in public and wash hands as often as possible.

Take care, be safe,” said Greene.

Persons who require further advice or need to report a situation could contact the agency on 227-0979 or 227-0206.

Persons can also call Help & Shelter on toll free numbers 613-1758 and 613-1811.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

President hails contribution of Portuguese to Guyana’s development

PRESIDENT David Granger has hailed the contribution of Portuguese here as Guyana commemorates the 185th Anniversary of their arrival.

In a message to mark the occasion President Granger said that Portuguese Arrival Day celebrates the contribution which persons of Portuguese ancestry have made to

nation-building.

“This year, we commemorate the 185th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Madeiran-Portuguese indentured immigrants to our motherland. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana acknowledges the contribution which the Portuguese have made to our motherland. The role of the Portuguese in the nation’s

development – particularly in agriculture, commerce, culture, education, law, manufacturing, religion, social organisations, shipping and sport – has not been diminished or devalued with the passage of time,” President Granger said in the message.

He reminded citizens that he had issued a ‘public notice’ on the 27th February,

No Guyanese pending deportation from U.S. – Felix EVEN amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Donald Trump-led United States (U.S.) Administration has been deporting undocumented immigrants to their Latin American and Caribbean homes, notwithstanding the fact that many of those countries have strained healthcare systems due to the spread of the virus.

However, speaking with the newspaper on Sunday, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix said that Guyana is not challenged in this regard, at least not yet.

“No indication has been made to us. We haven’t received any indication about any such movement,” he said.

On April 26, 2020, the New York Times reported that in March, U.S. officials put a group of 41 Guatemalan detainees on two deportation flights to their native country and roughly 30 tested positive for the virus shortly after arriving.

In April, Haitian officials reported that three deportees from the U.S. tested positive for the virus upon arrival.

“An additional 129 deportees landed there [Haiti] Thursday on a flight from Texas; none had been tested before departing. Haiti’s dysfunctional government, presiding over a broken-down economy and wobbly healthcare system, is hardly able to care for the sick under the best of circumstances. It is utterly incapable of handling an influx of COVID-19 patients,” the New York Times stated.

Some countries’ leaders believe that the deportations run the risk of spreading COVID-19 to struggling countries with already challenged health-care systems, ill-equipped to deal with it.

Guyana has been man-

migration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) has reported 490 cases among detainees since the COVID-19 outbreak began, and only about 1,030 tests were conducted on nearly 30,000 ICE detainees nationwide.

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix aging the spread of the virus fairly well, but has cut off international travel to prevent imported cases since March 18, 2020. This ban was recently extended to June 3, 2020 after public health and other authorities determined it necessary.

The ban gives exception to outgoing flights; cargo flights; medivac flights; technical stops by airplanes for fuel and specially authorised flights.

Minister Felix said that the U.S. is a sovereign country and has the right to make its decisions pertaining to deportations, but Guyana also has the right to seek to uphold its current travel ban.

“If they make a decision to deport, we have a right, if it is necessary, to show our dissent. We don’t have to agree, but it is their right to make their rules and our right to make our rules,” he said.

Felix said that should it come to the point where Guyana may be receiving deportees, the Ministry of Citizenship will seek to cross that bridge then.

He said: “We will cross that bridge when we get there.

It is not something that is so difficult to handle, but we’re not there yet. When we’re there we’ll deal with it.”

As of April 29, U.S. Im-

A group performs at the Portuguese Arrival Day observance last year 2017, proclaiming May 3 each year as Portuguese Arrival Day. “The designation of ‘Arrival Days’ is intended to strengthen national integration and social cohesion by according due respect and recognition to the various ethnic groups which belong to our multicultural society,” the President said.

According to President Granger, the Portuguese, like all other ethnic groups, are integral to the multicultural character of our nation. He said they have contributed to all aspects of national development. “I extend sincere best wishes to all Guyanese, especially those of Portuguese descent on the occa-

sion of Portuguese Arrival Day.” Flashback! From left in front row are President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton at a Portuguese arrival event last year. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

12

UNICEF launches platform ‘Do your part’

~ for feedback on how to improve efforts in the fight against COVID-19 THE United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health to launch a digital platform to facilitate community engagement to improve efforts to address the COVID-19 epidemic and to protect children from its direct and knock-on consequences. These include food shortages, strained healthcare systems, violence and lost education.

A press statement from the organisation outlined that the platform will allow receipt of further feedback on how to improve efforts in the fight. The platform is being launched with a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey on COVID-19.

It will seek to ascertain what individuals know about COVID-19, how they perceive the situation and how they behave in response to it, with an aim to provide a better understanding of how people experience the crisis caused by the coronavirus.

The statement said the survey will be conducted every two weeks, covering all 10 regions, and will take about 10 minutes to complete and no names will be recorded.

It will use combined methods: interviews con-

ducted by phone (you may receive a call at home) and online surveys (you may receive an email asking to complete the survey). In the hinterland, health-care workers, social workers, and/or community leaders may request your participation (using face-to-face interviews respecting social distancing). Or persons can visit the UNICEF or MoPH website to take the survey during week one and week three of each month.

The interviewers will not request money, cellphone credit or any other human, financial or material resources, or request to see or meet respondents. All the information will remain strictly confidential and only used for the purpose of this survey. While participation is voluntary, support from all is needed.

It provides an opportunity to inform efforts and strategies towards flattening the curve and stopping the spread of the epidemic. Findings will go directly towards improving the response to fight COVID-19 as well as towards UNICEF’s emergency programmes, including through the provision of hygiene items, protective equipment, life-saving information and other support to healthcare systems or access

to continuous services.

A report issued this month by the United Nations warned that children risk being among the biggest victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. While children have been largely spared from the direct health effects of the disease up to this point, the crisis is having a profound effect on their overall well-being. Children are being affected by the socio-economic impacts and, in some cases, by the mitigation measures implemented to stem the spread of the disease.

In Guyana, UNICEF’s COVID-19 response focuses on working with partners to help reduce the transmission of the virus and mitigate its impact on children, while ensuring that essential services for children continue. This includes: ensuring access and availability of key supplies and services for children,

women and vulnerable populations; scaling up messages about handwashing with soap; supporting governments with the procurement of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers; supporting distance-learning opportunities for children who cannot access school; providing mental health and psychosocial support to children and families affected; and helping to maintain essential immunisation and other services for children.

“The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest struggle the world has seen in generations. Children and young people are among the most severely impacted by the knock-on effects of COVID-19, so it is critical to hear from children and families on how they adjust behaviours and are coping,” said UNICEF’s Country Representative Sylvie Fouet.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 4, 2020

Time for GECOM recount to move ahead, says Minister Patterson - calls out PPP/C for delay tactics

THE total recount of votes cast in the March 2nd General and Regional Elections must proceed without interruptions.

This is the contention of Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.

Speaking with the media outside the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Saturday, Minister Patterson was adamant that the APNU+AFC coalition is in full support of the national recount in the format laid out by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“We would like to see it completed. We would like to hear the results declared,” Minister Patterson emphasised.

The minister further called out attempts by the main opposition party the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – to derail the recount that is designed to ensure the credible com-

pletion of the electoral process.

According to Minister Patterson, some of these attempts include objections to the examination of lists for each polling station that contains persons who voted on March 2.

Minister Patterson also noted that live-streaming of the recount is another issue thrust into the forefront by the PPP/C and later supported by the small parties. While commending GECOM for agreeing to broadcast the opening of ballot boxes, the minister said live-streaming as a means to resolve conflict is counterproductive.

A CARICOM team of observers arrived in Guyana on Friday to observe the recount. GECOM expects the process to take approximately 25 days.

The recount, GECOM announced on Sunday, will commence on Wednesday (May 6). (DPI)

IDB Group announces priority support areas for countries affected by COVID-19 The Inter-American Development Bank and IDB Invest have outlined their focus for deploying the financial and technical resources made available to borrowing member countries and companies to address the crisis created by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Based on extensive dialogue with the governments of member countries and technical analysis by Bank specialists, the IDB Group will concentrate its support in four areas: * The Immediate Public Health Response: Support for countries’ preparedness and response capacities to help contain the transmission of the virus and mitigate its impact,

with resources to strengthen public healthcare systems and purchase supplies and equipment. * Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations: Measures to protect the income of the most affected populations through existing transfer programs, non-contributory pensions and grants. Other proposed measures include extraordinary transfers to workers in the informal sector and support for companies in sectors particularly affected by the crisis, such as tourism. * Economic Productivity and Employment: Assistance to SMEs, which account for 70% of the region’s jobs, through financing programs and short-term liquidity guarantees, foreign-trade financing

and guarantees, loan restructuring, and support for strategic supply chains. * Fiscal Policies for the Amelioration of Economic Impacts: Support to countries in designing and implementing policies in three key areas: fiscal measures to finance the response to the crisis; continuity plans for the execution of expenditures and public procurement; and measures to support economic recovery.

“We are immediately reprogramming resources to help with this health emergency,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. “However, the historic dimensions of the crisis require a multisectoral strategy that anticipates the social and economic impact over the medium and long

term. These lines of action reflect the priorities of our governments and the deep knowledge that our specialists bring to bear on the specific challenges facing each of our countries.”

Since the end of January, the IDB Group has increased the availability of funds and adjusted lending instruments to streamline support for countries affected by the virus. The Bank has also established learning and exchange platforms to help make its technical knowledge available to the region and facilitate dialogue with international organizations and governments that are collaborating to combat the pandemic.

In addition to reprogramming its existing portfolio of

health projects to address the crisis, the IDB can direct $3.2 billion more to the lending program initially stipulated for 2020. These funds, added to the available resources already programmed for this year, would make up to $12 billion available to countries for the purpose of responding to the health crisis and its consequences.

Governments can also request the redirection of resources from projects in execution in other sectors to meet needs related to the virus. These resources could total up to $1.35 billion.

IDB Invest, the private sector institution of the IDB Group, will contribute up to $5 billion to these efforts in 2020. Of that total, $4.5

billion will come from its investment program, focusing on companies impacted by the crisis. Additionally, IDB Invest is working on a new $500-million Crisis Mitigation Facility targeting investments that provide a direct response to the pandemic through health and health-related sectors and access to short-term lending for small and medium-sized enterprises through financial institutions and supply chain finance. In addition to these efforts, the IDB Group is exploring options to streamline fiduciary processes and timeframes for approving operations in order to maximize and accelerate its support for the region at this critical time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 4, 2020

Carter Center in desperate move to observe recount

THE Carter Center Observer Group, in a last minute attempt, is seeking permission from the authorities to fly one of its representatives from the United States to Guyana to observe the national recount.

With the national recount of the votes cast at the March 2, 2020 regional and general elections set to commence on Wednesday, the group’s request is being championed by the United States Embassy.

The US Embassy noted on Sunday that it made a request for a flight to bring in its members and other persons from another observer group. It said it was still awaiting permission for the persons to travel, although

permission was given for the flight.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a statement, called for the observer group to be allowed to observe the process.

“As the body constitutionally responsible for supervising elections and the power to ensure fairness in the process, GECOM must ensure that the process is completed transparently and fairly and deliver results considered as credible by all fair minded,” the Gerry Gouveia-led PSC said.

It said is the duty of both President David Granger and the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to facilitate the early return of the foreign observers by issuing such

instructions and directions as are necessary.

The Carter Center group departed Guyana late in March, some three weeks after the regional and general elections.

It assured at the time that it remains committed to observing and supporting Constitutional reform of the electoral process here in Guyana.

The center announced prior to departing that its decision was made in light of the absence of an electoral process, increasing restrictions on international travel because of COVID-19 and the decline in the security environment in Guyana.

The team said the decision to leave was a “dif-

ficult” one and gave all assurances that its future assistance was still available.

It lamented that Guyana’s electoral process

began well with polls on March 2 but was marred with the tabulation of Region Four’s results which would be the ultimate de-

termination for which party won the elections.

The center also acknowledged the “chaotic” environment of the Office of the Region’s Returning Officer (RO) during the tabulation, noting that efforts were made by “the large number of persons present and the efforts by PPP/C representatives and others to disrupt the declaration of results”.

Over 40 observers, representing 15 countries, had travelled to Guyana to observe the electoral process. The delegation was co-led by Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister of Senegal; and Jason J. Carter, Chairperson of The Carter Center’s Board of Trustees.

COVID-19 quarantine cases down to 7 THE Ministry of Public Health has reported that as of May 3, 2020 the number persons in institutional quarantine is seven, while another 49 are housed in institutional isolation.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana re-

mains at 82. This includes nine deaths.

Twenty-four persons have been medically cleared and have since recovered from the virus.

A total of 582 persons have been tested, with 500 of those test-

ed returning negative.

The number of patients currently in the COVID-19, ICU at the GPHC has moved up to three.

Globally, the WHO had reported 3,267,184 confirmed cases with 229,971 deaths. In the Region

of the Americas, the number of confirmed cases is 1,340,591 with 72,196 deaths.

The Ministry of Public Health is again calling on all citizens to heed the health advisories and observe the correct hygiene mea-

sures and precautions. Citizens are also asked to always practise social distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation, so as reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease. (DPI)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

‘Preserve your culture and tradition’ … says Minister Norton in celebration of Portuguese Arrival Day

IN joining the celebration of Portuguese Arrival Day in Guyana, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, in a commemorative message, on Sunday, hailed Portuguese Guyanese for their historical contribution to Guyana’s rich diverse culture.

Acknowledging that the Portuguese population in Guyana has declined over the years, Minister Norton noted that it is now critical that not only Guyanese of Portuguese descent, but every Guyanese should safeguard their culture and ancestry.

“Despite their notable contributions towards crafting the Guyanese identity, the Portuguese

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton community has declined drastically, from 4.3% of Guyana’s population in 1891, to 0.3% as of 2012… this makes it especially important for persons of

Portuguese ancestry to become protectors of their heritage… the onus is upon you to preserve the cultures and traditions that your ancestors clutched as a prized possession,” Norton stated.

Additionally, the Minister urged Guyanese to continue to educate themselves and their children on their history and culture as a means to keep traditions alive.

“Study your history, learn the language, practise your religions, promote your foods, clothing and music; maintain your traditions and teach your children and grandchildren to do the same, because Guyana can ill afford to lose these precious aspects

of her identity,” he noted.

He added that one of country’s greatest assets is its people and diverse culture which sets Guyana apart, as such, it is important that such remains intact.

“Guyana’s strength is its diversity, and our diversity can only be as vibrant as the individual characteristics of all our peoples. So, we must ensure that these remain fully intact,” he noted.

However, he added that despite their diminishing numbers, Portuguese descendants continue to contribute enormously to Guyana’s overall development.

“Their impeccably thrifty spirit added vibran-

cy to Guyana’s commerce sector, and even today, the descendants of our Portuguese ancestors remain prominent business personalities,” said Minister Norton.

Minister Norton, in sending well wishes, further stated, “Today, by way of Portuguese Arrival Day, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana salutes and celebrates these contributions. On behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, we wish every Guyanese Portuguese a wonderful day”.

May 3, 2020 marks 185 years since the country’s Portuguese ancestors arrived in British Guiana.

It was the ‘Louisa Baillie’ that first docked on these shores with some 40 persons who came as Indentured Labourers.

Since their arrival from Madeira in 1835, the Portuguese have contributed immensely towards shaping the diverse Guyana that we are all proud of today.

The Portuguese were known to be a people well-grounded in morals, and steadfast in education, charity and sports.

Apart from their keen sense of business, the Portuguese also brought with them Roman Catholicism – a faith that continues to expand among Guyanese from all ethnic backgrounds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

The Guyanese work ethic – Part two

By Melina Harris

IN my last column, I postulated a few notions about the Guyanese work ethic at home and in the diaspora and the effects that mass migration has had on our society, institutions and overall economic development. I also looked at the effects of the brain drain and need for human capital development if we are to enjoy the benefits of a growing economy.

The importance of human capital development cannot be overstated enough, as it forms part of the country’s natural wealth and is closely tied to economic development. According to the government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), “Human capital, however, measured as the value of earnings over a person’s lifetime, is considered the most important aspect of a country’s wealth. It accounts for the present value of the future earnings of a country’s labour force and may be disaggregated by gender or employment status. It is also a composite of the population’s years of completed schooling, actual learning during or after the school years and the value of health investments. The quality of

a country’s labour force is, therefore, an important asset for and harbinger of its future development.”

We are fortunate to have a very young population in Guyana with those below the age of 35 years accounting for nearly 70% of the population. However, according to the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, in 2018, one-third of the Guyanese population was either unemployed, underemployed or not actively seeking employment. Furthermore, the high levels of employment in the informal sector (48.2%) are also concerning. Women are disproportionately affected and represent 56.4% of the inactive labour force. Unemployment is also high among youths between the ages of 15-25 (21.6%). The reasons for the high rate of unemployment are complex but mainly fall into the categories of limited availability of decent work, low skill levels, limited job creation and commercial investment, this according to the International Labor Organization.

The link between employment, education and human capital development is quite clear and, in order for us to have a workforce consisting of knowledgeable, skilful and creative persons,

there must be a coordinated effort to recruit, retain and train key personnel. According to the government’s Green State Development Strategy, it should be considered “a priority” to recruit “top quality personnel in the health and education systems with better compensation packages, associated with performance measures. The health and education sectors must attract the most skilled in Guyanese society and elsewhere, in order [to]raise and maintain standards and provide quality services. More sophisticated compensation packages tied to performance outcomes could help attract new talent.” Not only must we strengthen our endeavours to find suitable candidates for key roles through competitive recruitment processes, we must also foster a culture of continuous training and professional development which will be essential in transforming our economy into one that is productive and diversified.

Furthermore, the GSDS recognises that “A healthy, educated and socially cohesive population provides the foundation for human capital development.” Consequently, the need to ensure equitable and universal access to quality healthcare and educa-

Pomeroon residents sensitised about COVID-19

tion is closely tied to realizing the goal of human capital development. Therefore, the disparities that currently exist in health and education outcomes between certain sections of our society must be eliminated. For instance, disparities in education outcomes for coastal and hinterland students, private and public school students and between students from high and low income households.

Of course, when we look at human capital development, we must also consider our institutions ability and capacity to properly fulfil their mandates and execute their duties accordingly. The two are closely interrelated, for the people make up the institutions and if the workforce isn’t sufficiently knowledgeable and well trained, then the institution is usually unable to fulfil and execute its mandate due to an incapable workforce.

The task of building institutional capacity is a very important one. We are currently seeing the outcome of weak institutional capacity as it relates to the Guyana Elections Commission and the many internal and external impediments which have hampered its ability or inability to execute its mandate. If we take GECOM as a case study, we

might be able to illustrate some of the notions we have probed thus far. For instance, throughout the political impasse, we have seen almost everyone at GECOM come under attack from what many perceive as an inability to get the job done. The Chair, Chief Elections Officer and Returning Officers have all been viciously attacked in the execution of their duties. And whilst I do not wish to proffer any undue criticisms against GECOM or its workers, we would be remiss if we were not honest in our assessments of how GECOM has handled matters under its purview.

There are many areas which require improvement, not only in regards to personnel, but especially in relation to the institutions ability to execute its mandate lawfully.

Whilst there are many different forces at play which have had an influence on the protracted and litigious nature of these elections, citizens are left wanting as we enter our 8th week since the March 2 Regional and General Elections, with still

no results declared. What’s more, after weeks of deliberations on how to conduct a national recount of votes cast in the elections, citizens are now advised that the recount will be conducted within a further 25 days.

Building institutional capacity is not only about ensuring that institutions are able to execute their mandates, it is about them being able to do so in a transparent and accountable manner. It is about enshrining an ethos of integrity and credibility which speaks to the overarching goal of creating good governance through strong and capable institutions. The first quarter of 2020 has created many challenges for the Guyanese economy, with “the mother of all elections” and COVID-19 all but ensuring an economic downturn.

And although we are currently in the midst of handling the fallout from both events, we must, at this point, identify all the requisite areas and opportunities for future improvement and development.

–– screening ongoing at the ports of entry

By Indrawattie Natram

RESIDENTS of various communities in the Nile/Cozier, Kitty-Providence area and Moruca/Phoenix in the Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two were sensitised about the COVID-19 pandemic by the region’s emergency health committee on Tuesday.

The health team informed the residents about measures being taken by the region to keep the virus away and how they could support the work of the region.

Chairman of the Regional Health Emergency Committee and Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, who was part of the outreach, used the opportunity to encourage residents experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to call the region’s hotline.

The number is 6824210.

He also encouraged the residents to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and observe the social distancing protocol when using the region’s boat service.

Accompanying the team was Dr. Shineer Reid, a government medical officer attached to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital at Charity. She spoke to councillors on the screening at the port of entries and the readiness of the health facilities to test for COVID 19 as well as to quarantine and isolate patients.

Dr. Reid also advised residents to eat healthily and to continue to boost their immune system with vitamin C. Women in the communities visited are also involved in making face masks and distributing them to villages and health posts. The residents also welcomed the visit by the regions health team.

Some of the residents who interacted with the regional health team

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Hinds renews pitch for cash transfers –– as academics discuss Guyana’s future as a major oil-and-gas player

By Vishani Ragobeer DIRECT cash transfers from the revenues amassed from Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas industry, if implemented, would be one of the few inherently non-discriminatory policies, according to Political Scientist Professor David Hinds.

Professor Hinds made these remarks at an online forum, launching a working paper series on the topic: “Disruption or Development?

Exploring the potential impact of oil exploration in Guyana.”

During the forum, regional academics came together and spoke briefly on their views on Guyana’s developmental trajectory. Much attention was given to the volatile, new industry that the country has become part of, and the interplay between this and the longstanding resource-driven ethnic conflicts in the country.

According to Professor Hinds, there are numerous studies showing that oil wealth is not necessarily distributed “downwards enough” to the larger, working, and lower-class populations in society.

With the direct cash transfers, however, Hinds- who has publicly indicated his support for this policy proposal – stressed that “ordinary people” will be able to benefit from Guyana’s oil wealth.

More importantly, he said, “we see it as one of the few policy proposals that inherently have no discrimination. If you give a direct cash transfer to every household of US$3,000 per year, regardless of ethnicity, it is a way in which people benefit across the ethnic divide.”

He also emphasised that a direct cash transfer to households is not a “handout”, but rather, an added income.

This ‘added income’ is

viewed as a necessity by General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Conference (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, in the context of the economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Labour Day message, Lewis said “cash transfers will definitely help in times like now, and postCOVID-19. Families need relief, and the most vulnerable amongst us are desperately in need.”

Even though the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has predicted that the ensuing pandemic will result in the biggest economic crisis in Latin America and Caribbean Region, it has projected that Guyana’s economy should grow by 56.4 per cent this year. Guyana’s economy is the only one not expected to contract this year.

ECONOMIC RISKS Oil production is the factor that is projected to boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to unprecedented levels in 2020.

However, there are still inherent risks in the local economy, according to the World Bank. These risks encompass the incomplete elections, falling oil prices, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to these risks, Trinidadian Economist, Dr. Roger Hosein, highlighted that Guyana already has low labour force participation and a high level of illiteracy. And if Guyana decides to pursue direct cash transfers now, he shared his belief that the country will develop a backward bending labour supply curve (that is, at a certain point, higher wages may lead to a decline in labour supply).

The combination of these factors, the economist argued, could also contribute to Guy-

ana jeopardising its expected growth.

“I don’t think the logic of enhancing human capital through education or increasing consumption to promote an improvement in the state and wellbeing of human capital is wrong. I think the mode of intervention is wrong, in my humble opinion,” Dr. Hosein said.

However, the Trinidadian remarked that Professor Clive Thomas - who first drew attention to the direct cash transfer scheme - is the best economist Guyana has ever produced, and even the Caribbean by extension, after Sir Arthur Lewis. And as such, he posited, “Professor Thomas is a very thoughtful person and would not have pulled this (the proposal of cash transfers) out of a hat without careful consideration for some of the eventualities.”

Dr. Hosein, however, maintained that it is too

Political Scientist, Professor David Hinds early for the country to pursue this policy, and instead suggested that the country first works on building its institutional capacity, including increasing its ease of doing business and move past the current political impasse.

The working paper series is organised by the Department of Government, Sociology, Social Work, and Psychology under the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies (UWI)- Cavehill Campus, in Barbados.

And through this series, the regional academics will be outlining the problems that underpin Guyana, and solutions for solving these.

Plan being drafted for alternative delivery of education in Region Seven THE Department of Education of the Cuyuni Mazaruni region (Region Seven), is in the process of drafting a plan to continue the delivery of education across the entire region.

This region, being the second largest in the country, comprises a number of hinterland communities in Upper and Middle Mazaruni, and in the lower half of the region, there are many riverain communities and the township of Bartica.

Regional Education Officer Akbar Chindu held a series of meetings with head teachers and other education officials last week to draft a plan for the alternative delivery of education to schoolchildren in the region, in view of the present COVID-19 situation in the country.

Chindu said that because of the need for social distancing, the traditional classroom setting will not return to schools for a while, and so the department is undertaking the task to reach children in their homes with the necessary materials

needed to keep them on track with their education.

In this regard, several methods are now being explored, including delivery by way of radio, television and the internet. Most of Region Seven has no access to the main stations in Georgetown, and that includes both television and radio.

As such, the department in the region took up the initiative to draft a plan that will be unique to their region’s accessibility.

The proposed systems that will be implemented in the new week also requires parents to play a more active role in the process.

Chindu told this publication that parents will be asked to uplift worksheets from the various schools to be used as a guide at home. Additionally, several scheduled programmes on the local radio station and on TTS Ch-5 Television station will bring the teachers into the homes.

He said that the department is await-

ing the programmes from the National Centre of Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and the Guyana Learning Channel to air on their local station so that the children there can have the same access to education.

Consequently, parents are asked to ensure that the TV sets at home are adequately equipped to receive the local television signal.

The internet connection in the region too is not widely accessible to properly facilitate online classes; however, there are a number of students who have access through data service on their cellular phones and are therefore able to access online classes.

To this end, Chindu said that they have been facilitating training sessions with teachers, two per hour, teaching them how to use the Zoom online platform to continue their classes.

In addition, the department also purchased 20 tablets to issue to special needs children so that they too can con-

tinue learning at home.

The Bartica Special Needs School has a student population of 12, so the tablets are enough for each child. Chindu said the tablets have already been purchased but are awaiting the learning programmes to arrive from the Special Needs Unit of the Ministry of Education to have them installed on the tablets before issuing them to the children.

In relation to the far-flung communities and villages, Chindu said it is a lot more difficult to access those, given that no planes are allowed to fly and due to low water levels, no boats are working. However, he said that food cargoes would go into those communities, and arrangements will be put in place to transport learning materials as well.

In the meantime the schools are closed; he said that they are conducting maintenance to the buildings so that when they are reopened the students will be functioning in a properly maintained facility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 4, 2020

Canadian envoy under fire for ‘frivolous’ comment GUYANESE are up in arms against statements made by Canadian High Commissioner, Lillian Chatterjee, labelling court decisions here as frivolous and some are even questioning her country’s involvement in facilitating the transportation of a team of Caricom officials to observe the national recount.

It is not the first time the Canadian envoy has invoked the ire of Guyanese.

Recently, she was cited by commissioners of GECOM for barging into their meeting uninvited.

In an interview with the media back in March, Commissioners Desmond Trotman and Vincent Alexander detailed the events which halted a previous meeting of the commission at GECOM’s Command Centre at High and Hadfield Streets.

Their account reports Chatterjee as barging into the meeting unannounced and directing that the commission act based on her judgement. “The Canadian High Commissioner barged into the meeting unannounced.

Presumably, she came in there to impose her will on the meeting,” Commissioner Trotman told the media.

He added: “[She was] barging into the room as if she was the new ruler of the land.”

The incident took place while there was much commotion downstairs in the building where political leaders, primarily the opposition, were objecting to the process taken up by the region’s RO, Clairmont Mingo, to tabulate total votes of the region.

Alexander said: “I think she was intervening in the announcement being made by the returning officer and she was running in the room telling us what we should do with relation to what was happening outside.” On March 13, Chatterjee, along with foreign diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) walked out of the centre, as they felt the resumed tabulation process, following court orders, was still not transparent.

They subsequently released a joint statement advising that GECOM do everything to ensure that “a credible process is followed.”

Interference In the aftermath of the March 2, 2020 elections, calls came from many quarters for the declaration process to be transparently con-

cluded, citing irregularities tantamount to vote rigging, especially regarding Electoral District Four.

Following weeks of delays stemming from a number of High Court challenges to the process, the way was eventually cleared for a recount of the declarations of district Four. However, talks between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, brokered by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, resulted in a commitment for the recount of all votes cast for each of the ten electoral districts.

A CARICOM team is currently in Guyana to observe the recount process which is set to begin as soon as the Order is gazetted.

In the latter days of March 2020, Prime Minister and political stalwart, Moses Nagamootoo made the point that Guyana remains a sovereign state. PM Nagamootoo wrote that interference in Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections warrants an inquiry, noting the continuous threats of sanctions based on personal interpretation, as opposed to legal interpretation of Guyana’s current situation.

He said these threats come at a time when the government has not acted, or insinuated, that it has intention to act, outside of the law and Constitution.

United States Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, has been making a number of statements and tweets about the need for Guyana’s elections to be transparently concluded, ‘or else’.

In a joint statement on March 13, 2020, the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Sarah-Ann Lynch; the British High Commissioner, H.E. Greg Quinn; the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E. Lilian Chaterjee; and the Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Fernando Ponz Canto, announced that they had left the Region 4 tabulation process that morning “as it was clear that a transparent and credible process was not put in place by the responsible officials.”

They also announced having concerns about “intimidation tactics we observed against those seeking to ensure that a credible process is followed.”

“We must be clear that in the absence of a credible process, as directed by the Honorable Chief Justice, it is our view that any results

for Region Four, which will impact the overall results of the March 2 elections, will not be credible and a President sworn in on the basis of those results will not be considered legitimate. We are all long-standing friends of Guyana whose countries have supported its development over many decades.

The betterment of Guyana and its people has always been our interest. In that spirit, we urge all parties to not do anything which could lead to Guyana’s isolation,” the joint statement said.

Intervention Writing in a Guyana Chronicle column, Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated: “It is interesting to note the number of times that the American Deputy Secretary of State has intervened to issue threats against Guyana, even as the United States is battling its own challenges in the fight against COVID-19, as all of our countries are doing at this time. The urgency of the Guyana mission appears to take precedence.”

Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961- ‘Respect for the laws and regulations of the receiving State Article 55’ – states: “Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State.

They also have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of the State.”

This is also reinforced in Article 55 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963. A source within the Canadian government shared with the Guyana Chronicle that during an election period, this means ensuring that diplomatic and consular representatives do not conduct activities which may either be perceived as inducing electors to vote for a particular candidate, or prohibiting them from voting for a particular candidate in any way during an election period. “Furthermore, accredited foreign representatives should not, directly or indirectly, make any financial contribution to a candidate, political party or political event,” the source said.

CANADIAN ENVOY Speaking on the situation in Canada, well-placed sources said: “With a federal election approaching, we wish to kindly remind Heads of Mission that, consistent

Canadian High Commissioner, Lillian Chatterjee

with Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic

Relations and Article 55 of the Vienna Convention on

Consular Relations, they have the duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the receiving state.

The source cited a guideline for Heads of Mission on how to direct their staff on making informed decisions about the types of engagement that may be deemed as inappropriate during an election period.

“Although developed to guide the conduct of federal public servants in federal, provincial, territorial or municipal elections, the examples of non-candidacy political activities, social media and online activities, and factors to be considered before engaging in any activity are good examples for foreign representatives accredited to Canada,” the source highlighted.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 4, 2020

Maintenance crucial to prevent disruptions

-GPL

IN the coming days, the Guyana Power and Light company will be conducting a series of maintenance exercises which will see power outages or ‘black-outs’ in several areas across the country.

However, during the exercise, persons depending on a reliable power supply to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic will be affected, also students who are currently attending online classes.

The utility company, in a notice, revealed several rounds of a planned maintenance exercise, which will commence today, Monday May 4 to May 7, 2020. Since many persons are working from their homes and studying, efficient electrical supply to power an Internet connection is essential.

On Monday, May 4, disruptions are expected on the East Coast of Demerara at Plaisance and Sparendaam from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, May 6, Garden of Eden to New Hope on the East Bank of Demerara will experience similar outages from 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs.

Maintenance activities will continue on Thursday, May 7, on the Diamond Public Road to Herstelling, East Bank Demerara from 08:00hrs to 14:00hrs. At the Good Hope Housing Scheme, ECD, the operation will last from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs.

The utility company further explained that from the inception of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, it has employed several measures to soften the impact of the related hardships on its customers, which included, but was not limited to, the delay of planned network maintenance.

Planned maintenance activities, the company added, are crucial to prevent service disruptions and to allow for a continuous and reliable supply of electricity to all served areas.

It should be noted that GPL remains challenged with an aged Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network, therefore, such maintenance activities must be conducted in keeping with their annual maintenance plan and cannot be delayed any further.

“Additionally, the May/June rainy season is upon us and the company is taking all necessary precautions to reduce the impact of localized faults; hence, network maintenance is of utmost importance for a stable and reliable supply of electricity,” the company said.

Nevertheless, the utility company acknowledges that there are a number of employees working from home due to the risks associated with COVID-19.

With this in mind, the company has advertised these interruptions across multimedia platforms to alert its customers who will be affected by the service interruptions; and to allow for sufficient time for alternative provisions to be put in place.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

GFF president optimistic of Caribbean Professional League …Opens up about sustainable development of game in Guyana

By Rawle Toney THE Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF), behind their president, Victor Montagliani, announced, last week, a Working Group that has been charged with coming up with a format and structure for a Caribbean Pro League – something that has received much praise from Wayne Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport over the weekend, Forde, who is serving his second term at the helm of the ‘beautiful game’ locally, pointed out that a “sustainable Caribbean Professional League that is modelled from the unique circumstances of the Caribbean Football reality, would be the realization of a shared vision of the CFU Member Association family.”

“I wish, therefore, to commend President Montagliani for following through on his commitment and to assure my colleagues that, as a member of the Concacaf Competitions Committee, I will do my utmost to contribute to the work of the subgroup,” Forde firmly stated.

Chaired by Mexican Football Federation president, Yon de Luisa, with Caribbean Football Union vice president, Randy Harris as deputy chairman, the Working Group has now been added to with former player and former Trinidad and Tobago sports minister, Brent Sancho, and the head of Jamaica’s National Olympic Committee, Christopher Samuda.

Operating as a subgroup of Concacaf’s Competitions Committee, the Working Group will also have lawyer and club owner, Manuel Estrella from the Dominican Republic, Patrick Massenat from Haiti, Valdemar Florentino Marcha of Curaçao, as well as a FIFA representative.

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN GUYANA “As it relates to Guyana’s football, let me be clear, the GFF focus is on investing in the professional management of the game and NOT on developing of a professional League. We simply do not have the fundamental building blocks at this time for a sustainable professional League,” Forde noted, when asked about Guyana’s readiness for professional football.

The former Fruta Conquerors president was adamant that any professional football model that has to be heavily bankrolled by the GFF will not be sustainable, while pointing out that “In addition to this model being unsustainable, it will also consume vast amounts of finances and other critical resources that are badly needed for the cultivation of a

sustainable model for Youth Development Programmes, Coaching Education, Referees development, Capacity Building, National Team programmes, Infrastructure development projects, etc. These are the fundamental priorities that the GFF must remained focus on for the next four to eight years.”

Forder said that until such time, the National football machinery must remain focus on helping Regional Associations and Clubs to get better at organising football competitions at a consistently good standard, developing a better registration and data management systems, developing a marketing, CSR and PR platform and facilitating technical development of their coaches, officials and most importantly – their players.

Forde reminded that “Globally, professional football is played by professional Clubs, with the financial resources to fund their operations. In Guyana, and like most of the CFU region – we do not have professional Clubs. This is mainly because of the scale of Guyana’s economy at this moment in time.”

The GFF president, in drawing comparison to the Trinidad and Tobago ProLeague, where many Guyanese players, past and present, had earned a living from the sport, called the Twin Island Republic’s league “a good example of what is required to create the semblance of a professional football League.

Despite Trinidad’s relatively strong economy and corporate community – the League exist ONLY because of a Government grant that is used to pay the Speaking on the basis of helping to set up a Caribbean Pro-League, Concacaf’s president, Montagliani said, “It is one thing to help and another to underwrite for 20 years.

That isn’t really feasible,” while adding that he sees it as “a bottom up rather than top down approach to create something that supports and grows itself over time. To get to that point, we need to understand the failures of domestic leagues as well their successes.”

IMPROVING THE GAME Meanwhile, at the core, Forde said, the GFF role is to build management capacity at the Club and Association level, by providing training programmes for Club management, competition management, Marketing, Coaching, providing football equipment and supporting infrastructural development projects.

Asked about what additional steps the GFF will be taking to improve the competitiveness and quality of the Elite Leagues and Association Leagues, Forde pointed to their ongoing investment into the coaching education, which he

believes will continue to influence the quality of the players we are producing as is evident in their youth National teams’ international performances.

He, however, cautioned, “What is critical but difficult is to replicate the quality of Coaching that is taking place in the National team’s programme, across Guyana.

“The Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme will help with this but in order to really see the returns on these investments, we have to do more in educating the coaches in every Club across Guyana, from the hinterland to the Coastland.

“Beyond the technical development programmes, infrastructural development, having the right tools and equipment – we need the Coaches and administrators to be more committed to lifting the standard of football within their respective operational jurisdiction.”

Forde said it is “extremely important to have football played consistently at all levels across the country. This is where the GFF will be focusing its attention and resources over the next four years. We will be working tirelessly to strengthen our existing partnerships and establish new partnerships to support a vibrant annual competition calendar.

TAKING SOME CREDIT According to the GFF president, taking into account the substantial amount of work done, both on and off the field of play by his administration, he firmly believes that the evidence firmly supports a bright future for the game in Guyana, even while they continue to grapple with some inherent challenges at both the National and Regional levels.

Forde further boasted about his Executive Committee’s restoration of the GFF’s image within Guyana and throughout the Regional and Global community, calling it “a personal source of pride.”

Looking ahead, Forde doubled-down on the fact that their future goals are the completion of GFF National Training Centre at Providence, completion of the GFF Football Complex at Durban Park, improving football facilities across the country, making football equipment more affordable and accessible, increasing the number of qualified coaches and being able to fully execute their National Football Cale The GFF top brass also revealed that “on the international front, we would like a second appearance at the Concacaf Gold Cup. I would like to see our youth teams advancing beyond the group stage of regional competition consistently and the Golden Jaguars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP.”

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Ronaldo has a plan to overtake Pele’s record & be best of all-time - Neville

JUVENTUS superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “has a plan” to overtake Pele’s goal record and become the “greatest of all time”, according to Gary Neville.

Ronaldo has enjoyed a hugely successful career at the highest level spanning 18 years, during which time he has established himself as one of the top performers of his generation.

The 35-year-old has won three Premier League titles, two La Liga crowns, one Scudetto and five European Cups during spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juve, while also picking up five Ballon d’Or awards.

He left Madrid in 2018 as the club’s all-time top goalscorer, and has also found the net more than any other player

in Portugal’s history, with the 2016 European Championship rounding off his impressive trophy haul.

Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the most talented player of the last two decades, but Ronaldo is seen

as the ultimate marksman, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down despite his advancing years.

Ronaldo(left) has a plan to overtake Pele’s record & be best of all-time - Neville

Premier League, clubs ‘scared’ to publicly back restart, says Neville (REUTERS) - The Premier League and its clubs are “frightened to death” about publicly backing the resumption of the season as they do not want to be held liable if someone dies because of the coronavirus, television pundit Gary Neville said on Sunday.

Professional soccer has been suspended since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has infected over 182,000 people in the United Kingdom, killing more than 28,000.

The 20 Premier League clubs held a conference call on Friday in which they looked at plans for a resumption of training this month but deferred making a decision on resuming the season until the government gave the go-ahead.

The government had originally set May 7 as the day it would review lockdown restrictions.

“The PL are having a CV nightmare. They keep spouting health first but then brief constantly ‘We have to re-start’,” Neville wrote on Twitter.

“I’d respect them more if they said, ‘We accept the increase in health risk but it’s one we are willing to take’.

They won’t as they are frightened to death!”

When a Twitter user asked him what would happen if they restarted the season and someone died, Neville

said: “That’s why we haven’t heard one single prominent CEO, Chairman, Owner or Executive open his mouth to back the re-start.

“Scared to death of the liability and blame.”

The clubs have reviewed plans for resuming training which will initially be restricted to small groups of players with no use of indoor facilities.

Some clubs started individual sessions for players at their training grounds last week.

Neville said that although he understands the complexities of a return to action, it was “depressing” to see the league and clubs not communicating their plans.

“It would be good for them (the Premier League) to speak at least once. Any of them!

Clubs included,” the former Manchester United and England defender added when it was suggested to him that the league has press briefings.

“They are bottling this virus on comms (communications).

Very happy to tell us when they are delivering food parcels though.”

Television pundit Gary Neville

Neville says he was in awe of how hard the Portuguese worked behind the scenes to hone his craft at Old Trafford, and believes that his former colleague is now focused on emulating Brazilian legend Pele.

It is believed that the World Cup winner holds the outright record for career goals with over 1000 to his name, but Neville thinks Ronaldo will stop at nothing to overhaul a legendary figure’s tally.

“His drive to become the best in the world was out of this world,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“He was one of the few players that I’ve played with that would publicly announce that individual trophies were important to him.

“He just wanted to be the very best and what he’s done over the years has been absolutely exceptional. His achievements have been amazing and he’s worked hard for it.

“It’s an obsession with scoring goals and applying himself every day, being the fittest he can possibly be. I think he’s lifted his professionalism every single year and progressed.

“I think he has a plan to go on and take over Pele’s record.

He wants to be the greatest of all time and that is his sole purpose.

“Understanding that along the way if he is the greatest of all time, the teams that he plays for will win trophies and be successful.”

Benn wants to coach Red Force

FORMER West Indies leftarm spinner Sulieman Benn is seeking to become Head Coach of the T&T Red Force senior cricket team.

Applications for the post closed on Thursday afternoon and up until then, the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) had received 18 applications for the position which became vacant recently.

Also among those applying was 2019-2020 head coach Mervyn Dillon, who held the position from January 2019 until Thursday.

The former West Indies fast bowler carried the team to second in the West Indies Championships, their best finish since 2014 and will be hoping that this sways the TTCB appointed committee conducting the interviews in his favour.

Also among those applying is the coach of the national Und e r- 1 7 team

Rayad Emrit.

F o r m e r We s t I n d i e s leg-spinner Samuel Badree has thrown his hat into the ring as well as former T&T opening batsman Imran Jan. Keshava Ramphal who coached the T&T Under-15 team in 2018 is also interested in the job as well as the former T&T wicketkeeper Gibran Mohammed.

Barbadian Benn, 38, who made his first-class debut in 1999, played at formats for the Caribbean side.

Former national under-17 coach Gregory Davis has also applied as well as current national under-15 coach Brian Browne.

Current Red Force manager and former Queen’s Park coach David Furlonge has also decided to apply having been around the team for a couple of seasons.

The job has attracted international attention with former Pakistan Test batsman Atiq-Uz-Zaman also applying. Zaman was good enough to play one Test and three ODIs for Pakistan in 2000 and do a more than adequate job in them (he took five catches in his only Test against Sri Lanka).

Much of his good work had come in the preceding domestic seasons; he broke a longstanding Former West Indies and Barbados re c o r d f o r t h e left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn highest number

of dismissals in a season in 2000-01 with 76 victims. He now lives in England, where he is involved in coaching.

Sri Lankan Pasindu Liyanaarachichi has also applied for the post as well as Asadullah Khan of Afghanistan and Heinrich Malan from South Africa.

The TTCB will now look to appoint a committee to interview the 18 applicants before taking their recommendations. The board is expected to put the committee in place by mid-May after which they will wait on directions from the government as to when it is safe to open up their offices again and then interviews will be scheduled.

FULL LIS OF APPLICANTS Rayad Emrit – Trinidad, Bhoodesh Dookie - T&T, Gibran Mohammed - T&T, Davindra Singh - T&T, Imran Jan - T&T, Samuel Badree - T&T, Gregory Davis - T&T,Mervyn Dillon - T&T, David Furlonge - T&T, Vinood Maharaj - T&T, Sulieman Benn – Barbados, Keshava Ramphal - T&T, Brian Browne - T&T, Pasindu Liyanaarachchi - Sri Lanka, Asadullah Khan – Afghanistan, Heinrich Malan - South Africa, Atiq-Uz-Zaman – Pakistan, Roland Sampath - T&T .(Reprinted fromo T&T Guardian.

22

Holder squarely focussed on all formats PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC )– All-rounder Jason Holder says he does not want to be pigeon-holed as simply a Test player but believes he has a contribution to make to West Indies cricket in all three formats.

The 28-year-old, who has led West Indies in Tests for the last five years, has emerged recently as one of the world’s leading players in the longest format where he has been ranked as the number one all-rounder for over a year now.

And though Test cricket is where he has managed to make his mark, Holder still thinks his skills and knowledge can be helpful in the white-ball versions.

“My sole focus is West Indies cricket. I just want to make that very clear,” he said in a recent interview here.

“Yes, I’m captain of the West Indies Test side and that’s obviously where the leadership side of me lies but I think my contribution solely is to West Indies cricket. I think West Indies cricket is so diverse in many different

ways and for us as players, we’ve got to understand each and everyone of us has a part to play in this whole puzzle.

“I don’t want to just segregate myself and pigeon-hole myself to one particular format. Yes I’m the captain for the Test team but as I’ve crossed formats for a number of years, I think my sole focus has been on West Indies cricket, ideally in all three formats not only in Test cricket.

“We all want to see our side going up to the number one ranked team in the world and that will take some time.

We’ve just got to narrow in or be a bit more detailed and precise in how we go about achieving these goals and sticking to it.”

Until last September, Holder also captained the one-day side, having led the unit since 2014. Following a dismal World Cup in England last July and another series defeat to India the following month, Holder was relieved of responsibility for the one-day side.

He led the side in 86 ODIs,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Jason Holder inspired Barbados Tridents to the capture of the 2019 CPL title

winning only 24 matches and losing 54. He averaged nearly 28 with the bat and snared 101 of his 136 one-day wickets.

Holder said while “disappointed” by the move to sack him, he understood the decision had been taken in the “best interest of West Indies cricket”.

“I don’t think there is a soul in this world who would be entrusted with or given such a leadership of a Caribbean cricket team, it being taken away from you and you not feel disappointed,” he explained.

“But for me, it’s just seeing the bigger picture. They’re people who’ve been hired and employed to do a job and that’s to administrate West Indies cricket and they will make decisions in the best interest of West Indies cricket, and if that’s the decision made, then I’ll definitely accept it and move on.

“I definitely still have a massive contribution to [make] both on the field and off the

field and I will just go and do it to the best of my ability.”

After being relieved of the one-day captaincy, Holder then inspired Barbados Tridents to their second Caribbean Premier League title when he oversaw their capture of the regional domestic T20 franchise tournament.

The Barbadian has flourished in the Test arena. Currently, he is the highest-ranked West Indies batsman at 35th in the ICC tables and is number three in the bowling charts.

While his skills have been evident, he has also gained plaudits for his captaincy, and said the responsibility of leadership had been a motivating factor.

“Being captain drives me a little bit more because I’m that more switched on all the time and I guess that’s one of the things I’m trying to work on now in terms of my transition back into being a normal player [in the one-day side],” Holder explained.

“But I love the leadership role; the leadership role for me is one where it makes me focus and drives me in a way where my performances definitely have to lead by example and I definitely have to practice what I preach.”

Gomes has no ... in world cricket, during the 1970s and 1980s.

“Why we were strong (was) most of the players were playing professionally in England,” said Gomes.

“There was no restriction on the foreign players. We were used to playing day in, day out.”

What will he suggest for the present crop of WI players to improve their game?

“To recommend for our guys now, the education level of the guys, especially the younger ones, they need guidance to solve their problems from early on, in crisis situations,” he responded.

“They need mentors and advisors. Also, I don’t know how much of them set goals.”

During the interview,

Gomes mentioned that he enjoyed playing against Australia because of their competitive nature and on-field banter (he scored six Test centuries against them). He also rated his knock of 123 at the Queen’s Park Oval against India in 1983 as his best.

With the array of pace bowling during his playing days, Gomes described Jeff Thomson, Michael Holding and Wayne Daniel as the fastest bowlers he faced and his favourite pitches were at Sabina Park, Jamaica (“it was a good atmosphere, I enjoyed it there”), and Adelaide, Australia (“I had a couple centuries there”).

On his most memora-

ble moments, Gomes listed his first Test (in June 1976 against England at Nottingham) and winning the World Cup in 1979 (“it was a fantastic achievement”), while the 1983 World Cup final defeat to India was his most disappointing.

Gomes also touched on the famous 1984 Test victory against England at Lord’s, London, when Sir Gordon Greenidge made an unbeaten 214 while Gomes was 92 not out, as WI romped to a nine-wicket victory, on the final day.

“I always tell him he robbed me of a hundred at Lord’s,” said Gomes, in jest. “At the time, we were concentrating on winning the game. We made it very

FROM BACK PAGE easily. Gordon went haywire and I played my role, rotated the strike as usual and we got (the total) with overs to spare.”

(Reprinted from Newsday)

Motivation key to focus in COVID-19 lockdown, says Gabriel RORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 2, CMC – West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel says motivation is key to remaining focussed during the current lockdown caused by the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It can be frustrating, preparing and training and not knowing when you will be playing

competitive matches would afford him even more time to become fitter.

“I have also been doing some band-work and some stuff in the pool as well and some resistance training, and I am also doing some work with Ronald at the moment,” he explained.

“It is not really a setback. Although I wanted to play [firstclass championship],

West Indies fast bowler Shannon

again,” he told the Express newspaper here.

“Everyone wants to go out and play. For me, some days are different. Some days you are upbeat for training and other days, you have to find some way to motivate yourself to put in the work and effort.

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel.

“My family keeps me motivated and [strength and conditioning coach] Ronald (Rogers) also keeps me on track, and I know that at some point in time the work will pay off so it is just to keep at it and be persistent.”

The 32-year-old has not played a competitive match in nearly eight months as he recovers from ankle surgery last November.

He was hoping to be available in the late stages of the domestic first class championship but the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of the last two rounds of the 10-round competition.

Gabriel, who has snatched 133 wickets from 45 Tests, said the absence of

I now have some more time so I will not have to rush myself back to play. It gives me more time to recover and more time to ensure I am fit and ready for the next opportunity, whenever that comes.”

He continued: “Right now, I am just trying to keep myself ready and try to give myself the best opportunity to perform, so I’m just trying to stay ready mentally and physically.

“The opportunity will come to play cricket again, whether it is for West Indies or club cricket so you just have to be prepared for that call.”

Gabriel has emerged as one of the linchpins of the West Indies pace attack in recent times, forming a formidable combination with captain Jason Holder and Kemar Roach.

The Trinidadian is currently ranked 19th in the ICC charts to be one of three Caribbean speedsters in the world top 20 along with Holder (3rd) and Roach (11th).

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Mark Boucher (77 dismissals: 77 catches) Ridley Jacobs (51 dismissals: 50 catches; 1 stumping)

TODAY’S QUIZ: Today’s Quiz: Who is the only SA player to craft a double-ton on his Test debut to date?

Who is the only WI to fashion a double-century in his very first Test match to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 4, 2020

Running Brave - the beacon of Track and Field in Guyana

By Ras Wadada

AFTER 14 years of existence, the Running Brave Track and Field Club (RBTFC) has firmly established itself as the top athletic club for positive development of the athlete in Guyana, where support is limited among the 12 registered clubs here.

The club currently boasts over 120 members, inclusive of a World Champion, and consists of two groups-- one based at the Leonora Track on the West Coast and the other at the National Park in the City.

The fusion of certified Level II IAAF Coaches, Julian Edmond and Sham Johnny, continue to reap the rewards for their commitment to upcoming athletes.

When the duo began their journey with the club in 2006, they were joined by several seasoned runners, including sprinter, Rawle Green, long distance runners, Cleveland Thomas and Lionel Dhanraj, as well as the one who really could be considered the catalyst for the birth of RBTFC – the multi-talented Alisha Fortune.

The year was 2002 when Fortune approached Edmond, at his home, and requested him to be her personal coach, and after some pleading and deliberations, the former St. Joseph’s/St. Rose’s High student, who was on a sabbatical from the sport, agreed to be the full-time coach. Four years on, and it was the ideal timing for Coach Johnny to propose the union to Coach Edmond.

Without much hesitation, the club was established and as the old adage goes, the rest is history.

Fortune remembers the beginning and how the club got its name. ”It was Rawle Green who suggested that we name the club ‘Running

Brave’ and we all agreed. Mr. Aubrey Hutson, who is the head of Athletics now, was the club’s first-elected President with Mr. Keith Campbell the first Vice -President.

and 9 Bronze medals at the South American Championships. Presently, there are six Running Brave athletes on Athletic scholarships in the USA, making it a total of 9 to

Edmond added that the club pays extra attention to all the young athletes.

“An important aspect of the club is keeping a close eye on the athlete, whereby, we

Coach Julian Edmond (at left) and co-coach, Sham Johnny

After Mr. Hutson resigned, due to his ascendency as head of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Mr. Campbell, who had two talented sons, Emerson and Eon, who became members, took over”.

Edmond and Fortune have come a long way in athletics dating back to 1992 when both qualified to represent Guyana at the CARIFTA Games in Guadeloupe but, unfortunately, funding was not available for all and they felt the axe.

The duo is also products of the now defunct Rising Stars, coached by Denis Smith, who migrated to the USA and, together, they successfully did the IAAF Level I course in 2000.

Among the club’s proud achievements are consistent success at the annual prestigious CARIFTA Games and nurturing talents unto the Collegiate Track in the USA continuously.

Since its formation, the club has secured a total of 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 9 Bronze medals at the CARIFTA Games, and 1 Gold, 7 Silver

have gained scholarships.

A proud Coach Edmond explained why the club has been having success. “ In terms of the athletes’ successes at the CARIFTA games, I am very proud of their achievements and happy to know that I would have contributed to a period when Guyana had their most success at the Games, finishing in the top 5 among Caribbean countries.

“One of the main contributing factor in the consistent rise in Medals for Guyana in recent years at CARIFTA is the acquisition of the synthetic track at Leonora and, more importantly, under the presidency of Mr. Hutson, all the athletes who have qualified for CARIFTA get the opportunity to participate, unlike the past when it depended on funds available.

“So, athletes in the past, despite qualifying, were prioritized to be selected, but now athletes and coaches are inspired to go all the way since they will be selected to represent Guyana once they make the qualifying marks”.

liaise with parents to ensure they are getting their proper rest and nutrition and, more importantly, Coach Sham goes to every school where we have athletes so as to check on their academic progress and behavior; based on our findings we have one-on-one talks, sometimes it necessitates extra tutoring and in extreme cases, we do suspend from club activities so that they can get back on stream…when we formed this club, part of our vision was to assist young people by sharing our knowledge on becoming balanced individuals to secure athletic scholarships and go on to professional careers on or off the track.

“Some of these scholarships are worth between 75 to 100 thousand USD”, the former National Schools record holder for the 100M and 400M related.

“We start our CARIFTA preparations since in November so that when they go they can perform to optimum and secure medals…we work hard to get into the athletes head so that they get mentally

focused…everything is about progression, so we keep a chart where we do yearly evaluation based on monitored progression, including keeping statistics ...we have got in excess of 120 from as young as 9 years old”, Edmond shared.

“Coaching comes with its challenges, but our aim, at Running Brave, is to produce an Olympic medalist and world champion.

We have a structured club without any sponsorship, so we are mainly financed by membership dues and fund raising activities…at times, we as coaches and executive members have to facilitate athletes with assistance in providing transportation money”.

Edmond, who had a professional stint on the grassed tracks in Australia between 1993 and 1994, cited a likely Olympics medalist for Guyana while he bemoaned the lack of support.”The talent and potential to give Guyana a first medal at the World or Olympics in athletics is one of the scholarship awardee.

About six top Colleges were vying to get Natricia Hooper, and so they paid for her to tour all these colleges and in the end, she chose the University of Florida. She is definitely

World class material in the triple-jump. Our

programmes can only grow and get better with sponsorship and the Government must take the lead ….lack of support for development is sadly lacking here in Guyana…sometimes we get some support with transportation from Ministry of Social Cohesion….the coaching is all volunteer and making sacrifices is the order of the day; it is a daily early morning routine and afternoon as well”, Edmond lamented.

Coach Johnny, who hails from Kitty and is a certified Level II IAAF Coach, is also an ex Santos Football Club player and athlete, but a motor accident ended his career.

However, because of his love for sports, he pursued a career in Athletics Coaching.

“Cleveland Thomas was my athlete and Edmond had Alisha Fortune; so we merged our energies at that time back in 2006 and, I must admit, that we have had success as a club.

Over 35 athletes make up the West side faction of Running Brave…we have a 14-year-old gem who would have run at the 1500m Girls. We have boundless talent, but can’t help appealing to Corporate Guyana and Businesses, in general, to come on board with some much-needed sponsorship’, Johnny declared.

Founder-member Alisha Fortune who has become a world champion

Windies isolation period under discussion for England tour DISCUSSIONS around rescheduling West Indies’ tour of England have included the possibility of the visitors going into isolation for as long as 14 days.

The three-Test series was due to begin in June, but the shutdown of cricket in England and Wales has been extended until at least 1 July.

The earliest date the first Test could begin is thought to be 8 July.

If the Windies are in isolation, they are likely to have

access to practice facilities at a locked-down venue.

B B C S p o r t u n d e rstands the visitors’ planning involves leaving the Caribbean in mid-June, allowing enough time for any period of isolation, followed by practice matches.

The length of the isolation is another part of the discussions, with 14 days one of the options.

As it stands, there are no restrictions placed on overseas travellers arriving in the UK.

However, on Sunday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the BBC plans for screening and quarantining people coming from abroad were “a serious point under consideration”.

On Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said “positive” discussions had been held with Cricket West Indies over a revised schedule for the tour.

Any cricket that does take place this summer is likely to be behind closed

England captain Joe Root and West Indies captain Jason Holder

doors, perhaps in a “bio-secure” environment.

Even then, the staging of matches and the ability of overseas teams to play in the UK will be determined by government guidelines.

Australia, Pakistan and Ireland are also due to tour England this summer.

The ECB has previously stated it is looking at rescheduling the international calendar for the period between July and the end of September. (BBC Sport)

GFF president optimistic of Caribbean Professional League PAGE 20

…Opens up about sustainable development of game in Guyana

Gomes has no regrets over blanking 1983 rebel tour

FORMER Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies cricketer Larry Gomes has no regrets over blanking the infamous WI rebel tours of South Africa in 1983.

Gomes made this point during an interview on the Barbados-based Andrew Mason and Guest radio show, from his home in Toronto, Canada, on Tuesday evening last.

Reflecting on the enticement of a spot in the unsanctioned WI rebel team, led by Lawrence Rowe, Gomes said, “I was in Toronto on holidays.

The phone kept ringing, Lawrence calling, (Dr Ali) Bacher calling, ‘Crofty’ (Colin Croft) calling, they wanted me to come down and join them down there.”

Bacher, now 77, was a former South Africa captain, manager and administrator, who played a key role in organising rebel tours from West Indies, Sri Lanka, England and Australia during the 1980s, when South Africa were banned from international sport due to their Former South Africa captain Dr. Ali Bacher played apartheid a key role in organising rebel policies. tours from West Indies, Gomes Sri Lanka, England and continued, Australia during the 1980s

PAGE 23

“I had met with Dr Bacher in Manhattan, (United States) with my advisor Hugh Henderson, at a hotel privately. We went about doing a contract, but I didn’t sign it because I wanted to come back to Toronto and talk to my wife.

“At the time was the apartheid system so I was in two minds. If I’d gone, I’d be set for a lifetime. With the apartheid thing and studying if I want to go back home (to Trinidad), I don’t think they’d welcome you too much at that time. That made me not want to go there.”

During that time, Gomes was yet to cement a place in the WI middle order, which featured captain Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards, Faoud Bacchus, Collis King, Alvin Kallicharan and Gus Logie.

“It was very difficult to turn down,” admitted Gomes. “Dr Bacher and I decided not to disclose the contract. I still have the contract but we agreed not to disclose the details.”

Gomes, a passionate horseracing fan, and a former racehorse owner, said, “I even had a racehorse in the contract.”

However, he noted, “I have no regrets. I was sad for the guys though. The kind of monies they went for, I don’t think that’ll be enough, knowing that your careers would be at stake and that’ll be the end of them. I think I was the only one who negotiated a contract with (Bacher). Most of the guys ended up in South Africa without the contract.”

The then West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) banned the players who featured in the 1983 and 1984 rebel tours from playing First-Class and international cricket, under its auspices, for life. The ban

GFF president Wayne Forde (right) and Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF

was lifted in 1989, and Barbadian fast bowler Ezra Moseley played a pair of Tests, against England, in 1990.

Gomes said, “At the time it’s not like the money you’re getting now but it was real good money.”

Asked if he has ever communicated with the players who went to South Africa and if they regretted making the trips, Gomes replied, “Maybe some of them were happy that they went but most of them, afterwards, realised maybe they made a mistake by going.

If you look at a few of them, for some reason, they didn’t end up well in life (after) going there. You had Richard Austin who turned a vagrant, it was sad to see him in Jamaica. And there were a few others, it wasn’t nice to see having played with them.”

The 66-year-old Gomes, who played 60 Tests (3,171 runs at an average of 39.63) and 83 One Day Internationals (1,415 at 28.87) between 1976 and 1987, mentioned the value of country and league cricket in England for helping the WI players of his era become the unstoppable force

Former West Indies and TT cricketer Larry Gomes

TURN TO PAGE 22

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MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020