Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_11_2020

THURSDAY 11th June, 2020

' No.106026

GECOM legally bound to produce credible results

–– Justice Duke Pollard says commission must ensure evidence used to pronounce on elections is credible SEE PAGE 03

“If the information provided for the outcome is not credible, then the outcome itself could not be credible.

GECOM is required to present a credible account of this recount process. It [is] strange to see how GECOM can give a credible report of the recount process if it is precluded from substantiating the integrity of the information,” Justice Pollard told this newspaper on Wednesday.

Six more persons recover from COVID-19

PAGE

10

GuySuCo can ‘Votes alone tap $1.5B don’t validate payment for lands elections’ …says former minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey SEE STORY ON PAGE 13

-Gov’t says treasury incapable of providing bailout at this time SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

GuySuCo can tap $1.5B payment for lands -Gov’t says treasury incapable of providing bailout at this time THE Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other prevailing national conditions have rendered the national treasury incapable of providing a bailout to the “cash-strapped” Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), but all hope is not lost, as the company is expected to benefit from $1.5 billion, paid to The National Industrial Commercial and Investment Limited (NICIL) for the sale of land.

In a letter to President David Granger on May 15, close to a month ago, Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, John Dow, said the sugar corporation was in a “dire financial crisis” with billions in debt, and insufficient finances to execute critical factory maintenance.

“Despite improvements in the productivity of cane, Guy-

SuCo’s sugar production for the last two crops has fallen short of expectations and the current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problems experienced in meeting the 1st crop 2020 production targets…As a result, the cash generated from operations cannot meet the ‘outgoings’ particularly when external funding has been difficult to obtain,” Dow said as he painted a vivid picture of the financial challenges facing the sugar industry.

The Ministry of Finance has since noted GuySuCo’s request for a bailout, and has assured that it is actively seeking to assist the company in accessing funds that are available, to mitigate its present challenges.

To this end, the ministry cited a $30 Billion bond backed by NICIL's assets and

guaranteed by the Government of Guyana, which was secured through NICIL to retrofit and revitalise the three remaining sugar estates.

During the period July 2018 to February 2020, $9,720,759,568 was disbursed to GuySuCo to fund its capital and operational expenditure much of which was outside the terms of the bond.

Additionally, NICIL, through the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), sold lands that were vested to it, and as such garnered deposits of $2.1 billion.

According to the finance ministry, the full sum was used to offset bond payments that became due in May, 2020. And, the balance of $1.5 billion for the lands will be paid over to NICIL when the vesting orders are signed and gazetted.

“It is expected that part of this sum will go towards a bond repayment which is

due on July 4, 2020, and the remainder to GuySuCo. GuySuCo also generates its own income.

“Another disbursement is expected in the coming days; so we urge that NICIL, GuySuCo and the syndicated lenders work assiduously to resolve any bottlenecks,” said the finance ministry Guyana Chronicle had reported that the plan for GuySuCo in 2017 consequent to the laying of the State Paper in Parliament was premised on the 4,650 acres of commercial land being sold and the funds being made available for the rehabilitation of infrastructural and the necessary capital for factory and agricultural equipment.

And though the SPU of NICIL successfully secured a Bond of G$30B, only G$17B has reportedly been raised to date.

Dow told the President that notwithstanding the

purpose of the Bond, the proceeds from the sale of commercial lands were not remitted to the Corporation and apart from sales income, the Bond has been the only source of funding for the industry’s priority programme.

“GuySuCo has, since January 2019, been urging NICIL/SPU to change the purpose (“caveats”) of the Bond to be in line with our requirements. To date, NICIL/ SPU has been unwilling or unable to get this done,” Dow complained.

He added: “The Bondholders, without a change of caveats, have apparently been insisting that no further disbursements be made from the Bond as GuySuCo’s request does not fit the stated purpose on which the bond was raised.”

“Cash will not be available to meet any ‘outgoings’ for spares and materials for the mid-year out-of-crop

maintenance of our factories.

This inability to purchase spares and materials is likely to result in factory performance in the 2nd Crop 2020 being adversely affected with increased factory downtime, reduced sucrose extraction at the milling plant and low sugar and molasses production.

Further to that, he disclosed that there was a backlog of G$2.1B owed to creditors. Due to the corporation’s inability to pay creditors on time, many of its experienced contractors have become unwilling to tender for GuySuCo projections, and creditors have been demanding large upfront payments before supplying goods. However, given its financial woes, it is unlikely, Dow said, that the creditors will grant further credit.

“If some of the crucial creditors are paid, GuySuCo would be out of cash before the 2nd week of June,” he noted.

Youths consulted on development of CARICOM strategic plan Youth from across the Community were recently engaged at a special consultation aimed at obtaining their input for the development of a Results-focused Community Strategic Plan 2020+. This virtual consultation, brought together CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, and other youth leaders and representatives from a range of youth organisations and communities including,

the Commonwealth Youth Council, Youth Parliaments in the Member States, Young Pioneers Organization, CARICOM Youth Writers, Unions of Tertiary Students and National Youth Councils.

During the interactive session, the youth considered and proposed various existing, new and emerging strategic issues which they posit should be priorities for the Community in the new Community Strategic Plan.

Among the issues highlighted and discussed were: the need for greater use of information and communication technology in the education system to reduce the technology divide,

which would help in facilitating teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; strategies and measures to engender youth engagement in decision-making; sustainable development and the Green Economy; youth empowerment/ employment; improvements in service provision that ensures a healthy youth population, including sexual and reproductive health services among others.

The discussion also highlighted the need for improved communication and information sharing on the results of the integration development agenda. The conversation also stressed the need for

greater information sharing on Community policies, strategies, initiatives and outcomes to all citizens of the Community, utilising social media and other channels. In this regard, the CARICOM Secretariat has launched the ‘I AM CARICOM’ Communications Campaign as an important vehicle that will enable greater visibility and information sharing, increased understanding and participation in the CARICOM construct, governance, policies, strategies and plans of the Caribbean Community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

GECOM legally bound to produce credible results

3

--- Justice Pollard says GECOM must ensure evidence used to pronounce on elections is credible

By Lisa Hamilton FORMER Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Professor Duke Pollard has asserted that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is bound to produce credible elections results and that it cannot submit to the country information which lacks integrity.

“If the information provided for the outcome is not credible, then the outcome itself could not be credible.

GECOM is required to present a credible account of this recount process. It [is] strange to see how GECOM can give a credible report of the recount process if it is precluded from substantiating the integrity of the information,” Justice Pollard told this newspaper on Wednesday, adding: “It would be counter productive to do so.”

The remarks of Justice Pollard come as the elections commission awaits the summary report of Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield on the recently concluded national recount.

This report must be presented on or before June 13 and will include a tabulation of the certified recount results from the 10 electoral districts, together with a summary of the observation reports for each district. The commission is expected to deliberate on this report before it determines whether the CEO should use the data to compile a final report for declaration of the results by GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

However, many of the observation reports are laden with instances of irregularities and alleged fraud which many believe place a dark cloud of doubt and uncertainty over the integrity of the results.

The irregularities highlighted include counterfoils and ballots carrying the same

number; ballots for one region cast in another; ballots cast for the dead and persons who have migrated; persons voting without proper identification; persons voting outside of their districts without employment documents; large numbers of improperly stamped ballots at locations where disciplined services members voted; missing poll books; documents from one polling station being found in the ballot boxes of another and ballot boxes with no single statutory documents.

Some politicians believe that GECOM cannot and should not do anything about these instances, because such matters are within the remit of the courts. “There are things that can be done in a recount exercise and there are things which cannot be done. So GECOM, lawfully,

Former Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Professor Duke Pollard

for an outcome, I don’t see how you can disassociate the credibility of that outcome from the credibility of the information responsible for that outcome,” he pointed out.

The Oder which legally triggered the recount states that the recount set out to verify the ballots cast against statutory documents which were expected to be present in each ballot box.

It states: “AND WHEREAS the Guyana Elections Commission, in exercise of the authority vested in it under Article 162 of the Constitution and pursuant to Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act, No. 15 of 2000, seeks to remove difficulties connected with the application of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03, in

Office of The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

has no jurisdiction, no power, no authority to pronounce on credibility, legality or validity of its process. In any event by the principle of natural justice, one cannot be a judge

in one’s own cause,” People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) executive member Anil Nandlall has opined.

However, he said that the law cannot indicate that

GECOM must make a credible report, but then prevent the commission from establishing the credibility of its report.

“If you’re responsible

implementing its decisions relating to the conduct of the aforementioned recount of all ballots cast at the said elections, including the reconciliation of the ballots

issued with the ballots cast, destroyed, spoiled, stamped, and as deemed necessary, their counterfoils/stubs; authenticity of the ballots and the number of voters listed and crossed out as having voted; the number of votes cast without ID cards; the number of proxies issued and the number utilised; statistical anomalies; occurrences recorded in the Poll Book.”

It is on this basis that the numerous cases of missing documents were highlighted, primarily by APNU+AFC party agents. The party has also claimed electoral fraud and has provided evidence to support their claims to the commission.

GECOM is still at the second stage of a four-stage process to concluding the recount. Stage one is the counting of the ballots; Stage two is the compilation of the summary report; Stage three is the review of the said report and Stage four will reveal whether the CEO is instructed to use the data to compile a final report for declaration of the results.

In all its processes GECOM is constitutionally obliged to act with impartiality and fairness in the execution of its duties, according to (162 (1) [b] of the Constitution.

The Article states: “The Elections Commission shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it to be necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this constitution or of any act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the deliberation, Justice Pollard iterated: “GECOM has the authority to ensure that the evidence they’re using as the basis for the report is credible.”

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

George Floyd death: 'Stop the pain', brother tells US Congress

(BBC) The brother of the African American man whose death in police custody has sparked global protests, has urged the US Congress to pass reforms on police brutality and "stop the pain".

Philonise Floyd told a House hearing that his brother George could not become "another name on a list".

"Be the leaders that this country, this world, needs," Mr Floyd said.

George Floyd died in Minneapolis in May as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

The final moments were filmed on phones. Four police officers involved have been sacked and charged over his death.

Separately, President Donald Trump has signalled his administration's plans to tackle the issues of protests and police brutality are reaching "final edits" and they could be made public in the "coming days".

What was said in the House?

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee have been listening to testimony from civil rights activists and law enforcement officials, a day after the funeral service of George Floyd, 46, in Houston.

The committee plans to send a bill to the floor of the Democrat-led House by 4 July on combating police violence and racial injustice.

It comes amid a nation-

wide - and in many cases international - debate on police practices and accountability, and more generally on racial inequity.

"I'm here to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain," an emotional Philonise Floyd, 42, told lawmakers.

"George called for help and he was ignored. Please listen to the call I'm making to you now, to the calls of our family and the calls ringing on the streets of all the world.

"The people marching in the streets are telling you enough is enough."

In tears, Mr Floyd later added: "His kids had to watch that video. It just hurt... you don't do that to a human being... His life mattered. All our lives matter. Black lives matter. I just wish I could

get him back. Those officers, they get to live."

Democrat committee chairman Jerrold Nadler said: "We must remember that [George Floyd] is not just a cause, a name to be chanted in the streets. He was a man.

He had a family... we mourn his loss."

The Democrat-proposed bill would make so-called police chokeholds illegal, enforce anti-racism training, bar sacked officers from switching to another force and make it easier to prosecute abuse.

Republican committee representative Matt Gaetz said that although elements needed to be "fine-tuned", "you will be able to count on Republican co-operation as we hone these ideas and hopefully pass them and get

them to the president's desk".

Signalling that the Trump administration's proposals on the issue would be made public soon, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted the plans would not include any reduction in immunity for police officers, which she called a "non-starter".

She said that Mr Trump's concern was that police officers should not be vilified.

Earlier she said that the president would have "proactive policy prescriptions, whether that means legislation or an executive order".

What is happening with the Minneapolis police?

As the House hearing was taking place, the police chief in Minneapolis said that his department "absolutely"

could be reformed and vowed not to let George Floyd's death be in vain.

Medaria Arradondo said one reform would be to introduce a new early warning system to identify the conduct of police officers.

On Sunday, a majority of the city council's members vowed to disband the police department and replace it with a new model of public safety.

"Defund the police" has been a rallying call for many protesters nationwide. It has been opposed by both President Trump and his Democratic challenger in November's election, Joe Biden.

Coronavirus: Restart tourism to beat virus, says United Nations

(BBC) The UN secretary general says tourism could be used as a platform for overcoming the effects of Covid-19.

"Tourism can promote

solidarity and trust - crucial ingredients in advancing the global co-operation that is so urgently needed at this time," Antonio Guterres said.

Previous research by the

UN's tourism arm suggests that up to 120 million tourism jobs could be at risk.

"Travel is down, fear is up, and the future is uncertain," Mr Guterres said.

The UK and many other

Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 09:00 hrs

parts of the world, however, still have travel restrictions in place in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Travel restrictions The sector as a whole has been badly affected by the

pandemic. It has left thousands of aircraft grounded as potential tourists have been forced to stay at home amid lockdown.

In a recent report, the United Nations' World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) found that "all destinations worldwide" still had some form of travel restrictions in place, although some were easing.

About 75% of those destinations had completely closed their borders to international tourism.

All those arriving in the UK - including UK nationals - now have to provide an address where they will self-isolate for 14 days.

Travellers can be fined ÂŁ100 for failing to fill in a form with these details, but those arriving from the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man are exempt.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the two-week quarantine period would protect public health, now that imported coronavirus cases ''pose a more significant threat''.

The government has also said it is looking into ''international travel corridors'' between the UK and countries with low infection rates and strong healthcare systems. It hopes this could avoid the need for quarantine for travellers between the two.

Portugal's foreign minister told the BBC he hoped an agreement between the UK and Portugal could be secured by the end of June.

Elsewhere in Europe, Greece says it will start reopening its airports to tourists from 29 countries from 15 June. This will not in-

clude countries hit hardest by Covid-19: the UK, France, Spain and Italy.

Italy, meanwhile, plans to allow in tourists from EU countries from 3 June, when mandatory quarantine for visitors will be lifted.

Industry 'restart' In May, the UNWTO issued a set of guidelines on how to restart the tourism industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

They include introducing health checks where appropriate, such temperature scans at airports, as well as increased cleaning and the provision of hand sanitiser or anti-bacterial wipes.

Those measures were outlined as it warned that up to $1.2 trillion (ÂŁ940.5bn) could be lost in export revenues from tourism due to the pandemic.

On Wednesday, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned that the trade, tourism, and hospitality sectors, which make up large parts of the UK's service-based economy, have suffered because of lockdown restrictions introduced by the government.

The UK is likely to be the hardest-hit by Covid-19 among major economies, the OECD said.

Britain's economy is likely to slump by 11.5% in 2020, slightly outstripping falls in countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

The OECD described the impact of the pandemic as "dire" everywhere.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Coronavirus: Brazil resumes publishing COVID-19 data after court ruling

(BBC) Brazil has restored a website that lists the full data on Covid-19 in the country, just hours after it was ordered to do so by the Supreme Court.

The health ministry stopped releasing cumulative totals for deaths and cases on Saturday, provoking uproar.

On Tuesday a Supreme Court judge ordered the government to release the figures amid accusations of censorship.

Brazil has the world's second-highest number of cases and has now more daily deaths than any other nation.

Earlier, President Jair Bolsonaro said the change in policy was a result of actions being taken to improve Covid-19 reporting.

The health ministry said it would only report cases and

deaths that had occurred in the past 24 hours.

But critics accused the farright president's government of data manipulation, with Brazil's national council of state health secretaries describing the move as "authoritarian, insensitive, inhuman and unethical".

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes told the ministry to "fully re-establish" the publication of Covid-19 data in the interests of public health.

On Tuesday, the president reiterated his threat to withdraw Brazil from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing it of not acting responsibly during the pandemic.

Last week, Mr Bolsonaro branded the health agency a "partisan political organi-

Brazil has recorded the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world

sation", echoing comments made by US President Donald Trump, an ally of his.

The president has repeatedly joined supporters in protests in recent months, ignoring social-distancing advice.

What did the judge say?

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Moraes said the health ministry must "fully re-estab-

lish the daily divulgation of epidemiological data on the Covid-19 pandemic", including on its website.

The judge made the ruling on Monday night in response to a legal challenge from three political parties.

Mr Moraes gave Mr Bolsonaro's government 48 hours to release the full figures again,

O Global newspaper reported.

He said the health emergency in Brazil was so serious, it required all government agencies to "put into effect public health protection".

The judge "highlighted the disastrous consequences for the population if internationally recognised measures are not adopted, such as the collection, analysis, storage and dissemination of relevant epidemiological data".

What is the situation in Brazil?

Only the US has more coronavirus infections than Brazil, the most populous country in Latin America.

Health experts say infections are expected to rise even further, as the outbreak is still weeks away from its peak, putting more strain on hospitals.

Last month, Brazil's death

toll surpassed that of Italy's, placing the nation third in the world, behind only the US and the UK. Mr Bolsonaro has played down the risks of the virus, comparing it to "a bit of a cold". Two health ministers have left the post since the outbreak began in disagreement with the president's handling of the pandemic.

Brazil's Bolsonaro sees second health minister quit The president has continued to call for lockdown measures imposed by local authorities to be lifted, arguing that they will wreck the economy.

The president has also accused state governors and mayors of using the issue for political gain, as many who have taken stricter measures oppose his government.

Heritage resumes crude oil exports (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) State-owned Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd has resumed export of its crude oil after previously opting to store its oil rather than sell it at record low prices.

“We have resumed the exportation of crude and have attracted quite favourable interest and prices,” Heritage’s chairman Michael Quamina told Guardian Media yes-

terday.

In April, following a precipitous fall in crude prices, Heritage decided it was better to store its oil instead of selling it at a loss.

At that time oil futures crashed and crude was selling at US$13 a barrel, the lowest in more than two decades.

It costs Heritage US$25 to produce a barrel of oil according to Energy Minister

Franklin Khan has previously said.

Both the Brent and West Texas Intermediate benchmarks yesterday rose to their highest since March.

Brent traded at over US$40 a barrel while WTI traded at over US$38.

Quamina said Heritage entered into contracts last month and started exporting earlier this month.

Oil prices crashed earlier this year as demand plummeted because of the slowdown of economic activity due to COVID-19.

“As per our 2020 plan, Heritage grew production to approximately 41,000 barrels of oil per day as we completed workovers and installed gas lift on offshore wells.

Surface infrastructural activity including pipeline repair

and replacement of motors added to production volumes as well,” Heritage stated in a release on April 20.

“This means that Heritage now produces approximately 1.2 million barrels of oil per month. As the oil price is expected to be in the low teens in this quarter, we are pursing a strategy of storage of oil production which will be sold as the oil market improves.

“At present, Heritage’s storage capacity is approximately 3.5 million barrels which will allow the company to store approximately 2.5 months of production as some storage is also needed for settling and treating of the production to attain the correct saleable quality,” it stated.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Inclusive governance

GUYANA has a major problem of racial divisiveness. The “Mother of All Elections” may have been perceived and contested as a battle for racial dominance over a country flowing with potential. The ancestors of Afro-Guyanese were wrested from their homelands, enslaved, brutalized and were unpaid to produce wealth for imperial European nations.

The ancestors of Indo-Guyanese, Portuguese and Chinese came as exploited indentured labour.

Indo-Guyanese were paid

but abused and subjected to abject conditions on the sugar plantations. Ancestors of the indigenous Amerindian peoples had their lands seized and may have also been murdered in the process. The races were deliberately manipulated against each other to facilitate imperial rule. Leo Despres in his book, “Cultural Pluralism and Nationalist Politics in British Guiana” predicted that these conflicts would ensue among the plural racial and cultural groups to determine who will rule Guyana after the

colonisers left.

The time has come to end these seemingly perpetual and counterproductive episodic struggles to control the state apparatus. Guyana needs inclusive governance – a system of democratic rule based on social justice and equal opportunity. It is essential that a carefully thought-out system of inclusive governance be instituted. Failing to do so will witness a continuation, if not an exacerbation, of racial rivalries. Failure to do so represents winner-takesall power politics.

Amending the Constitution is an important part of this process. The APNU+AFC Coalition was a promising manifestation but was met with limited success because of the perceived marginalisation of the PPP/C which maintains the loyalty of Indo-Guyanese . The PPP/C ruled Guyana for 23 years prior to the five years of rule of the APNU+AFC Coalition. During this period there were reported extra-legal killings of over 160 Afro-Guyanese men for which no one was held

accountable - Black Lives Matter. Black communities such as Linden were largely deprived of resources and Black youth were deprived of employment.

Changing perceptions of ethnic dominance and diminishing ethnic rivalry in Guyana will require bold moves by fair-minded leaders. Inclusive governance is not an option for Guyana. It is an imperative for the future of the nation. The incoming government must treat racial divisiveness not as an option or afterthought,

but as an urgent and major problem to be tackled to build the Guyanese nation. The winner of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections has not yet been officially declared. An incoming government must be magnanimous, reach out to its defeated opponents, and most importantly reassure the Guyanese people by espousing racial unity. To do otherwise would be a national mistake, a recipe for conflict and convey the impression of racial rule.

The power of Our choices

Dear Editor

THE year 2020 is only halfway through, but this has already been one for the books. While we currently battle a global pandemic, we are simultaneously witnessing a pivotal turning point in societies across the world. We watched in horror as an inhumane act cost a man, Mr. George Floyd, his life. An incident which had a much better chance of resulting in another outcome had his race been different. His race. It was this moment that people from all walks of life recognised that significant actions must be taken immediately to bring about an actual change. It has sparked a civil rights movement like no other and will no doubt

be a catalyst towards the implementation of new and much-needed standards.

It has also given us the opportunity to shed light on a dialogue that has been happening far before our time.

It is this moment in time that has people all around the world engaging in a conversation about the issue at hand -- racism. As a Guyanese-American, I know far too well that our own community is no stranger to ethnic and racial tensions.

It is one which we urgently need to not only address, but prioritise and there is no better time than now.

Take for instance the recent conflicts during our national elections. Yes, there are multiple factors contributing to the situation, but we cannot ignore that race is not one

of them. The name-calling, the bullying, the outright disrespect on social media in the past few months has been outrageous and embarrassing, to be frank. We can and must do better.

Many people often struggle to speak up in fear of what others may think or say. I am all too familiar with this because I tend to fit into this category myself.

My past experiences have definitely shaped this and at times, the easier thing to do is to not get involved or simply stay behind the scenes.

But now, more than ever, is NOT the time to be silent.

Enough is enough and we should all be fuelled by the fact that the current event we are dealing with is not a political issue, it is a humanitarian one. Anyone who feels

otherwise should check their privilege.

To believe it, we must first seek to understand it.

We all know the famous quote by Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Well, that change starts with each of us. It starts by recognising similarities instead of looking for differences. It starts by listening and educating ourselves on the historical and daily struggles of our diverse cultures. It starts at home by teaching our next generation and in many cases, the elder generations, that there is no room for racism in our society. It starts by being aware and checking ourselves if or whenever we refer to a cultural stereotype in our conversations. It starts and ends by recognising that

racism brings no good, but only seeks to divide and ignite hatred.

It is here that we need to understand the importance in the power of our choices. The power to choose our own words, our actions and reactions. The power to choose to be empathetic and considerate towards others.

The power to choose to voice our opinion on matters that make a difference. We each have a place in this world and a limited amount of time to pave our paths and perhaps most importantly, make the right choices. The choices that will impact our future generations to come.

So choose wisely.

To my Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters: please know that you have fellow Guyanese from each of our

diverse races that stand in solidarity with you. We are listening. We are learning.

We are looking to a better future. And at this given moment in time and in history, we proudly state “Black Lives Matter.”

To ALL my Guyanese brothers and sisters: we each need to ask ourselves, “Which side of history will I choose to be on”? We can only hope that it is the side which makes a lasting impact and a positive change in this world we all call home. But only we have the power to make that choice.

Respectfully, Anita Jaikaran, MBA

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Jagdeo’s overture to Justice Singh

Dear Editor:

General-Secretary (GS) of the PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo knows there is no result that he has seen so far emanating from the national recount that can make him rejoice. At best, what he is doing is managing his concerns and pumping up his supporters into believing the results are/will be in their favour. It is not until the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) advises the Chancellor of the Judiciary of a result declaring a winner, then a president can be sworn in.

His behaviour about declaring the party the winner and swearing in is no more than promotional antics. It is not that he doesn't know the power in deciding this election rests in the gazetted Order of 4th May. He knows, equally as he knows

the said Order was drafted by his Commissioner Sase Gunraj. All Guyana deserves a credible outcome, not by Mr. Jagdeo’s sudden love and respect for GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh, but consistent with the Order.

Since he recognises he can call on citizens “to refrain from ad hominem attacks against Justice Singh,” he could have done it before.

The brutal attacks Justice Singh suffered in large measure had to do with the tone he set, which dictated how she was treated and viewed.

Whether he hit her directly or the organisation she heads, he has hit her. He sought to discredit her in the eyes of the public-- local and international-- and tarnish a reputation built on judiciousness.

There has been so much rancour during this election process. Even in disagree-

ment he could have maintained some level of regard, but he chose not to. People were goaded not only to disagree but moreso to be disagreeable. At his instigation traditional diplomacy and civil engagement were stomped on. This nation and some of her allies have never before sunk this low. Now he recognises the Chair’s value to society after he had his army of surrogates attack her and the institution she heads, going at her professionally and personally.

He wants us to believe Justice Singh’s presence at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during the counting and observation phase “is testimony to her commitment to ensuring its completion in keeping with the undertaking that she had given to the court.” The Chair is on record, from the day she

took the oath of office, to deliver to this nation credible elections consistent with the election laws, Constitution of Guyana and the judiciary.

Guyanese recall her saying, in the face of allegations against her, that she will not sell her integrity for all the oil in Guyana; that on Nomination Day she told this nation that “I am confident that the GECOM will be able to deliver free and fair elections the only one way I know and that is the correct way.” She must be allowed to do so.

Likewise, those who remember are not fooled by the GS that “The recount could not have been completed without her leadership and steadfastness.” Justice Singh’s has demonstrated these qualities throughout in spite of hateful and disrespectful rhetoric.

Jagdeo is no statesman, no caring politician. He is

brutish and ruthless. He has set the tone in this election cycle for crudeness and for treating others with disrespect. In true divisive fashion he now wants it to be believed that he cares about the integrity of GECOM on the misguided pretext that “The last few months have been a difficult period where the Chair has had to contend with key elements within the secretariat and the three APNU+AFC Commissioners, who are bent on undermining every effort aimed at producing a credible result which reflects the will of the electorate.”

Having taken upon himself to determine good and bad in society, not based on universally acceptable principles, he pretends to suddenly care; to now recognize that the Chair should be treated with respect. If the GS really

wants to demonstrate respect for Justice Singh, let him tell his supporters to await the full execution of the Order and results from GECOM. The mere fact that he has not awaited this and sought to pronounce on who won is disrespectful to the Chair and GECOM. Many are not fooled.

It has finally dawned on Jagdeo, after jumping and prancing all around, that Justice Singh holds the trump, not him. The recount has finished one stage and moved into another of the remaining stages; it is not over. The sudden, feigned overture of love and respect for Justice Singh is recognition that it is not over until the “Iron Lady” sings.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

IDPADA-G Youth will maintain comitment to 'fighting' anti-blackness, discrimination, injustice Dear Editor THE International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana’s Youth Committee stands in solidarity with our counterparts around

the world in affirming the statement: “Black Lives Matter” and we condemn in the strongest terms the racial injustice and violence perpetrated against people of African descent in Guyana and around the world.

In 2001, the international community adopted the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Dis TURN TO PAGE

08

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

PPP/C’s high command meets ‘Top Cop’ …raises concern over national security, safety of state assets

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, asked the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to safeguard the assets of the State as the nation awaits a decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the results of the General and Regional Elections.

Jagdeo, who was accompanied by PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mark Phillips and PPP/C Executive Member, Anil Nandlall, met with the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, DSM at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on Wednesday. The PPP/C had requested an urgent meeting with the Police Commissioner to discuss its security concerns.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s meeting, Ali told reporters that there were three primary concerns – cyber bullying and racially-hostile statements; the protection of state assets and the need to maintain law and order following the declaration of the results by the Elections Commission.

According to Ali, it is important for the Police Force to safeguard and secure the assets of the state. “You would recall that in 2015, there were police officers stationed at every ministry, and department, while the transition was taking place, so we raised this with the Commissioner,” Ali said.

According to him, the Police Commissioner assured the

PPP/C that the systems will be put in place to secure state assets and documents.

Further to that, the Police Force, according to Ali, is actively monitoring the political climate in the country in light of the current electoral challenges that have arisen since Guyanese went to the polls on March 2, 2020. “The Commissioner has assured us that they are actively monitoring the situation; they are gathering intelligence; they are securing information to deal with any such threat, if it arise,” the PPP/C presidential candidate said.

Another issue that was placed on the table was that of cyber-bullying and the issuance of racially hostile

PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, speaking with the press (Elvin Croker Photos)

stream media.

“We asked the Commissioner what systems are in place to deal with this, to ensure that there is monitoring and to ensure that action is taken against such persons.

The Commissioner responded that he has systems in place, they are actively monitoring what is happening, and they have compiled a list of breaches, and they have sent that list for legal advice in relation to the statements made on social media,” he detailed.

Notably, though the PPP/C, in recent days, had accused the Police Commissioner of providing the Guyana Elections Commission with false information on a list of Guyanese, who were

PPP/C’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo (centre); PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali (left), and PPP/C’s Executive, Anil Nandlall, leaving Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mark Phillips, follows behind.

statements. According to

him, the PPP/C has received reports of “racially hostile

statements” uttered by persons on social and main-

reportedly out of the juris-

diction on Elections Day, the matter, according to both Ali and Jagdeo did not surface.

The Police Force Immigration Department, through the Police Commissioner, had confirmed that 172 persons from a list of 207 were out of Guyana on Elections Day, and therefore could not have voted, though, their names were reportedly marked off as having voted. The matter is actively engaging the attention of the Elections Commission, chaired by Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

According to Ali should he be elected to office, he would move the country forward. Even as the Elections Commission completes the other stages of the electoral process, in accordance with the Order, Jagdeo contended that, based on Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution, the head of the List of Candidates with the most votes is deemed the President and shall be declared President by the Chair of GECOM. While the Statements of Recount (SORs), which were generated and tabulated at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), show that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured 233,336 votes, and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU+AFC), 217,920 votes; the recount also unearthed massive irregularities and alleged cases of electoral fraud, which, according to the APNU+AFC, have compromised 90,000 votes.

IDPADA-G Youth will maintain comitment to ...

crimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. In 2015, the United Nations launched a Decade for People of African Descent under the theme, “Recognition, Justice & Development.” The right to life is the most essential of all fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; and persons of African descent in Guyana are no strangers to this right being infringed with impu-

nity. Thus, the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana, since its establishment in 2018, has worked assiduously to ensure that people of African descent are treated fairly and with dignity by the state and by their peers. Yet we remain fully cognisant of the endemic anti-blackness that continues to destroy the social, economic, moral and political fabric of the Guyanese society. We remember

the 400+ African-Guyanese young men who were eliminated during the period 1992 to 2015 by state-sponsored violence. For many mothers and fathers, justice remains elusive.

We will never forget, we will continue to say their names and to take action to address this injustice. Over the last few months, we have experienced a spike in racial tensions; dissemination of ideas based on perceptions

of racial superiority; incitement of racial hatred and violence emanating from many Guyanese directed towards persons of African descent.

We recall the violent protests which erupted following the March 2 General and Regional Elections, that targeted people of African descent, including the harming of innocent schoolchildren. The inherent anti-blackness in our institutions continues to pose significant hurdles

to the economic and social advancement of persons of African descent.

Many of our young people continue to face stigma and discrimination overtly and covertly, daily. As anti-blackness continues to be Guyana’s nightmare, the experiences of persons of African descent continue to be invalidated and discarded and our society continues to protect its ugliness by denying the

FROM PAGE

7

difficulties associated with enjoying their rights as citizens. IDPADA-G Youth will continue to commit to the noble goal of eliminating all forms of anti-blackness, discrimination and injustice locally, regionally and globally.

Regards IDPADA-G Youth

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

ANUG accuses GECOM of electoral fraud

9

---but calls on commission to conduct investigation

THE A New and United Guyana (ANUG) has accused the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat of “acting in conspiracy” and in collusion with Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, to alter the results of the 2020 General and Regional elections.

The party however, ignored the numerous irregularities uncovered during the recount process, the most

letter penned to GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh on June 7, 2020. A portion of the letter called for an investigation into variances observed by ANUG’s party representatives during various stages of the elections. The party stated: “These discrepancies were not authored by Mr. Mingo solely, but point to faction within the secretariat acting in conspiracy. ANUG believes that confidence in the secretariat is low, and the

GECOM Headquarters occurring between March 3-13, and orchestrated by Mingo.

It said that “unverified numbers” were presented by the RO who was reading from a spreadsheet.

Meanwhile, another part of the letter accused the GECOM Secretariat of acting in defiance of statutory procedures by requesting that Presiding Officers (POs) deliver statutory documents to the Secretariat. “Again, this done by the political party and not the commission based on the chairperson’s documented position that ‘He who asserts must prove.”

Pointing to Mingo’s attempts at making a declaration earlier in March at the Region Four RO’s Office/Command Centre, ANUG said: “We

The comparisons provided by ANUG

notable being some 29 ballot boxes void of any of the critical documents.

In a string of accusations levelled on Wednesday, it called for the investigation into the declarations of Mingo by the GECOM but, at the same time, labelled the commission’s “entire management” as “incapable of organising the simplest tasks” save to being “severely compromised and partisan”.

These and more sentiments were included in a

secretariat is compromised.

The conspiracy must be investigated to ensure the future viability of the commission as a whole.”

They included comparisons between the numbers called out by Mingo prior to the recount and the numbers now present on the Statements of Recount (SORs).

In explaining its position, ANUG said that its party representatives noticed a number of variances at the GECOM Region Four Office and at the

needs investigation. ANUG urges you, if there are rogue elements within the secretariat who undermine its very viability, they need to be identified and removed,” the party stated.

The party also found fault with the commission's exchange with the Chief Immigration Officer to acquire a list of persons who were out of the country on Election Day and therefore could not have voted. It argued that such groundwork must be

wish to remind the commission that there appears to be an arm within its executing body endowed with authority to act either without instructions from the commission, or against its overall objectives… numerous decisions were taken to date which appear counterintuitive the transparency and

accountability, the most recent one being to include the use of the words ‘not valid’ in the observation reports for those votes held in ballots boxes with documents which were alleged to be missing and apparent reluctance to include these boxes into tabulation.”

In light of its position on the matters, ANUG formally requested an investigation into the events which took place at the Region Four RO’s Office/Command Centre which led to the presentation of Statement of Polls (SOPs) which the party believes possess “alarming variances” to the current SORs. It further called for the investigation to extend into the “entire management” of GECOM in the letter signed by a lone Executive Member of ANUG.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Six more persons recover from COVID-19 -active cases drop to 53, 35% of cases are asymptomatic

GUYANA continues to record positive developments in its fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as six more persons won the battle against the disease and were medically cleared by health authorities, on Wednesday.

Director of Primary Health Services, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, said 92 persons have recovered so far, but the fight against COVID-19 is far from over, since the country has 53 known active cases of the disease. Of the 53 active cases, 52 persons are in institutional isolation and one person is being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The country went 24 hours without recording a new case of the virus, even though 22 tests were conducted.

To date, the total number of persons tested is 1,876, with the

number of negative cases being 1,720 and 156 positive cases.

“You would have been noticing or hearing in the news globally the discussion on asymptomatic cases. As you know, about 35 per cent or more of our cases have been asymptomatic. This simply means that we have healthy persons around us who have the COVID-19 and are unaware of their status because they have no signs or symptoms, hence the advisory on wearing masks in public and keeping your distance,” said Dr. Hamilton during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Wednesday.

She encouraged persons, who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, to visit the nearest health facility or call the COVID-19 hotline.

Health authorities here continue to work towards strengthening the healthcare system to respond to

COVID-19 on a long-term basis.

The potential and existing activities are part of a plan to have a comprehensive COVID-19 health network, whereby patients across the country’s 10 administrative regions will be able to access these services.

Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) remains the epicentre of the disease, and there are a number of communities outside of Georgetown which have recorded cases.

Among communities on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) where cases have been recorded are: Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey. Among communities on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) where there were cases are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri. Health authorities are also placing emphasis on the four hinterland regions, especially now

that three of them have recorded cases of COVID-19.

NEED FOR SURVEILLANCE The need for surveillance in those regions is also important, because Guyana’s South American neighbour, Brazil, is now rated as the COVID-19 epicentre of the Americas.

“We continue to plead with the residents of Regions One, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine to remain on high alert, recognising that our neighbours, Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname, are reporting new cases,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle, in her update last Friday.

“Residents of Region Seven, with the new cases in Venezuela, and the upsurge in your region, your vulnerability is increased.

We are calling on the Toshaos and other authorities to ensure that resi-

dents do not cross borders, and that persons from those other countries are not entering your community.

Community members must report any migrant entering your community and anyone who has signs and symptoms, and immediately bring this to the attention of the health authorities,” Dr. Boyle advised.

As is evident, COVID-19 remains a serious issue, not just here in Guyana, but globally as well; and, according to global statistics, there are over seven million cases of COVID-19, with over 404,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Over $1.2M in small business grants disbursed so far

-SBB says more applications being considered

By Navendra Seoraj SOME small businesses were pulled from the ‘depths of despair’ with support from the Small Business Bureau (SBB), which has so far disbursed over $1.2M in relief grants.

Businesses had reported a contraction in their operations and cash flow since March, 2020, when Guyana recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and was forced to employ necessary containment measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

Micro and small businesses, which form a large part of the commercial sector, have felt the brunt of the

indirect and direct effects of COVID-19, but the SBB had initiated a grant project to cushion those effects.

In providing an update on the project, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SBB, Dr Lowell Porter told this publication that funds totalling $1.2M were disbursed to 14 businesses, which applied and met the criteria outlined by the bureau.

“We will be disbursing those funds in tranches; so if a business gets funds now, we will look at if they are able to utilise those funds to become viable again, then we will disburse more funds after analysing the progress of the business,” said Dr Porter.

He said an additional 30 businesses will be benefitting

from the project by Friday, but there are about 170 more applications which are being reviewed by the bureau.

While persons have been receptive to the project, Dr Porter said the bureau has been facing a major challenge regarding the eligibility of businesses. Citing an example of the current challenge, he said, of the 170 applications, 90 per cent are incomplete, in the sense that they do not meet the criteria or fulfil the requirements of the bureau.

“What is happening, people are hearing about the project and they are just applying, but they are not meeting the criteria…to get it, they have to be affiliated with the bureau and they have to provide finan-

cials for 2019 and for the first three months of 2020, among other things,” said the CEO. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the aim of the bureau’s initiative was to strengthen and sustain small businesses through provision of relief grants to sustain operations and retain employees, along with training and development support to establish and market businesses through online platforms, diversifying businesses and forging supply partnerships.

Though the bureau has approximately 10,000 businesses on its database, by law, the bureau can only work with those businesses that have been compliant. Only

Silvercorp will not match offer for Guyana Goldfields Inc. GUYANA Goldfields Inc., on Wednesday, announced that it has received notice from Silvercorp Metals Inc. that it will not exercise its right to match the offer that a foreign-based multina-

tional mining company made, as was announced on June 3, 2020.

This is according to a press release from Guyana Goldfields Inc. on Wednesday.

The release stated that

the offer was for the acquisition of all of Guyana Goldfields’ issued and outstanding common shares that the ‘offerer’ did not already own.

Guyana Goldfields Inc., a Canadian-based

gold producer which operates the Aurora Gold Mines in Guyana, this week, announced that its operations have been halted to allow for the commencement of its care and maintenance phase.

400 of the registered businesses have been compliant.

“There are a lot of expectations on what the SBB can provide to these businesses that are not true. The SBB doesn’t lend any money; we’re not a lending agency, there’s nobody repaying us for anything,” said Dr Porter, in a previous report.

He suggested that small businesses band together and assess ways in which they could even help each other out.

“I advise that they start working together. For example, if you own a restaurant, arrange with a delivery service. I believe there are opportunities, but we need to talk to the clients first and see what is going on, and we just started that process,” Dr Porter said.

The bureau is also helping clients with the setting up of online platforms and according to Dr. Porter: “They have to maintain an interface with their clientele.

If the business can be done online, they can utilise an online portal. If they do not have one, we are reviewing how to help them have an online presence,” Dr Porter said.

In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister of Business Haimraj

Rajkumar had said that a new agency has been set up to organise assistance for small businesses and farmers.

The Coordinating Agency for Small Enterprises (CASE) was established under the leadership of President David Granger and is aimed at supporting farmers and small-business owners and employees.

“CASE, is comprised of [sic] agencies from the Ministry of Business and the Ministry of Agriculture and part of its responsibility is to develop measures to alleviate poverty, create employment, stimulate domestic production and consumption of locally produced goods,” Minister Rajkumar explained.

He noted that the coalition government is encouraging citizens to buy more locally produced products to support small businesses and to stimulate Guyana’s economy.

“We recognise that our small businesses, our farmers, their main activity is farming, agro-processing; producing, manufacturing … so we must boost their activity; produce more locally.

Therefore, we are encouraging our citizens to buy more locally produced items and in doing so you will indirectly support our local industry,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Moruca teacher tests positive for COVID-19

A popular calypsonian from the Moruca sub-region in the North West District is one of two persons who have tested positive for the Coronavirus over the past two days.

Reports are that the woman, who is also a primary school teacher in the area, is related to another resident who tested positive for the virus two weeks ago. To date, 10 persons in Region One have tested positive for the virus, the first being a Mabaruma woman whose test returned positive back in April.

Despite the seriousness

of the virus, health officials have been experiencing difficulties in their efforts to ensure residents of Santa Rosa, Moruca, Guyana’s most populated indigenous village, adhere to the requisite health precautions to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Reports are that passenger vessels have been operating as per normal despite the fact that the first case recorded in the area was that of an elderly man who travelled to the area from the city. Vincent Torres, a former educator and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

official died several weeks ago at the Kumaka District Hospital at Moruca from complications attributed to the virus.

The man’s relatives, including an offspring, had downplayed and questioned the results of samples taken from him. Later, several other close relatives of Torres, as well as a medical doctor and other hospital staff tested positive for the virus.

Guyana has recorded 156 cases of the virus, and, to date, 1876 persons have been tested for the virus; 92 persons have since recovered from the disease.

Temporary road near Manari by-pass flooded

– Min. Trotman assures community repairs will commence when weather improves

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) has indicated that repairs will commence as soon as possible on the temporary road adjacent to the Manari bypass road. Such is necessary as the road has been flooded due to the torrential rainfall.

The Ministry says engineers are on standby, awaiting the improvement in the weather. Speaking to DPI, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, clarified that it

Manari by-pass bridge nearing completion

The adjacent road which was washed away

was not the Manari by-pass road which was underwater.

“It is not the by-pass road installed by JR Ranch, but instead a new alignment built to facilitate motorist while the Manari bridge is under construction.” Min. Trotman explained.

Drivers, in the meantime, are being directed through an alternative route through Nappi village. This route leads directly into Lethem. “Traffic is going through the old Nappi road and onto the new road

opened this year that leads into Lethem,” Minister Trotman explained. Currently, the Manari bridge is being constructed as part of Government’s super-highway plan linking Linden in Region Ten, to Lethem in Region Nine.

The bridge was budgeted for in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s 2019 budgetary allocation. However, while (MPI) is the lead agency on the project, the Ministry of Natural Resources is lending support to ensure the road remains passable

before, during, and after the rainy season, while the bridge is under construction.

Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker, told DPI that the Manari bridge is nearing completion and will accommodate light vehicular traffic in 2 weeks, as the contractor moves ahead with laying the bridge’s deck on Friday, June 12. Minister Trotman is urging all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and to observe all safety signs when traversing the area. (DPI)

The Moruca Bridge which connects the villages of Kumaka and San Jose

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

ExxonMobil reduces temporary offshore flaring

EXXONMOBIL’S Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe stated on Wednesday that the oil and gas company is doing all it can within its commitments to reduce flaring offshore, Guyana.

She told the media that though concerns have been raised, it should be noted that the reduced and but current flaring is related to project startup and ExxonMobil intends to learn from its challenges to improve where it can, moving forward.

Reports are that ExxonMobil flared over 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas due to challenges during production start-up. These challenges have since been alleviated with the commencement of the re-injec-

tion of gas.

“As we increased production in mid-May, we encountered some issues with the compressor system during a performance test. Repairs were initially delayed in order to observe travel restrictions and safety and isolation protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key specialist technicians are required to repair the units, but must first pass through travel restrictions and undergo a two-week COVID-19 screening process,” Moe explained.

She said that ExxonMobil is working to have the equipment repaired as quickly and as safely possible and final commissioning of the gas handling system is being done on the Liza Destiny.

Throughout the process, Moe informed the media that the oil and gas company has been in regular communication with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DE). It has also reduced its levels of flaring which remains necessary during the start-up phase.

The Senior Director assured: “We are doing all we can to repair the equipment safely in order to complete final commission of the system. As we have said, we have also reduced crude oil production to lessen the amount of gas being flared. ExxonMobil’s commitment to minimising the environmental impact of its projects is reflected

by our design of the Liza Destiny and Liza Phase 1 project. Our operations in Guyana will not utilise routine flaring. We are currently still in the start-up period for Liza Phase 1 which involves temporary flaring to fully commission the gas compression and injection systems for safe operations as outlined in the approved Environmental Impact Assessment and permit.”

Back in 2019, ExxonMobil had explained to media operatives that for the first period after ‘first oil’ there would be initial start-up flaring – authorised by the EPA – which occurs during the commissioning and initial start-up phases of the FPSO when gas and liquids are introduced

into new facilities and equipment.

This flaring, it said, would not continue as routine and will only take place again in the case of an emergency whereby flaring will be used to immediately de-pressure the facility as part of a shut-down process to reduce risk.

“The current situation is a temporary, unplanned event related to project startup. Across our operations, ExxonMobil has programmes in place to improve operations integrity, thus reducing downtime and upsets that can result in flaring. Additionally, we are capturing lessons so we can apply to the Liza Unity and other projects moving forward,” Moe added.

M&CC gets $7.9M worth in items to help fight COVID-19

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) on Wednesday contributed over $7.9 Million ($38,000 US) worth in essential items to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to assist its effort in alleviating the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.

Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow said his office is pleased to lend support, particularly under such circumstances. The kind gesture, he noted, was realised following requests by the Public Health Minister and subsequently City Mayor Ubraj Narine.

Among the donations were chemical respirators, rubberised boots, safety goggles, gloves, hand washing sinks and mist blower -SR420. Several social distancing floor markers

and vinyl posters, along with self-quarantine vinyl posters with COIVD-19 message and two billboards which were established at Stabroek and Bourda markets, were also donated to support the public aware-

Council’s Chambers, Dr. Adu-Krow noted: “this is only the beginning” of the support for the municipality. He informed those present that the global health entity plans to build and strengthen its relationship

essential for the City Council to be equipped with the necessary gear to tackle the virus since a large majority of Guyanese traverse its thoroughfares on daily.

Expressing thanks on behalf of M&CC, Mayor Narine

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow greets City Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine

Some of the items donated by PAHO/WHOto the Georgetown M&CC

ness efforts. At the handing over ceremony held in the

with the City Council. Dr. Adu-Krow stressed that it

stated that the donation will assist the council in expand-

ing its sanitisation efforts in several markets and public spaces within Georgetown.

“I know a few items here will bring relief to our health centres so that they would be able to function effectively,” the Mayor added.

Both the PAHO/WHO and M&CC continue to urge cit-

izen to follow the guidelines initiated by the local health authorities, to put a speedy end to the global pandemic.

Town Clerk Sherry Gerrick and Head of the Public Health Department, Dr Suzette Reynolds was also present at the handover ceremony. (DPI)

Suspected bandit shot dead in Linden - accomplice arrested after allegedly carrying out brazen daylight robbery An alleged burglar was, on Wednesday afternoon, shot dead during an active robbery.

Dead is 20-year-old Kevin Orin Batson of Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, who was, allegedly, one of two thieves involved in a robbery, which took place in the vicinity of One Mile Wismar, Linden.

According to police report, Herbert Campbell, a Linden businessman,

was robbed of cash and other articles

by Batson and his suspected accomplice, Keon Harlequin, who then escaped on foot.

Batson and Harlequin were subsequently confronted by the victim – a licensed firearm holder. In the confrontation, Campbell reportedly shot Batson, who had parted ways with his accomplice. The police, who were called in, then cornered the injured

suspect and shots were fired. Batson was pronounced dead on arrival at Linden Hospital Complex.

Batson’s suspected accomplice, Harlequin was arrested at a house in Victory Valley, Linden, with a firearm and 2 rounds in his possession.

Items belonging to the victim were recovered on the deceased.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Dead: Kevin Orin Batson

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

‘Votes alone don’t validate elections’

…says former minister Dr Henry Jeffrey THE Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) obligation in Guyana’s current electoral situation is to factor into its final decision all credible allegations of electoral wrongdoing with the sole aim of being guided by the compass of law and the best interest of the electorate.

Such is the held position of political analyst and former Education Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey and made public in his weekly column, Future Notes, on Wednesday.

He made the comments: “All the propaganda and efforts to create a fait accompli have failed to convince me that GECOM must simply declare a winner from the recount and that the claims of illegalities must await an elections petition. GECOM is an independent body and the commissioners are expected to collectively review the evidence and put their minds together to come to collective decisions and solutions in the interest of the nation.”

His position does not align with some politicians who have made light of numerous missing statutory documents from ballot boxes in the current elections and have doubted the existence of electoral fraud in the form of persons voting for the dead and migrated.

While one side of the main political divide argues that every election will produce margins of error and that the ones discovered are minimal, the other side argues that the irregularities number over 6,000 and have compromised approximately 90,000 votes.

In his column, Dr. Jeffrey examined how GECOM, according to law and compared to other international cases, could proceed and what will be the likely challenges.

Establishing his position, he cited the Zimbabwe case of Chamisa v Mnangagwa which suggests that, in order for an election to be truly free, fair and credible, it must be conducted in full compliance with the constitution and applicable electoral laws.

He said that once the petitioner --- which role has been primarily taken up by the APNU+AFC coalition --- provides the commission with the facts which point to acts of electoral irregularities, the burden of action then shifts to the commission as the electoral body.

Dr. Jeffrey said that, though some countries have departed from this, the historic narrative has been that an election will be invalidated if the irregularities, mistakes or errors highlighted affected the result of the elections.

In one case he cited where Malawi departed from this practice; he stated that this had resulted from the decision that the electoral malpractices were not enough to alter the results of the presidential elections.

Pointing to another case, he noted the Pabey v. Pastrick case at the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the East Chicago mayoral primary, in which East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick defeated his challenger George Pabey, had

to be redone.

Pabey had complained that votes in the elections were solicited from the poor and the frail, while there were cases of persons voting in place of the dead. It was the court’s conclusion that the integrity and results of that election were compromised.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan Supreme Court in 2018 invalidated the presidential elections after election forms were found with missing watermarks and serial numbers; some were unsigned by returning officers (ROs) and others were not signed by party agents. The elections were invalidated, although they were deemed “passed” by all international observers.

In this case, a 1.4 million vote margin separated the top two candidates.

The Carter Center commented on that occasion: “…the court’s decision reinforced the independence of the judiciary.”

Referring once again to the Zimbabwe case of Chamisa v Mnangagwa, Dr.

Jeffrey put forward: “The coalition is claiming that over 80,000 votes have been tainted by fraud and bearing in mind the apparent importance of strong political pressure, the PPP/C is attempting to create a fait accompli. However, ‘for

an election to be truly free, fair and credible it must be conducted in full compliance with the constitution and applicable electoral laws.’ Thus, the votes in the boxes are only one aspect of the test that an election has been valid.”

Payara, Hammerhead developments stalled

DUE to the COVID-19 pandemic, and pending governmental and regulatory approval, advancements on ExxonMobil’s third and fourth development projects have stalled.

The said projects are the Payara Development Project with outstanding approval for its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Field Development Plan, and the Hammerhead Development Project for which Exxon has paused the provision of the required EIA. ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe updated the media on these developments on Wednesday.

“The EIA and field development plan for Payara are awaiting government and regulatory approvals. We are working closely with the government to address all questions as we did for Liza Phase One and Two. Of course, some related 2020 activities are now being deferred, creating a potential impact to targeted startup timing. Given the COVID-19 social distancing protocols, we paused our Hammerhead Environmental Impact Assessment activities. We are continuing to assess options for the fourth

ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe

project on the Stabroek Block.

The Hammerhead development is one of several opportunities that are being assessed,” Moe explained.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, was initially seeking approval for the Payara Development Project EIA ahead of 2020.

The project, located in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block, is expected to see the drilling of up to 45 development wells which could take

up to five years, with drilling initially pegged to begin in 2020 and initial production by early 2023.

The proposed development is targeting 180,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day with the anticipations of producing approximately 5,700,000 to 6,600,000 barrels of crude oil per month.

Meanwhile, Exxon’s fourth development project, Hammerhead, was announced in March 2020 through an application of EEPGL to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The project was expected

Location of the Payara Project Development Area within the Stabroek Block

to be undertaken with facilities for petroleum production expected to last at least 20 years. There were also plans for the installation of a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, as well as production operations, and decommissioning.

Moe told the media that while operations on the Stena Carron and the Noble Tom

Madden are now back to full operations, operations will still be regulated based on the health and safety of the workforce of Exxon and its partners, its contractors and the communities in which it operates.

“These are certainly some unprecedented times, which have impacted the way ExxonMobil operates in Guyana and around the world. For-

tunately, ExxonMobil has well-established processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease outbreaks. While drilling was slowed because of travel restrictions, we have been able to make adjustments to ensure our workforce remains safe as we maintain some amount of continuity,” Moe assured.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

United Nations (UN) System provides items for coronavirus quarantine facilities THE United Nations (UN) System donated a quantity of items to the Ministry of Public Health to support the quality of stay of patients in coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine facilities.

Reclining chairs, coffee tables, microwaves, electric

kettles, tablets, and pillows with cases were provided in a two-part donation on 27 May, 2020 and 4 June, 2020.

Contributing agencies were the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Develop-

ment Programme (UNDP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

The organization, in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the exercise was just one element of the UN’s efforts to strengthen

Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator (right) hands over items to Ms. Shellon Bess, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health (left). In photo also are Ms. Tamica Noel, Consultant, Disaster Preparedness and Response, PAHO/WHO (right of Ms. Tanaka); and Ms. Abigail Smith, Principal Assistant Secretary-Administration, Ministry of Public Health (left of Ms. Bess).

Mr. Jairo Valverde, UNDP Resident Representative (right) hands over items to Ms. Abigail Smith, Principal Assistant Secretary-Administration, Ministry of Public Health. Also, in the photo is Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator

the capacity of health systems, led by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and supported by a number of other agencies. Assessments to determine the nature and scale of further support required of the UN System, including socio-economic assistance, are ongoing.

In Guyana, the United Nations system works with a range of partners to

deliver the UN Caribbean Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (2017-2021) that is directly aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing People, Prosperity, Peace, Planet and Partnerships and embracing equality, diversity and human rights -- leaving no one behind.

Man’s body found at wharf

THE partly decomposed body of an unidentified man was, on Wednesday afternoon, discovered between mudflats at the Rambarran Wharf, New Hope, East Bank Demerara.

The body, which is presently at Lyken Funeral Parlour, is of African descent.

The discovery was made around 14:30hrs by persons in the area.

The body was discovered face downwards, the head to the south and feet north about 40 feet from the eastern bank of the Demerara River.

At the time of the discovery, the body was clad in discoloured long jeans and discoloured under pants marked ‘werewolf. ’ He also had dreadlocks.

His height is about six feet, medium built, dark complexion and weighed about 180 lbs.

No marks of violence were seen on the exposed part of his body. No form of ID was found on his person.

The body was escorted to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where it is awaiting identification and post mortem examination.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Essequibo police destroy 150 cannabis plants at Golden Fleece

THE police in ‘G’ Division have destroyed 150 cannabis plants aback of Golden Fleece on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to reports, the police received a tipoff and as such visited

the area on June 9, 2020, around 10:00hrs. It was observed that one acre of land was cleared and that it was surrounded by bushes.

On seeing that, ranks further checked and found approximately 150 cannabis plants, ranging

from 4 feet to 6 feet in height, under cultivation; a camp consisting of a hammock, cooking utensils, buckets, and other items were on the land.

The camp was therefore destroyed along with the plants. No one was on the farm at the time.

The camp that was on the land

Cannabis plants in the Golden Fleece backlands

The cannabis plants

Police seeking public help to identify male body THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the body of a male, suspected to be of East Indian descent, which was found floating in a trench at Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara, around 13:55hrs, on Monday.

The body bears black hair and is without

moustache; it is clad in a burgundy-coloured jersey, blue track pants with white stripes at the sides and a pair of black socks.

Additionally, it is about 5ft 7inches in height and weighs about 150lbs; no tattoos or other distinguishing marks were observed.

There were, however, marks of violence on his forehead and right hand and

his head was covered with a plastic bag.

The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting identification and a post-mortem.

Anyone with information fitting the description mentioned can contact the nearest police station or on telephone numbers 268?2223/268?2399/ 268?2343.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

19

Windies ambitious but ‘staying in the present’, says Holder

MANCHESTER, England (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder said yesterday West Indies would not be relying on their recent success against England for motivation, stressing the importance of the need to “stay in the present” for the three-Test series here next month.

Speaking in a media conference via Zoom, Holder pointed out even though the Caribbean side were the holders of the Wisden Trophy following their series win last year, facing England at home in their conditions presented a formidable challenge.

However, the top-ranked Test all-rounder said his side were “pumped up” by the prospect of beating England at home, and would not be deterred by the lack of past success in the United Kingdom that has seen them without a series win here in 32 years.

“I think we’ve just got to stay in the present,” Holder told journalists from quarantine at Old Trafford here.

“I know what goes into planning for a series and I know how these guys function, and our plans and our thought processes are all different but the main thing is to have that common alignment as a group and we all push towards one common cause.

“We’ve obviously beaten England in the recent past and we will no doubt never forget that but to live in the past would not be the right way to go about it. England are a very, very good side in their home conditions and the stats would definitely prove that.

“So we may have won last year January but this is going to be July 2020 – so many different things have changed from then to now, conditions being one of them.”

He continued: “Even now to say that we’re favourites ahead of England I think would be wrong. England are still a higher-ranked side than we and will be favourites in their backyard and it’s all the more for us to play for.

“We’ve got that extra motivation to beat England in England so there’s lots to play for, lots to motivate us as a group and I am assured that the guys are really pumped up for the opportunity.”

West Indies arrived here Tuesday to defend the Wisden Trophy they secured last year when they stunned England 2-1 in a three-Test series in the Caribbean.

They take on England in the opening Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8 before returning to Old Trafford for the final two Tests carded for July 16 and July 24.

The series will be the first of its kind, played behind closed doors in a ‘bio-secure’ environment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has already resulted in over 4 100 deaths in the UK. West Indies players were tested for COVID-19 before leaving the Caribbean, flown by private charter here before being tested again following their arrival.

They will spend the next two weeks in quarantine while training, and will be isolated from the public throughout the seven-week tour.

Holder said while the many novel changes for the series would require some adjustment, he did not anticipate them impacting the players’ desire.

“I guess the only thing is we won’t be able to play in front the crowds.” he explained.

“I was just today remarking to some of the guys how much I enjoy playing in front of the Barmy Army and to not hear them sing, and not hear them chant and do the normal things they’re accustomed doing would take some getting used to, to be honest.

“I guess that’s just a matter for me personally to cope with and deal with but in terms of the entire group, these guys are really motivated for the challenge ahead and lots of guys have points to prove.”

West Indies have travelled with an increased contingent for the tour with a 14-man squad supplemented by 11 reserves to accommodate injury replacements and warm-up matches among themselves.

TEST MATCH SCHEDULE July 8-12: 1st Test at Ageas Bowl, Southampton July 16-20: 2nd Test at Old Trafford, Manchester July 24-28: 3rd Test at Old Trafford, Manchester

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Younis Khan - Pakistan’s batting coach for England tour PAKISTAN has roped in Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed as the batting and spin-bowling coaches respectively for the upcoming tour of England. Khan and Ahmed will join head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis for the tour - scheduled for August-September - comprising three Tests and as many T20Is. This is Khan’s first appointment with the PCB since his retirement in 2017. The board was earlier interested in roping him in to work at the development level at the NCA but those talks didn’t materialise.

He was recently asked to give a pep talk to players on video in lockdown and this appointment, according to the PCB, is to provide Misbah and Younis “the necessary and essential resources that can help them further uplift the performance of the side”.

“For me, there has never been a bigger honour and a better feeling than to repre-

sent my country and I feel privileged to have been again offered the opportunity to serve it for a challenging but exciting tour of England,” Khan said in a statement issued by the PCB. “The Pakistan side includes some immensely talented cricketers who have the potential to achieve greater heights.

Together with Misbah-ulHaq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar Younis, we will try to make them better and prepare them as best as we can with on- and off-field coaching and guidance.

“I have never been shy of sharing my experiences and knowledge, and I think this particular tour provides me with an ideal opportunity where I can spend post-training time with the players to engage with them on batting techniques, bowler assessments, mental toughness exercises, besides talking them through with scenario planning.

“We all know English conditions demand not only

precise technique but patience and discipline, and if you can master these, then you will not only excel in England but anywhere in the world. With the quality we have in the team, I think we have a good chance to produce good results if we prepare properly, get our processes right and hit the ground running as soon as we land.”

Misbah, who had retired with Khan three years ago, said he was looking forward to reuniting with his former team-mate in the dressing room.

Misbah was acting as the batting coach since the position was left vacant by Grant Flower. Earlier, Shahid Aslam, a Level 4 coach, was part of the coaching staff, acting as an assistant to Misbah in the nets for the players.

Mansoor Rana, an experienced coach, was also part of the support staff but was largely working as the team manager only.

With players set to train

in a bio-secure environment and unprecedented standard operating procedures, Pakistan were falling short of coaching hands in the nets.

They were also without a fielding coach after Grant Bradburn had taken over an

Former Test captain Younis Khan played 52 Test matches for Pakiatan

in-house non-travelling role as head of high-performance coaching. With a lengthy tour with 25 players coming up, and to share Misbah’s workload under complex training arrangements, it was decided to bring in two more coaches.

“We know each other better than most think as we have worked hand in glove in the past decade to contribute in some of Pakistan’s most historic and memorable Test wins,” Misbah said in the release.

“With the reputation and record Younis brings with him not only as a disciplined and hardworking batsman but also as an athletic fielder and a strategist, I see this as a great opportunity for our young players to hone their skills and learn how to make the transition from a good to a great cricketer.

“Due to events beyond human control, the series in England will be one of the most challenging and difficult and, as such, we need to have the best talent and brains on our side. Younis as well as

Mushtaq clearly tick all these and additional boxes, which will assist us in achieving our targets.”

Ahmed was already contracted with the PCB for his services as a spin-bowling consultant for 120 days.

He was originally meant to work at the NCA but his services could be used from age-group set-up to the national team, as required.

In the last five years he had been part of the national set-up at different times. His longest coaching stint as bowling coach with Pakistan was 18 months before he was replaced by Azhar Mahmood in 2017.

“Mushtaq Ahmed is loaded with the experience of helping elite cricketers from different countries and is widely regarded as a mentor,” Misbah said.

“Mushtaq is always involved in the game and this attitude will further help us in our pre-series preparations and enhance our prospects in the series.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

COVID-19 shutdown may help Federer to miss rest of 2020 after further knee operation Serena’s Grand Slam quest: coach

ROGER Federer will miss the rest of the 2020 season after having a further operation on his right knee.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner had the initial arthroscopic surgery in February but said he suffered a “setback” with his rehabilitation.

Professional tennis has been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season,” the 38-year-old Swiss said.

Federer has not played since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

He missed the majority of the 2016 season with a knee injury, but returned the following year to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

“A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial

rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee,” Federer said on Twitter yesterday.

Roger Federer has won three Grand Slam titles since his return from a similar injury in 2016

“Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100% ready to play at my highest level.”

The ATP Tour is shut down until at least the end of July because of the pandemic, with the

US Open scheduled to start on August 31 and the French Open beginning on September 20.

ANALYSIS BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller There will be worse years to miss through injury, although Federer will now be well into his 40th year the next time he walks out to compete.

He would have been very much an outsider at this year’s delayed French Open anyway, and has struggled in recent years in the humidity of New York, where the US Open is still hoping to be staged.

Travelling on tour with a family may also prove far less appealing, and even impractical, with so many COVID-19 restrictions still in place.

But Federer’s chances of overtaking American Jimmy Connors’ record 109 titles will be affected. He currently has 103 to his name.

(BBC Sport)

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Serena Williams is as motivated as ever to add to her 23 Grand Slam singles titles and the COVID-19 shutdown could end up helping her in that quest, the American’s long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou has told Reuters.

The tennis season came to a halt in March when world sport went into lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak and the hiatus will continue at least until the end of July.

Frenchman Mouratoglou said Williams had been able to recharge during the break and that her appetite for titles had not waned.

Serena Williams of the U.S. and coach Patrick Mouratoglou during a practice day at Wimbledon, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain, July 7, 2019 (REUTERS/Tony O’Brien)

Williams, who turns 39 in September, has reached four Grand Slam finals since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017 but failed to win any of them and remains one major title short of Margaret Court’s record of 24.

“First of all it was good for Serena because she had time to rest and her body needed rest,” he told Reuters by telephone.

“Second, her motivation hasn’t changed. She’s still as motivated as before to win

more Grand Slams.”

Mouratoglou, who has been working with the American since 2012, said experienced players like Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were best equipped to hit the ground running when tennis restarts.

“For someone like her, and probably the same for Roger or Rafael or Novak, they have so much experience that being out of competition for a few months doesn’t affect their game so much,” said Mouratoglou.

“And we’ve seen the best, someone like Roger for example, coming back from six months injury and winning a Grand Slam straightaway (in 2017). So, only those guys can do that. So for Serena, it’ll be fine.”

Mouratoglou was less sure about how well other players would cope given the lack of clarity over the sport’s return.

There are concerns professional tennis may not be able to return at all this year given the amount of international travel required to get players to tournaments.

“I think that for all the players it’s extremely challenging because it’s a situation that is completely new,” said Mouratoglou, whose Ultimate Tennis Showdown league kicks off at his academy in Nice from Saturday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

21

ICC to use ‘common sense’ if players pay tribute to George Floyd in play THE International Cricket Council (ICC) could loosen its interpretation of a playing code and take a “common sense” approach to players who may “take a knee” or wear and display slogans as a mark of solidarity to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement - a move that will bring it in line with organisations such as FIFA. In the past, ICC had acted when players made statements that could be considered political. Most recently it disallowed former India captain MS Dhoni from wearing wicket-keeping gloves with the dagger insignia during the 2019 World Cup. Dhoni, ICC said, had breached two clauses of the clothing and equipment regulations: one relating to display of “personal messages” and the other concerning the logo on his glove. Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant-colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army and the dagger is similar to the regimental emblem.

In July 2014, ICC match referee David Boon had asked England all-rounder Moeen Ali to remove wristbands bearing the slogans ‘Save Gaza’ and ‘Free Palestine’, during a Test against India. Boon told Ali that he was not permitted to wear the bands under the ICC’s Clothing and Equipment

regulations, although ECB had defended Ali’s stance as humanitarian (rather than political). Boon pointed out that teams were not allowed to make such statements during a match.

diversity of our sport,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “We support players using their platform to appropriately express their support for a more equitable society. We will

Flowers and messages are placed at the memorial for George Floyd (Getty Images)

However, in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the USA, and the feeling of strength it has generated across the world to protest against racism, ICC will treat displays of solidarity by players on a “case-by-case basis”.

“The ICC stands against racism and is proud of the

exercise a common-sense approach to the implementation of regulations in relation to this issue and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the match officials.”

The ICC regulation on statements that veered outside the confines of sport is clear: “Approval shall not be granted

Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury agree to two fights - Eddie Hearn BRITISH world heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed to a two-fight deal, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Talks over an historic bout for the undisputed title began in early May. Joshua, 30, holds the WBA, IBF and WBO belts while 31-year-old Fury is the WBC champion.

“It’s fair to say (Joshua and Fury) are in agreement regarding the financial terms,” Hearn, who is Joshua’s promoter, told Sky Sports News.

“We’re in a good place.

It’s fair to say that, in principle, both guys have agreed to that fight. Two fights.”

Fury expressed his delight at the news in a social media post. The Manchester-born boxer said he would fight Joshua in 2021, but would

for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.” ICC has also listed “guidelines” for determining the nature of the message: “cricket should be used as a tool to bring people

first have to overcome the “hurdle in the road” Deontay Wilder, in a third meeting. Fury is contracted to fight the American, from whom he won the WBC title in February.

Hearn added: “There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at venues and dates.

“We’ve been talking to (Fury’s management team) MTK, giving them

Anthony Joshua holds three of the four major world heavyweight titles, while Tyson Fury has the other

Joshua, who reclaimed his world titles in December, has to face his mandatory challenger, Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev, when the sport fully resumes after the coronavirus shutdown.

the assurances from Joshua’s side that all the details on the structure of the deal is approved from our side. And it is from Fury’s side, as well.”

(BBC Sport)

and communities around the world together and not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric or agendas.”

The rules say that each message will be examined on a relevant set of circumstances including if it is a “one-off” statement and

what is the “purpose and impact of conveying” it.

“By way of example only, and without limitation, where the purpose of a message appears to be commemorative in nature (e.g. the use of a black armband or a poppy) or to serve a charitable purpose (e.g. to generate funds or awareness for a non-political charitable cause), it is more likely to be permitted; where a message appears to indicate support for a particular government, political party or individual, it is more likely to be prohibited.”

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis, after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, restrained Floyd by pressing down on his neck with a knee for nearly nine minutes while he was handcuffed. Chauvin is facing a second-degree murder charge and three other policemen have been charged for abetting.

The incident triggered massive protests across the world from North Carolina (where Floyd came from) to New Zealand with people bypassing the warning from the World Health Organisation which discouraged social gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many protesters have “taken a knee” referencing Colin Kaepernick, the

former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, who famously kneeled during a rendition of the U.S. national anthem at an NFL game while representing San Francisco 49ers to protest police brutality and racial injustice in 2016. Kaepernick was reprimanded by the NFL and has not played since then.

Athletes including Anthony Joshua, the world heavyweight boxing champion, and tennis legend Boris Becker joined the protests in London over the last weekend.

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite was also part of the march on June 6 in London wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ T-shirt.

The protests over the past two weeks, though, have forced sports bodies to relook at rules governing peaceful protests by athletes. Last Friday the NFL commissioner Roger Goddell admitted that the league had “erred” in how it had dealt with player protests, without naming Kaepernick.

Recently FIFA, too, weighed in saying football authorities should use “common sense” and be more flexible without simply slapping the player with the laws which do not allow any form of protest during play.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

IOC wants athletes’ dialogue as protest calls grow louder

By Karolos Grohmann ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) - Athletes will discuss and decide on how best to support the core Olympic values “in a dignified way”, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday, as calls to change rules restricting protests at Games grow louder.

Several major sports have moved to allow protests, following George Floyd’s death in U.S. police custody on May 25, including world soccer’s ruling body FIFA and the National Football League (NFL).

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, however, bans any form of political protest during the Games.

“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” the rule states.

IOC president Thomas Bach said consultations between athletes’ groups around the world were under way.

“The IOC Executive

Board supports the initiative of the IOC athletes’ commission to explore different ways for athletes to express support for the principles enshrined in the Olympic charter in a dignified way,” Bach told a virtual news conference.

year’s Tokyo Games could go down on one knee, as many have done in recent weeks, to show their support for the Floyd protests.

“I will not preempt in any way these consultations with many athletes’

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) attends a meeting of IOC’s executive board, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday (IOC/Greg Martin/Handout via REUTERS)

After reading a resolution of the IOC executive board condemning racism, Bach was repeatedly asked whether athletes at next

representatives,” Bach said. “It would not be fair if now I make a statement giving directions or instructions.”

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

Robert Singh places 5th at latest Remote Shoot Competition ... Nicholas Hing eighth CONTINUING in the 60X ISOL Remote Shoot Competition, Guyana fielded three archers last Sunday, in the 10th stage of this novel virtual competition.

With the focus on maintaining fitness and competitiveness during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and quarantine measures, all athletes are required to maintain the strict safety guidelines while competing, either from home or other venues.

Competing on the 30m categories, Winnette Lawrence and Robert Singh were joined by Nicholas Hing.

Lawrence featured in the Compound Division while Singh and Hing turned out in the Recurve Division; each comprising two sessions of 36 arrows.

Singh on his second venture at this competition scored 564/720 and placed 5th in a group of 8 archers, and Hing in his first, scored 450/720 placing 8th. Singh commented that his scores improved compared with the last stage.

FIFA changes attorneys in TTFA court dispute

JUST about two weeks after retaining the services of a noted Trinidadian law firm for its high court battle with the ousted executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, FIFA has hired new lawyers.

In late May, attorneys from the Law Offices of Dr Claude H. Denbow S.C. filed papers in the Trinidad and Tobago High Court of Justice stating that they were representing FIFA in its dispute against William Wallace, whose executive was dissolved in March 2020.

However, on Tuesday, June 9, a notice of change of attorney over the signature of Dr Emilio Garcia was filed stating that Messrs M. Hamel-Smith and Co. will now be representing FIFA effectively replacing the Law Offices of Dr Claude H. Benbow S.C. Cherie Gopie was the filing attorney.

Lawyers representing Wallace are seeking a permanent injunction preventing FIFA from interfering or seeking to override the “fair and transparent democratic processes of the TTFA and/or preventing them from removing the executive of duly elected officers from office.”

They are also seeking a permanent injunction against FIFA preventing FIFA and/or its agents from interfering with the day-to-day management of the association, including its bank accounts, website and real property.

They are also seeking damages and costs. (Sportsmax)

U TQ

E

CK I R C (1) (2) (1)

(2)

IZ C

ER N OR

Thursday, June 11, 2020

COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LT -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

24 29

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

TODAY’S QUIZ: When and where did the WI and PAK contest an ODI match for the first time?

When and where did Pakistan win an ODI game against the WI for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Lawrence on her third venture in this competition scored 662/720 placing 9th in a group of 15 archers.

As previously mentioned, registration is done online and athletes choose which session and division they would shoot.

Scaled-down target faces are used to suit the specified distances for those shooting from home with limited space. Equipment inspection is done by taking a photo of bow and arrows, as well as target faces and sent online.

A QR code is then sent for archers to log in and send scores after every end along with pictures of arrows in target for scoring.

The competition continues next Sunday, June 14 with stage 11, as Archery Guyana urges archers with access to ranges or home facilities to participate.

All archers are mandated to observe their national health and safety requirements and the PAHO/WHO guidelines for prevention of COVID-19.

Archers Robert Singh (left) and Nicholas Hing shooting at 30 metres in Stage 10 of last Sunday’s 60x ISOL Remote Shoot

T20 World Cup:

USA wants to host ICC T20 World Cup

By Stephan Shemilt

USA Cricket hopes the United States’ success in hosting the football World Cup in 1994 can help its bid to stage the T20 World Cup. The U,S, has joined forces with West Indies in an attempt to stage an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament from 2023 onwards.

More than 3.5 million fans attended matches at USA 94, a World Cup record.

“If you played in the USA, every venue would be sold out,” said USA Cricket chief executive Iain Higgins.

“Other sports have used their major events as catalysts for growth in non-traditional markets.”

The U.S. gained one-day international status at the beginning of 2019 and beat Scotland in December.

Higgins said the U.S. wants to gain Test status within the next decade.

“It’s our objective to have a team that’s competing with full members of the ICC in the short term, and it’s our objective to become a full member of the ICC in the next 10 years,” he said.

Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, has hosted six one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20s, and is scheduled to stage two T20s between West Indies and South Africa in August.

West Indies played India in Florida in 2019

“On-field performance, as we saw with Ireland and Afghanistan, is going to be a real critical part of the assessment as to whether we’re ready to play a role at that level.”

Higgins has identified several other areas where the U.S. can prove itself worthy of a place at cricket’s top table.

“One would be to persuade the ICC to be brave enough to

bring a T20 World Cup to the USA,” he said.

“I am confident that we will have great quality venues that are capable of scaling up and scaling down for ICC events.”

Those venues form part of plans for the introduction of a T20 league in the U.S. “The plan is to have at least six venues in this country that are capable of hosting international matches,” said Higgins.

“When you look at the number of travelling fans from the US to the last two World Cups, it shows an enormous appetite for cricket.

“Imagine India playing Pakistan in a T20 World Cup in the US - you could not build a venue big enough.

“When we eventually get to present to the ICC, they will be pleased and we will be able to satisfy that they should be ready to entrust us with one of their significant world events.” (BBC Sport)

ICC defers T20 World Cup decision to July

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) deferred its decision on the fate of this year’s Twenty20 World Cup to next month, saying it would further explore contingency plans while also preparing to deliver the tournament in Australia.Cricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts has downplayed the prospect of the tournament going ahead in 2020, saying the October-November schedule was under “very high risk” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision ...” ICC chief exec-

utive Manu Sawhney said in a statement after the board meeting.

“The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fall out from that.”

Although the ICC is also considering alternative options for next year’s women’s 50-overs World Cup in New Zealand, the prospect of that tournament going ahead as planned in February-March is significantly brighter.

New Zealanders on Tuesday celebrated their first day without coronavirus restrictions in three months.

“We will only get one chance to make this decision and it needs to be the right one,” Sawhney added. West Indies are the defending ICC T20 World Cup champions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 11, 2020

23

Hercules says basketballers following FIBA safety guidelines amid COVID-19 … hints at February 2021 as next date for Club Championships

By Clifton Ross SENIOR Men’s National Basketball coach Junior Hercules said his players are following the safety protocols provided by FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball) in order to stay healthy amidst the pandemic.

Hercules, in an interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday, said he wasn’t that optimistic about action returning any time before September, with February 2021 the next projected date for the National Clubs Championships tournament.

COVID-19, according to the coach, has now left the fraternity with no specific time or date as to when ballers can start hooping again. May was expected to host the 2020 Club Championships but due to the lockdown, plans were inevitably curtailed.

Also with the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) closed for quarantine, and social gathering even prohibiting ballers from running

scrimmages at outdoor venues like Burnham Basketball Court, Hercules said that it’s basically about staying healthy and following the guidelines until the Government relaxes the curfew and allows live action locally again.

“Keeping all things constant, I don’t think it might be practical to have a tournament now because we rely on the Georgetown Sub-Associations to run their tournaments in order for us to do our seeding,” Hercules explained.

In keeping with backing the newly founded sub-associations, Hercules believed that it was highly important for them to have their feet wet, regarding hosting their tournament. As such, he believed that all current chattels should be directed towards helping such development ahead of the Club Championships.

“More immediately, we will be directing all of our resources to the Georgetown sub-associations in order to help them to have their first successful tournament

for the year. It’s likely to be Round-Robin knockout.”

“There is no CARICOM championship this year so I think if we hit some semblance factoring everything by, September we could do

Interim Windies batting coach Floyd Reifer

tive and win the series.”

West Indies’ last series win came on the 1988 tour when Sir Vivian Richards’ side came away with a 4-0 verdict in a five-match series.

And while the Caribbean side pulled off an astonishing victory at Leeds in the last tour of England three years ago, they lost the two others Tests inside three days to concede the series.

Reifer stressed that while he expected pitches to be good for batting, seam-friendly conditions were always present in England, and the touring side’s batsmen needed to make the necessary adjustments.

“From what I’ve heard … it’s pretty sunny in England and the pitches there have not seen a lot of cricket played over the last two months but I think the weather is good … so I don’t think the conditions will be a big issue,” the former Test player told the Mason and Guest cricket show here.

“We know we’re going to England, we know the ball is going to swing. It’s just a matter of making the adjustment, playing the ball at the eye-level

added.

With health and player safety being key worldwide, the 2019 Male Coach-of-theYear, said his fraternity is currently in good spirits and ballers are coming up with

Senior men’s basketball coach Junior Hercules said players are following FIBA safety guidelines as they await action to return to local courts

Batting key to England series win, says Reifer

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Interim batting coach Floyd Reifer believes once West Indies batsmen can produce consistently, the Caribbean side can successfully defend the coveted Wisden Trophy and win their first series in England in 32 years.

Pointing to the likes of Jason Holder, experienced seamer Kemar Roach and speedster Shannon Gabriel, Reifer said the tourists had the core of a strong bowling attack and once the Windies batsmen could post challenging totals, England could be placed under pressure.

“I think we can win the series once we bat well,” said Reifer, who has replaced Monty Desai for this series.

“Our bowling is never an issue. We have the number one all-rounder in the world in captain Jason Holder, Kemar Roach has been bowling well, Shannon Gabriel is back, young Chemar Holder is a very good prospect for the future, Alzarri Joseph has been bowling well along with (Rahkeem) Cornwall.

“I think once we bat well and catch well we’ll be very competi-

a two-month mini-season by then once normalcy hits. By February 2021 we could see leading clubs having their run. Traditionally CARICOM is in June/July so they will be well-prepared,” the coach

and as late as possible, building those partnerships and playing as a team.”

Reifer, along with West Indies assistant coach, Roddy Estwick, recently oversaw two weeks of preparation for the Barbadian players in the 25-man playing group, at Kensington Oval here.

The sessions marked the first outdoor training for players following the government-enforced lockdown here due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thought the two weeks went very well,” Reifer explained.

“We worked with the guys in small groups – Roddy Estwick and myself, along with some of the BCA coaches, and I thought the guys got a lot out of the sessions and it’s just a matter of continuing once we get to England.”

West Indies left the Caribbean on Monday for the series and will undergo two weeks of quarantine at Old Trafford while also intensifying preparations for the first Test set to bowl off at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8.

The second Test gets underway at Old Trafford on July 16 with the third Test bowling off eight days later at the same venue.

All matches will be played before closed doors.

newer methods to stay fit and get others around them in shape as well.

Hercules further added that while the ballers are basketball-starved, his main focus is ensuring that the sterile state of things within the local basketball community remains intact and FIBA guidelines are continuously followed.

“Our focus is fitness, player safety and engagement.

FIBA provided us with guidelines and it’s from that backdrop we will encourage the players and make that information available. I’m working on the coach’s manual and I will be providing excerpts from the international body to further advise teams”.

“The players are eager to get back out but we don’t want anything negative on our hands, so once clearance is given from the government we will have our hand in supporting the sub-associations in order to help them possibly host their first tournament,” Hercules ended.

More than hashtags, campaigns needed to curb racism, says Kanoute

By Shrivathsa Sridhar BENGALURU, India (Reuters) - Racism in sport and society cannot be removed merely by a few campaigns as it is entrenched the world over, former Mali and Sevilla forward Frederic Kanoute said yesterday, adding he would nevertheless help Spain’s La Liga fight the menace.

Speaking to reporters from London, the 42-yearold said he hoped the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, after the death of George Floyd, a black American man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck, would be a wake-up call.

“When I’m asked about racism generally, I say it’s much more than football.

If we think we’re going to tackle racism because sometimes we make a couple of campaigns in football, we are completely wrong,” Kanoute said.

“I think it’s throughout the society ... It will take much more than just a few protests and a few hashtags.

It’s a long process because

we can see it’s ingrained in the minds of a lot of people.”

Kanoute, who is the La Liga ambassador, said he would help the Spanish top flight in its fight against the menace but added there is no room for complacency anywhere.

the iceberg so we have to keep working a lot ... I’m not going to single out La Liga or any other league ... it’s throughout the world.

The La Liga season will restart today following a long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic when

La Liga ambassador Frederic Kanoute

“I’ll support and encourage La Liga to tackle all forms of discrimination and racism, but definitely it’s never enough.”

“The overt racism (in society) maybe isn’t so much there anymore but the covert (racism) is the big part of

Kanoute’s former side take on Real Betis without fans present.

“They (fans) can expect a fantastic game,” Kanoute said. “Even though there won’t be any fans in the stadium it’s still going to be exciting.”

Windies ambitious but ‘staying in the present’, PAGE 19

says Holder

West Indies players arrive in the UK on Tuesday

ICC defers T20 World Cup decision to July PAGE 22

FLASHBACK: West Indies captain Darren Sammy (third left) receives the trophy from Zaheer Abbas (right), president of ICC, after they won the 2016 final (REUTERS/Action Images)

PAGE 21

Frankfurt players display ‘#blacklivesmatter’ on game shirts

BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - Eintracht Frankfurt changed their team shirt to display “#blacklivesmatter” on the front for their German Cup semi-final at Bayern Munich yesterday to take a stand against racism, the club said.

Athletes across the world have joined in support of protests triggered by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in U.S. police custody last month. “ To n i g h t : M a k e your mark. Black heart. Every day: Listen. Understand. Question. Stand. Speak up.

Fight for tolerance and diversity.

Overcome racism,” Frankf u r t said.

The white shirt displayed the line in black letters, larger than the name of the team’s sponsor.

Several Bundesliga clubs and players have shown their support for the protests by going down on one knee ahead of league games in recent weeks.

Major sports have also moved to allow protests following Floyd’s death on May 25, including world soccer’s ruling body FIFA and the American National Football League.

(NFL)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Timothy Chandler wears a shirt referencing the Black Lives Matter campaign (Reuters)

Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury agree to two fights - Eddie Hearn

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020