Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_19_2020

FRIDAY 19th June, 2020

'

‘Declaration blocked’ No.106034

SEE PAGE 03

…private citizen challenges GECOM’s decision to declare elections using ‘fraudulent’ votes

…seeking several orders restraining CEO, Chair

‘It’s a long haul’

….hearing set for today in Court of Appeal

PAGE

02

--PNCR Executive tells East Berbice supporters ahead of elections declaration

Guyana records 08 12 new COVID-19 cases PAGE

--Males account for 52% of total cases, Reg. 4 still the epicentre

Berbice teen murdered, 12 dumped in river PAGE

‘GRA slams PPP/C's mischief’

PAGE

13

…over false claims of destroying documents

‘It’s a long haul’

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

--PNCR Executive tells East Berbice supporters ahead of elections declaration

“GECOM get it right!

Valid votes must count!” shouted supporters of the A Partnership of National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) as they stomped through the streets of New Amsterdam, bearing placards proclaim-

ing, ‘Fraud is Fraud!’

The occasion was a massive protest organised by the Regional Executive of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and its Coalition partners, moments before the scheduled declaration in Georgetown of

the results of the March 2, 2020 National and Regional Elections.

Earlier, the group, dressed in trademark greenand-yellow ‘tees’ symbolic of the political party they support, staged a peaceful protest in front of the New Amsterdam office of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) on Princess Elizabeth Road, before moving in an orderly manner along Strand Road, where many of the town’s commercial businesses are located.

And as they navigated the streets, chanting in one accord, they were joined by some happy-go-lucky bystanders, while others just contended themselves with looking on.

SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE Moments after the last of the protesters disappeared SEE PAGE 12

APNU+AFC supporters on the march around New Amsterdam on Thursday

‘Declaration blocked’

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

…private citizen challenges GECOM’s decision to declare elections using ‘fraudulent’ votes …seeking several orders restraining CEO, chairman

By Svetlana Marshall JUST minutes before he was expected to submit his report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in keeping with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, was served with a Notice of Motion, restraining him from doing just that on the basis that his repot includes votes that are not valid and credible.

The report, which contains data generated during the national recount based on ‘votes cast’ at the General and Regional Elections, would have paved way for the declaration of the elections results by the Chair of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, and ultimately the swearing-in of the President. With legal proceedings initiated, the electoral process has been halted.

“The notice restrains the CEO from 'complying with the directions of Chairperson' and as a consequence a report was not submitted,” GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, told reporters on Thursday. The Notice of Motion was filed in the Court of Appeal and served on both the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission and the Chief Elections Officer on Thursday.

According to Ward, “the notice was severed on the CEO before 13:00hrs (deadline for submission of report).”

The application was filed in the Court of Appeal, in its original Constitutional Jurisdiction conferred by Article 177 (4), by Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson on behalf of Eslyn David – a private citizen, against the CEO, the Chair of GECOM, the Elections Commission and the Attorney General, Basil Williams. Moments after the injunction was filed, Robertson explained that it expected that once legal proceedings have been initiated, the parties involved would await the ruling of the court before moving forward.

“There is a general con-

vention in the legal profession that is followed almost universally among lawyers, especially here in Guyana, that once a matter is filed in the Court of Appeal, the

not credible. David believes that GECOM breached the Order when it failed to determine the final credible count. While the CEO, in his June 13th Report on the national recount, had indicated

Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson

parties will not take any action until the Court of Appeal makes a determination,” Robertson explained.

In the application, David, through her attorney, sought an order restraining the Chief Elections Officer from submitting to the Elections Commission, an Elections Report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:030, containing votes which are not valid and credible. “An order restraining the Chief Elections Officer from complying with the Direction of the Chairman of the Guyana Election Commission as set out in a letter dated 16th day of June, 2020, to submit an Elections Report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act without the Guyana Elections Commission determining the final credible count and or the credibility of the result of the General and Regional Elections held on the 2nd day of March, 2020, as required by the Order No. 60 of 2020 and the amended Order of the 29th day of March, 2020,” another section of the application read.

David also wants an order that restricts Lowenfield from submitting an Elections Report to the Elections Commission under Article 177 (2) of the Constitution containing votes which are

that the elections were not credible due to 4,864 cases of voter impersonation and more than 2,000 anomalies, Justice Singh, on Monday, asserted that the commission does not have the powers of

a Court of Law to examine and re-examine witnesses or to procure official documents to determine the truth of the allegations contained therein.

Only the High Court, she said, could determine the

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

validity of an election under Article 163 (1) (b) of the Constitution.

As a result of that decision by the Chair, David is seeking a declaration from the Appellate Court that the Elections Commission has failed to act in accordance with the terms of Order No. 60 of 2020 and

The Court of Appeal

the amended order, published in the Official Gazette on May 4 and May 29, 2020 respectively. That declaration is being sought on the basis that the Elections Commission has failed to determine a final credible count and or the credibility of the result of the elections as required by the Order. She also wants an order that there be an interpretation of the words “more votes are cast” in Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana.

ORDER FOR A CREDIBLE COUNT In her sworn affidavit in support of the Notice of Motion, David identified herself as a North Sophia, Georgetown resident – a registered voter in the Electoral District No. Four. David said as a voter, it was her expectation that within a few days of the elections, the results would have been declared by GECOM, however, based on contentions that the declarations of certain electoral districts were lacking in credibility, GECOM undertook a national recount.

TURN TO PAGE

11

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Trump's bid to end Obama-era immigration policy ruled unlawful (BBC) The US Supreme Court has ruled against President Donald Trump's bid to end a programme that protects hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation.

The justices upheld lower court rulings which found his move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) programme was "unlawful".

It protects "Dreamers" - undocumented youths brought to the US as children.

The Trump administration has sought to end the Obama-era policy since 2017.

The Supreme Court took up the case after lower courts ruled that the Trump administration did not adequately explain why it was ending the programme, criticising the White House's "capricious" explanations.

On Thursday, the justices voted 5-4 to uphold the lower courts' findings that the administration's order violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which says a government action cannot be "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law" or "unsupported by substantial evidence".

The ruling, which does not prevent the Trump administration from continuing in its efforts to end the programme, affects an estimated 700,000 young people who entered the US without documents as children.

Mr Trump denounced the decision in a series of tweets.

"These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud

Friday, June 19, 2020 - 03:30 hrs &14:30 hrs

People demonstrated outside the US Supreme Court in Washington DC ahead of Thursday's decision

to call themselves Republicans or Conservative," he wrote. He called on voters to re-elect him in November to put more conservative judges in the court, should there be a vacancy. He also suggested that he would renew efforts to end the programme and "start the process all over again".

Former President Obama praised the ruling and urged voters to elect a Democratic president and Congress in

November to ensure "a system that's truly worthy of this nation of immigrants once and for all".

Joe Biden, the expected 2020 Democratic presidential nominee, said he would seek to make the programme permanent should he win the election.

WHAT IS DACA? Most of the children protected by the Daca programme are from Mexico

and other Latin American countries.

A 2012 executive order, created by former President Obama, shields these socalled "Dreamers" from deportation, and provides work and study permits.

Mr Obama signed the order following failed negotiations for immigration reform on Capitol Hill.

In order to qualify for Daca, applicants under the age of 30 are required to submit personal information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including addresses and phone numbers.

They must go through an FBI background check and have a clean criminal background, and either be in school, recently graduated or have been honourably discharged from the military.

In exchange, the US government agrees to "defer"

any action on their immigration status for a period of two years.

It is only available to individuals residing in the US since 2007.

Daca recipients told BBC they were relieved and surprised by the ruling on Thursday, and many said they would continue advocating for immigration reform.

Juana Guzman of Texas, 28, said: "It's a very needed win and this is giving us the fuel we needed to continue moving forward and to keep fighting for the rest of our families and the community that does not have Daca".

Metzli Sanchez, 23, said: "As big of a victory that this is, we have to keep applying pressure that we have to keep fighting for other people who are just as able and capable but who do not have this protection."

Coronavirus: American Airlines passenger removed for not wearing mask (BBC) American Airlines has removed a passenger from a flight after he refused to wear a face covering in compliance with its Covid-19 safety policy.

Brandon Straka was asked to wear a face mask on Flight 1263 from New York to Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday.

When Mr Straka refused, he was asked to leave the flight, the airline said.

Mr Straka said there was no law that required him to

wear a face covering on the flight.

"I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law," Mr Straka tweeted from New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Face masks have been used to mitigate the risk of spreading coronavirus during the pandemic.

While there is no federal law mandating masks on US flights, all major US airlines

American Airlines requires customers to wear face coverings unless they meet a few exceptions

have been enforcing face covering rules for passengers and crew since mid-May. On Monday, American Airlines announced "a stronger policy for customer face coverings". It said customers who refused to wear face coverings would not be allowed to board and could be banned from future travel.

Mr Straka is a former ac-

tor and hairstylist who has appeared as a guest on Fox News, and founded the #WalkAway Campaign, which urges people to disavow their support for the Democratic Party.

The #WalkAway website sells branded merchandise including a $20 (ÂŁ16) face mask.

TURN TO PAGE

05

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Brazil corruption: Police arrest ex-aide to Jair Bolsonaro's son Flavio (BBC) A former aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged corruption.

Fabrício Queiroz is suspected of being part of a scheme to embezzle the salaries of phantom employees in the Rio de Janeiro assembly when Flávio Bolsonaro was a state lawmaker.

He had been on the run but was arrested at a property of a personal lawyer to the Bolsonaro family near São Paulo.

Flávio Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing.

The case could be embarrassing for the far-right president, who came to office in January 2019 after running on an anti-corruption campaign and promising to be tough on crime.

Mr Bolsonaro is already facing an investigation into an alleged attempt to interfere with the police, and has seen some allies being targeted by a separate inquiry over an alleged fake news scheme.

The political crisis has

deepened as the coronavirus continues to spread across Brazil, which has now the world's second-highest number of cases - over 955,000 - and deaths, more than 46,500. Mr Bolsonaro, who initially described the virus as a "little flu", has been heavily criticised for his handling of the outbreak.

What's the case about?

Brazilian authorities identified 1.2m reais (£180,000; $220,000 in current figures) in bank transactions in an account belonging to Mr Queiroz between 2016 and 2017, when Flávio was a Rio state lawmaker.

State prosecutors say 54-year-old Mr Queiroz - a former policeman and ex-driver to Flávio - ran a scheme involving phantom employees in Flávio's office.

They allege that part of the salaries was diverted, with the proceeds being laundered through a chocolate shop franchise and two flats.

Mr Queiroz was arrested in a raid on a property that belongs to Frederick Wassef, a lawyer to the Bolsonaro

family, in the city of Atibaia, in São Paulo state. Mr Bolsonaro once said Mr Queiroz

board was moved to attack [Jair] Bolsonaro... It's a brutal game!"

Mr Bolsonaro was elected on an anti-corruption platform

had been his friend since the 1980s.

Flávio served as state legislator for 16 years. Now a federal senator, he has called the investigation a political attack on his family, writing on Twitter: "I face today's events with tranquillity. The truth will prevail!

Another piece on the playing

The president, his son and Mr Wassef had denied in several occasions having any knowledge of Mr Queiroz's whereabouts. Mr Queiroz's lawyer and Mr Wassef have not commented, and the president is yet to react.

What are the other cases against President Bolsonaro and his allies?

The Supreme Court is already investigating allegations that President Bolsonaro tried to interfere in the work of the federal police for political motives, following accusations made by former Justice Minister Sergio Moro.

Mr Moro, a former judge who oversaw Brazil's biggest anti-corruption investigation known as Operation Car Wash, resigned in April saying Mr Bolsonaro had pressed him to change the chief of the federal police.

He also accused the president of seeking to interfere in investigations that involved family members, and even requested intelligence reports.

Mr Bolsonaro has denied the allegations.

A number of Bolsonaro allies including business leaders, bloggers and lawmakers are being investigated in a case that involves an alleged scheme to spread defamatory fake news and threats against Supreme Court members.

A report by Folha de S.Paulo newspaper in April said the federal police had

identified another of Mr Bolsonaro's sons, Carlos, as a key member of the scheme.

It said the finding was at the centre of the president's attempt to change the police chief. Carlos Bolsonaro has rejected the allegations.

Mr Bolsonaro has urged the Supreme Court to suspend the this investigation, saying the justices are politically biased and target his supporters.

And there is a separate investigation into anti-democratic rallies organised by Bolsonaro supporters calling for military intervention in politics and the closure of the Supreme Court and Congress. The president has endorsed some of the protests, and critics say he has sent ambiguous messages about his commitment to the democratic institutions.

Earlier this week, six far-right militants were arrested, including the alleged leader of the group, Sara Giromini, known as Sara Winter. The homes and offices of alleged organisers were also raided.

Kamla: Growing anxiety, uncertainty among population

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says now is the time for new job creation and a return to economic stability and growth under the UNC. She said as the term of the Government comes to an end, it will be remembered as one of the worst for this country’s working population.

Under this administration, she said, more than 100,000 jobs have been lost, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.

In her Labour Day message, Persad-Bissessar said this year marked the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the modern Trade Union Movement in T&T and today, a sombre mood engulfs

much of the working class.

Persad-Bissessar said during the period 2010 to 2015, the government she led settled 135 collective agreements and paid out over three billion to workers.

She said more than 56,000 jobs were created, and “we managed to keep the cost of living under five per cent within their reach. In addition, we ensured that our streets and communities were safe, and provided access to tertiary level education free of charge to all children.

There was hope ringing in the atmosphere which focused on people-centred development and improving the quality of life and standard of living of all.”

The former prime minis-

Kamla Persad-Bissessar

ter said the change in Government in 2015 resulted in an overall deterioration in the quality of life of citizens

of our twin-island Republic.

“Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley promised much to the Labour Movement through the signing off the Joint Memorandum of Understanding and their manifesto of 2015 “Let’s Do This Together”, however they failed to deliver on their promises,” she said.

He added: “The full consequences of the Rowley Government’s failure are yet to be felt, as workers brace for more job losses.

The PNM administration’s reckless spending, economic mismanagement, and lack of a plan to restart the economy after COVID-19 are adding to the growing anxiety and uncertainty among the population.”

Coronavirus: American Airlines passenger ...

FROM PAGE

The conservative activist described American Airlines' mask policy as "absolutely insane" in a video posted to Twitter, declaring, "We don't even have a choice anymore."

He said a flight attendant "made a mistake" by telling him "it was the law" to wear a

face mask on the plane.

"When I pointed out this was not true, they said, 'yes it is, yes it is'. Eventually they changed their story to, 'it's our policy and if you don't do it you can't fly with us'," he said.

"I said, no-one has even asked me if I have a condition that prevents me from wearing

a mask. The whole staff were standing around me, intimidating me."

A New York Times reporter, who was on board the flight, managed to record some of the dispute on his mobile phone.

In the video, Mr Straka can he heard arguing with

4

a flight attendant. When prompted, she asks him if he has a medical condition, then if he has paperwork to confirm this.

After a tense exchange between Mr Straka and the flight attendant, a different woman can be heard shouting: "Sir, can you put it on or get off?"

Persad-Bissessar said there is a sense of hopelessness among workers. She said the strength of the Trade Union Movement has been systematically weakened if not destroyed by this PNM regime. As a result, a large percentage of the working class exists on 2014 salaries, not covered by collective agreements, and therefore struggle from pay cheque to pay cheque on minimum wages, she said.

She saidas the country prepares to return to the polls, “I assure the citizenry that the party I lead, the United National Congress, has a plan to generate more than 50,000 new, sustainable jobs when we return to office, as outlined in our National American Airlines said there are exceptions to its mask rules for children, passengers eating and drinking, and those with medical conditions.

When asked by CNN if he has a relevant medical condition, Mr Straka declined to comment, saying: "I find it difficult and prohibitive to wear a mask, yes."

The airline told the BBC

Transformation Economic Plan 2020-2025.”

She added” We will ensure that workers in Trinidad and Tobago can work and live in a dignified manner, owning their own homes and raising their families in an environment of peace, safety and security. We shall lift workers out of the dependency syndrome. We will create the enabling climate that would allow Trade Unions to grow, flourish and develop and without hindrance carry out their historical role in protecting the rights and freedoms of the workers.

Mr Straka had agreed to "comply with our policies" and was rebooked onto a later flight.

"Our team is reviewing this incident, and we are reaching out to Mr Straka to get more information," the airline added.

Mr Straka told US media he wore a face mask provided by the airline before boarding the second flight but took it off on the plane.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Bolton’s book and attempts to halt publication (Reprinted from the Washington Post)- IN A lawsuit filed Tuesday, the Justice Department insists that it wants to stop former national security advisor, John Bolton, from damaging national security by revealing secret information in his forthcoming book, “The Room Where It Happened.” In fact, the primary danger is to President Trump, who, if early leaks are any indication, has much to fear from an unvarnished account of his behavior.

The suit is absurd, and the Justice Department should be ashamed to be associated with a clear attempt to harass a man try-

ing to detail Mr. Trump’s malfeasance.

The Post reported Wednesday that, based on Mr. Bolton’s account, Mr. Trump pleaded with Chinese President Xi Jinping to help him win the 2020 U.S. election, telling Mr. Xi during a summit dinner last year that increased agricultural purchases by Beijing from U.S. farmers would aid Mr. Trump’s electoral prospects. Mr. Bolton’s manuscript laments that he was unable to relate Mr. Trump’s precise words because the administration demanded them struck during a pre-publication review.

Indeed, Mr. Bolton worked painstakingly with

the National Security Council’s chief classification official to scrub the book, a process that consumed four months. While this review proceeded, Mr. Trump insisted that the book must not be published before the November election, and, nonsensically, that all of his conversations with Mr. Bolton were classified.

Unsurprisingly, after Mr. Bolton’s manuscript was scrubbed, another Trump official swooped in to insist that further review was necessary. Reasonably concluding that the administration was using the process as pretext to silence him, Mr. Bolton decided to publish.

The long delay has already hurt the public debate. It would have been helpful if Mr. Bolton’s book had emerged, or Mr. Bolton had testified, when Congress was considering Mr. Trump’s impeachment. The Xi revelations suggest that Mr. Trump sought to manipulate U.S. foreign policy with China, as with Ukraine, for his own personal gain. In fact, writes Mr. Bolton, “I am hard pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure that wasn’t driven by reelection calculations.”

At this point, no self-respecting judge would order Mr. Bolton to halt publica-

tion. The government seeks a “prior restraint” of speech on matters of critical public interest. Nothing in the First Amendment or the Supreme Court’s interpretation of it, in tougher cases than this one, suggests the government has any right to expect such a result, particularly when Mr. Bolton worked to scrub the book in good faith.

The lawsuit could simply be a feeble attempt to mollify Mr. Trump, who only likes freedom of speech when the message praises him, and who routinely pressures the Justice Department to help his friends and punish his enemies. But even

a long-shot bid to silence a Trump critic may intimidate other disillusioned former officials from revealing disturbing things they saw during their time in the administration, lest the Justice Department sic taxpayer-funded lawyers on them, too. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, who is hearing the case, should move quickly and rule decisively against the Justice Department so that the opposite message is sent: Former government employees need not fear telling the truth.

PSC continues along its bully track

Dear Editor

One wonders what next will the Private Sector Commission (PSC) be publicizing itself as, as it again arrogates to itself, a particular function, which clearly does not fall within its remit – that of presidential advisor. This refers to “PSC wants President to make public concession”, News Source, June 17, 2020.

Such a demand is absurd, as it is obscene, and supports a continuous pattern of disrespect to the person of the President. It would seem, that the PSC is also perform-

ing the functions of the Guyana Elections Commission, to the extent of being a part of its official decision-making process. One is certain that the Ministry of the Presidency will be responding to this latest piece of bullyism, as highlighted by the CARICOM TEAM IN ITS REPORT, IN DESCRIBING THE PSC’S MODUS OPERANDI; but not before I state the following – memory does not recall former president, Donald Ramotar, being asked to fulfill this similar protocol in May, 2015.

But it is to a further statement, by its bully-in-chief, Gerry Gouveia, that must be

answered.

And here is another subverter of the truth, and a grave insult to the Guyanese people: … democracy has prevailed and that the people’s voice has been heard and acknowledged protected by the Constitution which governs the country”.

Editor, this undoubtedly refers to the Recount, particularly CARICOM’S unprofessional and cockeyed findings.

The Gouveias of the PSC are absolutely political delusionists, politically dishonest and mentally distorted to be ascribing the description of ‘democratic’’ to a process

which has been found to be overwhelmingly fraudulent, and fully supported by all the necessary evidence which came from the ballot boxes; such as the in excess of 41 boxes, denuded of their statutory documents which cannot lend to any kind of reconciliation; voter impersonation, and other undemocratic acts that are clearly criminal.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Our political choices must not affect the best pathway for Guyana’s development

Dear Editor,

AS a young Guyanese, having observed the 2020 electoral process which took over approximately 100 days, this nation still awaits the official declaration from GECOM to conclude. Many Guyanese and a wide cross-section of civil so-

ciety remains perplexed on how to bridge the racial division which has plagued this great land since post-Independence 50 years ago. This shows that time has not positively and practically impacted the vote preferences of the country’s primarily Black and Indian population. Hence, Guyana remains a divided nation. Our people must understand that

our political choices should and must not affect the best pathway for Guyana’s development. Its chosen government is and must be a government for all Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Odayson Ashby

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

The enemy is lurking in every corner of our society anxious to exploit our differences Dear Editor, IT is safe to assume that with the bits of information, mis-information, fake news and from an army of soothsayers, that the majority of Guyanese yearn for the truth.

As a boy, we are told that “the truth shall set us free.”

In our present environment, particularly as it relates to the 2020 National & Regional Elections, what is the truth?

The truth about Guyana need to be told, discussed openly, if you are to correct the quirks of our history, which has been a burden long before independence.

Truth is that magnificent intangible but something we should seek after if we are to be the architects of a better and just country and world.

What you identify as the truth is a combination of our belief and the facts as presented to us.

As the debate continues about the Elections and the social condition of Guyana, we must be frank and forthright. As one who has been in the hustings since the 50s, an examination of all elections since 1957 shows a consistent pattern of racial voting throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. This occurrence, if not faced boldly and pragmatically, will leave us living in a fool’s paradise unable to so-call fight the bullet and deal with this question of race openly but calm and honesty. We cannot afford to sweep the question of race under the carpet and merely indulge in tokenism which has been the case of all of our major political parties in Guyana.

One example, the major parties insist in pursing this cosmetic arrangement, which is if your Presidential Candidate or President is Indo Guyanese, the next in-line should be an Afro Guyanese and vice versa.

The PPP introduced this cosmetic arrangement as they identified the two top political figures, that is the President and Prime Minister. In 1992, the PPP Prime Minister candidate was a very pleasant and seemingly harmless personality, but did not and could not represent or speak for Afro-Guyanese, (a cosmetic condition).

If at the end of the debate which I proposed some years ago, that if it is agreed that the two top executive positions should be held by persons representing the two major ethnic groups, then it should be on the basis of their work within the party and country and more importantly, in simple language, their political clout and their ability to speak on behalf of their particular group.

In circumstances where the group, Indo or Afro, accept the person identified as an authentic representative of a particular group and this of course, we find two hard working and worthy douglas to fill the top spot.

Unless the question of ethnic cleavage, ethnic fear and suspicion is dealt with systematically, sincerely and openly, we are unlikely to become one people with a single objective of national development, peace and love.

Let us quickly look at Guyana from a distance. No less a person than the Late Dr. Cheddi Jagan asserted that blacks or Afro-Guyanese are at the bottom of the ladder. Typical of Dr. Jagan; this was a simple statement of the truth by a man who is known for honest straight-forward pronouncements on delicate matters.

I am not a racist but in our charged environment, those who cannot interpret our history and lack the intellectual fortitude will hardly be able to contribute to be part of the dialogue aimed at a peaceful, harmonious Guyana.

For us to speak from a position of knowing who you are you must know from whence we came and being able to access and measure the contribution you made and must make Guyana Good and Glorious, all the while embracing the value of ancestral piety.

Being proud of our ethnicity (pure or mixed) should be a major tool to appreciate the other person and shed light on this world, where we all are God’s children.

Additionally, in our neighbourhoods, schools, and playgrounds, we need to help our children to appreciate the religious and cultural practices of the other people and their music. A pre-requisite to improve our race relations

is to dig deep into Guyana’s history and to recognize that the remnants of colonialism and imperialism lingers on.

A very careful examination about our history will put in an appropriate context, Guyana and its six people.

This examination and teaching of our history from kindergarten to University must be unvarnished so that the 21st century Guyanese would make a link between a previous domination and making of Guyana and to allow our young, eager minds to appreciate that as one Elder put it, “we came in different ships,” but today we are in one boat and must paddle together, if we are not to punish, over the rocks and rapids and fast flowing global tide.

In the beginning, our seven Amerindian tribes lived off the land, sharing the benefits of their work industry and mother nature. Later, some of these brothers were made into head-hunters by the plantocracy.

Remember, our Amerindian brothers were paid substantial sums to capture and bring the runaway slaves back to the plantations ‘dead’ or ‘alive.’

The African slaves under inhuman conditions dug by hand canals and dams, which civilized our entire coastlands. When slavery ended, they were not compensated but their former owners were. When in Georgetown, Africans rose up against the new super-class of Portuguese, the Portuguese were compensated by the colonial administration for the loss of their goods and property.

We need to teach all of our children how the freed Africans combined their resources to purchase old villages only to see estate managers design drainage and irrigation systems, which routinely flooded the agricultural lands of the Manumitted Africans, forcing many of them to seek their fortune in the interior, mining gold and diamonds.

Others entered the professions, Christian denomination and all sectors of the public service.

Further, to explain how the British and the Dutch introduced beliefs and mode of living, alien to the nature of the Africans. This meant

that the Trans-Atlantic journey had their African roots completely severed and the early effort to make us black Englishmen and women was unfolded.

So that unto this day, the average Afro-Guyanese carries (and some still proudly) the names of our former slave masters. Names that are not associated with the villages or tribes from which they were plucked. The Portuguese from Madeira did not adapt easily to the harshness of the plantations. In each of these cases, they were helped by the European plantocracy to be merchants and traders.

Likewise, the Chinese soon established a variety of businesses providing services to the local population. The East Indians were able to cope with the harshness of plantation life, which itself had been less cruel as a result of efforts by Englishmen, William Wilberforce and Buxton and by practices of frugality, deferred gratification and good sense made

their mark and contributed to every aspect of national life and the well-being of our society.

Without going into details, each of our ethnic groups made a solid contribution to the development of Guyana and this next period, whatever may be the decision of GECOM must see our Leaders accepting that today we are the children of our history and with that knowledge, we must put in place institutions and systems to end this folly of race.

Let us light the flames of peace and love, which characterize the first PPP Government, after the Waddington Constitution 1953, when six young giants sought to make independence and freedom a reality.

The six men: Sidney King (Eusi Kwayana), Ahston Chase, the Late L.F.S Burnham (Chairman), Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Dr. J.P. Latchmansingh, and Jainarine Singh.

These men were all workers and were all committed pa-

triots and had been giving selfless service in the trade union, political and community arenas. The Cold War saw the dismissal from office of these early heroes.

This in a real sense exposed the might and imperial philosophy of powerful external forces. Today, some of those external forces may still be active and anxious to keep us in place. The antidote is for us to work together, confront external enemies; the enemy lurking in every corner of our society anxious to exploit our differences. At another time, I will refer to some who still feel that the place of the Afro-Guyanese should forever be at the lowest rung of the ladder.

We must confront this not too subtle situation and remind them that those who fought against slavery that their descendants are not willing to be served as servants again.

Regards Hamilton Green

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Guyana records 12 new COVID-19 cases

--Males account for 52% of total cases, Reg. 4 still the epicentre HEALTH authorities here continue to warn against the callous disregard for control measures, as cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to climb, with the latest statistics showing the country recording 12 cases within the past 24 hours.

After going a week with little or no new cases of the disease, the country has recorded 23 cases in just 48 hours. And, authorities say the upward trend is likely to continue, unless Guyanese take precaution and adhere to the containment measures in place.

“If you are following the updates in the Caribbean and the rest of the world, you are aware by now that some of the countries that managed to stop the transmission have begun to report the emergence of new cases, a clear indication in most instances that persons have returned to the practices of life before COVID-19, with the relaxation of some measures instead of maintaining the practices that we must adapt in embracing living with COVID-19,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud in a vir-

tual COVID-19 update on Thursday.

He referred to Guyana’s imminent relaxation of some of the COVID-19 containment measures as part of a six-phase reopening plan, warning that Guyana must be wary of the effects of this action in countries which have done the same.

In sharing his advice, Dr. Persaud said, “We must use their lessons as a guide; worthy of note is the recognition that Guyana’s cases have never stopped climbing. We need you to understand that you are much more vulnerable than those countries that were able to reduce their cases.”

Testimony to Guyana’s situation are the 12 cases which were recorded after 42 COVID-19 tests were conducted between Wednesday and Thursday.

Health authorities have so far tested 2,048 persons, 1,865 of whom were negative and 183 positive. Of the 183 cases, 102 have recovered, 12 have lost their lives, while 69 are deemed active cases, and another 24 suspected cases.

According to a statistical analysis of the cases at

hand, 52 per cent are males, and 48 per cent are females.

And the age groups with the most cases are 20 to 29-year-

of a plan to have a comprehensive COVID-19 health network, whereby patients across the country’s 10 ad-

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

olds; 30 to 39 year-olds; and 40 to 49-year-olds. Of that grouping, the 20-29 range has the highest number of cases, indicating that there needs to be a change in the behaviour of the young adult population especially men.

STRENGTHENING THE SYSTEM 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

ministrative regions will be able to access these services.

Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is still 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, while among those on the East Bank De-

merara (EBD) are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri.

Dr. Persaud said Region Four has 56 per cent of the cases, while Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) has 16 per cent; and Region One (Barima-Waini) 13 per cent.

The other five regions which recorded cases account for 15 per cent of the total number of cases.

ESPECIALLY WORRYING The situation is especially worrying in Region One, where all 12 of the new cases were recorded. This, Dr. Persaud said, represents a 100 per cent increase in cases for that region.

“We continue to plead with our residents in the hinterland communities to act responsibly; your health as well as that of your family is at great risk, for studies have shown that for every person that is positive, approximately three persons will be infected by that individual,” the CMO said.

He advised persons that who experience symptoms of the disease to seek medical attention immediately, so that the essential care and treatment can be provided.

The CMO pleaded with persons to either call the

hotlines, or use the mobile units or one of the COVID-19 facilities if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been in contact with someone who tested positive.

“Fellow Guyanese, the Ministry of Public Health continues to implore you to take stock of your actions.

Our numbers indicate very clearly that our behaviour is still out-of-order. We are in COVID times, and so it requires COVID behaviour adjustment. Handwashing, wearing a mask, and practising physical distancing,” Dr. Persaud advised.

As everyone is by now aware, COVID-19 remains a serious issue, not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and, according to global statistics, there are eight million cases of COVID-19, with over 440,000 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.

Did the ERC Commissioners call African Guyanese negro?

Dear Editor,

I am different. I am not a "black" as the ERC seems to describe persons like my husband who is of African ancestry. My four precious children are different too.

They are bi-racial and tonight I wonder the kind of Society they will have to grow up and live in.

Will they be described

by Constitutional agencies as "black" and "afro" or "dougla" and "indo"? Will they ever be free to embrace and be recognized by their true identities-- children of African-East Indian Guyanese ancestry? I once read that "difference is as natural as breathing... Civilised society has a duty to accommodate suitable differences among human beings. Only in this manner can we give due respect to everyone's hu-

manity."- per Saunders J. in McEwan v the AG of Guyana (2018) CCJ. Ethnic identities in Guyana are different and varying.

Descriptions of these ethnic identities are powerful. Such description can express or reinforce a positive social identity or standing. Descriptions can also incite the diminishing of one's identity and activate racial hostility and grave social conflict.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to this end is clothed with the high responsibility under the Constitution of Guyana, to ensure that ethnic identities, albeit naturally different as breathing, are treated with equivalent respect and are properly described. Mr. Editor, I note with extreme concern, a distasteful and impeachable act of high crime and a gross abdication of Constitutional

duty committed by the ERC. On June 17, 2020, the Commission issued a Statement RE: Ethnic Relations Commission meets with "Guyanese Critic" on racial Statements made. The Commission at lines 8 through 12 found favour with the choice of words "black" and "Afro". I am of the view that the author intended to say "persons of African ancestry" or "African Guyanese".

I refuse to conclude that these two derogatory choice of words were intentionally done by the Commissioners of the ERC. Instead, I accept that it is pure historical ignorance on their part. History and social scientists involved in the study of race relations have concluded that the word "black" derived from Spanish "negro" or "negra" was used as a replacement of "negro" at a time the US Federal

government adopted measures to eradicate the use of Spanish "negro" in official government documents. The word "afro" was intentionally used to replace "Africa" or "African" in an effort to remove the identity of persons of "African ancestry". The removal of this identity was essential during colonialism, in that the "Afro" people, or the "slave" or "enslaved" or "negro" would not feel connected to the civilization of "Africa" or the cultural identity of being "African".

This systematic racism and alienation of the dignity of persons of "African ancestry" was echoed on this day, by the very institution, endowed by the supreme law, with the ostensible authority to protect the identity of all Guyanese from any form of racial attack. Mr. Editor, I beg your indulgence to raise

one final point. The ERC is clothed with the jurisdiction to commence the process leading to criminal charges being filed where a person allegedly commits a racially hostile act.

I note with extreme concern the policy of the ERC, or permit me to correct myself, the legitimate expectation created by this Constitutional agency that if a citizen does the kind of act done by Kester Dean or Mikhail Rodrigues, they will be summoned to a meeting and thereafter be allowed to apologise.

I am aware that every citizen is entitled to be treated equally under the law.

If Dean, Rodrigues and others were allowed to apologize for their purported breach of the law, then the Commissioners leave it open for persons to assume that it is their legitimate expectation to be

treated in like manner under the law as the Constitution guarantees under the equal rights provision. These observations are an indictment on the utility of the ERC and reflects that Commission's abysmal failure to execute the simple mandate under the constitution to encourage a more harmonious society.

The ERC Commissioners owe all persons of African ancestry an apology.

The Commission is urged to desist immediately from describing persons of African ancestry or African Guyanese as "black" and "afro". The Commission is further asked to remove such references from its Social Media platforms.

Respectfully, Karishna Seecharran-Munroe

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Steep increase in COVID-19 cases at Moruca

…several teachers, health workers among new cases recorded last week.

A medical team from the city travelled to the area to carry out further tests of other teaching staff recently.

Santa Rosa, the most populated indigenous village in Guyana, has seen a high rate of infections within the past month.

A section of the village of Kumaka at Santa Rosa, Moruca. (Jean La Rose photo)

A HIGH increase of COVID-19 cases has been recorded at the Moruca sub-region in the North West District.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Public Health reported that 12 new cases of the Coronavirus have been recorded in Guyana and reports from Santa Rosa, Moruca are that all of the new cases may be from there; a 100% increase in infection rate in that area.

According to officials at the village, five school

teachers are among those who have tested positive for the virus. In addition, two staff members of the Kumaka District Hospital are said to be among the new cases.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, noted, on Thursday, that 42 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours. The 12 new cases, he said, carry the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 183. The new positive cases for today are from Region One, he said. Currently, there are 69 active cases of the

virus in Guyana.

Recently, a boat captain from Moruca tested positive for COVID-19 and reports are that two of his close relatives are among those whose samples have returned positive. As much as 30 persons were tested within the past several days at Moruca.

Thus far, some 24 cases, including one death attributed to COVID-19, have been recorded at Moruca. A popular primary school teacher as well as a secondary school teacher were among the cases

COVID-affected small businesses get much-needed relief

THE coronavirus epidemic has negatively impacted business in Guyana, small businesses in particular; consequently, small businesses have received much-needed financial relief from the Ministry of Business to cushion the impact of the epidemic on their operations.

The Guyana Chronicle during a visit to business places along Regent Street on Thursday, spoke to business owners about the phased opening of the country and how they felt about this measure.

One business owner told the Chronicle that he was glad for the measure, since it would mean more business for him and that more of his customers would be satisfied.

Another business owner who wishes to remain anonymous, said that business is hard for him at this time and that he can hardly pay his bills.

He made the point that prior to the epidemic, he was able to pay his bills and maintain his family quite comfortably, but now that is quite difficult.

Businesses along Regent Street

He however expressed delight for the phased opening of the country, so that he can pay his rent and maintain his family.

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) stated that the Order was updated pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Directive by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145.

The existing curfew remains between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am and, unless otherwise provided for in the Order, every person shall remain in the confines of his or

her home and its yard space.

Beauty salons and barbershops have been added to the list of services which may be open between 6:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

They join banks and other financial institutions; food stores, services and markets; funeral homes, gas stations; postal and shipping services; operation, inspection, repair and maintenance of essential services, including vehicles, vessels and aircraft and traffic signal maintenance and more.

The village council has been facing an uphill battle in its efforts to sensitise residents about taking precautions, including social distancing measures, in order to deter the spread of the virus. Many persons at Moruca have openly questioned the reality of the virus in the area.

The infections may be tied to political events as

many persons aligned to a major political party have deemed the issue a political gimmick.

In recent days, persons have been breaching all emergency health measures at Moruca and reports are that residents have even confronted the police in the latter’s attempts to assist the authorities in the area.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Jagdeo says GECOM can correct irregularities … but only in the case of Mingo, Lowenfield AT a press conference on Thursday, while expressing his frustration with the halt in declaration of the March 2020 elections, People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, contradicted views previously held by his party that the Elections Commission has no power to correct wrongdoings which hinder the credibility of an election.

The party has argued that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has no powers to correct the anomalies, irregularities or voter impersonation coming out of the elections and the APNU+AFC must take its concerns to the Court, after a declaration is made, in the form of an elections petition.

However, while accusing Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo and the CEO of electoral fraud, Jagdeo flipped over to the opposite position that the commission does have the power to correct wrongdoings which affect its process.

He stated: “The Constitution empowers the commission to correct things in the interest of fairness and impartiality and therefore the Constitu-

“The Constitution empowers the commission to correct things in the interest of fairness and impartiality and therefore the Constitution has all the powers and empowers the commission to act when you have a clear case of not one but two rogue elements of the secretariat.”

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo tion has all the powers and empowers the commission to act when you have a clear case of not one but two rogue elements of the secretariat.”

However, the party does not apply the same position to the CEO’s report which found thousands of cases of wrongdoings. When Lowenfield submitted his summary/ report of the national recount on June 13, he had noted that, undoubtedly, cases of irregularities, anomalies and voter impersonation were present in the elections. Though the

count of the ballots puts the PPP/C in the lead, he outlined 4,864 cases of voter impersonation and more than 2,000 anomalies which have affected over 200,000 votes.

The CEO also stated that the presence of these cases hinders him from determining that the elections were credible. He concluded that the election: “... clearly does not appear to satisfy the criteria of impartiality, fairness, and compliance with provisions of the Constitution and the ROPA Cap 1:03.”

After a meeting of commissioners, the GECOM Chair directed that the CEO prepare a final report for the declaration. The APNU+AFC has since contended that the CEO, according to Section 96 of the Representation of the Peoples Act, can only declare valid votes. Section 96 of the Representation of the Peoples Act states: “The

Chief Election Officer shall calculate the total number of valid votes of electors which have been cast for each list of candidates and thereupon shall ascertain the result of the election in accordance with sections 97 and 98. 97.”

Meanwhile, the PPP/C were optimistic that the report would result in the swearing-in of PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, as the new president of Guyana.

With the Notice of Motion now in existence, the nation, once again, awaits a conclusion to the elections.

PPP/C EXECUTIVES UPSET Jagdeo said that his party’s position is that the court has no jurisdiction on the matter which has presented itself as a “disguised elections petition”.

“What they’re trying to

which has no prospects of success. “It raises no serious questions of law. It is absolutely frivolous and vexatious and will be dismissed,” he said on his Facebook page on Thursday afternoon, adding: “It is simply designed to stall and must be rejected by GECOM. The Chairperson, an experienced former Court of Appeal Judge, would clearly see it for what it is: specious, wholly without merit and an abuse of the process of the court.”

Former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, also Former Attorney chimed in: “Nothing stops General and PPP/C GECOM from doing its job.

Executive, Anil Nandlall Nothing stops Lowenfield do is to have a court rule that from doing what he is manLowenfield’s fraudulent num- dated to do. The declaration bers can be used to declare can and ought to be made. the results of the elections,” We in Guyana know the rehe said, adding: “You cannot sults. The world knows the say to the commission which results. This is just another is empowered to make the fi- attempt to rig the 2020 elecnal declaration…that they are tion.”

Meanwhile, the penda rubber stamp and whatever Lowenfield submits to the ing declaration has been commission the commission a matter of grave dispute must dutifully accept that and with increasing calls by the APNU+AFC and their declare on the basis of that.”

Meanwhile, former At- supporters for the results to torney General and PPP/C be declared solely on valid Executive, Anil Nandlall, votes cast as only such can referred to the interruption as truly represent the will of a “nuisance-value litigation” the people.

University students roll out project to help with NGSA –– Seeking to provide much-needed support to pupils in hinterland, rural areas

STUDENTS from universities in the United States, in partnership with some here at the University of Guyana (UG) have rolled out a Caribbean Education Project (CEP) in an effort to provide free revision resources for pupils preparing for the upcoming National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

“We’ve taken all of the material found Online, ran through each and every detail on the materials, and produced very high-quality detailed explanations for students who are looking for self-study,” said CEP pioneer and Harvard University’s Shawn Shivdat.

Essentially, through the CEP, learning materials are being made available for the pupils to learn about or revise topics and concepts relevant to the curriculum being assessed through the NGSA. All of the materials can be found Online and downloaded free of cost at: https://www.caribed.org/ The aim is to make the materials available to children in need, particularly those in rural and hinterland regions who may not have ready or consistent access to Online or other multimedia avenues to engage in learning and revision.

Guyana’s secondary school entrance examination, the NGSA is slated for July 1 and 2. Initially, it was to have been held on April

8 and 9, but due to the COVID-19 breakout here, and the resulting lockdown of schools, it was postponed.

During the lockdown period which lasted the better part of three months, those pupils expected to write the examination would have been at home, where it was hoped that they would revise their schoolwork or utilise the multimedia resources provided by the Ministry of Education and schools.

Guyana, however, is characterised by various educational disparities, largely attributed to the differences in geographic locations.

EDUCATIONAL SETBACKS These disparities are reflected in children’s ability to access multimedia resources, particularly those on the Internet.

Added to that, numerous studies on the ‘lockdown’ measures occasioned by the pandemic show that not all households are conducive to learning. In the Guyana context, this is not unbelievable.

Shivdat explained that he and his team of university students in the US are all too aware of the unique challenges arising from the pandemic, and noted that he can only imagine what this must be like for the young

children preparing to write the NGSA. He also acknowledged that Guyana’s elections conundrum does cause some amount of anxiety among the population at large.

“We feel it is almost unreasonable to put students in front of a standardised exam that is as ‘high-stakes’ as the NGSA, which serves as a secondary placement examination,” Shivdat said.

Nonetheless, given that children are required to sit these examinations lest they be placed into schools in their locale, he related that the group is hoping to alleviate the burden on both parents and offspring.

“Our primary goal right now is to produce as much content as possible, and work with partners on the Board to have it distributed to parts of Guyana where students may not have access to the Internet,” Shivat said.

To help disseminate the materials being assembled, the CEP group in the US has partnered with UG students, and is seeking the assistance of other locals, particularly those into publishing, with printing.

Farnaz Baksh, a UG student, told the Guyana Chronicle that a small team of current and graduate UG students has been assembled to help with the distribution to various primary schools in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice)

The Caribbean Education Project and Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).

The challenge, however, lies in getting the materials printed so that they can be disseminated to the children.

The group has also partnered with The Caribbean Voice (TCV), and is seeking to take this project to other Caribbean countries which are also contending with having their Secondary Entrance Examinations amidst the pandemic.

For those interested in contributing to the project, contact can be made via email at info@caribed.org.

Alternatively, Shawn can be contacted on WhatsApp, using the number: +1404-406-9638, or by messaging him on Facebook on his profile: Shawn Shivdat.

Contact can also be made with the Caribbean Voice via email: caribvoice@ aol.com

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Major strides made in rehabilitative services

…says Director of Rehabilitation Services

By Tamica Garnett BEGINNING in just a small room at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with only three physiotherapists, rehabilitation services in Guyana has since expanded to being available in all 10 Regions across Guyana, with Rehab Centres in areas as far out as Bartica, Lethem and Mahdia.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has the responsibility of providing rehabilitation services to ensure that any persons suffering with impairment and disabilities can also regain the opportunity to enjoy an optimum quality of life. When the services first began it was run by Principal Physiotherapist, Janice Simmons alongside Jackie Thomson and Matthews.

This year the MoPH will be celebrating “Rehab Week 2020” from June 21 – 26, which will celebrate strides that have been made in the sector over the past few years. “We have really grown, in that now we have five speech therapists, six occupational therapists and 35 physical therapists,” noted current Director of Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar.

Mangar has held the position for the past five years, and said that, over that period, the services offered have also greatly increased.

‘We’ve really grown and now optometry is under rehab services, which is looking at the eye. Through that we provide low-priced spectacles to persons with impaired vision.

Other rehab services include audiology which provides hearing aids to persons with hearing loss, and we have our disability services and also provide speech occupational therapy,” Mangar noted.

However notwithstanding the significant growth, demand for the services is growing exponentially faster than supply. “Every day we have increased disability with increased road accidents, and people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which leads to a lot of amputation and high blood pressure which leads to strokes. As well, we have more people going to gym now and exercising, so we’re having more orthopedic injuries,” Mangar explained.’

When rehabilitation services first began 71 years ago physiotherapy was the only service offered. However, as rehabilitation services in Guyana developed from its 1949 start, during the 1970s

Director of Rehabilitation Services, Dr. Ariane Mangar

there was the introduction of specialised services for children with physical disabilities, and there was the establishment of the Polio Centre in Guyana, now called the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Complex. There was also a special facility, the Cheshire Home for children and young adults requiring long-term care.

Throughout the 1970s the services also adopted the use of ultra violet lighting for the treatment of bed sores; visits to the medical, surgical and maternity wards at the GPHC, pre and post-oper-

Passengers arriving at Guyana’s airports to follow strict guidelines AS Guyana embarks on a phased re-opening process, the Ministry of Public Health continues to outline specific guidelines that each traveller must adhere to.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, continued the discussion on what is required of each traveller upon arrival and disembarkation at either of Guyana’s international airports.

Arriving passengers will be expected to wear their facial masks at all times and are only allowed to remove them if providing care.

Temperature, symptom-health questionnaire and other COVID-specific entry screening will be conducted.

Dr. Persaud also noted that any other measures considered necessary by the country, including disinfection by cabin spraying before arrival will be carried out. Also, information on anyone with cough, fever or other respiratory symptoms must be provided to Port Health Authority on arrival.

Upon arrival, all crew MUST use approved transportation and be confined to designated facilities.

Airlines MUST submit, on each arriving flight, the following documents to the relevant health authority: General Flight Declaration, Immediate report of illnesses during the journey; full travel history for each individual and full medical log (for passengers and workers).

Importantly, travellers who present a negative PCR test results will undergo a 7-day quarantine period. Other travellers who would have had the PCR test done on the day of flight and the results are not available will be subjected to 14 days quarantine until further advice is given. The Ministry of Public Health continues to remind that a rapid test result is not accepted and only a PCR test result is what would guarantee consideration for travel. (DPI)

ative treatment for surgical patients, as well as Lamaze Classes for pregnant women.

Work was also done at the Malnutrition Ward at the GPHC, providing for children who had developmental delays due to severe malnutrition. These children were sent to the Convalescent Home, and programmes to train the caregivers were established to ensure correct care for these children. Similar programmes were also organized at the David Rose Special School.

The need for more human resources in the service

paved the way for the incorporation of other renowned physiotherapists such as Hyacinth Massey, Rehabilitation Officer at the National Rehab Complex (Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre) and former Director of Rehabilitation Services in Guyana; as well as Geraldine Halls. Both persons attended physiotherapy training programmes in the United Kingdom.

By 1985, the number of physiotherapists in Guyana grew to 16, including well-known physiotherapists Beverly Nelson, who runs the Sports Clinic, and Barbara Lawrence, who succeeded Massey as Director of Rehabilitation Services in Guyana, and also manages the Palms Rehabilitation Institute, which caters to persons with either brain or spinal cord injuries.

By the end of the 1980s, the local physiotherapy services expanded well beyond the Georgetown Unit, with the addition of units all across the country.

There was also the initiation of the Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme by Halls. Such started in Region Four for children with disabilities, and provided services to communities in which rehabilitation services were not easily accessible, and later expanded to CBR centres nationwide.

These units included the

Mc Kenzie Hospital, the Bess Hospital (West Demerara Hospital), at the time operated by Sharon Harper, and the New Amsterdam Hospital Unit, at the time operated by Paula Alexander, and later taken over by Nelson.

The therapists often worked from Monday to Saturday, sometimes working late into the night.

The 1980s also saw the introduction of the training of physiotherapy assistants.

The physiotherapy assistants training, however, was discontinued in the mid1990s and a new cadre of assistant-level rehabilitation practitioners was introduced, guided by Halls.

In 2004, seven Guyanese were sent to Cuba to be trained in physiotherapy. They returned in 2009 and began practising. Subsequently, the Medical Rehabilitation Degree Programme was introduced at the University of Guyana in 2010.

To date, thirty five persons have graduated from the programme.

The first batch of locally-trained Occupational Therapists graduated in 2017, while the first batch of locally trained Speech and Language Therapists graduated in 2018.

This degree programme is continuously growing, with an increasing number of students enrolling each year.

‘Declaration ...

FROM PAGE

That recount of all votes cast in the 10 Electoral Districts, was triggered by a gazetted Order pursuant to Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act. Paragraph 14 of the amended order, David through her lawyer pointed out, states: “The commission shall, after deliberating on the report at Paragraph 12, determine whether it should request the Chief Elections Officer to use the data compiled in accordance with Paragraph 12 as the basis for the submission of a report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act Chapter 1:03, provided that the commission shall, no later than three (3) days after receiving the report, make the declaration of the results of the final credible count of the elections held on the 2nd day of March, 2020.”

David maintained that the Orders had the primary objective of determining from the recount process, “a final credible count” to make a declaration of the results. In the Order, the commis-

sion, David posited, established the criteria or standard for determining the “final credible count.”

In keeping with the established criteria, there was a reconciliation of the ballots issued with the ballots cast – destroyed, spoiled and stamped.

Further, the counterfoils or stubs, authenticity of the ballots, 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 utilised, the statistical anomalies and occurrences recorded in the Poll Books, were taken into consideration, and included in Observation Reports generated during the recount process.

It was noted too that in accordance with the Order, objections were made in respect of ballot boxes in every electoral district by agents of political parties – and those objections were also included in the Observation Reports. In keeping with that Order, the CEO, on June 13, compiled a report but indicated

03

that the elections were not credible as result of the anomalies cited in the Observation Reports. “Finally, the summation of anomalies and instances of voter impersonation identified in Districts [One to 10] clearly does not appear to satisfy the criteria of impartiality, fairness and compliance with provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03. Consequently, on the basis of the votes counted and the information furnished from the recount, it cannot be ascertained that the results for the Districts [One to 10] meet the standard of fair and credible Elections,” the CEO had said in his report.

David said notwithstanding the report of the Chief Elections Officer, the Elections Commission, on June 16, indicated that it did not have the legal authority to determine the credibility of the Elections held last March.

The case will come up in the Court of Appeal today (June 19, 2020) at 13:30hrs.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

Berbice teen murdered, dumped in river

POLICE in Berbice are investigating the circumstances under which 17-yearold Melissa Shania Somah, called Lisa, met her death,

after her body was pulled out of the Berbice River, in the vicinity of DeVeldt Village.

Lisa, as she was fondly

Man ‘wanted’ for larceny

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a ‘wanted bulletin’ for Delon Wilson, in connection with larceny by a public officer.

Police Headquarters, on Thursday, said that the man of Kuru Kuru, Linden Highway, committed the offence between 2013 and June 2020.

Anyone with informa-

tion that may lead to the arrest of Delon Wilson is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 226-1389, 227-2128, 2267476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 227-1611, 227-1149, 2271270, 225-6940-9, 2253650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Deceased: Melissa Somah

Parents of the deceased, Paul Somah and Shondel Cobena

called, left her parents and three-year-old son behind, at their home, located at Lot 58 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, three months ago, telling them she was going up the Berbice River with her boyfriend. That was the last time they saw or heard from her.

Her father, Paul Somah, related to Guyana Chronicle that he was working at the car wash, just after 17:00hrs, when he received a telephone call from DeVeldt village captain,

telling him that his daughter had died. It is believed that the young woman was in a paddle boat when she made an attempt to jump overboard.

However, information from the riverine community suggested that there was an argument between the deceased teen and a male who has since been arrested. At the New Amsterdam Stelling, on Thursday night, scores of persons converged to await the arrival of the body

which was escorted by police.

As the detained man was escorted from the police boat, the crowd shouted, “we want justice”. However, as they attempted to take hold of the man, police ranks shielded him, whilst urging that relatives await the conclusion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary, where the body was identified by her mother, Shondel Cobena, screams

were heard a distance away after the parents stared in horror at the badly disfigured body of their daughter.

“My daughter was burnt.

There is no hair on her head. She was faceless. Just a bone for her right arm. My daughter met a cruel death.

That was not drowning. That was murder,” she opined.

The body is currently at the Arokium Funeral Home. A post mortem is scheduled to be conducted shortly.

From Page 2

out of sight, businesses along Strand Road quickly closed their doors and barricaded their display windows with plywood, after rumour of an impending attack spread like wildfire across the business community.

Following their energetic march around New Amsterdam, the protesters converged outside the PNCR regional office, where Executive Member Shurla Scott passionately exhorted them to stand by whatever declaration Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield makes.

“We stand by the Constitution, because we can read!

We stand by the Constitution because it speaks to valid votes! We stand by the CEO, because he is the only legal accredited officer that can give a report to the Chairwoman of GECOM. It is in the hand of the Chief Election Officer,” she declared.

Warming to the topic at hand, Scott said, “The destiny of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is in our hands; we are the legal citizens… We will wait; we will listen; we will wait in readiness to defend the true and real democracy of this land; the Cooperative Republic, for only the valid votes will count!”

Meanwhile, Elder Politician and Member of Parliament Ms. Barbara Pilgrim Roberts, whilst agreeing with Scott, strongly advised those present, “We are in for the long haul. Don’t tell me no nonsense about reasonably creditable; it must be credible results! And, Comrades, God has given us a lot of resources; the main one is oil. That is what is causing the problem! We have a sex offender saying what must happen in this country… The point is, if you look on Face-

book, you will find nothing terrible about David Arthur Granger...

We could have done just like them, but we could not do it; not with David Arthur Granger. He said he wanted a clean election… And Anil, yuh name callin’! Fraud is Fraud!”

Turning her attention to the just-concluded recount and what it unearthed, Ms. Roberts said, “Comrades, the recount was a learning lesson. When our leader agreed to the recount, I was mad; highly annoyed!

But never in history did I ever witness what has happened now. We must rally behind Keith Lowenfield; why must he put his integrity on the line! We are standing with him; we going in the trenches with him! We ready; we ready!

We always ready to defend our democracy!

‘It’s a long...

APNU+AFC supporters on the march around New Amsterdam on Thursday

PNCR Executive Shurla Scott addressing supporters outside the Party’s regional office after the march

APNU+AFC stalwart Barbara Pilgrim having her say on Thursday

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

‘GRA slams PPP/C's mischief’ …over false claims of destroying documents

The Guyana Revenue Authority

The PPP/C post which spread false information to supporters

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has slammed the authors of misinformation who alleged, on Wednesday, that the revenue authority was removing containers of confidential documents for destruction.

On Wednesday, the People’s Progressive Part/Civic shared, on its Facebook page, photos of a Cevon’s Waste Management truck entering and leaving the GRA. “Several private garbage disposal vehicles were in the Camp Street compound of the GRA where they were loaded with documents and taken to the Eccles dumpsite under escort

by GRA ranks and off-loaded,” the party alleged.

However, in a release on Thursday, the GRA condemned the “malicious spreading of inaccurate and unfounded information” to large sections of the public during the current tense political climate.

The Revenue Authority said that Cevon’s Waste Management was there to collect what it always has --- garbage --- and there is nothing secretive or unusual about garbage collection.

“The Authority would like to categorically state that these statements are absolutely untrue. The GRA wishes to assure the general public that it did not dispose of any confidential documents and that all its records are intact and can withstand

any scrutiny to attest to this fact. Additionally, there was no escort of the garbage trucks to the dump-site by staff,” the GRA stated, adding further: “The disposal receptacles are permanent at the GRA Head office location, which houses a staff of over 600 persons, and over 1,000 taxpayers visit per day. The garbage trucks are called in to remove overflowing trash or builders waste. This is a weekly occurrence and Cevon’s Waste Disposal Services are contracted to carry out this service. With the recent construction work at the Authority, more waste material was being produced than usual.”

The Revenue authority stated further that the GRA does not choose the time of the arrival of the garbage trucks as this is within the discretion of the company. It also pointed out that when it comes to the destruction of confidential documents there is a clear process which is adhered to by the GRA. “The Authority wishes to advise, disposal of confidential documents once they become statute-barred and other assets of value are done in accordance with the financial regulations, Laws administered by the GRA and the Auditor General.

The standard procedure is for the Commissioner-General to notify the Office of the Auditor General for an audit

of the disposal exercise and in all cases, the Auditor-General would then witness the disposal,” the release stated.

The Revenue Authority said that it views the peddling of such mis-information as a reckless and deliberate attempt to mislead through propaganda for self-serving purposes. It urged members of the public not to be manipulated by hearsay.

It stated: “The Authority is certainly not surprised at this level of mischievousness since numerous attempts have been made to do so in the past. It is therefore of no surprise that the disposal of garbage, a common bi-weekly practice, has suddenly gained notoriety.

However, most disappointing is the attempt to tarnish the good image of one of the Authority’s senior officers who have served the Authority with distinction.

The GRA is asking such persons to cease and desist from making further factually untrue statements that play on people’s emotions to the detriment of Guyana.

Ours is an Agency that prides itself in its integrity and our officers will not be distracted from its mandate to administer the country's tax laws and regulations in a fair and consistent manner, regardless of political persuasions.”

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Coalition supporters arrested outside of GECOM … for allegedly breaching COVID-19 measures

TWO A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) supporters were arrested by the police for allegedly flouting

the COVID-19 Orders, that prohibit public gatherings of more than five.

The two female supporters were part of a group gathered at the junction of

High and Lamaha streets, where the Guyana Police Force had erected barricades, in an attempt to safeguard the headquarters of the Guyana Elections Com-

mission (GECOM). Another group of supporters was seen a short distance away, occupying sections of the Avenue.

From all indication,

they were awaiting a decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on the results of the General and Regional Elections, and had been in the area for well over two hours. Just after 15:00hrs, a bus load of police officers arrived at the location to supplement those already there. The officers, some of whom had batons, were seen approaching the supporters, who were at the time occupying the avenue, and as they did, the APNU+AFC started to disperse.

However, there were those who expressed their dissatisfaction while contending that their rights to a free and fair election had been trampled upon. At around 15:30hrs, a female supporter was seen escorted by two female officers in the presence of Superintendent Walter Stanton - Third in Command in Division Four A, along Main Street.

When asked from a distance what she was being arrested for, the woman said she was standing up for her democratic rights, when was taken into custody. “I just stand up; I just stand up for my democratic rights,” she shouted while being whisked away by female ranks. She was taken into a police bus.

Along Main Street in the vicinity of the Prime Minister’s Residence; another supporter was seen lying on the ground. At the scene, the Police, in particular, Superintendent

Stanton appeared to have been agitated that the incident as being recorded by the press. A female police officer, in fact, told the Guyana Chronicle operative, that she should desist from recording.

A Division, Commander Phillip Azore, when contacted, told Guyana Chronicle that the APNU+AFC supporters were repeatedly asked to remove from the location. Failure to adhere to instructions of the police, he said, resulted in further actions being taken.

In a statement, and in direct response to a report filed by an online news outlet, the Police Force made it clear that no permission was granted for anyone to flout the Covid-19 Orders.

Referencing to an incident earlier that day, the Police said a group of persons had gathered along Main Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice in an attempt to conduct a protest march but they were soon dispersed. “The police quickly arrived at the location and dispersed the crowd having been told by the Deputy Commander via “loud hailer” that they had no police permission to conduct such activity,” a police statement read.

It said the Police were able to identify a number of individuals in the gathering and summonses are being prepared for charges against them for breach of the National Public Orders Restriction.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

CDC distributes cleaning supplies to flood-affected communities in Reg. 6 - over 100 hampers distributed THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Thursday, handed over a number of cleaning hampers to the municipality of Rose Hall Town and the Region Six Regional Democratic Council, to distribute to households affected by flooding due to the heavy rainfall.

This was according to a news bulletin from the Department of Public Information (DPI).

It noted that Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, told DPI the agency partners closely with regional officials as part of the Regional Disaster Risk Management system to assist residents who are affected by disasters.

“We are responding to the flooding situation which we had in Region Six as a result of continuous rainfall associated with the current weather pattern,” October said.

He noted also the supplies which included disinfectants, wipes and other cleaning agents will also support sanitisation efforts in dealing with the current global pandemic.

“We trust that it will aid the residents who are engaged in their own cleanup exercise. So, these cleaning supplies will also not only respond to the attendant issue of flooding but will also help to sanitise residences and by extension address some concerns with COVID-19”.

Captain October used the opportunity to remind residents to practice the necessary precautions - of elevating items off their floors, unplugging electronics and ensuring drains are clean to protect their homes from flooding during this rainy season.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, disclosed that he made contact with the agency after re-

CDC Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October presents cleaning hampers to the Town Clerk of Rose Hall Town, Natasha Griffith

Member of the CDC offloading the cleaning hampers

ceiving calls about flooding in several areas in the region including Number 47 Village, Whim and Manchester, the news bulletin said.

The Chairman thanked the agency, noting that the timely donation will assist the residents to return their homes to normalcy.

(from left) REO of Region 6, Kim William-Stephen; CDC Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October and Regional Chairman, David Armogan

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

Heavy fog reduces visibility, forces aircraft to turn back CITY residents and in other areas in Region Four (Demera-Mahaica), on Wednesday morning awoke to heavy fog blanketing their communities and severely reducing visibility.

Such conditions are usually a norm for residents living at Timehri, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and in

communities such as Linden, Ituni, Kwakwani and in the hinterland, but seldom in the city.

By the time the fog-like conditions began clearing up around 07:00hrs, social media was abuzz with FaceBook members posting varying suggestions as to the possible reasons for the sudden cli-

matic condition. Some of the comments included, `In times like these we look and live, God’s timing…’; I got up this morning and I was like, where this smoke coming from, then I realised it was not smoke’; ‘ Must be a sign from above’; `There’s about to be a new sheriff in town, hence the heavy fog’; `Our nation is in

sorrow, as such it is weeping’; `our nation was crying out for justice.’

Also, one “booker” drawing attention to excerpts of the biblical passage of Deuteronomy Chapter32, posted, “Listen, O heaven and I will speak; And Let the earth hear the words of my mouth; 2; Let my teaching drop as the

Scenes of the fog-like conditions at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

rain, my speech distill as the dew, as the light rain upon the tender grass, and as the spring showers upon the herb….”

Meanwhile, sources told this publication that an Omni International Airline transporting ExxonMobil employees from Texas with an ETA (Expected Time of Arrival) of 02:00hrs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, was unable to land due to poor visibility.

The plane was forced to turn around and wait out in Puerto Rico until it was given the all-clear to return to the CJIA and landed at 09:48hrs.

This publication also learnt that residents of Re-

gion Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) who are accustomed to early morning misty conditions, were taken aback by the extremely hazy conditions that they described as out of the ordinary.

According to Wikipedia, fog begins to form when water vapour condenses into tiny liquid water droplets that are suspended in the air. It can be considered a low-lying cloud, usually stratus, and is heavily influenced by nearby bodies of water, topography and wind conditions. In turn, fog had affected many human activities such as shipping, travel and warfare.

Pedal cyclist dies in Providence accident

A 53-year-old pedal cyclist was, on Wednesday night, struck down and killed along the Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is Andray Simmons of lot 94 Parker Street, Providence.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the accident occurred around 18:05 hours between pedal cyclist Simmons and motor car PVV 1380 which was driven by a 30-yearold resident of Bell West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara.

The driver of the motor car told police that he was proceeding north along the eastern driving lane of the western carriageway on Providence Public Road, when, in the vicinity of the

national stadium, the pedal cyclist rode across the road from west to east and ended up in his path.

As a result of the collision, Simmons was flung onto the car’s bonnet, hitting the front windscreen of the motor car before falling to the ground.

Simmons was picked up in a unconscious state by public-spirited citizens, placed in the said motor car and transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motorcar found no trace of alcohol.

The driver is currently in police custody, assisting with the investigation.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Lack of quorum, court injunction force adjournment of GECOM’s meeting

By Svetlana Marshall

THE final phase of the electoral process, which is expected to culminate with the declaration of the Election Results and the swearing-in of the President in accordance with Article 177 of the Constitution, has been halted; it would appear to await a decision of the Court of Appeal.

Even as the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield was preparing to submit his Elections Report in accordance with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act and the Order (No. 60) that triggered the National Recount, he was served with a Notice of Motion, which in effect blocked him from submitting that report to the Chair of the Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

Notwithstanding the absence of that report, the planned meeting, which was scheduled for 14:00hrs on Thursday, was held, but because there was no quorum, it was adjourned to 13:00hrs today. GECOM’s Public Relation Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward later informed the press that the adjournment of the meeting was due to the ‘Notice of Appeal’.

That matter will be heard at 13:00hrs today in the Court of Appeal.

The Appeal, which was filed by a private citizen, one Eslyn David, is intended to restrain the Chief Elections Officer from submitting to the Guyana Elections Commission an Elections Report, under Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution, containing votes which are not credible within the meaning of Order No. 60 of 2020.

The Chief Elections Officer, in his Report on the National Recount, had informed the Elections Commission that as a result of the anomalies and instances of voter impersonation identified throughout the 10 Electoral Districts, the elections, it would appear, did not satisfy the criteria of impartiality, fairness and compliance as required by the Constitution and Representation of the People Act. Justice Singh, however, while acknowledging that the issues were grave, ordered the CEO to compile his Report so as to pave way for the declaration of the results, on the grounds that only the High Court, under Article 163 of the Constitution, has jurisdiction to pronounce on the validity of an election.

Outside of GECOM’s Headquarters on High and

Cowan Streets on Thursday, the Opposition-nominated Elections Commissioners expressed disappointment that the CEO’s Elections Report had not been submitted as instructed by the Chair of GECOM, and secondly, because the meeting was aborted due the lack of a quorum.

Two Government-nominated Commissioners, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, were not present at the meeting, due to various reasons, as was told the Chair.

A RARE INTERVIEW In a rare interview with Elections Commissioner Bibi Shadick, it was explained that while the CEO had completed his report, he informed the Chair of GECOM that because he was served with “an injunction”, he could not present it to her.

“What Mr. Lowenfield was served with was a Notice of Motion, an application,” Shadick said by way of clarifying what trnspired, while noting that based on further instructions from the Chair of GECOM, the CEO was nonetheless required to be present at the meeting of the Elections Commission set for 14:00hrs. However, according to her, the Chief

Elections Officer was a no show.

“We came… The Chairman was waiting for him.

Mr. Lowenfield seems to have disappeared. Ms. Myers (the DCEO) came in there; she is sitting there. She told the chairman that Mr. Lowenfield is on his way, but apparently, he is like Jesus; he is not going to arrive just now,” Shadick related to the press as she expressed her frustration.

To further compound the situation, the Elections Commissioner said that there being no quorum, the meeting was adjourned to today, in accordance with the Constitution.

According to Article 226 of the Constitution, a quorum, in the case of the Elections Commission, constitutes the Chair of GECOM, and not less than four members, two of whom are appointed by the President, based on his own deliberate judgment, and two from among members appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

Article 226 (5) (i) states: “In the case of the declaration of the results of the election of the President, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the following day, at the same time and

place, and the notice of such adjournment shall be given to the absent members. And if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present, the members then present, being not less than four, including the Chairman, shall be deemed to constitute a quorum, and any decision made at that or any such meeting shall be valid in law and binding.”

At the time of the interview, the time for the court case had not been made public, and Shadick, in the hope that there’ll be a meeting today, had made it known that “decisions will be made with or without a quorum.”

Asked whether the meeting would be convened in the absence of the CEO’s report, Shadick said, the Commission will follow the Law to determine its next steps.

‘NOTHING LIKE LOWENFIELD!’ “We will follow the law; the nation cannot be waiting on the likes of Lowenfield and them. Are we crazy? Do we look crazy?

This country is hurting and bleeding, and the likes of Lowenfield is going to stop this whole thing!” Shadick said.

Weighing in on the issues

at hand, Elections Commissioner Sase Gunraj confirmed that the meeting was adjourned due to the lack of a quorum.

Like Shadick, Gunraj said that while there were reports of an injunction being granted, restraining the CEO from submitting his report, such was not the case. He, too, confirmed that the CEO did not turn up to the meeting of the Commission, although he was asked to do so. Gunraj, Shadick and their colleague Robeson Benn were the Opposition-nominated Commissioners present.

Vincent Alexander, the lone Government-nominated Commissioner who was present, told reporters that the absence of CEO was inconsequential since there was no quorum. “There was no quorum, and so therefore, there could not have been a meeting,” he told reporters. He, too, had anticipated that the meeting would have been reconvened today for deliberation on the Elections Report.

Alexander said that while he saw reports in the press suggesting that legal action was taken against the Chief Elections Officer, he had no first-hand knowledge of the situation.

He made it clear that as far as he knew, the report had been completed.

Nineteen officer cadets promoted to ensigns THE Guyana Defence force on Wednesday promoted a batch of officer cadets undergoing training on the Standard Officers Course Number 52, to the rank of ensign; this signals their half-way completion of the course which has been extended to 24 months, thereby allowing students to benefit from an improved and restructured programme, which extends the range of knowledge and skills training for potential officers.

The ensigns’ parade was held at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School (CUPOCS) Drill Square at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, where Major Jose Ferriera is the officer in charge of the course.

However, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the parade was a unique one and

The newly promoted ensigns during a drill performance at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, on Wednesday was conducted minus the traditional pomp and ceremony which allows for close relatives of the students to be in attendance.

Nevertheless, relatives were able to view the parade as it occurred, on the GDF’s Facebook page.

The 19 officer cadets were adorned with their new badges of rank by Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West,

assisted by Commanding Officer of the Training Corps Lieutenant Colonel KenLloyd Roberts. Four of the cadets were two each from the Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard respectively; two from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force; one from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force; one from the Guyana Fire Service; one from the Guyana

Prison Service, while the remaining 10 will serve the Guyana Defence Force.

In his address to the newly promoted ensigns, Brigadier West noted that he has been observing their training at different phases and stages and seeing them achieve core competencies.

He told the Ensigns that their determination and persistence are commendable

and urged that it was the same tenacity that will get them through year two and ultimately, to commissioning.

“In your quiet moments, when you reflect on your training, you will realise that it targeted your weaknesses and made you overcome failures to become better versions of yourselves. You are tougher, stronger, physically and mentally fitter and better prepared for officership,” Brigadier West stated.

He reminded the ensigns that their second year of training will push them more—academically -- so that they can achieve an Associate Degree in General Studies from the University of Guyana. “I challenge SOC 52 to ensure that at graduation in 2021, none of you should graduate with a pass... I expect credits and distinctions only…I believe in you ... I just need

you to believe in yourselves and work hard to support that belief,” he urged the ensigns.

The chief of staff also urged the newly promoted ensigns to begin to envision how they could make their contributions to the transformation of the force and, in this regard, suggested that they get involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Brigadier West further reminded the ensigns that they must commit to finishing the course strong and remain steadfast in their determination to complete the final leg of their journey.

As part of today’s proceedings, the ensigns also performed a Silent Drill Display.

This first year of the programme focused on military studies, while the remainder will focus more on academics.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Extra, Extra!

Read all about it!

Newspaper dress making S

headlines

OCIAL media has always played a big role in bringing people together and allowing them to enjoy varying forms of entertainment including music, poetry, art and even fashion. This week a Guyanese teen had everyone in awe as she created two complete outfits made entirely from old newspapers.

What started out as a social media challenge saw hundreds of persons flocking to the social media pages of Julia Williams.

Speaking with The Buzz, Julia said that she never expected the images would have gotten that much attention or even love.

“I saw a post that had a girl with newspaper around her and she captioned the picture new challenge so I usually post funny content to YouTube and Facebook so I thought it would have been another hilarious bit of content I would be posting,” Julia said. “So I posted asking my followers if I should do the challenge and it got to 250 comments quite fast and so I decided to go for it. So the next day I started and I got the newspaper, the night before I got the idea of how I would do it.”

The young content creator stated that

she get the idea for the designs from some sketches that she had made several years ago while she was perusing design and fashion, adding that she wanted her designs to be different than the one she had seen and from any other person’s designs because she likes standing out and wanted her audience and viewers to be in awe of her creation.

She said that her background in designing as well as her ‘wild and creative’ imagination helped her throughout the process.

Further, Julia stated that getting the designs she wanted to use was the easy part as actually putting together the newspaper and trying to get them to fall in the perfect positions as she would have wanted proved to be a little tougher than she would have anticipated. She stated that at one point, she was confused on how to actually put the pieces together and so she made her way to YouTube to seek guidance on a way forward.

“The first design that came to mind was to do a pleated skirt, so the next day I got my newspaper and decided to start.

I thought I had it all planned out but I then realised that I didn’t know what I was doing so I went to YouTube for See page 19

Julia Williams

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Newspaper dress ...

Julia Williams posing in her ingenious newspaper creation

From page 18 help,”she said.

“When I finished the skirt, I started the top. It took me more than an hour.

It took me so long that I almost cried and my back was aching but finally after another two hours the entire outfit was completed and I was satisfied.”

She stated that although she was satisfied she wanted to make the outfit a bit more extravagant and so the next afternoon after work she decided to redo the pleated skirt which took another three hours. She said she then did the photoshoot to display her creations in her bedroom. Julia noted that the outfits were made in its en-

tirety with newspapers and glue and that she used staples and paperclips to secure the outfit on her body.

Julia stated that she would advise other creatives, especially in this time where social media is the main means of information transfer, to be their selves and try not to copy others, make it as authentic as possible, and let your idea speak your name. She further said “You should not think outside the box, rather act like there is no box- just let your imagination run free.

You’ll surprise yourself and others with the endless abilities you possess.”

20

A new start

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Young designer rebrands business

N

INETEEN-year-old Javon Hatton founder and owner of the previously labelled Magma fashion line has rebranded the name and entire outlook of his business with a new hip and futuristic clothing line along with a new name, Meltoré International.

“There was a need to rebrand due to many other companies possessing that similar name. This fact was brought to my attention months after my brand’s establishment, hence it was rebranded to Meltoré International, the initial aesthetics, vibe, look and art constructs were all changed to be more refined

19-year-old Javon Hatton

and iconic,” the teen told The Buzz.

Hatton who hails from Friendship on the East Coast of Demerara said that Meltoré International is a clothing brand that produces definitive, timeless and truly captivating pieces of fashionable and stylish clothing wears.

The teen noted that he started his business to make a name for himself within the fashion and graphics designs industry all while spreading positivity to his customers and others who may come across his brand.

“What motivated me to start my business was that I wanted to mark my signature in this world and it had to be something that showcased my capa-

Hatton’s famous ‘Meh’ ‘T’-shirt design

A teaser of Hatton’s upcoming ‘tube top’ collection

bilities and in the process distribute a nurturing message in the minds of all those who would then come to know of my work,” Hatton stated.

The young designer, who, like many young entrepreneurs is very determined to have his business known and recognised on the international scene, can be described as very resilient when it comes to achieving his goals, especially with his booming business.

“I developed a need to do remarkable things with my life after reaching a moment of self-reflection and to prove to my inner self that I can manifest the goals that I have set for myself,” he said.

Meltoré International offers a vary-

ing line of trendy looks for both men and women. One of Hatton’s most popular designs is his ‘Meh’ ‘T’-shirts.

Additionally, Hatton recently launched a new collection labelled ‘Trumaront’, which, according to him, signifies someone who has the tenacity of a roaring lion. The teen is also set to release a collection of tube tops with varying designs.

Hatton is currently working towards taking his brand international and having his own fashion store along with his graphics design business.

He is currently offering a special deal on designs for Father’s Day. Javon can be reached on Instagram and Facebook via Meltoré International.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 19, 2020

Juke Ross releases album ‘Chapter 2’

Ross’ Instagram post of his album cover for ‘Chapter 2’

singer/songwriter Juke Ross

G

UYANESE singer/songwriter Juke Ross released his album ‘Chapter 2’ today. In an announcement via the artist’s Instagram page, Ross released his tracklist and album cover for the project and thanked all the cocreators who helped make it happen. Fans were encouraged to pre-order the album leading up to today’s release and pledged to give USD$5 for every pre-purchase made.

The 14-track album includes the heartwrenching ballad ‘Atlanta’ which chronicles his move from Guyana, the culture shock and the displacement he initially felt. Ross gave a preview to his album by releasing ‘Atlanta’ earlier this year. Since then, the singer has been giving little teasers and releases of some of the tracks via social media.

“For me, it’s all about the music,” Ross said while posting his tracklist on IG. “This is for the fans that waited… Thank you yo all the awesome people I’ve encountered so far…” another post read featuring the team behind the album’s production and the album cover featuring a sketched portrait of Ross. Other tracks that fans can look forward to include ‘Drifting Apart’, ‘Wasted Time’, ‘Trading Places’ along with seven new tracks.

Ross had touring prior to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, but now, stationed in one place- much like the rest of the world- it seems like he used this time productively and capitalized on the downtime to bring worthwhile entertainment for his Guyanese fans and those around the world.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 19, 2020

World 100m....

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

Coleman - who won his first major title at the World Championships in Doha last year - had previously missed a test on 16 January 2019 and experienced a filing failure on 26 April 2019.

Three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period can result in a ban of up to two years by the AIU. “The system must change,” he said.

“I thought the point of the organisation was to keep the sport clean by testing everyone and catching cheaters, not attempt to catch people when they’re not home and make no attempt to actually test them and mess with the livelihoods of people who are clearly not doping.

“This isn’t justice for anybody.”

The AIU has not yet responded to Coleman’s claims.

His chances of competing in Doha last August had looked slim

after the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) charged Coleman with missing three drugs tests in 12 months.

However, it then withdrew the case after it was proved there had been a filing irregularity regarding the date of the first missed test.

In a statement on Wednesday Usada said: “We can confirm the latest proceeding involving Mr Coleman and we are collaborating with the AIU on the matter.

“As in all cases, a person charged with a potential anti-rule violation is presumed innocent unless and until found to have committed a violation through the established process.”

Earlier this month, Bahraini world 400m champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended after missing four doping tests. (BBC Sport)

Stanton Rose Jr...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

morning early and to the weight room or a training session.

“After classes you get an individual workout then get a snack before getting some rest then practise every day except Sundays. At first it was very hard for me and I would skip some sessions.

“Coming to America I wasn’t so good with the books but on arrival I got good with the books.

Balancing books and basketball is very challenging, and I recognised

and learnt it quickly. It is a very huge transformation from Guyana.

“Communication at first with my team mates was a bit awkward since I had an accent which was new to them. It was difficult being able to fit in at first, but in the end I got used to them and visa-versa.

“After a year at Jacksonville I transferred to Panola College in Texas where I completed a Diploma in Business Management. I am now on my way to St Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas to begin my Junior year in order to complete my Bachelors in Business Management in another two years “I learnt quickly, as I had a lot of starting time at Panola, that in America it is you first then players and not the other way as I know it. Only 3 weeks ago I finished my last papers. I am still learning to balance the books and the game.

“The toughest thing for me here though is not having any family around. My family has been my motivation because that’s why I am here to help the family out of the present situation.

The present Global lockdown has been frustrating since Rose Jr. was planning to be home for the first time since leaving in 2018. To compound things now, there is present upheaval in America with protesting..

“Racism is more in your face here and that is the thing I am yet to overcome. I just wish I was at home in Kwakwani with my family and not here at this present time. I am at present in Atlanta with other family,” Rose Jr concluded.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

Stanton Rose Jr – a very special talent

By Ras Wadada ON the last ‘Boxing Day’ of the 20th century – historic in its own right - in the ‘mining-logging’ community of Kwakwani, a very special child was born at the hospital.

On that Sunday morning at about seven hours, 17-year-old Vishawn Hopkinson gave birth to her first offspring - a healthy bouncing 9-pound 6-ounce baby boy – in the presence of his dad, Stanton Rose (Senior).

“The joy in the room was overwhelming because I got my wish of a boy,” a still happy Hopkinson recalled.

Rose Jr would, 18 years later, bring greater joy to his parents, community and country, when he captained and inspired the nation to their first-ever senior men’s Caribbean Basketball Championship.

From his very early childhood Rose Jr fell in love with the sport of basketball and by the tender age of twelve he was on the court, rubbing shoulders with the much bigger and older men of the community.

Kwakwani, a small peaceful village on the east bank of the Berbice River and most southern to the more vibrant town of Linden is approximately 130 miles from the capital City of Georgetown.

“I first got attracted to the game when I was about nine years old, but did not start to play and get to understand the game until about three years after. The influence came from watching the game on TV and also going out with my mom to watch my Dad play in the community in the afternoons.

“Those games were intense, but what aroused more interest in me was how the game brought the community together,” Rose Jr related in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport recently.

“I never had any interest in any other sport while growing up, though I played a little cricket for fun. Our community is a very small one and very peaceful and where I grew up was adjacent to the ghetto area, but I was preoccupied with my passion for basketball so there was no time to be involved in the ills that go with growing up.

“I also had access to two of my dad’s DVDs and I watched them repeatedly – one on the fundamentals of the game and the other was the 100 Greatest Players,” he intimated.

“I was like 12 years when I started playing with the senior team of the community, just training though. I never played in the games as those guys were way ahead of me in terms of technical skills, size and age.

“Nevertheless I had the mentality to ‘never back down’ and as months went by, then years I grad-

ually got to their level. I had a love for the game to the point of being fearless so anyone who stepped in front of me, I always told myself that I can dominate them. It was very challenging at first.

“It was rough growing up, to be honest. Like some people, on some days, there was no food, but my Mom and my Grandma would always say that one day everything is going to be alright, just stay focussed on your school work.

“They would constantly remind me that there are persons in worse situations. I think what motivated me to always be positively focussed and determined is when I saw on TV how the people in Africa rise to the many difficult challenges they have to endure in order to overcome,” recalled the elder of two children for his Mom and Dad, the other being an 18-yearold sister.

“In my early childhood education I was focussed and doing well, but once I found basketball that became my focus and caused me to drop back in my school work. When I realised I will need both the academics and basketball, I did some catching up but it was kind of late as I was on my way out of school.”

Junior Rose’s fast progression, on the court, continued to impress all who watched him and while he declared many persons were involved, he thinks it all started with him.

“I would say my first coach was myself and the first person to coach me was coach/Sis Ann Gordon, a national coach who is from the community.

“I vividly remember her first question to me: Do you really love the game?’ I responded, yes. Then she asked if I am prepared to do what it takes to be a good player and again I confidently said, yes; no matter what it takes.

“As I started to develop and play with the older and bigger guys everyone was telling me to keep at it because I am talented and that motivated me so I kept working hard on my game daily.

A lot of people helped along the way in my development, in fact it is the community that nurtured and moulded me.”

In an invited comment, coach Ann emphasised his commitment. “At a very young age you could have seen the potential of an outstanding basketball player as he was always seen with a basketball.

“Training sessions were never enough for him, so he would continue on his own on the court or in his backyard, with a makeshift backboard consisting of a bicycle rim. At age nine when I finally accepted him to be part of the training, his skills were ahead of kids his age so most of the time he would play with the older guys.

2018 MVP Caribbean Championship, Stanton Rose Jr. “His love for the game was evident in his dedication to train for long hours and his discipline and respectful attitude made him very coachable. His IQ for basketball is exceptional.”

Rose Jr recounted that when he started playing in the games with the bigger guys at age 13 there was one particular guy who ‘did not want to play with me’. It was the other players who would say ‘let him play because he can play..

He added that the opportunity to play with those bigger guys at such an early age helped in his fast-paced development as a player. Within two years he was competing on the court with the seniors.

“At 14 years I felt I was good enough to make the National U-16 team, but the coaches did not see it that way and I was hugely disappointed. I got some consolation the next year when I was called to the National U-19 team for the Inter-Guiana Games, and had a good series and from that time I just kept improving as a player.

“The year 2016 was my break-out year as I was awarded the MVP in the tournament ‘The Road to Mecca’, playing for Bounty Colts.

“In 2017, I travelled to Ja-

maica with a National U-23 team and then in 2018 just before the Caribbean Championship I made my senior debut in a three-match series in Barbados versus the home side, also preparing for the Regional Championship,” Rose Jr remembers.

“Looking back on the visit to Barbados the Capricorn-born teenager, at that time, believes that is where the team started to have confidence in themselves, and with it the dream of doing the unthinkable – winning the Caribbean Championship.

“It was an eye-opener for the national team as we were beaten in the first game, but bounced back to triumph in the other 2 games.

It was really team chemistry in motion and indeed a timely test for our match-readiness for the Caribbean Championship due to be played in a matter of weeks.

“I was like the floor general on and off the court, always very vocal. As a captain you must be able to motivate the team and that’s what I tried to do.

“The Barbados trip was an ideal learning one that was much needed to get the chemistry right for the big Championship. The management and the coaching staff did a fantastic job, bringing the chemistry together.

“After that Tour we believed

in ourselves, we were all on the same page and a very confident unit. Our preparations intensified on our return home from Barbados and the goal had been set – win the Championship – and that was our mentality.”

The leadership role was handed to him the previous year when the U-23s went for a Goodwill series versus their Jamaican counterparts. As the starting point he was entrusted to lead the team and ‘thanks to the support of the older players “my job became easier as they all respected my views and always listened keenly. They believed in me and we motivated ourselves by being confident”.

When the team was selected to travel to Suriname it was no surprise that he retained the captaincy of his country’s senior team at the youthful age of 18 and except for the first half in their opening game where nerves dominated things, it was smooth sailing thereafter.

“Our opening half of the Championship was a bit nervous, but in the second half the jitters left and it was game over as we rolled over the Grenadians.

“The second game was the toughest of the tournament for us as the game went into double overtime versus St Vincent and the Grenadines. In the first quarter we struggled to contest the much bigger men. They were huge: 7 feet, 6‘10”. My suggestion to the coach at the end of first quarter where we trailed by about 13 points was to employ a pressing game with a smaller-sized team.

“The idea was to keep them running so eventually they get tired and it worked. We fought like a team and were more or less enjoying the game. We displayed a fighting and determined spirit to overcome the ‘Vincy’ men.

“Our next opponents were against the home side and that was my worst game as I was being double-teamed throughout the game. The pressure caused me to turn over the ball repeatedly in the opening half and after the half-time talk Ray Victor led us to victory.

“I feel the home crowd also played a part in my poor showing as I was closely shut out and scared to make any mistake. In the end, we accomplished a big win since we had not beaten Suriname at this level for some time.

“The next game was against the tournament’s worst team, St Lucia and it was an easy win.

Our semi-final opponents were Barbados whom we had defeated comprehensively in their backyard less than a month ago so we went into that game extremely confident and that helped us to prevail.

“It was a test because although our confidence was high

we had to play hard to stop the Bajans. Our big men, Anthony Moe, Timothy Thompson and Shane Webster stepped up, like in most of the games, to match the big men from the opposition and it was into the Championship game.

“On the eve of the final I was in conversation with the coach, Junior Hercules and his assistant, Dennis Clarke who reminded me about a loss in an U-18 final of a ‘3-on-3’ tournament played in St Lucia the year before. And what I remember coach Clarke saying: ‘Don’t make history repeat itself.

You have a chance to make history for yourself and country’.

“It really stuck with me going into that final. Coach Clarke has always been a good motivator to me. He told me in no uncertain terms that he believed in me and it was time for me to take Guyana over the hump that they had failed to overcome in the past.

“Going into that final we actually won that game before even going on the court, such was our confidence and thirst for history.

The Antiguan side were much older, but we backed our youthful legs and energy against their older legs and experience so we just went out and executed “When the final whistle was blown it was all emotional, naturally flowing tears of joy and we hugged and congratulated each other. It’s hard to explain those feelings we shared and love we received. It was mission accomplished.”

“Players and officials from the other teams also came up and congratulated us. And then my phone continued to ring nonstop with more congratulations.

On arrival at our hotel where we had internet all phones were on fire and we just in the end had to lock-off the phones,” a proud Rose Jr vividly and compactly evoked.

The Championship victory has been recorded as the youngest captain to ever lead his country to the title in the Region, but Rose Jr. expressed his disappointment at the reception the team received when they returned home. “I thought this was a historic moment and we should have shared it as a nation, instead of just us with the basketball fraternity.

“We should have had a motorcade and celebrated with the people. As for me, my welcome home in Kwakwani was full of love and I enjoyed every moment.”

Two months after the championship victory he was off to Jacksonville Community College in Florida on a 2-year scholarship.

“It was a big difference, but more importantly it was a dream come through. In Guyana I would go to school in the day and practise in the afternoons.

In the USA, it is wake up in the SEE PAGE 23

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 19, 2020

Cricket Australia cut 40 jobs as part of post-Covid-19 restructure

…Former England batsman Graeme Hick, Australia’s national team batting coach since 2016, is among those to have been made redundant CRICKET Australia has announced a series of measures designed to offset the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, including 40 job cuts.

The financial implications of the global crisis are believed to be less severe than first feared.

Kevin Roberts, who resigned as the national governing body’s chief executive on Tuesday, had initially suggested that the organisation could run out of money

by August. In April, the majority of staff were placed on furlough leave on reduced pay, retaining just a skeleton staff.

Even so, however, Cricket Australia is looking to reduce its costs by AUD40m (£22m) by cutting administrative, travel and

marketing costs, as well as reducing management pay and bonuses and restructuring plans for some representative and junior national age-group teams.

“Throughout Covid-19, the need to work closely with the cricket community and to move quickly as circumstances have changed has never been more important,” said Earl Eddings, Cricket Australia chairman.

“With increasing clarity about the impact of Covid-19, we have managed the financial impact on our organisation, our people, our partners and players. There will still be painful decisions for some parts of our organisation, but we have worked hard to carefully develop plans to protect our investment in com-

munity cricket and high-performance cricket, while ensuring the game’s financial sustainability.

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for Cricket Australia employees, particularly for those staff members affected by these redundancies and their families.

However, our responsibility is clear: to navigate a path for cricket through this period of uncertainty and disruption to ensure we come out the other side sustainable in the short term and prosperous in the long term.”

Former England batsman Graeme Hick, Australia’s national team batting coach since 2016, is among those to have been made redundant. The number of

those departing is thought to be smaller than originally expected – a result of an improved outlook around Covid-19.

Eddings did confirm, though, that the country’s major domestic competitions – Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup, Women’s National Cricket League, Big Bash and Women’s Big Bash – will continue in their current formats.

Australia A tours have been paused for the next year, while there will be no Cricket Australia XI fixtures. The Fox Cricket National Premier Cricket T20 and Toyota Second XI competitions have also been shelved for next season.

Australia remain hopeful that India will travel for a tour which would include a four-match Test

series.

On Tuesday, however, Eddings admitted that the prospect of this year’s T20 World Cup going ahead as planned in the country was unlikely.

“While it hasn’t been formally called off this year, or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world, where most countries are still going through Covid-19 spiking, I think it’s unrealistic, or it’s going to be very, very difficult,” he said.

Interim chief executive Nick Hockley added: “We are confident that our actions today, along with support of the board, states and territories, fans and partners, are the right steps to ensure we can manage the continued un-

Australia batting coach Graeme Hick among those let go by Cricket Australia certainty while doing all we can to deliver on the domestic and international program.

“With cost savings at the tail end of FY20 and a clear FY21 plan, Cricket hopes to be able to avoid further changes post Covid-19.

“This is a difficult day for cricket. But by pulling together and with more positive signs for the upcoming summer, the Australian Cricket family can emerge from this pandemic stronger for it.”(The Cricketer)

Man City make winning return UEFA relaxes breakto extend Liverpool’s wait even rule, watches for

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester City extended Liverpool’s wait to win a first league title in 30 years as Pep Guardiola’s men beat 10-man Arsenal 3-0 at an empty Etihad to secure the first win of the Premier League’s restart Wednesday.

Both sets of players came together before kick-off to take a knee in protest of racial injustice, as had Aston Villa and Sheffield United players in the first match of the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ after a 100-day stoppage due to coroanvirus.

But the difference in quality between the two sides showed once City found their groove as a nightmare evening for Arsenal defender David Luiz condemned his side to defeat.

The Brazilian turned Kevin De Bruyne’s cross into the path of Raheem Sterling to fire home the opener in first-half stoppage time and was then sent off for pulling down Riyad Mahrez.

De Bruyne converted the resulting penalty before Phil Foden added a third in stoppage time.

City’s victory closes the gap on Liverpool at the top to 22 points and means the Reds cannot secure the title when they face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

A minute’s silence before kickoff remembered those who have lost their lives to COVID-19, including City boss Guardiola’s mother.

Black Lives Matter was also emblazoned on the back of shirts

Manchester City’s English midfielder Raheem Sterling (left) shoots to score the opening goal during the English Premier League match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, yesterday. (Photo: AFP) where the stars names are normally printed, as the players took a knee around the centre circle.

There was little return to normality once the game did kick off to the hollow ring of an empty stadium as a torrential downpour added to the difficult conditions for the players.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had made a bold team selection on his return to the Etihad, where he spent three-and-a-half years as Guardiola’s assistant.

The Spaniard left Alexandre Lacazette and club record signing Nicolas Pepe alongside Luiz on the bench, while Mesut Ozil did not even make the squad despite a temporary rule change to allow nine substitutes on the bench.

However, after a bright open-

ing, Arteta was left in no doubt of the work he has ahead to close the gap between his new employers and his old.

Guardiola had voiced his concerns for players’ welfare over the lack of preparation time to get up to full fitness.

But it was Arteta’s plan that was undone by two injuries inside 20 minutes as Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari hobbled off with Luiz replacing the latter.

As City began to turn the screw, only Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal kept the score down before half-time.

The German saved brilliantly from David Silva and Riyad Mahrez before Sterling dinked a glorious chance over.

However, the England inter-

national made amends when Luiz failed to cut out De Bruyne’s cross and Sterling rifled home his first goal of 2020.

Five minutes into the second half, Arsenal’s tough task became an impossible one as Luiz pulled down Mahrez inside the box and was shown a red card.

De Bruyne coolly sent Leno the wrong way from the penalty spot to end the game as a contest and both sides then settled to reserve their energies ahead of a gruelling schedule over the next month.

Yet, there was one more serious looking injury to come as City defender Eric Garcia was stretchered from the field after being wiped out by his own goalkeeper Ederson leading to 11 minutes of added time.

City used the extra time to add a third as substitute Foden side-footed home after Sergio Aguero struck the post.

Defeat is another blow for Arsenal’s hopes of a return to the Champions League next season as they remain in ninth, eight points off the top four and five adrift of Manchester United in fifth.

City’s place in next season’s Champions League will depend on the outcome of their appeal against a two-season ban from European competitions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The appeal was heard last week with a ruling expected early next month.

`potential abuses’

BERN (Reuters) - European soccer body UEFA has temporarily relaxed its break- even rule known as Financial Fair Play, saying it wants to make sure that clubs are not penalised for unforeseen losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic this season.

The European soccer body said in a statement that clubs’ accounts for the 2020 and 2021 financial years would be assessed together rather than separately, to give clubs time to recuperate from losses suffered during the last three months.

Under FFP, clubs are barred from spending more than the revenue they generate themselves and face fines and possible expulsion from European competition if they break the rules, which were designed to stop rich club owners from buying success.

Thursday’s announcement is unlikely to mean that clubs can forget about FFP, go on a summer spending spree and hope to recoup the investment before their accounts are assessed again.

The monitoring period for club accounts has only

been extended, not postponed, and, in any case, it can take several years after the initial investment for financial rewards for sporting success to materialise.

UEFA pointed out that relaxation of FFP was intended to address “revenue shortfall due to COVID-19 and not financial mismanagement” and that its measures would “at the same time protect the system from potential abuses.”

UEFA said it would also take into account losses in income from gate receipts, sponsorship and advertising, broadcasting rights, commercial activities and European competition prize money when making the break-even calculation.

UEFA also called on its member associations to harmonise the end of their summer transfer windows, with Oct. 5 as the deadline date.

It said the deadline for registering players for next season’s Champions League and Europa League, which have been delayed as a knock-on effect of this season’s interruption, would be Oct. 6.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Friday June 19, 2020

Anthony Joshua may Lose WBO title if he refuses to face Usyk OLEKSANDR Usyk plans on forcing his mandated title shot for the WBO heavyweight title that is currently held by Anthony Joshua. Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) is mandatory for that belt, and he plans on fighting for the title in 2021 after Joshua’s title defence against Kubrat Pulev.

Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk says that Joshua needs to face his fighter first before he fights WBC champion Tyson Fury or he gives up the WBO belt.

It doesn’t look for Joshua or Fury in terms of them meeting twice in 2021 with all four titles on the line. The two heavyweight champions got ahead of themselves by agreeing to a two-fight deal in 2021.

What Joshua and Fury can do is both defend against their mandatory challengers in the first quarter of next year. If they both win, then they can fight in the summer of 2021 for their first match next year, and then meet in the rematch in December.

As long as Joshua and Fury both defeat their

mandatory challengers, then there’s no reason not to believe that they can fight next summer for the first of two clashes.

Fury’s promoter Bob Arum surprised a lot of people this week when he suggested that Usyk, 33, and Dillian Whyte can face each other to decide on a genuine mandatory for the Joshua vs.

Fury winner to meet.

If Whyte and Usyk agreed to Arum’s suggestion, they would both be jumping through another hoop to get a title shot that they’ve already earned.

It appears that Fury and Joshua just assumed that their respective mandatory challengers Dillian Whyte and Usyk would sit back and let all of next year go by before looking to get their mandated title shots satisfied. In other words, Whyte and Usyk would watch their own careers stagnate and go nowhere while Joshua and Fury fight twice in 2021.

If there were a way of putting Usyk and Whyte into a deep freeze to keep them from aging while they wait until 2022 to get their title shots, then it wouldn’t

WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua

be a big deal for them to sit while Joshua and Fury fight twice. They can’t do that.

Boxing is supposed to be a sport, and it arguably loses that when you get champions ignoring

their mandatory challengers. Imagine an NFL team being allowed by the head of the league to skate past their playoff games to play in consecutive Super Bowls. (Boxingnews)

Bairstow eyes England wicketkeeper role ahead of West Indies Tests

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Jonny Bairstow believes he can regain his role as England’s Test wicketkeeper as players prepare to go head-tohead for a place in the side to face the West Indies.

England are gearing up for a three-Test series against the Caribbean side next month that will mark the return of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown.

W i t h n o f i r s t- c l a s s matches in the run-up to the series, they will use warmup games at Southampton, the venue for the first Test, starting on July 8, to assess

players’ form.

Bairstow was dropped from last year’s tour of New Zealand, with England selection chief Ed Smith indicating his international future was as a specialist batsman.

He played just one Test in South Africa in December and was rested from the tour of Sri Lanka, with long-time rival wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and gloveman Ben Foakes selected instead, before the coronavirus cut short that trip in March.

But while the 30-yearold multi-format international said he wanted to

DAVID BAIRSTOW...over a period of time, I’ve been really happy with my ‘keeping.

play Test cricket again, he also made clear his preferred role.

“Over a period of time,

I’ve been really happy with my ‘keeping,” Bairstow said yesterday in a conference call.

“That was the bit at the start of my career that people questioned but people have stopped speaking about it over the last couple of years.”

The son of the late former Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper David Bairstow, Jonny has been England’s wicketkeeper in 48 of his 70 Tests.

Bairstow, however, averaged just 18 with the bat in his last seven matches with the gloves.

How England see his future could become clearer when Smith announces on Wednesday a squad slimmed down

from an initial 55-man training group for next month’s Tests.

Bairstow will be working on his batting during a net session at Durham today when he faces England quicks Ben Stokes and Mark Wood in preparation for a lively West Indies attack.

Bairstow said being dropped as England’s wicketkeeper had stung.

Bairstow, feeling refreshed after a lengthy absence due to the COVID-19 shutdown, has no doubts about the competitiveness of England’s upcoming camp.

ECB to release 35.7 million pounds to help counties, clubs hit by COVID CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1)Jalal-ud-Din (vs AUST, Hyderbaad, 1982) (2)Franklyn Rose-5/23 (St. Vincent, 2000) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which Pakistan wicketkeeper has effected most

dismissals against the WI in ODIs to date?

(2Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most

dismissals against Pakistan in ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

(REUTERS) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday approved an additional financial package of 35.7 million pounds ($44.71 million) to support the professional and recreational game which have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket has been suspended since March and the ECB had initially announced a 61 million-pound aid package to help the game withstand the financial impact of the shutdown which has delayed the start of the English season.

The ECB said 30.2 million pounds would be made available to First-Class Coun-

ties (FCCs) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in August while 5.5 million pounds will go to County Cricket Boards (CCBs) for the recreational game.

The funds were due to be paid to counties for the inaugural season of The Hundred competition, which was pushed back to 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“It is the ECB’s responsibility to protect the whole game’s future during the financial uncertainty we face as a sport,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison said in a statement.

“It remains our priority to get cricket started again this summer... and we will continue to work with gov-

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison

ernment to try and do in a way that keeps people safe but that limits the ongoing impact of this crisis on our game.”

England are scheduled to play West Indies in a three-test series from July 8 with all matches to be held behind closed doors.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 19, 2020

Not too late for Nkrumah Bonner, assures Estwick MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick believes uncapped Nkrumah Bonner can still make an impact in the Test arena, despite his belated call-up at age 31.

The Jamaican strokemaker has been included in the 14-man Test squad to face England in next month’s three-Test series.

Estwick said Bonner had deserved his place in the squad and it was now up to the right-hander to leverage the opportunity handed him.

“He’s worked hard to get here. At 31, you look back at the number of players who made their Test careers in the 30s,” Estwick told reporters. “ … so we’re encouraging him and saying ‘look, all is not lost, you’ve been

given a great opportunity, you’ve just got to continue to work hard, continue to stay disciplined and continue to do the things you’ve been doing for the last two years’.”

He continued: “Over the last two years he’s averaged 40-odd – he averaged 50-odd this year – so obviously he’s in some kind of form.

“Some people tend to mature a little later and he seems to have done that, and at the moment in the nets we’re seeing a player who is willing to knuckle down and get accustomed to the conditions in England and obviously stake a claim for a Test play.

“He’s got the opportunity and it’s up to him to grab it with both hands.”

Bonner played a couple of

In the recent first-class season Nkrumah Bonner carved out over 500 runs at an average of 58 with two centuriesss for his native Jamaica Scorpions.

Twenty20 Internationals for West Indies eight years ago but was never in the reckon-

ing for the longer format.

In the recent first class season in the Caribbean,

however, he carved out over 500 runs at an average of 58 with two hundreds for his native Jamaica Scorpions, to get the attention of selectors.

The previous season he was limited to just four innings but still managed two half-centuries and an average of 44.

Bonner is a product of the West Indies youth system, having represented the region at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

Estwick said despite his age, it was important Bonner used his call-up to gain precious international experience.

“Bonner has been around for a while. He was in the [High Performance Centre] back with Jason Holder back in 2012 or

thereabouts,” Estwick explained.

“He had a very good first class season … and obviously the selectors are rewarding people who have done well and Bonner has been given this opportunity and hopefully he can continue to work.

“He’s 31 but he still needs to gain experience and continue to work.”

Bonner is one of two uncapped players in the West Indies squad with fast bowler Chemar Holder also named in the unit.

West Indies take on England in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl starting July 8. The second Test will be played at Old Trafford here in Manchester beginning July 16 with the third Test carded for the same venue eight days later.

Lamine Diack will die in jail if sentenced - defence lawyers tell court PARIS (Reuters) - Lawyers for former world athletics chief Lamine Diack, who is on trial for corruption, on Thursday protested their client’s innocence and said the 87-year-old would die in jail if sentenced to a prison term.

French financial prosecutors on Wednesday sought a fouryear jail sentence for Senegalese

Diack, saying he and his son, Papa Massata Diack, were at the heart of a scheme that solicited bribes worth millions of euros from Russian athletes to cover up failed doping tests and allow them to continue competing.

Prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence for Papa Massata Diack.

Lamine Diack’s lawyers

on Thursday said there were “no tangible elements” proving Lamine Diack’s participation in the scheme, and put the blame on his absent son.

“One has to distinguish between the son and the father,” said defence lawyer Simon Ndiaye, adding that Diack’s main fault had been to hire his son as a marketing consultant

for the Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), a position that he abused. The IAAF is now known as World Athletics.

Stressing the fragile health of Lamine Diack, his second defence lawyer William Bourdon said: “Sending him to the jails of the Republic can only be a death accelerator”.

This was the last day of

Former athletics chief Lamine Diack

the trial. The verdict is slated

for Sept. 16.

Brazil president’s decree changes media, sponsorship rules (REUTERS) - Brazilian soccer clubs are free to negotiate broadcast rights for own home games without requiring a green light from their opponents, according to a new decree issued by the country’s president on Thursday.

The law had previously only allowed transmission of games when both teams were in agreement. Matches at neutral venues will still need an accord between

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro wearing a protective face mask looks on during an inauguration ceremony of the new Communications Minister Fabio Faria (not pictured) at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil June 17, 2020. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

both sides.

The decree issued by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro also knocks down a 1998 law banning media companies from advertising on team uniforms and clears the way for new shirt sponsorship deals.

It allows clubs to sign players on 30-day contracts, down from the previous minimum of 90 days. Players will also automatically get 5% of the revenue from TV deals.

The decision comes a day after Bolsonaro, a keen soccer fan, appeared with a Flamengo badge on his suit and the same day Flamengo restart the Rio de Janeiro state championship after a three-month hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Hours before the game was due to kick off Flamengo had not reached an agreement with their opponents Bangu over whether the

match was to be televised.

The restart – the first of the traditionally important state leagues to begin playing again has been criticised by players and clubs, some of whom think Brazil is not ready.

Brazil has had more deaths from COVID-19 than any other nation except the United States, with 1,269 reported on Wednesday, taking the overall death toll to 46,510.

Michael Johnson reflects on leading

“The whole journey, I will never forget and hopefully it is something that the country will never forget.”

Neil Danns (right) is joined by Sam Cox after scoring for Guyana against Panama at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Rawle Toney

Former Guyana Head Coach Michael Johnson on the sidelines during Guyana’s clash with the USA in Minnesota.

GUYANA featured at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they were placed in Group D of the confederation’s showpiece alongside eventual runners-up the USA, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.

Head Coach Michael Johnson had selected Matthew Briggs, Terell Ondaan, Jordan Dover, Liam Gordon, Quillan Roberts, Sam Cox, Neil Danns, , Emery Welshman, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Callum Harriott, Anthony Jeffery, Pernell Shultz, Brandon Beresford, Elliot Bonds, Terrence Vancooten, Kevin Layne, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Sheldon Holder, Daniel Wilson, Akel Clarke and Alex Murray, as his 23-man squad, which he felt was good enough to tackle some of Concacaf’s biggest names.

On June 18, 2019, the Golden Jaguars took on the USA in Minnesota and the new Allianz Stadium, where they went down 4 - 0.

While the country’s female national football team, the Lady Jags, had qualified and played at the 2010 Women’s Gold Cup in Mexico, for the men’s team, it marked their first time playing at the Confederation’s highest and most prestigious tournament.

Former Jamaican International and UK-based Michael John-

Guyana to first Gold Cup a 2 - 1 win.

The facility at Leonora was flooded with tears, as the players and fans huddled at centre field, and celebrated the country’s Gold Cup berth, following in the footsteps of the 2010 Lady Jags team.

Looking back, the former Golden Jaguars head coach said while things could have been better, he’s happy with the team’s overall showing under his watch.

Following Guyana’s 4 - 0 defeat to the USA, Guyana traveled to Cleveland where at the FirstEnergy Stadium they fell short 4-2 to Panama and later drew 1-1 with ‘Soca Warriors’ in Kansas City.

“The whole journey, I will never forget and hopefully it is something that the country will never forget,” Johnson noted, while adding “I hope that it’s something that it’s something has kicked not one the federation on, in terms rebuilding infrastructure and girls and boys and interest in sponsorship because I hoped that, that will be the point of Guyana being on the international map, particularly in the Concacaf region where the bigger teams will take Guyana more seriously.”

However, in August of 2019, son, the country’s head after Guyana’s Gold Cup campaign, coach at the time, etched Johnson resigned from his position his name in history and of Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, speaking to Chronicle Sport, and went on to his appointed as a Spesaid “It’s one year today (June cialist Coach with the English Football Fans celebrating after Guyana had scored 18, 2020), that the magnificent against Panama. (Samuel Maughn photo) Association (FA).

Journey and Guyana under my Johnson works with England’s Men’s U21 leadership, where we achieved an team and his appointment was part of the FA’s amazing feat and to be part of someelite coach placement programme done in partnership thing amazing to be part of something so with the Professional Footballers’ Association. special and especially to be the first.”

Johnson, 46, stood on the sidelines for 10 matches during his In 2018, Michael Johnson was hired as Guyana’s Head Coach and his sole job was to qualify Guyana to the CONCACAF one year stint with the Golden Jaguars, but only mustered two wins, losing to Suriname, French Guiana (2 – 1), Haiti (3 – 1), Gold Cup. On March 23, 2019, at the National Track and Field Centre, Bermuda (1 – 0), the USA (4 – 1), Panama (4 – 2), while drawing Guyana had to face Belize in their final Nations League Qualifier with Barbados (2 – 2) and Trinidad and Tobago (1 – 1).

He was replaced by Brazilian Márcio Máximo. game, which also served as a qualification process for the Gold “My prayers are always with the country, I’m always watching Cup, and needed a win to see them through to the Concacaf topthe games, and I was so proud of the way the new coach has been shelf tournament.

Watched by almost 5,000 football-crazed fans, Neil Danns doing really well and hopefully, they will be another opportunity to scored in the 16th minute when he converted from the penal- qualify for the Gold Cup (2021),” Johnson said.

Neil Danns accounted for all three goals scored by Guyana in ty spot, while Emery Welshman scored what was seen as the ‘game-winner’, given the fact that Belize’s Elroy Kuylen equal- the tournament; he had a double against Panama when Guyana ised in the 25th minute, before the Canadian-based Guyanese went down 4 - 2, while scoring a 54th minute beauty against found the back of the net in the 43rd minute to hand Guyana Trinidad and Tobago in their 1 - 1 result.

Christian Coleman won 100m gold at the World Championships in Doha in 2019.

World 100m champion Coleman provisionally suspended

..after third missed drugs test

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

WORLD 100m champion Christian Coleman has been provisionally suspended after missing a third doping test.

The American, 24, has disputed the third whereabouts failure, on 9 December, which has been confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

He claims he was Christmas shopping “five minutes away” from home and the tester made no effort to contact him.

“I have never and will never use performance enhancing supplements or drugs,” Coleman posted on social media.

“I am willing to take a drug test every single day for the rest of my career for all I care to prove my innocence.

“I have nothing to hide but it’s not possible to show that if I’m not even given a chance to.”

Coleman says he has been contacted by phone “literally every other time” he has been tested, and claimed the AIU tester wrote an incorrect address on his unsuccessful attempt form.

The AIU does not regard Coleman’s explanation for the missing test as a defence, as it is not their policy to call an athlete if they’re not at the designated address.

According to the AIU’s out-of-competition testing guidelines, athletes are accountable for missed tests if they are not at their specified location for the one-hour period they have stated.

If they are not at the location, the tester must wait for the full 60 minutes before leaving.

SEE PAGE 23 FRIDAY,JUNE 19, 2020