Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_26_2020

FRIDAY 26th June, 2020

' No.106041

‘No external pressure’

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders

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…CCJ President commits to fair ruling

…makes it clear that it has not yet established jurisdiction in the case brought by Jagdeo, Ali ….oral submissions on jurisdiction, appeal, set for July 1 “You can rest assured that the bench is going to treat with this matter only on the basis of the material that you and your colleagues, those with you, those against you, those who are in this court today, on the basis of what you submit and that is what is always done, certainly by this court.

So you can rest assured that we are not going to have regard to anything which is being said outside of the court, and which does not feature as a relevant part of these proceedings,” the CCJ President assured.

‘PPP/C in failed attempt to block CEO’s report ‘ ….CCJ says cannot undo what has already been done

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Six new cases of COVID-19 13 PAGE

GRA extends COVID-19 tax relief to September PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

PPP/C in failed attempt to block CEO’s report ….CCJ says cannot undo what has already been done

By Svetlana Marshall AN attempt by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to have the Chief Elections Officer’s (CEO’s) Elections Report withdrawn failed on Thursday, with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – the country’s apex court – making it clear that it cannot undo what had already been done.

However, the court said that the order blocking the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from declaring the results of the General and Regional Elections remains in force. “We cannot undo what was done by the Chief Elections Officer,” President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders told a case management conference. It was during Thursday’s conference for the case brought

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders

against Eslyn David and the Chief Elections Officer,

CCJ Judge, Justice Winston Anderson

Keith Lowenfield and others, that Trinidad’s Senior

PPP/C’s Legal Counsel, Douglas Mendes

Counsel Douglas Mendes – the attorney representing PPP/C’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, and its Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali (the appellants) - sought to have the CEO withdraw his Elections Report, which was submitted to the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh on Tuesday June 23, 2020.

During the conference presided over by Justice Saunders, Justice Jacob Wit, Justice Winston Anderson and Justice Denys Barrow

Attorney General Basil Williams

– Mendes and Kashir Khan – the attorney representing Change Guyana and Citizenship Initiative contended that the Chief Elections Officer had breached the Orders of the Court of the Court of Appeal and the CCJ when he submitted his Elections Report to the Chair of GECOM. On Tuesday (June 23), the CCJ ordered that: “The Guyana Elections Commission and its officers and agents take no step to prejudice the fair hearing of this

Application including, but not limited to, issuing a declaration of the results of the elections held on 2nd March 2020, until this Court issues final orders following the hearing and determination of the questions raised before this Honourable Court in the said Application.”

The Attorney General Basil Williams – the fifth named respondent – in offering clarity pointed out that the CEO’s report was submitted ahead of the order issued by the CCJ. Further, he pointed out that the Court of Appeal did not grant any of the coercive orders sought by David against the Chief Elections Officer, and, on that basis, the CEO may have submitted his report. He reminded the CCJ of President David Granger’s commitment to respect the rulings of the Court. But Mendes, while expressing his dissatisfaction that the CEO was not present during the Case Management Conference, said that the Elections Report should be withdrawn, noting that some 115,000 votes had been invalidated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

‘No external pressure’ …CCJ President commits to fair ruling …makes it clear that it has not yet established jurisdiction in the case brought by Jagdeo, Ali ….oral submissions on jurisdiction, appeal, set for July 1

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, has assured that the regional Court’s decision, in the case challenging the ruling of the Court of Appeal that an election of a President should be based on “valid votes”, will be in keeping with the laws of Guyana and the submissions of the attorneys, and not the utterances of external forces.

During a virtual Case Management Conference (CMC), on Thursday, for the case filed by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo and its Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, against North Sophia voter, Eslyn David, and the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and others, Trinidad’s Senior Counsel, John Jeremie expressed concerns that statements issued by leaders of the Region could influence the case. Jeremie, who is part of a battery of lawyers representing David, said: “Statements are being made by persons outside of this court with considerable influence in the region which impact on the decision of the Court of Appeal and which have the potential to impact on the decision of the Court.” Dubbing the statements expressed by the Region’s Leaders as “unfortunate,” Jeremie reminded that the case is of utmost importance to the people of Guyana.

In recent times, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and incoming Chair

of CARICOM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, have come in for heavy criticisms owing to statements they made which can prejudice the case. Mottley, as recent as Wednesday, delivered stinging criticisms against the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lownefield and sought to direct that GECOM use invalid votes to declare the March 2, 2020 elections.

In response, Justice Saunders offered his assurance.

“You can rest assured that the bench is going to treat with this matter only on the basis of the material that you and your colleagues, those with you, those against you, those who are in this court today, on the basis of what you submit and that is what is always done, certainly by this court. So you can rest assured that we are not going to have regard to anything which is being said outside of the court, and which does not feature as a relevant part of these proceedings,” the CCJ President assured.

The CCJ President took the bench alongside Justice Jacob Wit, Justice Winston Anderson and Justice Denys Barrow. In the case before the Court, the PPP/C, through its General Secretary and Presidential Candidate, is seeking to overturn the decision of the Court of Appeal that the election of a President ought to be done using “valid votes” in accordance with Article 177 (2)(b) of the Constitution and Order No. 60.

The respondents in the case are: Eslyn David; the Chief Elections Officer,

Keith Lowenfield; the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh; GECOM; the Attorney Gen-

Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel, John Jeremie

eral, Basil Williams; A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Executive, Dr Mark France; The New Movement (TNM) Representative, Daniel Josh Kanhai; Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) Leader, Lenox Shuman; Citizenship Initiative Representative, Shazaam Ally and Change Guyana Executive, Abedin Kindy Ali. With no objections from the attorneys representing the appellants and the respondents, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) was added as a respondent, as well as a representative of the United Republican Party (URP).

JURISDICTION Though the Court, in the

interest of time, would be accepting written and oral submissions from the attorneys representing the appellants and the respondents, the Judges made it clear that the CCJ has not indicated to date that it has jurisdiction to offer the orders being sought.

“I would like to express the very firm conviction that all counsel may convey to all persons who may listen to them that this court has not decided that it has jurisdiction,” Justice Barrow said.

Both the Attorney General, Basil Williams SC, and Legal Counsel Jeremie have indicated that the CCJ has no jurisdiction to hear an appeal to the Court of Appeal’s decision made under Article 177 of the Constitution of Guyana. In fact, the Attorney General, through a Legal Officer, Ocelisa Marks, filed an Affidavit in Objection, on the sole basis that the CCJ has no jurisdiction to adjudicate on the case.

In support of this position, it was pointed out in the Affidavit that Article 177 (4) of the Constitution indicates that any decision made by the Court of Appeal thereunder shall be final. “This article empowers the Court of Appeal to adjudicate matters of the type described in Article 177 to the exclusion of all other courts including the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is the final appellate court of Guyana,” a section of the affidavit read.

Further to that, it was submitted that while the Caribbean Court of Appeal Act Cap 3:07 was enacted pursuant to Article 123 of the Constitution, it is limited in some regards. “Despite the

jurisdiction conferred on the Caribbean Court of Justice under Part II of the Caribbean Court of Justice Act, Section 4 (3) of the Caribbean Court of Act, Cap 3:07 expressly limits the appellate jurisdiction of this Court. Section 4 (3) states that ‘Nothing in this Act shall confer jurisdiction on the Court to hear matters in relation to any decision of the Court of Appeal which, at the time of entry into force of this Act, was declared to be final by any law.’”

JURISDICTION FIRST Williams and Jeremie had asked that the preliminary issue of jurisdiction be decided upon first but Justice Saunders said that the preliminary issue of jurisdiction will be dealt with simultaneously as the court hears submissions on the PPP/C’s application for special leave, and the substantive matter. The issues before the court, he noted, are being consolidated.

“We will hear preliminary points at the same time as we hear the points of substance. Now you are all lawyers, you are all experienced lawyers, and there is nothing to preclude us from hearing all of these matters and then if the preliminary points succeed then we wouldn’t have to delve into the other matters. But if the preliminary points fail, then we would have saved time by already having before us, all of the submissions on those matters that go beyond the preliminary point that may or may not fail,” Justice Saunders told the attorneys in the case.

However, he iterated that the decision of the court to accept written and oral sub-

PPP/C in failed attempt to block ...

“I was hoping that he would have been here today, so that in the event that what he did, as the Attorney General is suggesting, is simply an error, a mistake of some sort, that he would tell the Court that he would be withdrawing his report because it was done in error, not realising that the Court of Appeal’s order had been stayed,” the Trinidadian Senior Counsel told the court.

He added: “Maybe the Attorney General could tell him, that what he ought to do, which is the proper thing he ought to do at this stage in

order to maintain the status quo as the Court of Appeal intended, that he should withdraw his report. But with this report hanging over all of our heads with 115,000 votes declared invalid all of a sudden, I don’t think that it is right that we should continue in this way.”

Interjecting, Justice Anderson, said from all indication an approach had not been made to the Court of Appeal, and the CCJ, at the time, could not have gone on interrogating the order made by the lower court.

“I assume that no approach

has been made to the Court of Appeal by the applicants in relation to what the Chief Elections Officer did or did not do. My interest is just to clarify that whatever the Chief Elections Officer did or did not do took place before the Order of this court,” Justice Anderson said with the Attorney General responding in the affirmative.

The judge said from all indications the Orders of the CCJ have been respected.

“The fact of the matter is that the Order of this Court has been respected as I understand it and continues to

be respected,” Justice Anderson further stated. He said the CCJ may not be the appropriate forum for submissions by parties, on any alleged contravention to the Orders issued by the Court of Appeal.

WE CANNOT UNDO Weighing in on the issue, which had surfaced, Justice Saunders echoed the sentiments of Justice Anderson.

“We cannot undo what was done by the Chief Elections Officer,” President of the CCJ said while indicating that the attorneys could in-

missions is not an indication that the Court has accepted jurisdiction. “So that the fact that we have had this case management conference and making orders to receive submissions is not to be taken as if we have already decided on the issue of jurisdiction,” he stated.

ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED Justice Saunders indicated that the principal issues before the CCJ: are whether Guyana’s Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction to entertain the case - Eslyn David vs CEO and others; and if the Court lacked jurisdiction, what is the consequence in relation to the proposed appeal to the CCJ. Further to that, the CCJ will also have to decide on if the Court of Appeal had rightly decided jurisdiction, what is the consequence of that in relation to the proposed appeal to the CCJ. It will also be asking whether the Court of Appeal rightly assumed jurisdiction and exceeded that jurisdiction, and what is the consequence of that in relation to the proposed appeal to the CCJ. The appellants in the matter have no later than 9:00hrs on Saturday to make their written submissions, while the respondents in the case have, until 16:00hrs, on Sunday, to respond. Attorneys representing the appellants will then have up until 9:00hrs on Tuesday (June 30) to reply.

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clude in their submissions their contentions with respect to the case.

Notably, while the Court of Appeal here had ordered that the words “more votes are cast” in Article 177 (2) (b) to be interpreted to mean “more valid votes are cast,” the Court made it clear that in its narrow and special jurisdiction, as laid out in Article 177 (4), it could not grant the injunctive reliefs prayed for by David.

In her application, David sought an order restraining the Chief Elections

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Officer from submitting to the Elections Commission, an Elections Report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 containing votes which are not valid and credible but the appellate judges agreed that it was not within the jurisdiction of the Appellate Court to grant such injunctive relief. The PPP/C has moved to the CCJ to have single order granted by the Court of Appeal struck out on the basis that it had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Elijah McClain: Colorado to review black man's death in custody (BBC) Colorado is to re-examine the death of a young black man in police custody after growing outrage and a petition signed by more than two million people.

Governor Jared Polis said confidence in law enforcement was "incredibly important now more than ever".

Elijah McClain died after being put in a chokehold and injected with ketamine in Denver last year.

His case is among several to receive renewed attention following the death of George Floyd last month.

Mr Floyd's alleged murder by Minneapolis police has prompted a wave of demonstrations worldwide against police brutality and institutional racism.

On Thursday, New York police said an officer who appeared in footage to use a banned chokehold during an arrest in Queens on Sunday had been arrested and

charged with strangulation.

New York police banned the chokeholds in 1993 and earlier this month Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation making their use a crime.

WHAT DID GOVERNOR POLIS SAY? In a series of tweets, he said he had heard from many Coloradans who had "expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain's death".

"A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical," he said.

"As a result, I have instructed my legal council to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps."

Nearly 2.7 million people have signed a petition demanding justice and calling for a more in-depth investi-

gation be held.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ELIJAH MCCLAIN?

Elijah McClain died after police put him in a chokehold and a medic injected him with ketamine

The unarmed 23-year-old was walking in the Denver suburb of Aurora on 24 August last year when he was stopped by three white police officers.

A district attorney report later said there had been an emergency call about a "suspicious person" matching his description.

Friday, June 26, 2020 - 09:00 hrs

There was a struggle after Mr McClain resisted contact with the officers, who wanted to search him to see if he

was armed, the report says.

On body cam footage Mr McClain can be heard saying, "I'm an introvert, please respect my boundaries that I am speaking".

One of the officers then says "he is going for your gun" and they wrestle him to the ground and put him in a chokehold.

The report says Mr McClain lost consciousness, was released from the chokehold and began to struggle again.

The officers called for assistance, with fire fighters and an ambulance responding. A fire medic injected Mr McClain with 500mg of the drug ketamine to sedate him.

Mr McClain was then put in "soft restraints" on a stretcher and put inside the ambulance. The medic who had administered the drug then noticed that Mr McClain's chest "was not rising on its own, and he did not have a pulse". He was declared brain dead on 27 August.

Mr McClain's family allege that the officers used excessive force for about 15 minutes as Mr McClain vomited, begged for them to stop and repeatedly told them he could not breathe.

The officers also threatened to set a police dog on him, the family said.

The family's lawyer Mari Newman said footage of the incident showed that "the police were nothing short of sadistic, brutalizing and terrorising a gentle, peaceful man as he lay there begging".

An coroner's autopsy found the cause of death to be undetermined.

Who was Elijah McClain?

Ms Newman described him as an "angel among humans" who played his violin to animals at a shelter who were waiting to be adopted "so they wouldn't be lonely".

His mother Sheneen McClain wrote on a fundraising page that he "brought joy to everyone who met him.

The world is a darker place without him".

She said he loved running because of the sense of freedom it gave him, enjoyed drawing and had taught himself to play the piano, guitar, cello and violin.

He was "changing this world, one by one, wherever he went with acceptance of ourselves and what makes us happy", she said.

What happened to the investigation into his death?

In October, Mr McClain's family demanded an independent investigation and for the officers to face murder charges.

But in his November report, Adams County District Attorney Dave Young said he would not charge the officers.

"Based on the investigation presented and the applicable Colorado law, there is no reasonable likelihood of success of proving any state crimes beyond a reasonable doubt at trial," he said.

In January the city of Aurora launched an external investigation but earlier this month fired the lawyer leading it, a former police officer specialising in use of force cases, after concerns were raised about his neutrality.

Officials told US media they were now launching a new review of the case and were "considering a panel of experts from across the country".

In a statement to CBS news, McClain family lawyer Mari Newman said Aurora "has no intention of taking responsibility for murdering an innocent young man. Its entire effort is to defend its brutality at all costs, and to lie to the public it is supposed to serve".

Meanwhile District Attorney Young this month told Colorado Politics he was "not going to open up an investigation because people are signing a petition".

Earlier this month Aurora police banned the chokehold used on Mr McClain. New rules also say officers must intervene if they see a colleague using excessive force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Massive Saharan dust cloud shrouds the Caribbean

(BBC) A huge cloud of Saharan dust has darkened the skies over parts of the Caribbean.

The dust has been moving from Africa over the Atlantic Ocean.

On Sunday it reached Puerto Rico and has since covered Cuba and parts of Mexico.

The Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique are suffering their worst haze for at least a decade, and health officials in Cuba are warning it could increase respiratory problems.

The dust cloud is also affecting parts of southern Florida, including the city of Miami.

'Unusually large area of dust' Dust and sandstorms are not uncommon in the desert regions of the world. Winds can whip the dust - up to 2,000 million tonnes every year - high up into our atmosphere and it gets transported many miles away from the source.

The dust and sand pro-

vide a source of nutrients for ocean ecosystems but can also affect the weather and the health of humans with respiratory problems.

Dust coming off the Sahara into the Atlantic is a common occurrence and is known as the Dry Air Saharan Layer. Later in the hurricane season it can inhibit the growth of tropical storms developing around Cape Verde and the mid-Atlantic.

Over the last week however we've had an unusually large area of dust travelling right across the Atlantic affecting Central and North America. This is going to hang around over the weekend. Meanwhile another large area of dust has been seen on satellite images moving out of the Sahara and travelling across the Atlantic.

Poor visibility and air quality is forecast to continue in parts of the Caribbean and Central America over the coming week.

On Sunday, it was the Venezuelan capital, Cara-

Morro castle in Havana, Cuba was shrouded in haze from the dust cloud

cas, which saw its hillside neighbourhoods shrouded in haze.

Cuban health officials

warned residents that those suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems could see their conditions

worsen.

Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera said that while Saharan dust clouds

were not unusual, the density of the current one was "well above normal levels".

Couple gets green light to sue over son’s death

High Court Judge, Justice Frank Seepersad

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) After their son was fatally struck by a car while riding his motorcycle, a Tabaquite couple decided to initiate legal action but unknown to them their attorneys did not file the claim in court.

It was only after they contacted the law chambers two years later did the attorneys realise that the file was

misplaced due to an administrative error.

Their attorneys immediately filed the claim but the four-year limitation period expired in January.

Granting the application of the couple Deokie Doobar, 62, and pensioner Vester Villafana to file the claim after the expiration date, Justice Frank Seepersad said their

explanation was rational, believable, and understandable.

However, he described the lawyers’ conduct as poor.

“No proper monitoring of the claimants’ matter was undertaken. Eventually and fortunately for them after two years of virtual neglect by their lawyers, the claimants enquired about their claim, and same was subsequently filed,” said the judge.

Doobar’s son and Villafana’s stepson, Simon Villafana, 24, the main breadwinner of the family was killed on January 16, 2016, while riding his motorcycle in Cunupia.

A police report stated that a car made a right turn from Jerningham Junction onto the Southern Main Road and collided with his motorcycle.

The driver was subsequently charged for causing his death by dangerous driving.

The couple had no money to pursue damages against the driver and the insurance company, but a law firm offered to do the case pro bono.

However, on March 5 when Villafana called the Freedom Law Chambers to inquire if there was a settlement in the matter, checks were done and the file was found at an offsite storage location.

According to the court

documents, the attorney who was assigned the case left the law firm two years ago and at that time significant infrastructural upgrades were being done to the building.

All files were packed in boxes and temporarily stored offsite.

However, the couple’s file was inadvertently misplaced.

In her affidavit, Doobar said, “The situation was beyond

our control and we should not have to bear the consequences of same. It resulted from an unfortunate administrative error which was beyond our control. We are impecunious and lost our only child who was the breadwinner of the family. We should not be held responsible for this error since to do so would be unfair and inequitable.”

She said they did not

know about the limitation period and since their son’s death, they have been sad and depressed. The judge ordered no costs.

The couple was represented by attorney Ganesh Saroop instructed by Robert Abdool-Mitchell while attorney Whitney Jacobs represented the insurance company.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

These are serious times for Guyana HERE we go again. Just when it was thought that good sense had prevailed, and that those who had previously sought to inject themselves into the centre of Guyana’s elections impasse had backed away from that stance, we are now visited by a new round of threats. After much charges and counter-charges, the Court of Appeal, in keeping with its original and final jurisdiction on Monday last ruled that the President of Guyana can only be declared on account of valid votes. One could not ask for a more unambiguous ruling than that.

The PPP has since moved to the CCJ to ask that it finds that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, and that its ruling on the substantive matter was unconstitutional. We view that move as an act of desperation, as both the Guyana Constitution and the CCJ Act recognise the finality of the Court of Appeal’s ruling. But rather than waiting on

the outcome of the challenge by the PPP to the CCJ, the OAS, the Commonwealth, the ABCE representatives, and the CARICOM Chair are all in unison directing GECOM to declare the PPP the winner of the election. They, of course, hide their preference behind what they refer to as the certified votes cast at the election.

Let us first make it clear that the level of entanglement in an election as is being displayed by these foreign actors raises the question about their motives. A perusal of their utterances in the past, and the ones yesterday suggest a pattern of coordination and possibly collusion that has all the markings of something other than concern for free elections. This publication is of the firm view that Guyana is now caught in the midst of a geopolitical “gamesmanship”, to borrow a term from the CARICOM Chair. None of the representatives of the organisations and countries named above would ever permit an outside force to meddle

in their elections in the way they have behaved in Guyana before and after March 2.

The recent statements completely ignore the jurisdiction of Guyana’s Court of Appeal and its ruling on Monday. They are also asking the Chief Elections Officer to do the same, and present a report based on a tabulation of valid and invalid votes. The Court’s ruling implicitly and explicitly makes a distinction between valid and invalid votes when it made clear that only the former can be used to determine the election of a president. It means, then, that these forces are asking the CEO to disobey the court. Such a request or directive by them amounts to a violation of the rule of law that the CEO must reject.

We stand with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who, on an APNU+AFC programme called on these organisations and forces to “back off.” Later, speaking on the Mark Benschop radio programme, he made reference to

regime change” to describe their behaviour. Guyana is a sovereign country, and should be treated as such. We should not allow others to determine for us who governs our country. Non-interference in the internal affairs of another country has long been the cornerstone of internal relations, and we adhere to it.

In her brazen presentation, the CARICOM Chair, among other things, urged that the CEO and GECOM at large accept the CARICOM observer report. She must know full well that that report was exposed for what it really turned out to be: The most inconsistent, inadequate, and biased elections report to emerge from a regional team in recent times. As our Prime Minister observed, “If you observe the ballots for 18 per cent of the entire country, and you conclude that there were defects in the polling, and that the process is ‘reasonably credible’, how do you expect anyone to conclude…

They’re not saying that it is abso-

lutely credible, and we can verify that the elections have been credible. And so, the Chief Elections Officer, on whom the Constitution places the responsibility to pronounce on the credibility issue, in compiling the report for the results to be announced, said… “I cannot conclude that these elections have been fair and credible’” Many Guyanese are correct to speculate what next for these foreign forces. Are they trying to influence the outcome of the case before the CCJ? Are they trying to bully the APNU+AFC to concede the election to the PPP, based on the tabulation of invalid votes? Is CARICOM going to kick Guyana out of CARICOM? What about the OAS and the Commonwealth? Are they contemplating the same?

Are the ABCE countries going to send troops into Guyana?

Whatever the answers to these questions, it is clear that these are serious times for Guyana.

PM Mottley’s statement a blatant disregard for a sister Caribbean state Dear Editor, AFTER a hard day’s work, I listened to the statement

by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chairman of CARICOM, re the elections which were just held in Guyana, and who was asked to use her good office to assist in the finality of the results of the March 2, 2020 Election. Your statement, Prime Minister, is one of blatant disregard for the respect which should be afforded a sister Caribbean State. Listening to you, Prime Minister Mottley, and knowing of all the details related to this process, you should know what occurred during the

80s, when Barbados was against CARICOM’s relations with the Republic of Cuba; you should know that Barbados was a leader in the Gang of Seven for the invasion of Grenada; you should know that this is not the first time that Guyana was threatened with expulsion from CARICOM. Guyana has been down this road, and we have the experience to withstand whatever you and the other members of the “cabal” may try to bring pressure on the Guyana Elections Commission. I am amazed that you would walk away from a process which you started; maybe you came like the Trojan Horse, but

you must know that our steel is sharper.

Prime Minister Mottley, you are an attorney, and have been the AttorneyGeneral of Barbados, and hence should not be a stranger to truth. However, today your statement has raised serious doubts in my mind.

You were in agreement with the gazzetted Order which had established the process which should be followed in the recount. The process examined the ballots and identified the irregularities which were executed in a transparent manner. Among the irregularities were votes cast by the dead; votes cast by impersonation; proxy votes cast without the req-

uisite document, and many more categories of irregularities. Now as far as I am aware, Prime Minister, your mental health is optimum.

So why would you want to ignore the output of a process which set out to discover fairness and credibility?

Why would you ignore the objective and the defined recount process established by a legal process? I am indeed saddened by your behaviour as the Chairman of CARICOM in showing your umbilical linkage to gamesmanship and the willingness to ignore principles of truth and fairness. Your avoidance of these sacred principles must raise question marks in the minds of

your political opponents.

One does not know what a retrospective analysis might reveal for Barbados. I am sure that you are very familiar with the Order, and understood the relevance of the Observation Reports in the recount process. If they were not important, why were the signatures of all parties required? What is your message, Prime Minister? Are you in fact saying that you have a comfort level with the inclusion of fraudulent votes in the electoral process of Guyana? This is indeed worrying that the Chairman of CARICOM, and sitting Prime Minister would accept fraudulent votes in a democratic process. Would you

accept fraudulent votes in your Party’s elections?

Guyana has its own Appeal Court, and, of course, its own Constitution. In a rather gross and disrespectful manner, you issued a statement, ignoring the ruling of Guyana’s Court of Appeal, which, in a most bizarre manner, seeks to influence the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive! Prime Minister Mottley, you have ruled yourself out of the Guyanese Electoral Process, and you are likened unto the families of Ananias and Sapphira and Judas Iscariot.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Kaieteur News substantially has more column inches of negative reports about APNU+AFC Dear Sir, IT IS no secret that Kaieteur News has been particularly weaponised against the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

In fact, in the run up to the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020, it has been publishing almost only negative reports about the government. And it doesn’t matter that that newspaper totally neglects to adhere to the core principles of journalism, including: truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, and accountability, it just merrily publishes whatever it wishes because it can and does get away with it, almost all of the time.

To be clear, no newspaper is obligated, in any way, to do public relations for any government; governments must hire effective Public Affairs (not public relations) personnel or companies to keep the public properly informed about its plans, projects and operations. I daresay that the incumbent government is woefully lacking in

this area; it should strive to do better.

However, a survey of reports on elections and political activities in Guyana for the last three months (March, April and May of 2020) in Kaieteur News, would reveal that, essentially, that newspaper is steely pushing the political agenda of a certain political party. It has substantially more column inches of negative reports about APNU/AFC more than any other party in Guyana for that period. A noticeable percentage of those negative reports is on the leadership of APNU/AFC. But nothing is wrong with that; any privately- owned newspaper can pursue its own agenda and, in fact, support and promote any political party of its choice.

However, that newspaper, if it chose to do so, must, in the interest of journalistic ethics, and the truth, let its readers know, up front, about its position; it should not masquerade as a national impartial newspaper, seeking to defend democracy, as Kaieteur News is unsuccessfully attempting to do while promote the in-

terest of a particular political party in Guyana, to obtain political power.

One section of that newspaper that is used to do the dirty deed is the daily Freddie Kissoon Column. The things that are published in that Column, even as an opinion piece, is to say the least, disgusting and go against basic principles of ethical writing. It should be disqualified from being published; it is unhelpful to the democratic process, in this country; it is an abuse of space in the public sphere. People being called out of their names, social and political theories misapplied to current political and social situations, inaccuracies, guesses, and assumptions based upon illusions are really the DNA of that Column. How any right-thinking Guyanese can take this Column seriously?

This remains a lingering thought in my mind.

But the owner of that newspaper can be excused, because he has no known formal training in media studies; he merely has the financial resources with which

Enough of the vile, sexist and homophobic comments about The Honourable Mia Mottley Dear Editor, THERE aren’t many female Heads of State in the world. It has been heartbreaking as a young lady to read the vile distasteful and disrespectful things supporters of the Coalition are saying.

The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley became Barbados’s first female Prime Minister; she secured a historic landslide victory, and won all seats in their parliament. The glass ceiling

was thoroughly shattered.

Though I am not surprised by the new narrative of members of the Coalition, after all, look at their representation, where are all the women?

Not only is it disrespectful to women everywhere, but it is also disrespectful to the LGBTQ community.

To refer to a female leader as “man”, and use male pronouns clearly is a mockery and is unpalatable. Not only it is rude, but you are also mocking an entire commu-

nity which is fighting to be recognised, and only a daily basis gets referred to by all kinds of degrading terms, and have to constantly have to explain the concept of preferred pronouns.

STOP with the disrespectful, unpalatable personal attacks!

Respectfully, Nutana Singh

PM Mottley’s statement a blatant ...

Additionally, your silence was deafening when your colleague Prime Minister Owen Arthur called for the expulsion of Guyana from CARICOM. But as the good book says, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”.Lastly, as a University graduate and a person not wedded to mediocrity, you should not be guided by the report

of your CARICOM team of Observers/Scrutineers.

The report was severely flawed in the sampling methodology, and filled with bias. No one who is serious will accept the report with the sampling frame and methodology. I am sure that if any of your professionals who work around you were to submit a report of that quality,

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you would deal with them condignly. Hence, Prime Minister, what is it that is in store for you? That is the million gram of MERCURY question?

Regards, Roxane Burnham Van West-Charles

he owns that communication infrastructure. However, the reporters and journalists, who work there, must be held accountable to meet certain journalistic standards in their reporting the news.

Then again, it is a question of “bread and butter” and even though reporters might be very aware of the failings of this newspaper, they, perhaps, may not want to challenge the owner for fear of losing their jobs.

Finally, what can anyone expect from Kaieteur News if the new Editor-in-Chief of that newspaper is an individual who was a senior member of a political party that contested the recent General and Regional Elections in Guyana. Certainly not impartially, fairness or accountability in reporting, especially, those reports that are concerned with elections and political activities.

Yours truly, Gregory Howe

Recount exercise revealed a very large number of anomalies and fraud Dear Editor,

teaching moment for your children and grandchilPLEASE permit me dren. You have to folspace in your newspa- low the laws and do what per to comment on the is right. Guyana is not March 2, 2020 Elections, lawless country; we are and the decision hand- law-abiding people. Why ed down by the Appeal is it so hard for people to Court. The recount ex- accept that? ercise revealed a very Is it the will of the large number of anom- Guyanese people for alies and fraud. The fraud and stealing to recount results showed become their way of that the PPP/C had the life? No, it is not! Are most valid ballots cast we teaching our children during the elections, however, we should note that it is okay to disrethat a valid ballot is not gard the law and win necessarily a valid vote. at any cost; to steal and The Judges ruled that cheat? As a proud Guyonly valid votes can be anese, I think not; we are used in the final report better than that. I think the simple answer is valby the CEO. For all the impartial id ballot vs valid vote. I observers who are calling am just going to leave for the recount numbers this here. to be used in the final Regards, report, please stop and Concerned take a breath and look at this election results as a Guyanese

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

OP-ED CARICOM’s stake in the WTO Director-General race

By Alicia Nicholls

INCUMBENT World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General (DG) Mr. Roberto Azevedo’s recent announcement of his resignation a full year before concluding his second term of office took the world by surprise, and presents another plot twist among the mounting challenges confronting the guardian of the multilateral trading system. The incoming DG, whoever he or she may be, faces the herculean task of tackling these challenges head on in an atmosphere of growing protectionism, the COVID-19 pandemic and deafening calls for WTO reform.

This SRC Trading Thoughts offers a Caribbean perspective on the ongoing DG race at this critical juncture in the WTO’s history, and why Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States have a vested interest in this process and its outcome.

DG’S ROLE The WTO DG’s role is largely administrative, as the organisation’s 164 members determine the policy agenda, and make the policy decisions by consensus. However, despite lacking any real formal power, the DG can exert considerable soft power to help Members build consensus.

For example, the DG is the ex officio chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee and the Dispute Settlement Understanding also empowers the DG, in an ex officio capacity, to offer his/her good offices to

assist Members to settle a dispute.

As such, the DG is mandated under the Marrakesh Agreement to be a neutral and impartial actor regardless of his or her nationality.

He or she is not to ‘seek or accept instructions from any government or any other authority external to the WTO’.

Members are to ‘respect the international character’ of the DG and Secretariat Staff’s responsibilities and ‘not seek to influence them in the discharge of their duties’.

Mr. Azevedo of Brazil is the WTO’s sixth DG. To date, all the WTO DGs have been male, half were European nationals, and all originated from developed countries or large emerging economies. None has come from a small State or from a Caribbean, Middle Eastern or African country.

All have served either as senior government officials in their countries and/or as high-level diplomats or international civil servants throughout their impressive careers.

The DG is appointed by the General Council, comprising all WTO Members, by consensus, although the new DG selection procedures of 2002 require Members to consider the possibility of recourse to a vote as a last resort if a decision by consensus by the deadline provided cannot be made. The appointment process for Mr. Azevedo’s successor started on June 8, and nominations will be accepted until July 8, 2020.

WHY DOES IT MATTER? All CARICOM Member States, except The Bahamas,

which has begun the accession process, are WTO Members. Lacking meaningful bargaining power, and highly dependent on international trade, Caribbean countries need the rules-based multilateral trading system, because it establishes the rules for the conduct of cross-border trade, and ‘in theory’ allows Members to hold other Members to account if they violate those rules. Of course, there is always a gap between the ideal and the reality as the outcome of the US-Antigua Gambling dispute demonstrates.

CARICOM Members States must consider at least three central questions. First, should the region nominate its own candidate? As only WTO Members may nominate candidates, CARICOM Member States are well within their right to do so. Our nationals have held top positions in some international organisations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat and the now Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and are among the WTO Secretariat’s staff members. The more likely scenario, however, is that CARICOM Member States will support an existing nominee instead of nominating their own candidate(s).

Five candidates have so far been officially nominated by their governments: Mr. Jesús Seade Kuri (Mexico), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria), Mr. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh (Egypt), Mr. Tudor Ulianovschi (Moldova) and Ms. Yoo Myunghee (Republic of Korea).

Ireland has also indicated its

intention to nominate current EU trade commissioner, Phil Hogan, for the post. Additional nominations will likely be made before the deadline.

Second, should CARICOM unite behind a single candidate? There will be much diplomatic haggling and deal-making by candidates to court WTO Members, including CARICOM Member States, for their support. The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas mandates CARICOM Member States to coordinate their foreign and foreign economic policies, and this issue would fall under either or both of these policy areas. While ‘coordination’ does not necessarily mean reaching a common position, uniting behind a single candidate would indeed be the more strategic approach, increasing the region’s bargaining power in the DG selection process.

While the race is still young, the next DG could well be African if the African Union (AU), which accounts for a significant bloc in the WTO’s membership, unites behind a single candidate.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed support for the Nigerian candidate, but the possibility of AU consensus is not a fait accompli seeing that Egypt – another African powerhouse – also has a nominee.

Third, what should the region look for in a candidate that it wishes to support? Let us first consider what the seventh DG will be facing.

Everyone agrees that the WTO badly needs reform, but there is lack of consensus

on the solutions required.

The organisation is ‘fighting fires’ on a variety of fronts, from the inability to update its rulebook due to the near paralytic state of its negotiating function to its now defunct Appellate Body which motivated some members to create the Multiparty Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement. The COVID-19 pandemic has further depressed global merchandise trade flows, which were already negatively impacted by the US-China trade tensions and growing unilateral and protectionist action by powerful Members.

Moreover, there appears to be growing bipartisan US congressional support for that country’s withdrawal from the WTO over the US’ concerns that current WTO rules cannot ‘discipline’ China’s alleged ‘unfair trade practices’ and are costing American manufacturing jobs. Indeed, the approach to China was one of the factors US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, outlined in his congressional testimony last week, in determining which candidate would obtain US support.

This panoply of challenges behooves a DG who can command the respect, confidence and trust of all Members and possesses the political acumen and negotiation skills to bridge the concerns raised by both powerful and weaker Members. For example, there is the divisive issue of whether a Member’s self-designation as a ‘developing country’ should continue to determine its eligibility for special and differential

treatment (S&DT) under the WTO’s agreements. Most developing countries staunchly defend this status quo, but developed countries increasingly call for a case-by-case approach or the introduction of objective criteria for determining S&DT eligibility.

CARICOM Member States should support a candidate not just with proven good character and integrity, knowledge of trade, and diplomatic, international and/or senior government experience, but a demonstrable track record of consensus-building, support for multilateralism and a sensitivity towards some of the unique challenges faced by the most vulnerable Members.

The DG, though not an all-powerful figure, has considerable soft power that can be responsibly wielded to help rescue a sinking WTO ship. At this crossroads in the organisation’s quarter century of existence where its relevance and efficacy are increasingly being questioned and the rules-based trading system is under threat, CARICOM Member States have a vested interest in determining who is ultimately entrusted with such power.

(Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B., is a trade researcher with the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. Learn more about the SRC at www.shridathramphalcentre.com.

Proposed project to build cross-sectoral governance capacity in human rights, gender and conflict management in oil-and-gas sector Dear Editor, I SAW an article in the Guyana Chronicle on 24 June, 2020, that was titled 'Strong need for civil society involvement in oil-and-gas sector'.

The article was based on a public discussion on the need to strategically engage civil society in the oil-and-gas sector, and saw the participation of Dr. Desmond Thomas, a former Lead Economics Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington DC; Dr. Rishi Thakur, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and International at UG/Berbice Campus; Dr. Pauline Bullen from the Institute of Gender Studies Director; and Dr. Timothy Laing, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University

of Brighton. I found the article very interesting and timely, and thought it appropriate to share some work in which I am currently involved, in this area. I am currently completing studies in a 'Masters of Jurisprudence in Rule of Law for Development' degree programme, and my 'Capstone Project' (Thesis) focuses on 'Strengthening cross-sectoral governance in foreign direct investment (FDI) for the maintenance of rule of law, as Guyana transitions into an Oil and Gas Society'.

The project aims is 'to build cross-sectoral capacity, that is, in the public, private and civil society sectors around four areas: Global regulations and obligations, human rights and gender, conflict management; and governance in the oil and gas sector

in Guyana.

On the point of Global Regulations and obligations, it examines more specifically investment treaties and obligations from countries where investors currently operating in Guyana are from. These countries include: The United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Netherlands, Canada, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

The project also examines best practices in Global Regulations and obligations from resourced-rich developed and developing countries and the impact of investment treaties on the sustainable development of these countries. Some of these countries include Australia, Canada, United States, Chile, Botswana, and Norway. These countries have made significant progress in reducing overall

poverty; improving governance and sustaining good governance; investing and improving public and private sector institutions; investing in skills and technology; developing efficient and transparent revenue collection and management systems and developing sound economic and fiscal management policies.

The second aspect of the proposed project, examines best practices in integrating human rights, gender, conflict management and governance into policy, legislation and programme implementation in the Oil and Gas sector; and addresses gaps in these areas in the Guyana context.

It is my view that more emphasis on capacity building for the media and public, private and civil society sectors, need to focus on what resource-rich

countries, which have avoided the resource curse are doing while also focusing on the shortcomings of those countries which are categorized as resourced curse countries. Avoiding the resourced would require an in-depth understanding of what countries, like the United States, Canada, Norway, Botswana, Chile and several of the Gulf countries are doing at the institutional and societal levels, and learn from their best practices and apply them to the Guyana context, as appropriate.

This proposed project target: Civil Society Sector organisations such as; Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI), Media agencies; Guyana Bar Association; Guyana Association of Women Lawyers; Guyana Banking Association, Guyana Human Rights Asso-

ciation, Trade Unions; private sector organisations, such as the Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, etc.

It is also hoped that the University of Guyana would be involved in the proposed project.

The general idea is for Guyana and Guyanese to develop negotiation and general capacity in the areas mentioned above in the oil and gas sector, so that the country can better leverage its new oil status for its growth and development, as well as position Guyanese to sit at the table as equals and as informed owners of their resources.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Murdered Berbice River teen’s boyfriend to be charged

Deceased: Melissa Shanie Somah

THE boyfriend of the teenage mother who was found afloat in the Berbice River on June 18 with her face and torso disfigured, will be charged with her murder.

Dickwon Adams of Plantation Mount Sinai, commonly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, will have his matter heard via Zoom in the Linden Magistrate’s Court, but he will appear in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Friday, confirmed Police Public Relation Officer Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan.

The discovery of the body of 17-year-old Melissa Somah, called Lisa, was made after policemen on marine patrol were informed of the presence of a female body, which had been seen afloat in the vicinity of Gaetroy Village, Upper Berbice

River. The female was dressed in a multi-coloured blouse, a red tights and a polka dot bra.

The victim was faceless and hairless. The skeletal remains of her right arm were visible. It is suspected that her body tissue was eaten by fishes.

A post mortem examination, performed by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, determined that death was due to drowning compounded with a trauma to her head. The deceased was two months pregnant. The foetus was said to be in the fallopian tube.

According to reports, during the month of March last, Melissa Somah left her three-year-old son and her parents, Paul Somah and Shondel Cobena's, home at Lot 58 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.

Her boyfriend had accompanied

Suspect: Dickwon Adams

her to De Veldt, Berbice River, where he lived and worked with his cousin, Allan Samuels.

During the period, an intimate relationship commenced between

the teen and Samuels. The suspect then became physically abusive.

The teenager and Samuels were waiting on the wharf for a boat to go to a party at Gaetroy Village.

The suspect, who was returning home from work, saw the couple and became enraged. The teen was allegedly slapped and kicked.

Subsequently, the suspect allegedly attacked Samuels by lashing him about his head with a piece of wood. Samuels fell in a semi-conscious state. Thereafter, Somah received several lashes and kicks about her body causing her to jump into the river. Samuels reportedly jumped behind, but was unable to save her. Fortunately, he grabbed on a branch, until he was rescued.

Melissa Shanie Somah is expected to be buried on Friday.

BK says was paid $74M more for an additional 150 metres

Dear Editor

For a long time there have been attempts to discredit BK International and its Chief Executive Officer, Brian Tiwarie. Ever since he left the inner clique of the People’s Progressive Party there have been these attacks against him and his family.

The headline in Kaieteur News of June 25, 2020 that screamed, ‘Govt pays BK International $74M more than his bid price’ is not only erroneous but also mischievous. And as if to give credence to this misinformation, Bharrat Jagdeo copied the headline to his Facebook post. He did not stop there. He rushed to claim that there was corruption.

The reality is that for $30 million Government has to spend millions of dollars more on this project. The government had invited tenders for the construction of Rip Rap design between Prospect and Broomhall. Mahaicony. That contract was won by A&S General Contractors Inc. A trend that began nearly two decades ago continued.

A contractor operating in a given area is responsible to protect that area. While A&S General Contractors Inc was working on the initial project a breach developed on the stretch between Prospect and Danzig.

A&S General Contractors could not respond so an emergency call was made to BK International Inc. by Minister David Patterson. Soon after sealing that breach BK International was called on to seal another breach that had developed in the same area, close to where A&S General Contractors Inc were executing their contract.

The government had earlier tendered for 350 metres of sea defence at Content, Mahaicony.

BK International submitted a tender for $278,867,300.

The tender was not declared when another breach developed in the area. MB Construction had submitted a bid for $235,744, 500. Talbot Contracting Services submitted a bid for $247,599,600. This new breach extended the original 350 metre breach by a further 150 metres. The breach was now 500 metres. New tenders were therefore required and because of the increased volume of work the contractors were required to adjust their bids.

The final tender from BK International was $352,121,250. The company was therefore sealing a 150 metre breach for a mere $74 million. To suggest that BK International was paid an additional $74M more than the original bid price is disingenuous. A simple mathematical computation when the additional 150 metres of sea defence is priced would show that BK International’s bid was certainly not the highest bid. With the information provided Glenn Lall of Kaieteur News can explain to himself the discrepancies.

Bharrat Jagdeo, a self-proclaimed economist and someone who is expected to check his information, rushed to pass judgement on a report that sought to score political points through misinformation. Jagdeo himself is aware that contracts awarded in the past for a certain sum ended up costing much more because of failure of the original contractor to honour.

His government awarded sea defence contracts to other

companies, only for him to call BK International to rescue the project and the contractor. A contractor who was awarded a bid to seal a breach at Profit, West Berbice failed. The government immediately called BK International to rescue the project, at a cost to the treasury.

It awarded a contract for works on the Charity Revetment project to Toolsie Persaud. At the time the aim was to construct the Charity wharf.

Toolsie failed and the government was forced to call BK International who completed the project. It was the same when a breach developed in the Lama Conservancy. The contractor was Pasha. The government headed by Bharrat Jagdeo, ordered Minister Reepu Daman Persaud to hire BK International to eventually seal the breach.

It was the same when the government awarded a contract to Rafferdeen to seal a breach at Buxton. Again the authorities had to turn to BK International.

Even international companies that were awarded contracts under the Seventh European Development Fund (EDF) could not cope with the professionalism of BK International.

Under the Seventh EDF contracts were awarded for works in Region Two and Region Three. With funds provided by the European Union and the Guyana Government a contract was awarded to Pac Gelfi. At La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast and on West Demerara the sea defence projects failed. Rocks used by the Italian company to do the Rip Rap slipped into the Atlantic Ocean.

Again BK International had to be rushed to the rescue. To

this day, more than a decade later, the work done by the Italian company has long collapsed while the portion done by BK International is still standing strong. Of interest is that in every case where the government has to rescue a project it has had to spend much more.

The cheapest contract is not

necessarily the best. Most of the times the projects end up costing more.

Ever since 1985, BK International has had the largest pool of equipment and this does not include construction equipment. Today, it has ocean transport, barges, aircraft, a large trucking fleet

and the technical support expertise. The company is so large that if all the other companies should pool their resources they would not amount to 20 per cent of BK International.

Regards BK International

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Fire destroys Kingston house

AN early morning blaze at Fort Street Kingston, on Thursday June 25, 2020, has left Dannyram Harricharran, known as ‘Harry’, homeless.

According to the man’s son, Shawn Harricharran, who was at the scene of the fire, his father, who

lives alone, was not at home when the fire started and was only alerted about the fire when he (the father) returned home.

“He said he wasn’t home, he left sometime around 06:30 this morning and when he came back around 07:30 hours he saw

the fire trucks and so, but at that point it was too late to even save anything.” the son stated Shawn added that, although his dad had lost everything, he was just happy that his father was not harmed in the fire and that he remained safe. “We The outside of the fire-gutted house

The charred remains of the house

lost all our memories, all the walls had pictures of me and my siblings growing up throughout the years from baby but now all of that is gone.”

Shawn further stated that his father’s home was not insured and that he estimated the loss, inclusive of furniture and appliances, to be at a total of $20M. Investigations into the cause of the fire is still ongoing by members of the Guyana Fire Service.

Son of the homeowner, Shawn Harricharran

The CCJ is not called upon to decide a hard case at all: It simply has no jurisdiction Dear Editor, BENJAMIN E. Gibson was an indomitable lawyer. His indomitability gave us the landmark Guyanese trilogy of case law in Caribbean public law – Re Sarran, Re Langhorn, Re Chichester in the 1960s.

In 2006 his indomitability gave us another. It is Griffith (Brent) v Guyana Revenue Authority and Another. It is a CCJ decision. It is reported at (2006) 69 WIR 320. The Griffith case tell us why, and gives us the reassurance, that the beleaguered PPP/C last ditch effort at frustrating the declaration of David. A. Granger as the winner of the 2020 GREs is doomed to fail.

Editor, in my last letter I craved your readers understanding of some highly legalistic stuff as I expounded on the valid votes aspect of our democratic constitutionalism (“neither the Chair, nor Gecom can direct the CEO” – GC Wednesday June 24th) the point cannot be stressed enough that no constitutional democracy countenances a presidency assumed on the basis of manifest fraudulent contrivances and machinations. And let me, in passing, be pelucidly clear: I am not for one moment suggesting that votes on ballot papers merely improperly stamped by some in efficient presiding officer, are not valid. Not at all. Such like irregularities, I apprehend, are not part of the tangled web of fraud.

But I must return to Griffith (Brent) v Guyana Revenue Authority and Another.

Now, Brent Griffith was a customs officer.

He was dismissed by the PPP/C government for his opposition politics. He challenged his dismissal in the Courts. In both the local High Court, and the Court of Appeal he lost. (I have always thought that Griffith case manifested a trivialization of constitutional public law in preference for private law conceptions on which basis Griffith lost, but, of course, this letter is no place for further elucidation on that aspect). For reasons, details of which are not apposite for the purposes of this letter, Griffith then sought SPECIAL LEAVE from the CCJ to appeal to the CCJ against the decision of the CoA. That special leave that Griffith (through his Counsel Gibson) applied for WAS OF THE SAME TYPE THAT Jagdeo and Irfran Ali has applied for to APPEAL TO THE CCJ against the final unappealable majority ruling of the CoA that the words “more votes cast” in article 172 (2) (b) means more valid votes. The CCJ REJECTED Griffith’s APPLICATION. It dismissed his motion.

The decision of the CCJ was unanimous.

It was a strong Bench. (de La Bastide, P. Nelson, Pollard, Bernard, Wit, JJJJ.). This is what Nelson, J who delivered the judgment of the court said at para [23] viz “The Court, however always has the option of refusing special leave even in as- of- right cases, if it finds that the appeal has no realistic chance of success” and then concluding, the learned Justice says this at parag [56] viz “The applicant has not succeeded in demonstrating that his intended appeal has any real prospect of success by showing either…or that he has a

constitutional right to natural justice in respect of the termination of his employment with the Revenue Authority. WE THEREFORE REFUSE TO GRANT HIM SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL” (emphasis mine). I submit that the Griffith case is an instructive, illuminating analogy. And so, I argue that both on principle, and on authority, the Jagdeo/Ali application for special leave is doomed. The ouster of the CCJs jurisdiction is in plain, unambiguous words, whether under article 177 (4); or whether one resorts to section 4 (3) of the CCJ Act, 2004. As Lord Diplock in the House of Lords when upholding arguments that no jurisdiction existed to hear an appeal, asked rhetorically in the instructive jurisdiction issue case of In re Racal Communications Ltd [1981] AC 374 at page 379 viz “What could be plainer than that”? Provisions materially similar to article 177 (4) and section 4 (3) were present in the re Racal case.

Editor, I, of course, dare not presume to tell the CCJ, that Griffith is it’s own landmark decision which, in principle cannot be distinguished from the Jagdeo/Ali application for special leave to appeal. Yet, I remind myself that as all lawyers and Judges alike knows, justice is not some cloistered virtue. I am merely endeavouring to make fair comment on a matter of profound public/ national interest, concern and unease for we, the Guyanese electorate. And so, en passant, I stir these points: (i) is not the jurisdictional

hurdle which Jagdeo/Ali has to surmount to persuade the Court to judiciously exercise its discretion in favour of granting then special leave, a legally insurmountable one?; (ii) is not the present case an obvious, stronger one for refusal than Griffith?; (iii) dos the doctrine of judicial precedent or stare decisis (i.e. let the decision stand) require the CCJ not to depart from Griffith but follow/apply it? (iv) does the words “exclusive jurisdiction” in art 177 (4) not operate, prospectively, to exclude the CCJ? These questions, only the CCJ can authoritatively answer.

I end with this: there is a saying in the legal profession: hard facts makes for hard cases. But I venture to suggest that viewed objectively, and with judicial detachment from the hard facts of the 2020 GREs, the CCJ is not called upon to decide a hard case at all. It is a simple case. It simply has no jurisdiction. The constitutional jurisdiction hurdle presented by article 177 (4) (even without having to invoke and rely further on section 4 (3) of the CCJ Act, 2004 for its clear intended non conferral of any appellate jurisdiction) is in my considered view, insurmountable.

And the deeply entrenched doctrine of the supremacy of our Constitution (article 8) screams at us that the matter ends with the finality mandated by the supremacy of article 177 (4).

Regards, Maxwell E. Edwards

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Non-oil growth projected at negative 5-7% –– BoG Governor tells regional forum COVID-19 hitting key productive sectors

–– but Guyana still maintains sound banking system

By Lisa Hamilton WHILE Guyana’s projected growth rate with oil has been tempered from approximately 86 per cent to 57 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s projected non-oil growth, previously pegged at some five per cent, has been revised to negative five to seven percent, or even lower, as major sectors take a big hit.

This was the projection given by Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Gobind Ganga, who made public the information at the online edition of the Caribbean Economic Forum 2020 on Thursday evening.

Though Guyana is the only Caribbean country projected to experience economic growth this year due to oil production, the Governor said that the country’s economic fundamentals, which were very favorable prior to the pandemic, have still fallen from high heights.

A SHIFT DOWNWARDS “Our inflation rate would have been very, very low, single digit; we would have had an increase in reserves as we were projecting; our exchange rate would have remained, and we expect that to remain, relatively stable,” Ganga stated, adding: “However, with the impact of COVID-19, obviously, with respect to global demand declining from growth, we would have seen a significant decline in economic activities. With oil, after COVID-19, we would have projected 57 per cent growth in GDP which would have been a significant decline from where we were projecting to be prior to COVID-19. For non-oil growth, we are now looking at negative five to seven per cent; it could even be more if this is prolonged because major sectors would have been hit.”

Like its Caribbean neighbors, the sectors Ganga pinpointed as taking the greatest hit are the services, transportation, communication, education administration, whole sale and retail, manufacturing and agriculture along with some other sub sectors.

Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, Richard Byles (Caribbean National Weekly photo) He stated, “So, what we would have seen, coming out from a very glorious outlook where we were the star of the Region and even in the world, to one where we are now just like any ordinary country being impacted by this pandemic.”

A SOUND BANKING SYSTEM Though this is the case, the Bank of Guyana Governor said that this does not mean that everything is bad or all downhill for Guyana. He said that the country is still looking forward to some form of stability, growth and development as it moves forward.

Ganga said that a number of fiscal monetary policies have been implemented to combat the impact on the economy. On the fiscal front, this includes the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from utilities and domestic air travel; earlier pension payments; the removal of excise duties on essential products and more.

“We were trying to provide more disposable income to everyone to ensure that there is a basic indirect transfer so one would be able to do the necessary adjustments for welfare improvement…if you don’t have an enabling environment in the financial system, you’re not going to continue with growth and development,” he explained.

Regarding firms, he noted that they too are benefitting from deferrals and removal of excise duties.

Credit facilities also have a moratorium of six months regarding the repayment of loans as well as individuals directly impacted by the pandemic.

Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes (Caribbean National Weekly photo) Apart from that, the Governor said that a very accommodating monetary policy is being pursued to ensure that there is enough liquidity to allow for borrowing while keeping the inflation rate where it currently is, below one per cent.

He stated: “What we would have provided from the Central Bank would have been that confidence in our economy from the financial perspective in that we have a sound banking system, we have a situation where the economic fundamentals remain very favourable for growth and development so that we can encourage investors to come in [and] households can also have this confidence going forward that their real disposable income remains intact.”

REGIONAL COUNTRIES CHALLENGED Also attending the forum was Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Timothy Antoine.

He said that the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) was projecting to grow by 3.5 per cent prior to the pandemic but the latest projection is that the ECCU will contract by 10 to 20 per cent in 2020 alone.

Antoine reminded that the impact is not unique to the ECCU as the world is facing its worst economic crisis in almost 100 years with the global economy expected to contract by at least five per cent.

“The impact has been great on large and small economies. The US is going to contract by eight per cent; the UK, by 10 per cent; Af-

rica, for the first time in 25 years will actually contract and, of course, all countries in the CARICOM area, with the exception of Guyana, will contract this year. We are all in recession,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, Richard Byles, said that for the last seven years Jamaica was on the track of a very strong economic programme with its debt to GDP being reduce from 145 to 92; its reserves were built from just below a billion to over 3.6 billion; unemployment was down to 7.2 per cent and major reforms were made in the financial sector.

However, in one sweep, he said that the pandemic set back progress in all of these areas for the country.

“COVID-19 came an interrupted that process and has set us back but we feel that if we pick up from where we left off we will be able

Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Gobind Ganga to achieve --- maybe a little later than we had hoped --but we will achieve exactly what we wanted, which is macro financial stability, low inflation and economic growth.

Jamaica had a growth projection of approximately 1.1 per cent for the year but this has been revised to negative four to seven per cent.

Similarly, Barbados’ primary surplus and fiscal at six per cent of GDP but this has been cut to an esti-

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Timothy Antoine (NOW Grenada photo) mate of one per cent of GDP which now highly depends on how consistently it is able to maintain economic activity moving forward.

Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes, said that over the last two years, the country worked assiduously to restore its reserves and lower its debt but now faces an uphill climb.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Cash-strapped GuySuCo should get funds soon –– CEO of NICIL –– company still working to generate income THE cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is expected to receive a much-needed financial “bailout” soon, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London.

It was reported that the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other prevailing national conditions have rendered the national treasury incapable of providing a bailout to the “cash-strapped” GuySuCo, but all hope is not lost, as the company is expected to benefit from $1.5 billion, paid to NICIL for the sale of land.

When asked if funds were already disbursed, Heath-London told this publication that the company is looking to do a disbursement this week, or as soon as possible.

The finance ministry, in response to GuySuCo’s request for a bailout, had cited a $30 billion bond backed by NICIL’s assets and guaranteed by the Government of Guyana, which was secured through NICIL to retrofit and revitalise the three remaining sugar estates.

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

Considering the potential disbursement, Heath-London said NICIL is exploring avenues of income generation, before deciding on a specific figure, because it is not a case where the company has money “in hand.”

“We have to look at how much we can bring in and then determine what we will be able to give them…It is not a case where we have the money in hand, we have to generate the income,” said the CEO. In a letter to President David Granger on May 15, Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, John Dow, had said the sugar corporation was in a “dire financial crisis” with billions in debt, and insufficient finances to execute critical factory maintenance.

“Despite improvements in the productivity of cane, GuySuCo’s sugar production for the last two crops has fallen short of expectations and the current COVID-19 pandemic

has exacerbated the problems experienced in meeting the 1st crop 2020 production targets…As a result, the cash generated from operations cannot meet the ‘outgoings’, particularly when external funding has been difficult to obtain,” Dow said as he painted a vivid picture of the financial challenges facing the sugar industry.

GuySuCo’s condition could dwindle even further if “crucial creditors” are paid, said Dow, noting that if the corporation takes this recourse the company would be out of cash before the second week of June.

In referring to the condition of the sugar corporation, President Granger had said, “it is very unfortunate we are in this position. Throughout the tenure, we have been engaged in trying to resolve the issue of the industry.”

In executing its plan to resuscitate the industry, President Granger said government had to make “hard decisions,” which included the retrenching of workers. But, despite the scaling down of the industry and provision and future provision of government bailouts, the President said

CEO of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London there is no guarantee that the corporation could produce sugar at world market prices and function economically.

“We have done everything possible to return the industry to normalcy and even profitability…we will continue to help and not send anybody home…we want an efficient sugar industry which can produce sugar at competitive prices,” said President Granger.

The idea is to compete with Brazil, Cuba and other “heavy” sugar producers, but in order for Guyana to do that, the industry needs to be economically viable and feasible.

Thursday, that Burry’s murder investigation is still open and continues.

This newspaper had reported that, on December 17, 2019, Burry, 27, left his residence, around 03:30 hours, to train athletes.

His lifeless body was discovered at Durban Park with

multiple stab wounds to his neck, in the vicinity of the throat.

It was suspected that he was killed between 03:30 hours and 05:45 hours, on the day in question.

Burry joined the Guyana Police Force as a constable and then he began coaching

Dead: Seon Anthony ‘Cenestro’ Burry young athletes, utilising his specialist skills.

Angoy’s Avenue man wanted for drug trafficking ELROY Oral Bristol is wanted by the police in relation to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking committed on June 23, 2020 at Patrick’s Dam Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam Ber-

bice.

In a wanted bulletin issued on Thursday, police said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest Elroy Oral Bristol is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 333-2151, 333-

5564, 333-3876, 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 2267065, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

–– US attorney criticises diplomats’ comments on elections PROMINENT Washington DC Attorney, Bart Fisher, has criticised the statements emanating from diplomats stationed in Guyana which, he said, seek to influence the outcome of the national recount of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

In an appearance on 107.1FM Benschop Radio, the US attorney listed a series of grave issues with Wednesday’s joint statement by the ABCE foreign missions. Categorising the statement as premature, Fischer stated, “one would have thought that the signatories would have respected the process and comment on it only at the conclusion.”

According to the DC Attorney, the statement is also harmful as matters pertaining to the elections are under judicial review. “That’s a prejudicial statement even before the matter has been heard by the CCJ.” The attorney further criticised the statement for its perceived lack of authorisation by the top foreign affairs officials from the respective countries the ABCE diplomats represent.

“I would like to know if these statements were sanctioned by the appropriate ranking,” Fischer said.

Additionally, the attorney noted the joint statement not only flies in the face of Guyana’s laws by showing disregard for the recent Appeal Court ruling but it was a narrow show of support for the next major contender in the elections.

“It is clear they were trying to prejudge this [...] it is interference with the internal affairs of Guyana,” he reiterated. Questioning the rationale for the perceived support displayed in the statement for deeming invalid votes credible, Bart conveyed, “obviously you want to count valid votes.

Why would you want to count invalid votes?”

(DPI)

City Hall widens tax relief for businesses, citizens

Murder of police coach still unsolved IT has been six months since the lifeless body of athletics coach, Seon Anthony ‘Cenestro’ Burry, was found with multiple stab wounds at Durban Park, in the City.

The police are yet to make an arrest.

A senior police detective told the Guyana Chronicle, on

‘Premature and prejudicial’

Elroy Oral Bristol

THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown has announced expanded tax relief for individuals and businesses as part of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated financial impact caused by same.

In a release on Thursday, the M&CC said the Council decided that it will not charge interest on the General rates and taxes for 2020, only commencing from 22 June, 2020 to 30 December, 2020. According to City Hall, while the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has offered the tax relief/waiver on the interest for General Rates and Taxes for the year 2020, interest for the previous years remain unchanged.

Rate payers are encouraged to take advantage of the waiver on the interest for General Rates and Taxes, for the year 2020. For further information, members of the public are encouraged to contact the office of the Town Clerk via telephone number 226- 7717.

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council remains committed to the delivery of efficient public services to the residents of Georgetown and remains resolute in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Six new cases of COVID-19

THERE continues to be a consistent increase in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with health authorities reporting that Guyana recorded six new cases within the past 24 hours.

Health authorities here discovered the new cases after conducting 84 COVID-19 tests between Wednesday and Thursday.

Some 2,355 persons have been tested so far, with the results showing that 2,140 were negative and 215 were positive. Of the positive cases, some 108 persons have recovered and 12 persons have lost their lives, but there are 95 active cases which are being monitored by health authorities.

The fight against COVID-19 has not been an easy one, but health authorities have been unwavering in their efforts to control the situation, especially now that Guyanese are returning home from abroad.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) we addressed the issue of the repatriation of you, our nationals and the misinformation you are providing to our health officials on your arrival. Please note that the publication of your names is not designed to embarrass you, but is a part of our surveillance activities which help us to track this disease, so that the management can be more effective,” said Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Thursday.

He again asked for per-

sons to cooperate with the health officials whose work is doubled when they call and are unable to follow up on persons.

Turning his attention to the fast-approaching July-August holiday, Dr. Persaud said parents and guardians will have to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

“We empathise with you because the pandemic has curtailed most of their outdoor activities, the most important being that they have been unable to attend school,” said the CMO. The upcoming holidays will be challenging as parents try to keep children engaged, but most importantly, safe.

“We therefore ask you to start thinking ahead of innovative activities that are just as fun which can be conducted within the confines of your residence. Keeping your children safe is a priority and we hope that you remain committed to this task,” Dr. Persaud advised.

He reminded parents that the child-health clinics and antenatal clinics continue to function, as children’s vaccination and growth monitoring is an ongoing process.

Antenatal mothers still need to be seen and examined at clinic, to ensure that the pregnancy period is safe and without complications. If complications arise, medical professionals would like to diagnose these in a timely manner so that management can be initiated early.

Health authorities also called on all parents of chil-

dren that are due for their HPV vaccines, 9-16 years, to seek this service at the nearest health centre. The Ministry of Public Health remains committed to eliminating cervical cancer but can only do this with cooperation from everyone.

The safety of every Guyanese is dependent on the compliance with control measures, which were implemented by local health authorities to contain the spread of the disease.

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. The Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, notably Aranka, has the second highest number of confirmed cases. It is a mining community, which means that there is continuous movement in and out of the area, making it extremely easy for the disease to spread.

Among communities on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) where cases have been recorded are: Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey; among those on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri.

There is, however, a worrying development in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), where over 20 cases have been recorded in a short space of time. This has prompted health authorities to label the community as

Banks DIH makes donation to Moruca

BANKS DIH Limited made a donation of Triskits Crackers to Santa Rosa in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) following a call for assistance for the community seriously affected the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Shenisa Fredericks, Brand Manager of Triskits Products made the presentation to Ms. Miranda La Rose, of the Santa Rosa Family and Friends (SRFF) Steering Committee during a presentation at Thirst Park on Thursday June 25, 2020.

Ms. La Rose said to date, 23 residents of the community were tested positive for COVID-19 including one death and the pandemic has had a negative impact on the livelihood of residents in that region.

She noted that the virus has directly af-

fected Santa Rosa, a community with a population of over 10,000, which makes it the largest Indigenous Peoples’ community in Guyana.

“We would like to thank Banks DIH Limited for its timely donation but we continue to seek further assistance of non-perishable food items, sanitisers and toiletries to support close to 500 families,” Ms. La Rose said. Mr. Troy Peters, Communications Manager, said the management of Banks DIH Limited is very concerned about the well-being of the residents of Region One and hopes that the situation improves soon.

The company recently made a donation of products to the Lethem Town Council for its Food Donation Drive to residents affected by COVID-19.

the epicentre for Region One. Considering the situation, Dr. Persaud had said residents of the community need to “be on guard” and take all necessary precautions in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

“We are urging you to support the health team in this area by coming forward for testing if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, by staying home unless it is necessary for you to come out, and if you must come out, ensure that your noses and mouths are covered.

“We ask that there is no congregating of persons, and that all passenger vehicles adhere to the guidelines that were provided,” the CMO advised.

The Ministry of Public Health has called on toshaos and village councillors to work along with health officials to ensure that guidelines are followed.

“We wish to also remind you of the runaway situation in neighbouring Brazil that has climbed to the position of being the second country in the world to have reported cases with an alarmingly high number of deaths registered,” said Dr. Persaud.

EXTREMELY VULNERABLE “Residents in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are extremely vulnerable because of this situation, and need to be vigilant and stop all cross-border movement and stop migrant persons entering your community.”

“The mining community is now one of the most vulnerable groups for the spread of this disease…Residents in Region Seven, I wish to make a special appeal to you as the

13

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud situation in your community is of grave concern to the ministry,” Dr. Persaud lamented.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 9.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 473,000 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.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

APNU+AFC protest outside State House

A SMALL group of APNU+AFC supporters on Thursday came up against resistance from the police

as they staged a protest outside of State House opposing a statement put out

by CARICOM Chair Mia

Mottley, and a move by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to stay elections results pending an appeal on

the interpretation of Article 177 (2) (b) of Guyana’s Constitution.

The protesters held placards bearing statements saying, among other things, “CCJ has no business in our affairs”; “Foreigners stay out of Guyana’s affairs”; and “CEO guided by our final court”.

While some of the male protesters were placed in a police bus and taken away from the scene of the protest, most of the protesters were allowed to stay as a small group of police maintained a presence a short distance away.

“We held our placards,

and City Councillor, Gregory Fraser, who said that they were out to let it be known that they do not agree with foreign involvement in Guyana’s elections.

“We are maintaining that CARICOM, CCJ has no business in these affairs; our Appeal Court is final,” Fraser said.

CCJ INTERVENES On Tuesday, the CCJ ordered the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to halt the electoral process following an appeal submitted by the People’s Progressive Party (PPPC) to challenge a

City Councillor, Gregory Fraser (Photos by Elvin Croker)

Some of the protesters on Main Street on Thursday ICOM Chairman was and we were standing, ad- ruling by the local Court very disrespectful to our hering to COVID-9 restric- of Appeal, which affects sovereign nation, Guyana, tions by distancing our- the outcome of Guyana’s in the words she spoke, selves. Then the policemen March 2, 2020 elections. requesting us to go back came and said, ‘You must On Monday, the Court to count and count all the disperse.’ Eventually, we of Appeal ruled that the spoil votes that would give started to disperse, but the words “more votes” in the the particular political parpolice came trotting behind Article 177 (2) (b) of the ty that she supports an adus, meet up individuals, and Constitution of Guyana be vantage,” Fraser said, addhold the men them by their interpreted to mean “more ing: “In her statement, she trousers and their back, and valid votes” in determining tries to intimidate or dictate told them that they have the election of a President. to the CEO of GECOM to to go in the bus; they even Taking the ruling into change the report that he dragged a young man on consideration, Chief Elec- has handed in to the Chairthe ground,” noted one pro- tions Officer (CEO), Keith man, which shows that tester.

Lowenfield, on Tuesday the Coalition has won the Police on the ground said submitted his Elections Re- government.” that they were not at liberty port, where only 344,508 of Aside from Mottley’s to speak with the media, and the votes cast at the March statement, Fraser also pointdirected all questions to Re- 2 elections were deemed ed to a joint statement issued gional Commander, Superin- valid. Based on the State- by the US Ambassador, tendent Phillip Azore. Calls ments of Recount (SORs), British High Commissioner, made to Azore however the PPP/C secured 233,336 Canadian High Commisproved futile. The protesters votes, while APNU+AFC sioner and Ambassador of stayed until approximately raked in 217,920 votes. The the European Union. “We 13:00hrs before dispersing. CEO, in his final report, are convinced that these “I am not doing this for me, however said that thousands countries and their leaders because I done big; I am do- of votes were compromised are interfering in our busiing this for my children and as a result of widespread ness, when we can deal with my grandchildren and many irregularities, and alleged our business right here. others,” shared one impas- cases of electoral fraud.

They came out with one sioned protester. “If the PPP Mottley described the statement Wednesday as is claiming they win, why Elections Report as contrary though it was coordinated are they running to the CCJ? to directions given by the and rehearsed,” Fraser We want our righted vote,” Commission, saying that it said. “This country is Guyshe added. does not reflect the results of ana; it is not Barbados, not Among the protesters the recount process.

St Vincent, the US, UK or was APNU+AFC member “We believe the CAR- Canada,” he added.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

New GDF officers receive instruments of commission … President urges them to act with diligence, dedication, discipline

AT the Presentation of Instruments of Commission for the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) No. 51, on Thursday, President David Granger challenged graduates to uphold their sworn oath to act diligently, disciplined and in dedication to the discharge of their duties.

A Commission is a unique, official certificate issued only by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. In remarks, the President noted that the award of the State Commission and the conferment of the Instrument of Commission, by convention, are rites of passage signaling that officer cadets have been trained and considered worthy to become commissioned officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

He told the Officers that the Commission distinguishes the officer from the non-commissioned officer and the private soldier and appoints a person to high office with the authority to exercise the functions of command in the GDF. The Head of State indicated that State Commission and Instrument of Commission are not merely certificates to mark the successful completion of a training course but constitute the lawful licences to exercise authority as mili-

tary officers.

“The State Commission demands trust, loyalty and good conduct on the officer’s part. It requires the exercise of diligence, discipline and dedication in the discharge of his duties. It requires him to demonstrate obedience to his superiors, to demand compliance from his subordinates and extend cooperation with his compeers,” President Granger stated.

He added: “The Standard Officers’ Course trains and tests future military leaders. Cadets must be educated continuously and consistently to exercise leadership of their corps and units. The Force, through its training programmes, must produce men and women who embody the Force’s core values.”

Referring to the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School’s aim being to develop character, instill discipline, initiative and self-confidence and inculcate the duties of citizenship, loyalty and patriotism, the Head of State challenged the graduates to live up to these goals in all aspects of the lives.

He also challenged them to uphold the Force’s five core values – duty, discipline, identity, integrity and loyalty.

Reminding them of the oath to which they swore,

the President stated: “I… will bear true faith and allegiance to the state of Guyana; that I will support and defend the state against all enemies whomsoever; that I

will faithfully discharge the functions of an officer in the Guyana Defence Force without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and that in the discharge of those functions,

I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of Guyana.”

He congratulated the graduates on being Commissioned as Officers and

noted his pleasure to grant them the Instruments of Commission appointing them as officers of the GDF in accordance with the Guyana Defence Act.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

GRA extends COVID-19 tax relief to September

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has extended tax relief measures that were implemented to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the GRA said: “having carefully assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the economy to-date, the Government of Guyana has granted a further extension to the timeline on the existing tax- relief measures for affected individuals and businesses.”

In this regard, the following relief measures that were introduced in March and were scheduled to end on June 30, 2020, will remain in effect until September 30, 2020: • Extension of the April 30th deadline for the filing of tax returns to September 30, 2020.

• All affected businesses will now be allowed to pay advance taxes on the current

year basis for the Year of Assessment 2021 (Year of Income 2020).

• All other taxes are due and payable in accordance with the law. This includes Balance of Tax payments for Corporation Tax and Income Tax due for Year of Income 2019 which was payable by April 30, 2020.

• Interest and penalties, though applicable for late filing and payment, may be waived by the Commissioner General for just cause.

• The removal of VAT on Water, Electricity and Domestic Air Travel is extended to September 30, 2020.

• Waiver of VAT, Duties and Excise taxes on all medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 (complete list on GRA’s website) to September 30, 2020.

• The granting of Tax deductions for all donations

made by local businesses to the Ministry of Health.

• Tax Deductions for donations to staff and other health institutions for the prevention and treatment of the virus are allowed to the extent as determined by the Commissioner-General.

The GRA again wishes to notify and to emphasise that individuals and companies not affected by COVID-19, will be required to comply with the statutory due dates for the payment of taxes.

Additionally, GRA said among the administrative measures taken in an effort to provide some level of comfort to the taxpaying public during this pandemic, the GRA established early working hours at its Camp Street Headquarters and recently re-located some of its Licence Revenue services to its Smyth Street building.

The relocated services are

Motor Vehicle Transfers, New Motor Vehicle Registration, Motor Vehicle Examination and cashiering. An external station was also set up at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) for payments for Internal Revenue, VAT, Customs transactions and Motor Vehicle licences.

Additionally, a drop box is

available for persons to submit their returns.

The GRA said too that it will soon be facilitating a drive-thru facility at its Lamaha Street Parking Lot for persons to uplift their licences after completing the application/renewal and online payment procedure.

The public is further

advised that the Authority will continue to strictly monitor visits to the office and will only allow a limited number of persons to enter the building with the protocols of mandatory body temperature checks, the wearing of masks and the sanitising of hands, remaining in effect.

‘Harmony is everybody’s business’–– acting CEO of ERC says IN light of the current political climate in Guyana, there has been a notable increase in the racial tension among citizens, and it is especially being pedaled through social media.

Confirming this, the Chief Executive Officer (Ag) at the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Renne Chester, told the Guyana Chronicle that the commission is working assiduously to ensure that persons are reminded of the implications that come with denigrating another by race.

He said that prior to the March 2 elections, the commission would have met with the political leaders to ensure they know the role they have to play to guarantee a unified Guyana, especially during this crucial time.

“Anticipating tension around the elections season, we took a number of steps to encourage peace and harmony before and after the March 2 event. We met with some of the executive members of most of the political parties including the two major parties prior to elections day to discuss campaigns free of infringing on national unity. We drafted for the first time in the ERC’s existence, a three page code of conduct document, that all 11 contesting parties signed on to February 14, as part of their parties’ commitment to uphold peace and carry out political activities free of discrimination and intimidation,” Chester shared.

In addition, he said that the commission had also formalised a temporary ‘Swift Response Committee’ that assiduously investigated reports of racial infractions during the campaign season and wrote executive members of the party on matters found to be racially inciting.

Chester noted too that in January of this year, ERC produced and launched its ‘I AM US’ movie that ran for eight days free of cost at the Caribbean Cinemas movie theatre.

He said over 1500 Guyanese attended the film which promoted the need for each to accept their ethnic and political differences while still living in harmony.

“Many were emotionally touched by the film and vowed to be conduits to share the message of peace and togetherness. This movie was then aired on most of the local television stations for over two weeks, uploaded on our YouTube

channel and share on social media for all to enjoy the film. Several PSAs were launched with story lines to galvanise all to dispel suspicion of each other and rather to embrace our differences as strength.

These PSAs are excessively shared on social media… In addition to the before mentioned initiatives, the commission shared a number of video messages by the Chairman, calling on citizens to exhort tolerance and respect for each other in a plural society. These messages were supported with press releases iterating the need for every Guyanese, irrespective of race, culture or class, to get on board and do their part of building a more unified Guyana,” Chester said.

However, despite all these preliminary preparations, the racial segregation is still rampant, as such, he said that they are working as best as they can to hold persons into account.

“What I can say to you, is that our media monitoring unit is still virtually monitoring social media and other media for comments or statements being made that is racially inciting or exciting. Our media monitoring team would usually insert warning messages in the comment field of those found to be spewing racial remarks, reminding them of the Representation of the People Act and the penalties that will follow if such behaviour continues unabated,” Chester explained He noted too there are a number of cases that their Investigative Sub-Committee has successfully closed amicably, and a few more actively being investigated.

“The press can most certainly expect in the near future our usual press release sharing generic figures and topologies of complaints we have brought closure to.

Our educational campaign continues to target Guyanese both on and off social media in an effort to curb racial insularities... Only recently, we launched our ERC diversity challenge campaign on social media to encourage Guyanese to create use their time to spread positive messages by creating a video with friends and families of a different race transforming into ethnic wears and having fun with it…

The reality is, harmony is everybody’s business and all must get onboard to promote harmony and good relations throughout Guyana,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 26, 2020

Strong leadership, health system key in riding out COVID-19 … PAHO director says countries must manage pandemic closely for the next 2 years

THE Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Carissa F. Etienne, on Wednesday said that “in the absence of effective treatments or a widely available vaccine, we expect that over the next two years the Region of the Americas will experience recurring COVID-19 outbreaks, which may be interspersed with periods of limited transmission.”

“In the face of a fast-changing pandemic, leadership will make or break our response. Now is the time for leaders to reach across political divisions and geographic borders to rally the support for a response commensurate to this unprecedented crisis,” Etienne added during a press briefing Wednesday.

Cases of COVID-19 in the Americas have topped 4.5 million, with 226,000 deaths as of June 23. Since last month, cases have tripled in Latin America and the Caribbean from almost 690,000 in May 23, to more than 2 million today. “There is now widespread transmission in most of Central America. In South America this weekend,

Brazil surpassed one million COVID-19 cases, joining the United States as the only other country in the world with cases in the six digits. The Caribbean is faring better but with hot-spots on the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as within the Guyanese shield,” she said.

“We must be realistic about the future: all of us must adjust to a new way of life and redefine our sense of normal,” Etienne added.

There continues to be a consistent increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases here, as health authorities reported on Wednesday three new cases within the past 24 hours.

The new cases were discovered after health authorities conducted 78 tests between Tuesday and Wednesday. Health authorities have so far tested 2,222 persons, with 2,017 proving negative and 209 positive. Of the positive cases, 107 persons have recovered to date while 12 persons have lost their lives. But, health authorities are still monitoring 90 active cases, of which 89 are in institutional isolation and one

GTA licenses nine tourist guides

THE Guyana Tourism Authority has successfully licensed nine new tourist guides for the month of June 2020.

Based on the Guyana Tourism Authority Regulations of 2008, Tourism Accommodation Establishments, Tour Operators, Tourist Guides and Interior Lodges and Resorts are required to have a Guyana Tourism Authority Licence to operate or can be fined by the Authority for not being in compliance with the associated regulations. The fees associated with this process, along with GTA-led training programmes, have since been waived for a period of six (6) months, ending September 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guides, (Bhagwandas Balkaran, Delven Adams, Kenneth Butler, Rovin Alvin, Rufino Davis Edwards, Cain Edwards, Johan Paul, Vivian Smith, Quadad De Freitas) some of whom are no stranger to the tourism scene, have benefitted from the waiver of fees, the GTA said in a release. They were also trained in First Aid/CPR precautionary and emergency measures, a requirement for licensing. Through this training, participants will be able to implement a coordinated response in emergency scenarios which will ultimately build confidence to respond to incidents where time is of the essence, significantly reducing the potential for fatalities. In addition to it being mandatory to improve their overall operations to ensure the health and safety of their guests, this training is pivotal now more than ever.

The Guyana Tourism Authority said too that in keeping with its COVID-19 Resiliency Strategy, it is committed to providing the utmost support to the sector during these trying times.

in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Local authorities remain cautious about the prevailing situation, as persons continue to return home from abroad.

“Fellow Guyanese, yesterday (Wednesday) we addressed the issue of the repatriation of our nationals and the misinformation you are providing to our health officials on your arrival. This irresponsible and selfish act is putting your life and the lives of our citizens at risk and placing undue pressure on our health workers and health system,” Dr. Persaud lamented during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Wednesday.

In light of this situation, the CMO reminded repatriated Guyanese that they signed an agreement, which stipulated that they must remain in home quarantine for a specified period of time.

Arriving home with a negative COVID-19 test does not prevent persons from contracting COVID-19, while travelling or on arrival in Guyana, said Dr. Persaud, noting that it is, therefore, important that persons subject themselves to quarantine and surveillance by medical

professionals.

Meanwhile, PAHO said Member States discussed this week in the PAHO Executive Committee a resolution that “seeks to balance the triple threat this pandemic represents to the health of our people, our social welfare and to our national economies. PAHO’s director said countries must adjust and coordinate their COVID-19 response based on increasingly detailed data. “Governments will have to make decisions, considering simultaneously health, economic, and social indicators. This will allow health officials to understand where transmission is accelerating, and which groups are at greater risk so as to better target their efforts,” she added.

Flexible responses are key, she noted. “Public health measures, as well as social protection efforts, will need to be reviewed regularly to minimize the impact of the virus in our societies. The provision of social, financial, and fiscal protection, especially in communities heavily dependent on informal economies is critical.”

“We will not overcome this crisis without addressing the

needs of the most vulnerable: those most likely to fall sick and the least likely to receive care, such as indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, the urban poor and migrant populations. If we neglect them, we run the risk of the next two years looking like the past few months,” PAHO’s director noted.

Dr. Etienne called to “prioritize early detection of suspect cases, laboratory testing, contact tracing and quarantine as the foundation of a targeted and sustainable strategy to control COVID-19,” noting that more investments in human resources, supplies, improved surveillance, and development and adoption of new tools will be needed.

“We must also continue to strengthen our health systems, which are our strongest defense against COVID-19 – today and in the future.

PAHO’s recommendation of public health expenditure benchmark of at least 6% of GDP is relevant now, more than ever. And from all public health investments, at least 30% should be allocated to the first level of care,” she added. The PAHO Director said, “If we allocate resources

Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Carissa F. Etienne, to primary health clinics, hospitals and laboratories, grow our health workforce, invest in essential public health and expand our stockpiles and supplies, we can stay ahead of the pandemic and save lives.”

She called for concerted regional cooperation against COVID-19.

“Though we rejoice when one country successfully flattens its COVID-19 epidemic curve, the risk of reemergence will always remain unless we flatten the curve regionally and globally.”

PANCAP seeks ways to sustain HIV/AIDS fight THE Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic continues to examine strategies to sustain the HIV and AIDS response in the Caribbean Region despite disruptions from the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

The 39th Meeting of the Priority Areas Coordinating Committee (PACC), the PANCAP governance body that focuses on coordinating regional priority areas plans, was convened 23 - 24 June, 2020 under the chairmanship of Dr Donald T. Simeon, Professor of Biostatistics and Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The PACC received updates from the Director, PANCAP, Dr. Rosmond Adams on the work that the Partnership has implemented to respond to COVID-19 and sustaining the HIV response. Dr. Adams stated that it is critical especially at this time to ensure the continuity of care in the region and to advocate for

maintaining the gains as the Region works towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets and ending AIDS. Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, Coordinator, Knowledge Management, PANCAP Coordinating Unit, provided an update on the knowledge management, marketing and communications initiatives implemented by PANCAP in response to COVID-19. She highlighted that the PANCAP Knowledge Management hub continues to share information and guidelines to support National AIDS Programmes and Civil Society Organisations in service delivery and mitigating the impact of COVID-19.

The PACC also received updates from the various Technical Working Groups (TWGs). Ms. Curvelle David, Senior Project Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E), Strategic Management Unit, CARICOM Secretariat, provided an update on the Regional M and E TWG on Health. She emphasised the need to strengthen data collection and the use of information to guide strategic action to strengthen the regional response.

The meeting also received updates from the Policy and

Strategy Working Group on Stigma and Discrimination.

Mr Lucien Govaard, ViceChair, outlined how the lessons learned from HIV and AIDS can be translated to supporting the COVID-19 response in tackling issues around stigma and discrimination. Mr. Kevin Mendez, Chair, PANCAP Regional Youth Advocacy Steering Committee for the implementation of Regional Youth Advocacy Framework on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, reported on initiatives by youth leaders to engage the region’s young people on issues related to HIV and COVID-19. The activities included capacity building and training on HIV prevention and supporting COVID-19 issues.

The meeting also received updates from key partners including the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and The University of the West Indies (UWI). The PACC noted the challenges faced by the region

Dr. Donald T. Simeon including prevention services, treatment, care and human rights-based issues. The PACC committed to engaging with policymakers on support for the regional response, including increasing domestic funding for national HIV programmes. The PACC also pledged support for documentation of the progress and best practices in the Region and to advocate for strengthening supply chain management to minimise interruption in the availability of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and other commodities for the Region.

The PACC also noted that safeguarding providers and clients from COVID-19 is critical and supporting safe and sustained HIV service must continue with a focus on Key Populations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 26, 2020

Tennicia De Freitas rebrands herself as ‘NEKEITA’

Guyanese Artiste: NEKEITA. Previously known as Tennicia De Freitas You’re not Guyanese if you don’t know the famous winning Junior Calypso song, ‘Mama, I don’t want to be born’. It has been over a decade since the song hit the public and it is still an all-time hit.

The young artiste, Tennicia De Freitas, who created the masterpiece rose to local stardom from its release. The artiste then speedily became a household name to many Guyanese as everyone fell in love with her exceptional talent.

After 17 years in the music industry as ‘Tennicia De Freitas’, 2020 came with the need for a change and she decided to rebrand her music and identity with the name ‘NEKEITA’.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the young creative said that Nekeita is her middle name, and she chose to use it for personal reasons.

“It’s mainly a very personal reason which I’m sure one day I’ll be able to openly talk about, but it’s all connected to a need for change; to feel and do things the way I want to, for me,” she said.

However, she said that the public can definitely expect more from her new brand, as she has already started her #ProjectNekieta on Social Media, and will be releasing more of her own music.

“A lot of great things are in store and I cannot wait to share it with everyone.

Being inside for so long has its perks as I’ve been able to focus on myself more, not only as an artiste but generally as a person,” Nekeita disclosed.

Nekeita is known to many as a singer, songwriter, and an all-round performer who hails from Kuru-Kururu, a village found along the Linden Highway. However, she said that singing wasn’t always her liking, in fact, in was the dance theatre she was madly in love with.

“An amazing woman once told me, ‘dance is my passion and music is my destiny.’ Every time I think of that statement it always takes me back to my

childhood. Dance is indeed my first love and people don’t ever believe me whenever I mention that I never liked singing [at first]. It may seem different now but dance has and will forever be the beat of my heart,” she said.

But being very passionate about life itself; and wanting to be and experience the best it has to offer, Nekeita expanded her love to include both dance and music.

“I’ve always loved music and ever since I grew to love singing equally, the mere thought of where I am today; all of the experiences and achievements, the people that support me, is one of the things that inspire and push me to do it.

The first time I realised that I liked singing was in high school, just after realising it, I initially started. It really doesn’t matter what happens before I step on a stage, everything just gets better once I start singing,” Nekeita told ‘The Buzz’.

All was not “skittles and rainbows” over the years in the industry, however, as she said many challenges stymied her growth.

“One of my main challenges was more personal and it’s thinking that I wasn’t good enough. As a young female in the entertainment industry, there is so much that society expects and perceives you to be and it’s difficult trying to blank all that noise out and just focus on you. Another challenge is generally not having that support base from home (Guyana). There are quite a few people who’ve been behind me from the very beginning but for many of us (entertainers) especially when trying to produce quality work, you always find it more difficult to get the support needed to want to continue,” the entertainer shared.

However, to overcome challenges, she noted that “everything I do, I do for my family and with that, I’m constantly reminded why I’m still doing this. Also,

those same ‘few people’ I’ve previously mentioned, have been a great support system over the years and they help me every day to believe in myself more.

I hope to achieve everything that I’ve envisioned for myself and my family. I aspire to be the best version of myself.

It’s okay to want to emulate your idol but there can only be one of them and one of you! A lot of people still do not believe in doing music full time but it has been done many times before and will continue to happen.”

Over that past couple of years, Nekeita was only seen on local stages at intervals and not consistently through the year.

This is because the young artiste landed a full-time job to sing out at sea.

The experiences on cruises she said are the best in her life as a singer.

“It’s different but awesome! I’ve had the opportunity to explore places I’ve only ever seen on TV and met some of the most amazing people. I had to sing a lot more than usual too, but I got used to it after a while… I was expected to return later in March but due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the cruise companies were forced to cancel operations for a few months because of major health risks and travel restrictions. Hopefully, we will return to the seas before 2020 is out,” she shared with The Buzz.

However, despite her obligations there, her music will continue to reach the ears and hearts of her supporters worldwide.

Nekeita advises that hard work, persistence, patience and faith, are four things needed to be successful.

“Also, never take anything personally, especially in the entertainment industry, when it’s your time you will shine just keep doing you and always be yourself,” she said.

Persons can follow her musical journey on all social media platforms.

Instagram: iamnekeita and Facebook: Nekeita’s Music.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 26, 2020

From lunchtime - Young clashes to artiste hones ly r ic career goal al talent Many Guyanese can relate to having their own lunch-time pastime in school, be it playing cards, playing cricket or football, practicing debates, having dance offs, whatever may be the line of interest in the particular school.

Many of those activities can help to shape the lives of individuals or even help them figure out what their skill is and what they want to be.

Such is the case for a 22-year-old ‘Lindener’ who found his dream from his lunch-time pastime at the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, Trevon Anthony George who was raised in ‘One Mile’, Linden, said that he found his ability when he was in Form Three in high school.

“Every day at lunchtime, me and a couple of my classmates would beat on the desk and clash each other with freestyles. I was always known for having the best lyrics,” the young man said.

It was then he realised that he has

a lyrical ability and vocal talent. Now George is a budding recording and performing dancehall artiste who goes by the stage name ‘Mafi’.

Even though this was just a high school hobby, the young man said much work had to be put in to harness his skill.

“I started taking music serious in 2019, before that, I wouldn’t say I wasn’t serious, I just wasn’t fully dedicated. Some of the values I had to develop were commitment, consistency and determination. I’m very committed to my music. Every day I think of new ways that I can better myself as an artiste. Knowing that consistency plays such a major role in one’s career, I had to dedicate myself fully towards my music career. I will never give up until I’m number one, not just with music but with anything I do in life,” Mafi told ‘The Buzz’.

He said that just knowing he has a chance to open the gate and make a way for the next generation of artistes coming out of Guyana, makes him want

Guyanese Dancehall Artiste: Trevon Anthony George AKA ‘Mafi’

to go even harder, because he wishes for Guyanese music to be known locally and internationally.

“I know there will be a lot more like myself and I’m here to show them that it’s actually possible to be a dancehall artiste in Guyana,” he said.

Mafi shared that most of his inspiration come from his supporters and his family, and they help him to overcome some his challenges.

“Just seeing how they react to my music gives me that confidence I need to continue to do music. One of my biggest challenges I faced was learning how to deal with criticism from the media. I had to fully understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and they’re not going to like everything I do. But I want to be known as the best dancehall artiste that Guyana ever produced and I also want to open up the gate for every other talented Guyanese artiste,” Mafi said.

He urges every young talent to exercise patience, keep pushing, and never let giving up be an option.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 26, 2020

‘Modesty isn’t boring, it shows who has style’ - Young Entrepreneur promotes modest

People’s code or style of dressing is usually a mode of expression for who they are and how they are feeling. And while some may think that dressing revealing is attractive and stylish, others would argue that being modest is actually the more stylish choice. twenty-four-year-old entrepreneur, Saskia McClintock has opened her own clothing business naming it ‘Modest Palace’, providing modest attire to show that modesty can also be fashionable.

McClintock, who is of Muslim faith, said that Modest Palace was religiously motivated.

“But it is mixed with my love for fashion. I saw an open market for me to play in and I went for it. Alhamdulilah we’re almost five years in,” she said.

The young woman explained that her love for entrepreneurship and her religion is what made her start her own business.

dressing as royalty

“The slogan of my business is ‘Covered Royalty’ and that is what I want every woman to feel like. In Islam, women are held to very high standards and are considered hidden gems. We have very strong codes on our mode of dressing because of this. However, people tend to think we’re an oppressed bunch, which is far from the truth. We love fashion just as much as the next woman, however, we love our religion more and so we try to stay within the confines of what is allowed. This is the balance Modest Palace provides,” McClintock said.

Adding that “modesty isn’t boring or dark, in my opinion, it actually shows who has style.”

Her business is located at 70 Durban Street, Werk-en-Rust, and can also be found on social media platforms as ‘Modest Palace’.

Sharing details about herself, the young woman said that she grew up in George-

town, mainly in South Ruimveldt Gardens.

“I am University of Guyana Law Graduate, Class of 2018. So I would say my passion growing up was mainly law. My mom recalls asking me what I wanted to be while growing up and I always responded “A lawyer” and that’s what I worked towards. However my focused shifted, slightly, and I fell in love with business and started doing Business Management & Marketing privately, the first year of Law at UG. As you can imagine, juggling Law and Private business courses would eventually be too much, so after completing part of the programme I placed it on the back burner and continued with law. I completed UG in 2018, took a year’s break to navigate my adult years and finally started back my Business Management and Marketing studies,” the young woman shared.

She said she aspires to be a business

mogul because she loves the idea of women empowerment and women being independent.

“It’s what I saw growing up living with my mom and grandmother. My mom has never been without a job all my life and my father is the biggest advocate for independence. I think I got my business sense mostly from him though, sorry, mom. But Modest Palace is just a small part of who I am,” McClintock said.

She said that her business was welcomed with open arms from the very beginning and it introduced something to Guyana that many didn’t know they needed.

“However, I must admit that my inconsistencies are what severely affected my business. It was a lot of juggling my personal life, school, business and religion all at once. I had to learn how to prioritise and so with the relaunch in March 2020, it’s been upwards ever since,” she said.

Owner of Modest Palace, Saskia McClintock

Model showcasing pieces from Modest Palace

Model showcasing pieces from Modest Palace

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 26, 2020

‘Pride’ goes virtual

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has officially launched its Virtual pride festivities with a bang, the launched was streamed virtually on a Facebook and Instagram live on June 17.

Head of SASOD, Joel Simpson, during brief remarks on the social media live event highlighted that the organisation has come a long way in celebration of SASOD’s 17th Anniversary and Pride Month in Guyana.

Simpson noted that the organisation was eager to celebrate all its achievements and the inaugural pride month, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the traditional colourful road festival was cancelled hence a virtual celebration with various activities will held from June 17 to July 7.

“On June 7, SASOD Guyana started celebrating our 17th anniversary. We were really disappointed that we first had to postpone the pride festival, [so] we decided that we are going to have a virtual pride [after] coming to recognise that we may not be able to have pride 2020. We decided that virtual pride is the perfect modus opperandi [given] the current situation,” he stated.

Additionally, Simpson added that over the past 17th years SASOD Guyana has managed to be a voice for members of the LGTBTQ community, “When we started doing this work in 2003, the LGBTQ people in

Guyana were afraid to come forward and identify they were very few people who would come out and share their stories of discrimination, triumph, resilience , of achieving despite the circumstances.”

Simpson also disclosed to the Buzz that despite not being able to have the usual colourful festivities the virtual activities have managed to engage and reach many more persons, especially those in the diaspora.

He added that virtual pride has also seen several new activities added to the celebration, one of them being a yoga sensation which was held last week.

Simpson related that due to the tremendous turn out to the yoga sensation, SASOD will be soon be adding the activity as a weekend regular to promote self-care.

Nevertheless, during the downtime with the pandemic, Simpson noted that aside from virtual pride, SASOD has been taking the time to do a lot of the behind scenes work and changes that will see a more mature organisation and execution of programmes along with several collaborations with other similar organisations regionally and internationally.

Additionally, he stated that the pride activities had seen an overall high turnout of an approximate 75 percent which shows that more and more youths are getting comfortable with being themselves and sharing their

Celebrations from last year’s pride event

experiences.

“With all the work we have done at the community level and the people we have done build self-confidence and self-esteem over the years we have a lot of people who have become more comfortable with themselves,” he stated.

This evening, June 26, virtual pride will see a cultural night and bonfire, while tomorrow there will

be a Global Pride event and on Sunday, SASOD will be live streaming its Pride Parade on the organization’s YouTube page at 10:00hrs.

A schedule of the events outlined for Virtual Pride 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 26, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 26, 2020

‘First love’...

FROM BACKPAGE

instrumental in taking Indian cricket to greater heights.

“The board started getting commercial benefits only after the World Cup win and for us it was a game-changer,” Sunil Valson, who was part of the 14-member squad, told AFP. “Understand nowadays whenever the Indian team goes for a World Cup the expectations are so high on them. But in ‘83 nobody expected it, but the way we played was just amazing. “’83 will be ‘83, that changed the passion, the trend. Money came into the sport much later, but certainly it was a great victory that came against any expectations.”

- ‘One man’s genius’ India were reeling at 17 for five in a crucial group match against Zimbabwe when Dev’s unbeaten 175 won the game and proved to be the turning point for their campaign.

Kapil’s Devils outplayed hosts England in the semi-finals and then defended a modest total of 183 in the title clash.

Roger Binny, who sent back West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd for eight in the final, said Dev’s leadership and India’s all-rounders were key to the team’s success.

“I think it has got be the all-rounders. If you see the scores in all the matches, contributions came from the latter half of the team,” Binny told AFP. “Definitely one strong point was (Dev’s) captaincy. Also when we beat the West Indies in the first game in Manchester, that lifted the spirit of the guys.”

Veteran journalist Ayaz Memon, one of the half-a-dozen Indian journalists that travelled to the World Cup’s third edition, said optimism was non-existent at the start.

“Expectations were zero when we went, because India’s past record in the World Cups had been dismal,” Memon told AFP. “I did not even see the first match, India v West Indies, because I thought they would lose easily, but a lot of things conspired to make it India’s tournament.

“I was witness to Kapil Dev’s innings at Tunbridge Wells (against Zimbabwe). BBC was on one-day strike, so there was no radio or TV commentary. One man’s genius gave India the direction to go for glory. It lifted up the self-belief in the team.”

He added: “In 1983, what India did was turn the game upside completely on its head in the power matrix. Suddenly you found India were champions, therefore their participation in the sport became greater and bigger.”

Liverpool win Premier...

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool’s 30-year English title drought ended on Thursday as they were confirmed as Premier League champions courtesy of second-placed Manchester City’s 2-1 loss at Chelsea.

The result at Stamford Bridge means Liverpool have an unassailable 23-point lead over City with seven games left.

Liverpool were last champions of England when they won the old First Division title in 1989-90 after

which a decline in fortunes saw Manchester United and Arsenal, then Chelsea and Manchester City seize power.

Manager Juergen Klopp has rekindled the Anfield flame though and delivered the club’s 19th title, one behind arch-rivals United’s record of 20, after finishing runners-up to City in a thrilling title race last season.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a three-month suspension of the season and delaying Liverpool’s coronation, they have won the title with a record seven games to spare.

They eclipsed the record jointly held by Manchester United (2000-01) and Manchester City (2017-18), who sealed their respective titles with five games left.

Had it not been for the unprecedented stoppage Liverpool were on course to smash the record for the earliest league title.

Instead they are now the first team to lift the coveted trophy as late as June.

Liverpool ended last season with nine consecutive league wins and, after claiming the Champions

League, began the new campaign in relentless fashion to leave all of their rivals trailing in their wake.

With 28 wins and just one defeat in 31 games, Liverpool have set a record-breaking pace and were 25 points clear in February — the biggest lead in Premier League history.

When they beat West Ham United that month it was their 18th successive top-flight win, matching Manchester City’s record, before their hopes of an unbeaten season were dashed by a 3-0 defeat at Watford, a result that was merely a blip.

Leading the charge has been Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward who is the first Liverpool player to score 20 goals in all competitions in three consecutive seasons since Michael Owen at the start of the millennium.

City were the first team to breach the 100-point barrier in the Premier League two seasons ago but Liverpool are on course to shatter that mark, as well as records for most points at home (55) and most wins in a season (32).

Clare Connor...

FROM BACKPAGE

“MCC does wonderful work for communities in the UK and overseas. It stages the most uplifting events. It brings people together.

“And as we take small steps to emerge from this uncertain and difficult time, we are going to need the power of sport and strong sporting organisations like MCC more than ever.”

Meanwhile Sangakkara said he was “thrilled” by Connor’s latest cricket appointment, the Sri Lanka

great adding: “The club has a significant role to play in cricket’s global appeal and with her influence, I am sure she will make a considerable contribution to MCC.” Left-arm spinner Connor made her England debut aged 19 in 1995 and went on to captain her country in 2000 before retiring six years later.

Although MCC no longer runs English cricket, it has worldwide responsibility for the sport’s rules.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 26, 2020

Mandela, Williams and Pienaar help unite South Africa …On this day on June 24 , 1995 TWENTY-five years on from the historic Rugby World Cup 1995 final, Francois Pienaar, Bryan Habana and Siya Kolisi reflect on the inspirational effect of South Africa’s RWC victories on their generations.

South Africa’s players were getting ready for the Rugby World Cup 1995 final when there was a knock on their changing room door.

As the door swung open, in walked the country’s president, Nelson Mandela, wearing a Springbok jersey with captain Francois Pienaar’s number six on the back.

“It was just insane seeing Mr Mandela walking into our changing room before the final wearing a Springbok on his heart,” Pienaar told World Rugby recently.

“I had to go and collect myself and then make sure that we calmed the guys down. I mean they were prepared to run through walls.”

Mandela, who had been elected a year previously, might have been wearing the captain’s jersey but he had a special message for winger Chester Williams, the only player of colour in the team on 24 June, 1995.

“I’m proud of you,” Mandela told Williams. “Go make the rest of South Africa proud too.”

Unifying a nation Williams had been the face of RWC 1995, his beaming smile projected from billboards around the host country. How-

ever, an injury picked up in a warm-up match against Samoa had kept him out of the Springboks’ initial squad.

The winger was a reluctant poster boy, but he was a very good rugby player and following the suspension of Pieter Hendricks, he got his chance to showcase that on the biggest stage.

On his Rugby World Cup debut, the quarter-final against Samoa, Williams became the first South African to score four tries in a match.

He subsequently retained his place for the semi-final win over France and 15-12 extra-time defeat of New Zealand in the final.

“It was the first World Cup in which South Africa was involved. We were the host country, we won and it unified the nation,” Williams, who passed away last September, recalled in 2013.

“Everyone was so happy.

White, black, everyone. That day we all became legends and after the match things were so much better in the country.”

The picture of Mandela handing Pienaar the Webb Ellis Cup, decked out in a replica Springbok jersey, would become iconic.

“It is the most insane moment that I think any sportsman can have, to win a World Championship, win a World Cup,” Pienaar, whose final jersey is now on display at the World Rugby

Hall of Fame, said.

“It is very, very special, and to have done it in South Africa, to have done it with Mr Mandela standing right next to me, also wearing a number six jersey, just ultra-special to me.”

Giving back to the country Watching on from the Ellis Park stands, alongside his father, was a 12-year-old Bryan Habana.

Habana, who was named after Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, had dreamed of becoming a football player until Rugby World Cup arrived in South Africa.

But having watched the Springboks’ run to the title, including the opening win against Australia and all three knockout matches, he had a change of heart.

“It was the first time I watched rugby ... I didn’t even know the rules,” Habana said ahead of the RWC 2007 final.

“But it was a great experience. I remember we were all very proud of being South Africans.

“Being part of that total euphoria was really inspirational for me. It made me want to take up the game and give the country something back.”

It’s fair to say that across a professional career in which he played 124 tests for his country and scored 67 tries, Habana did just that.

His crowning glory came in 2007. Habana emulated

South African rugby team captain, Francois Pienaar (R), is congratulated by South African President Nelson Mandela (L) after South Africa won the Rugby World Cup final | JEAN-PIERRE MULLER / AFP Williams in South Africa’s opening match, his four tries helping the Springboks to a 59-7 defeat of Samoa.

Habana would cross the whitewash eight times in total, including twice in the semi-final win over Argentina, to set up a final meeting with England.

‘A lot of us just need an opportunity’ He would line up in the same number 11 jersey Williams had 12 years earlier as England were beaten 15-6. Watching on from a Port Elizabeth township was a young Siya Kolisi.

“I was actually watching it in the tavern because I didn’t have a TV at home,” Kolisi said following South Africa’s RWC 2019 semi-final win over Wales.

“I remember what it did for us in 2007, I’ve never seen

people come together like that over sport.”

Kolisi was 16 when he watched Habana and his teammates lift the Webb Ellis Cup in Paris. Less than six years later, he would make his Springbok debut alongside the winger.

Fast forward to 2 November, 2019, and Kolisi, South Africa’s first black captain, is preparing to lead his country into the RWC 2019 final on the occasion of his 50th cap. He is wearing the same number six shirt made famous

by Mandela and Pienaar.

In the stands, South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is decked out in a replica of Kolisi’s jersey.

“President Ramaphosa arrived at the stadium and when he saw me, his first words were, ‘now I know we are

going to win’,” Pienaar said.

“I looked at him and said ‘President, did you bring a number six jersey?’ He said I did, and I said, ‘now I think we are going to win’.”

The confidence of Pienaar and his president proved well placed as Kolisi led a team featuring seven players of colour to a 32-12 victory over England before hoisting the Webb Ellis Cup high into the Yokohama night sky.

“We had one goal and we have achieved it,” Kolisi, whose number six jersey will soon join Pienaar’s at the World Rugby Hall of Fame, said after the final.

“A lot of us in South Africa just need an opportunity and there are so many untold stories.”

Sandia cops RHTYSC/Walter Nero Memorial Award THE ten cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club last Sunday named Timothy Sandia as their Walter Nero Father-of-the-Year 2020.

The Hampshire village businessman copped the award after he was nominated by the Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 team and seconded by the Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour First Division team.

RHTYSC, MS Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster, vice-president Mark Papannah, Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu and Office Manager Joel Pike visited the Sandia family residence to hand over the award.

The Walter Nero Memorial Award is sponsored by his five daughters - Karen, Sandra, Theresa, Jackie and Narcy in memory of their dad who died five years ago.

Foster, stated that since its

formation in September, 1990 by three-time Guyana and Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the St Francis Community Developers - the RHTYSC has honoured a Father- and Mother-of-the-Year.

The main objectives are to express thanks for their input into the club’s success, to acknowledge their contribution in the development of their child and to promote them as positive role models to the younger generation.

Sandia is the father of two children, with the youngest Jeremy been a member of the RHTYSC. He has represented Berbice, Guyana at the junior level and is considered one of the best cricketing talents in the club.

Jeremy Sandia is a left-arm spinner and solid middle-order batsman.

Foster issued an appeal to fathers across Guyana to play a

Timothy Sandia receives his Award from Hilbert Foster, Secretary/CEO RHTYSC, MS while his son Jeremy Sandia looks on. major role in the lives of their children and to encourage them to reject the evil ways of Satan.

He committed the RHTYSC, MS to continue leading the battle to get youths to Say No to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol, Suicide and Tobacco.

A humble Sandia, stated that

he was pleased to be honoured by the RHTYSC and the cricket teams, He congratulated the club on its outstanding work over the last 30 years and the role it has played in making a positive difference in the lives of youths including his son.

The club also distributed

120 food hampers to less fortunate fathers as part of the Walter Nero Father’s Day Programme.

Meanwhile, the joint RHTYSC/Berbice Cricket Board Coronavirus Crisis Response programme continues to be a success, with the distribution of over $4M worth of food hampers, cleaning detergents, personal items, educational materials and chicken products to less fortunate families across the entire coast.

Foster, who is also the BCB president has spearheaded the project and has visited each sub-association to hand over the supplies.

The programme was launched in April with the objective of handing over 500 hampers but it has since surpassed over 1 500 hampers. Bounty Farm Ltd has also donated over 1 000 lb of chicken products, which were distributed to homes by the team.

Over $200 000 worth of cleaning detergents were also shared out to several public institutions including Port Mourant Public Hospital, Port Mourant NDC and Rose Hall Town Council.

Several families also received special assistance on their requests including a Port Mourant family, whose house was destroyed by fire.

A wide cross-section of Berbicians and cricket clubs have supported and Foster extended gratitude to them.

Major donors were NAMILCO, Bakewell, CIDI, Bounty Farm Ltd, Food for the Poor, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Ravi Etwaroo (CriczoneUSA), Dr Puran Singh, Mortimer George, Big ‘B’ Restaurant among others.

The RHTYSC has to date been the biggest contributor to the hampers project under its charity project.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 26, 2020

Giles expects ‘intense’ Windies series as England wait on Archer London (AFP) - Ashley Giles expects the upcoming series against the West Indies to be as “intense” as any other, for all the restricted preparation, as England wait on Jofra Archer.

As a result of the coronavirus, England are set to have just one, three-day intra-squad warm-up match at Southampton ahead of the first behind closed doors Test there starting on July 8.

But former Test left-arm spinner turned England managing director Giles, while accepting the lack of any spectators would be “challenging” for players on both sides, said Tuesday: “I’m sure that when someone is trying to knock your head off at 85-90 mph, you’ll find a way to get your intensity up pretty quickly from experience.”

England’s hopes of doing just that will be boosted hugely if express fast bowler Archer is in their squad.

But they were without the Barbados-born quick as the

squad went into a bio-secure training ‘bubble’ at Southampton on Tuesday.

Although Archer has not tested positive for COVID-19, the England and Wales cricket Board said he would have to have another check-up on Wednesday with a view to joining up on Thursday after a member of his household -- who are all also free of COVID-19 -- felt unwell over the weekend.

Meanwhile “intensity” was also the theme as the West Indies ramped up their preparations on by starting a three-day intra-squad warmup match in Manchester on Tuesday.

- ‘Quality’ Kraigg Brathwaite, taking charge of one side while West Indies captain Jason Holder, skippered the other, top-scored with 84 as his team were dismissed for 275.

Brathwaite was facing several frontline Windies’ quicks in Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Alzarri

Waiting game - England fast bowler Jofra Archer (AFP Photo/MARCO LONGARI)

Joseph, with fellow senior batsman Shai Hope making 83.

“The intensity was there from ball one,” Brathwaite told Britain’s Press Association after stumps.

“Those guys we faced

are quality, so it was very good practice for batters and bowlers.”

Gabriel, trying to regain full fitness after left ankle surgery, took three wickets for 32 runs but his haul did not include Brathwaite.

Gabriel, however, was so dismayed when Brathwaite was not given out caught behind off his bowling, he said: “Jesus Christ boy, you are dishonest!”

His words echoed round the empty stands but were

said with an accompanying grin and Brathwaite insisted: “It was all good fun, man...Shannon is a joyful fellow.”

The England-West Indies Tests are set to mark international cricket’s return from lockdown.

England then plan to play Test and Twenty20 matches against Pakistan -- although a shadow has been cast over those fixtures by 10 Pakistan players having so far failed virus tests.

Fifty-over world champions England are also meant to play white-ball matches against Ireland and Australia, with Giles confident their oldest rivals would arrive in September.

“They’ve been one of our strongest partners for years, Australia,” he said.

“It would be great to have them here.

“Are we confident?

Yes, quietly confident, but there’s a lot of water to pass under the bridge yet,” he added.

Thiem ‘extremely sorry’ Vince Carter retires for Adria Tour antics from basketball after

(REUTERS) - World number three Dominic Thiem is “extremely sorry” for the way players conducted themselves at Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition event after which four players tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the Austrian said on Thursday.

Croatia, which drew big crowds and saw players pose for pictures together.

Images and videos of the players hugging at the net, playing basketball together and partying at the event have also been posted on social media.

Australian Open finalist Thiem

Austria’s Dominic Thiem poses with the trophy along with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/Marko Djurica.

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki tested positive after playing in the charity tournament in Serbia and

played in and won the Belgrade leg, which was staged at Djokovic’s tennis centre by the Danube River.

The 26-year-old, who lost to

Djokovic in the Melbourne final, said he was “shocked” when he got the news from the Adria Tour.

The event was called off following the second leg in Zadar, Croatia.

“We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic.

“Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.”

Though the players were not breaking government protocols during the tournament, it highlighted the risks of athletes from different countries mingling without adhering to what have become social distancing norms.

Thiem, also a two-times finalist at Roland Garros, did not play in Zadar as he had signed up to join the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France.

“I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.

record 22 NBA seasons VINCE Carter has retired from basketball at the age of 43 after a record 22 seasons in the NBA. Carter, who spent the last two years with the Atlanta Hawks, played his last game on 11 March before the season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Olympic gold medallist was the first NBA player to play in four decades, having made his debut in 1998 with the Toronto Raptors.

“I’m officially done playing basketball professionally,” said Carter.

The Hawks were not one of the 22 teams to qualify for the NBA restart which will be played at Florida’s Disney World Resort from 31 July.

Carter said making his last shot, a three-pointer in a 136-131 loss to the New York Knicks, helped his decision to retire.

Speaking on the Winging It podcast, he said: “I think if I didn’t make my

Vince Carter played 1,541 games in his 22 year NBA career

last shot, it’d have been a little different. I’d have been itching to, at least get back and just play one minute and just make one shot.”

He added: “I’m not going to say since March 11 [I knew I was going to retire], I’m not going to say since that day, but pretty close.

“With the coronavirus, it was taking people’s lives rapidly -that’s the big picture

in my mind. I was able to put the weird ending, the abrupt stoppage of play to an ending, aside for the bigger picture.”

Carter played for eight teams during his career but is best remembered for his time with the Raptors where he earned the nickname “Air Canada” for his slam dunking skills.

He was named rookie of the year in his debut season and was an eight-time NBA All Star (BBC Sport).

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 26, 2020

2019 World Cup

Shakib Al Hasan rues not getting the Player of the Tournament award

SHAKIB Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, was a bit surprised after he didn’t get the Player of the Tournament award in the 2019 World Cup. He was one of the contenders, but in the end, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson got the award. In the mega event, Shakib churned out 606 runs with five fifties and two centuries, and also got 11 wickets, including a fifer against Afghanistan.

Shakib understands that the award is the highest honour for any individual cricketer. Had Bangladesh qualified even for

the semis, Shakib had more than a decent chance of becoming the leading run-scorer above David Warner and Rohit Sharma.

“Well, I wished for it, to be honest. Yeah, I think as an individual player that’s the highest achievement you can get,” Shakib was quoted as saying to Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz.

Shakib had once gotten the Player of the Series award in the 2012 Asia Cup. There he managed 237 runs in four matches and also picked up six wickets. Back then, he was relatively young and was privileged to play alongside the likes of

Shakib Al Hasan churned out 606 runs with five fifties and two centuries in the 2019 World Cup

Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Younis Khan.

“I got man of the series once in 2012 Asia Cup. That was I think a huge achievement for me because all the big names of the other sub-continent teams were also there, like Mahela, Sangakkara, Sachin, Sehwag all those players were playing at that time, Misbah, Younis Khan all those players were playing,” he stated.

Even as Shakib rues not getting the award last year, he also reckons that Williamson was a worthy winner of the

same. The Magura-born lauded the Kiwis’ captain for how he took his team to the final where they missed out against England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“Getting the man of the series award at that stage was a special moment for me but yeah it would have been nice if I would have got the Man of the Tournament in the World Cup. But that happens and I think Kane deserve it. The way he handled his team and took them to the final was something I’ll cherish,” Shakib added.

(CricTracker)

Australia and New Zealand named hosts for 2023 Women’s World Cup soccer

By Simon Evans

(REUTERS) - Australia and New Zealand were handed the right to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup soccer tournament by a comfortable margin after a vote by the FIFA Council on Thursday.

Their joint proposal beat a rival bid from Colombia to host the tournament which is being expanded to 32 teams.

Japan, who had also put forward a bid to stage the event, pulled out on Monday after they were ranked below the joint bid by world governing body FIFA’s evaluation report.

The report highlighted the infrastructure and organisational advantages of the Australia/New Zealand bid which

FIFA believed would make for a commercially successful tournament.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand will be ground-breaking in many ways,” said a delighted Chris Nikou, president of Football Federation Australia (FFA).

“Not only will it be the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup and the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Asia-Pacific region, but we will unlock the huge potential for growth in women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region.”

There had been media reports that the vote could be tight with UEFA’s European representatives backing Colombia but in the end the margin of victory was wide with Australia and New Zealand

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (FRIDAY JUNE 26, 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)Danny Morrison (vs IND, Napier, 1994) (2Sunil Narine-5/27 (St. Kitts, 2012) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which NZ wicketkeeper has effected most

dismissals against the WI in ODIs to date?

(2Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against NZ in ODIs to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

gaining 22 votes to Colombia’s 13.

INFANTINO SUPPORT

The 2019 World Cup in France was hailed as a watershed for global interest in the women’s game and FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally drove the campaign to increase the field to 32 teams from 24 for 2023.

Infantino had also expressed

a preference for the successful Australia/New Zealand bid during the FIFA Council meeting.

Colombia, who were hoping to become the first South American nation to hold the tournament, were disappointed at the decision but vowed to keep fighting to host a major FIFA event.

“We wanted the seat of the Women’s World Cup 2023 for

Colombia and we gave everything to get it,” the country’s sports Ministry wrote on twitter.

“We will work more strongly to bring another World Cup to Colombia. With the efforts of all, women’s soccer (here)...will keep growing.”

Infantino said the women’s tournament should head to South America soon and suggested that increasing the regularity of the tournament to every two years,

instead of a four-year gap, was worth considering.

“It is something we will look at,” he told reporters after praising the bid process’s transparency.

FIFA published details of their bid evaluation process and released all the individual votes of members of the FIFA Council, in contrast to the secrecy of some of the hosting votes in the past.

U.S. Open to hold wheelchair event after player backlash (REUTERS) - U.S. Open organisers said on Wednesday they will include a wheelchair tournament at this year’s Grand Slam following a player backlash over their decision to scrap the event as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The United States Tennis Association’s announcement comes five days after the national governing body said it was rethinking their decision and that it could have better communicated with wheelchair athletes.

“The decision was made following multiple virtual meetings with a group of wheelchair athletes and the International Tennis Federation over the last week,” the USTA said in a statement.

“The 2020 U.S. Open Wheelchair Competition will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles and quad

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Quad wheelchair singles final - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 27, 2018. Dylan Alcott of Australia celebrates winning against David Wagner of the U.S. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/ File Photo singles and doubles, with nis champion Dylan Alcott, draw sizes similar to past U.S. who led the player backlash and Opens.” had described the exclusion as Australian Paralympic ten- “disgusting discrimination”,

thanked organisers for reversing the decision.

“I was in tears (when the event was excluded),” the twice U.S. Open champion said on Australia’s Channel Nine.

“It was just because it was so hard sometimes, growing up with a disability, where able-bodied people decide which restaurant you go in to, which school you go in to, which tennis tournaments you can play.

“It’s a huge turning point to show how supportive a community can be and from the bottom of my heart, I can’t say thanks enough.”

The changes at this year’s U.S. Open in New York include no spectators, reducing the number of teams in the men’s and women’s doubles events by half, and the elimination of the mixed doubles and juniors competitions.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 26, 2020

‘Match-fixing law will be a game-changer in India’ MAKING match-fixing a criminal offence will be a “game-changer” and the “single-most-effective thing” for sport in India. That is the strong belief of Steve Richardson, the coordinator of investigations at the ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACU).

Ajit Singh, the head of the BCCI’s ACU, concurs with that viewpoint, adding that India also needs a “very strong law” against betting, which is believes is the source of corruption in cricket in India.

With India scheduled to host two global marquee men’s events in the next three years - the 2021 T20 World Cup followed by the ODI World Cup in 2023 - Richardson urged the Indian government to consider creating a match-fixing law for sport like its neighbour Sri Lanka.

In 2019 Sri Lanka became the first major cricket-playing country in South Asia to criminalise match-fixing with punishments including a 10-year prison sentence. The ICC ACU had helped the then Sri Lanka government to draft the legislation in the wake of extensive investigations that found several Lankan cricketers including former captain Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching the corruption code.

“India has got two ICC global events coming up: the T20 World Cup [in 2021] and the World Cup in 2023,” Richardson said. “At the moment with no legislation in place, we’ll have good relations with Indian police, but they are operating with one hand tied behind their back.

We will do everything we can to disrupt the corruptors.

And we do, we make life very, very difficult for them as far and as much as we can to stop them from operating freely.

“But the legislation would be a game-changer in India.

We have currently just under 50 investigations. The majority of those have links back to corruptors in India. So it would be the single-most-effective thing to happen in terms of protecting sport if India introduces match-fixing legislation.”

Both Richardson and Singh were participating in a panel discussion on the subject of ‘Does India need a match-fixing legislation?’ as part of the Sports Law & Policy Symposium held on June 20. The rest of the panel comprised Supreme Court lawyer Rebecca John, who represented Sreesanth in the IPL spot-fixing case, senior journalist Pradeep Magazine, and Suhrith Parthasarthy, a lawyer in the Madras High Court.

More than the players, Richardson stressed the law would deter the corruptors, who he said were right now freely moving around. “I could actually deliver to the Indian police or the Indian government now at least eight names of people who are what I would term serial offenders, constantly approaching players to try and get them to fix matches,” Richardson said. “At the moment with the lack of legislative framework in India it is very limited what the police can do, and to that extent they have my great sympathy because they try as professionally and hard as they can to make the existing legislation work, but the reality is it wasn’t framed with sports corruption in mind.

“So the reason that there is an imperative for legislation specific to match-fixing - yes, it is about the players, but more importantly it is about those outside the sport who actually corrupt the players and are organising and pulling the strings of these networks. Those are the people I would like to see dealt with under match-fixing law.”

To support his stance, Richardson provided the example of the Bribery Act in the UK, which was used to prosecute former Pakistan batsman Nasir Jamshed, who pleaded guilty to charges of bribery in the PSL. Jamshed was handed a 17-month sentence in February by a Manchester court.

In 2010, the Pakistan trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were prosecuted under the 1906 Prevention of Corruption Act which was repealed by the

Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were prosecuted under the 1906 Prevention of Corruption Act (Getty Images) Bribery Act. onment, a fine of INR 10 lakh laughable’ “I see this from a slightly or five times the benefit derived Singh said unverified acdifferent perspective inasmuch from the sporting fraud. counts indicate annual turnover as I do not see the players as the In 2016, the RM Lodha from betting in India is in the main problem when it comes to Committee, which drew up the range of INR 30-40,000 crores. match-fixing,” Richardon said. framework that paved way for Singh pointed out that the cor“The players are the final link in the structural reform of the rupters were not just operating the chain who actually would go BCCI, told the Supreme Court in international sport, but were out on to the pitch and perform that the Law Commission of also busy influencing players any act if they had agreed to India (LCI) should look into and matches in domestic cricket do so. The problem that I see criminalising match-fixing in with some even posing as “godis further upstream and it’s in sport. fathers” to young players the people who are organising Two years later, the LCI “It’s quite an anomaly the corruption, people who are agreed that match-fixing of any that you can bet INR 500 on paying the players the money, kind in sport, including cricket, the outcome of a match for a and most of those sit outside of should be a criminal offence side to win/lose in India and the sport.” carrying significant punishment. that would be illegal. However, ‘No adequate law to cover Calling gambling and betting if you offer USD 30,000 to a match-fixing’ two sides of the same coin, the player to underperform in that As far Singh was concerned, LCI also recommended to the In- match then there is nothing he said the BCCI’s ACU could dian government that it consider illegal in that.” Steve Richarddo “little” as far as the “non-par- regulating betting and gambling son, ICC ACU’s coordinator of ticipants” were concerned. But activities as against imposing Investigations complete prohibition.

Singh said the BCCI’s ACU Singh, a former Indian Police “So definitely there is a had used data agencies like Service officer, who served as requirement for a law which Sportradar to examine the extent DGP Rajasthan before taking criminalises match-fixing,” of betting in some T20 matches charge at the BCCI in 2018, Singh said. According to Singh, in Indian domestic cricket. “It’s agreed that there had been “no the roots of match-fixing lie in not the IPL, but it’s the state adequate law to cover match-fix- betting, which he described as a leagues. It (betting) comes to the tune of maybe [up to 20 million] ing”, which both the federal “malaise” in India.

“Just to make windfall euros or pounds. So the amount government as well as the courts gains illegally in an illegal way of betting even in small matches have recognised previously.

In 2013, the then Indian through betting they [corruptors] is so much that the temptation government even presented a approach the participants - it to fall prey to the demands or draft bill for the prevention of could be a player, it could be a requests of these people is very sporting fraud, but it has not curator, it could be a match offi- high. And it is more so with been acted on subsequently. The cial, whoever. And the amounts people who don’t see much of a draft bill covers the definition of of the money involved are un- future for themselves.

“Cricket is played in rural sporting fraud, the perpetrators, imaginable.”

Betting law - ‘totally ar- areas and mofussil towns and and the punishment - which can extend to five years of impris- chaic and the punishments are there are certain godfathers

have come to finance them.

They see a promising player, finance the player, become his patron, and ultimately what happens is when he is at a level where his games are televised, where he has made it to a certain league, then they extract the pound of flesh. So it needs to be curbed heavily, both at the match-fixing and betting level.”

As it happens betting is illegal in India, but Singh pointed out it was governed by a law that was “laughable” in its current form. The law is the 1867 Public Gambling Act. Those breaching it barely blink an eye, Singh said, with only a cursory monetary penalty to pay. “We need to make a very strong law against betting. Right now the law that exists is totally archaic and the punishments in it are laughable.

You impose a fine of INR 200 or 500 and that’s the end of it.”

Both John and Richardson agreed that the Gambling Act ought to be replaced as soon as possible. “Its quite an anomaly that you can bet INR 500 on the outcome of a match for a side to win/lose in India and that would be illegal,” Richardson said.

“However, if you offer USD 30,000 to a player to underperform in that match then there is nothing illegal in that.”

Richardson pointed out that betting and corruption should been seen as separate only because betting was legal in many countries. “We have to be very, very clear here that betting itself is not corruption. So what is corruption is people who are trying to get to players to corrupt them in order to make money from betting.”

Singh said part of the proposed law against sports corruption should comprise a “specialised” investigating agency, “which keeps a proper database, which can join the dots, which when it sees an alert raised on its screen so it could investigate. Also the law is to facilitate better investigation and better appreciation of what evidence can be collected and what evidence is available.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

Brooks, Dowrich tune up with fifties on final day MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – Shamarh Brooks and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich redeemed themselves with timely half-centuries on the final day of the three-day warm-up match here Thursday, to taste form ahead of the opening Test against England.

Both batsmen failed in the first innings but capitalised the second time around,

Brooks stroking an unbeaten 66 and Dowrich, an unbeaten 56, in Kraigg Brathwaite XI’s second innings total of 231 for four declared.

Left-handed opener Shane Moseley then impressed with an attractive 83 as Jason Holder’s XI gathered 149 for three in their second innings of the drawn encounter at Old Trafford.

Brathwaite’s XI resumed the day on 99 for three but suffered an immediate setback when Roston Chase perished to the day’s third delivery, lbw to pacer Shannon Gabriel, without adding to his overnight four.

However, Brooks and fellow Barbadian Dowrich came together in an unbroken 131run, fifth wicket stand to steer their side out of difficulty.

Brooks, resuming from his overnight four, faced 99 balls and struck 12 fours in just over 2-½ hours at the crease while Dowrich counted seven fours and a six in a breezy 83-ball knock which lasted nearly two hours.

In the first innings, Brooks managed just 17 while Dowrich was rolled over for six.

Ahead by 315 runs,

Brathwaite’s XI declared at the lunch interval and the uncapped Moseley grabbed the opportunity to remind tour selectors of his ability with a polished half-century.

The 26-year-old counted nine fours and a six off 142 deliveries in 3-¼ hours at the crease but failed to find a committed partner until Nkrumah Bonner, who made 24

not out, joined him to add 59 in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership.

West Indies will play their second warm-up fixture, a four-day encounter at the same venue, starting next Monday.

It will be their final preparation game before they take on England in the opening Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

‘First love’

- HOW 1983 WORLD CUP WIN TRIGGERED INDIA’S OBSESSION WITH CRICKET

Batsman Sunil Gavaskar (L) and former captain Kapil Dev were two of the heroes of India’s 1983 World Cup win (AFP Photo/Dibyangshu SARKAR)

“FIRST LOVE cannot be forgotten,” is how one member of Kapil Dev’s team describes India’s debut cricket World Cup win in 1983 -- a victory that aroused passions so fierce they would change the game forever.

When ‘Kapil Devils’ stunned the West Indies at Lord’s, the traditional home of cricket, it triggered an obsession with the sport in India and created its biggest market -- ultimately making India’s board the richest and most powerful in the world.

India was previously a hockey-loving nation, owing to their five Olympic gold medals between 1948 and 1980. But on June 25, 1983, India’s cricketers became world-beaters.

Nobody saw the victory coming, after India came into the one-day tournament with just one win -- against East Africa -- in the previous two editions.

“We never, ever imagined we would reach the quarter-final or the knockout stage,” Syed Kirmani, the team’s flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman, told AFP. “A few of my colleagues in that team had expressed themselves that ‘we are going to have fun, enjoy ourselves and that’s it’.

“But we laid a very strong foundation by winning the Cup. It is like the first love cannot be forgotten. Thirty-seven years have gone, people still remember our victory.”

He added: “The younger generation are also keen to know when we won the first World Cup and who were the players. Oh God, it is a fantastic, nostalgic feeling.”

- Watershed moment India’s run to the title is soon to get the Bollywood treatment, with popular actor Ranveer Singh playing Dev. MS Dhoni later led India to the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup title in 2007 and their second ODI world trophy in 2011, but the victory in England will always remain a watershed moment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is now the wealthiest association in the game and players like Sunil Gavaskar, part of the 1983 team, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have been

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Clare Connor to be first female MCC president in 233 years London (AFP) - Former England women’s captain Clare Connor is to become the first female president of Marylebone Cricket Club in its 233-year history.

Current incumbent Kumar Sangakkara, the first non-British MCC president, nominated Connor via video link from his native Sri Lanka during an annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Connor, now the England and Wales Cricket Board’s head of women’s cricket, is set to take up her new post on October 1, 2021, subject to the membership’s approval.

Presidents of MCC usually remain in post for one year but San-

gakkara’s term is set to be extended by a further 12 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was not until 1998 that MCC, which owns Lord’s Cricket Ground, voted to allow women to become members.

Prior to that, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was one of the few women allowed in the Lord’s pavilion.

“I am deeply honoured to be named the next president of MCC,” said Connor in a statement.

“Cricket has enriched my life so deeply already, and now it hands me this wonderful privilege.

“We often need to look back to see how far we’ve come. I made my

first visit to Lord’s as a starry-eyed, cricket-obsessed nine-year-old girl at a time when women were not welcome in the Long Room (of the pavilion).

- ‘Times have changed’ The 43-year-old Connor, now the chair of the International Cricket Council’s women’s cricket committee, added: “Times have changed.

Now I find myself entrusted with this remarkable opportunity –- the opportunity to play a part in helping MCC, cricket’s most influential club, to thrive and grow in an even more modern and inclusive future.

SEE PAGE 23

Former England women’s captain Clare Connor

Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a league title is over after they were confirmed as Premier League champions.

Liverpool win Premier League title with seven games to spare See story on page 23

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FRIDAY,JUNE 26, 2020