Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_09_2020

THURSDAY 9th July, 2020

' No.106055

‘IT'S ALL UP TO GECOM’ SEE STORIES ON PAGES 03 & 09

…President tells supporters CCJ did not issue coercive orders

…ball back in GECOM’s court; urges patience …Attorney Mayo Robertson says CCJ maintained that the law demands valid votes for election declaration

President David Granger

Man dies after Banks DIH building collapses on him

Several homes damaged by early morning storm

Sophia murder suspect shot dead by police

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CCJ sets aside Court of Appeal ruling PAGE

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…throws out CEO report, assumes jurisdiction in elections matter

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

CCJ sets aside Court of Appeal ruling …throws out CEO report, assumes jurisdiction in elections matter

By Svetlana Marshall THE Caribbean Court

of Justice, in assuming jurisdiction to hear an application filed by

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), has set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal on the interpretation of the Constitution; and invalidated the Elections Report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

The judgment was handed down virtually on Wednesday (July 8)

by President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders in the presence of Justice Jacob Wit, Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Justice Denys Barrow and Justice Peter Jamadar – all of whom formed part of the panel of judges that presided over the case filed by PPP/C’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali. Justice Saunders, in handing down the judgement, said while decisions made under Article 177 (4) of the Constitution are final as

Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee

Justice Jacob Wit

Justice Peter Jamadar

Justice Denys Barrow

indicated by the Constitution and the Caribbean Court of Justice Act, the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the application filed by North Sophia voter, Eslyn David.

David, in a Notice of Motion, had asked the Court of Appeal to interpret the words “more votes are cast” in Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution, and by a twoone majority on June 22, the Appellate Court, in its ordinary jurisdiction under Article 177

(4), ordered that the words be interpreted to mean “more valid votes are cast.”

JURISDICTION But the CCJ President said David’s application was not based on the qualification of a President or interpretation of the Constitution as required by Article 177 (4) but rather Order No. 60, which triggered the national recount.

“Article 177 (4) only affords jurisdiction to the

Court of Appeal if the question raised as to the validity of an election of a president depends upon the qualification of any person for an election or on the interpretation of the Constitution,” Justice Saunders explained.

He added: “It is evident that from the nature of Ms David’s complaints and issues she placed before the Court of Appeal, that the questions raised by her, did not depend upon the qualification of any person for election or on the interpretation of the Constitution. Ms David’s complaint was really about the impact of Order 60, and about the conduct of GECOM; [and] what the Court of Appeal, majority did, did was to embark upon an exercise of interpreting Order 60.”

The CCJ President said that there was no need for the Court of Appeal to interpret Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution because it needs no interpretation.

“Article 177 (2) (b), in fact, requires no refinement.

That article, in plain and simple language, has always said what it meant and meant what it said. There was no need for an interpretation of that article or any other article of the Constitution,” Justice Saunders said.

He made it clear that there was nothing in David’s application to trigger the Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction under Article 177 (4). “The Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to make the orders that were made.

Those orders were not made under Article 177 (4) of the Constitution,” the CCJ President ruled.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

‘IT'S ALL UP TO GECOM’ …President says CCJ did not issue coercive orders …ball back in GECOM’s court

By Lisa Hamilton PRESIDENT David Granger said on Wednesday that now that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled on Guyana’s elections matter, the ball has been placed back into the courts of the Elections Commission which is now expected to continue the process towards a final declaration with consideration to the “massive” electoral fraud uncovered during the elections.

Following the CCJ ruling yesterday, a group of supporters of the APNU+AFC gathered outside of State House and the President came out to speak with them. He said that, as far as the APNU+AFC is concerned, “massive” electoral fraud has been uncovered from the elections and his party will continue to fight to ensure that the valid votes of all eligible electors count. “[The Caribbean Court of Justice] has made no coercive orders. That means they have not given any instructions to what GECOM is empowered under the laws of Guyana to do. So, we will have to assess the situation in which we are in now. The matter will go back to the Election Commission, but as far as we are concerned, we have evidence that there

has been massive fraud and irregularities and we will continue the fight to make sure that your votes are counted,” he told supporters, who were pleased to hear the commitments.

On Wednesday, the CCJ, in assuming jurisdiction to hear an application filed by People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal on the interpretation of the Constitution and invalidated the Elections Report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield.

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, in handing down the decision, said while decisions made under Article 177 (4) are final as indicated by the Constitution and the Caribbean Court of Justice Act, the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the application filed by Eslyn David.

David’s application, Justice Saunders said, was not based on the qualification of a President or interpretation of the Constitution, but rather the Order No. 60, which triggered the national recount. President Granger told the supporters that while this is the longest the country has ever had to wait for the completion of an election, it is important that not just any results are delivered to the people, but results which have credibility and represent

President David Granger

Campaign Co-Chairman of the APNU+AFC, Joseph Harmon

the will of the electorate.

He urged them to be patient for a little while

APNU+AFC Executive Aubrey Norton

longer and as they await the decision of the commission.

The President said: “Our

party, our partnership and our coalition are committed to the rule of law. The CCJ has not allowed the position that our Court of Appeal has taken but it means that the matter will now have to go back to the Elections Commission.

So, the matter is not closed, it now has to go back to the Election Commission. So, we still have to be patient. I know it’s been a long wait.

We all went out on March 2, March passed, April passed, May passed, June passed and now we’re in July. It is the first time this has happened in the history of our country and it has happened because there are some bad elements out there who tried to manipulate the vote by having votes recorded for dead people; people who had migrated; more votes in a polling station than they had electors.

We know all of the faults and our party, our partnership and our coalition has been bringing these complaints of abuses and irregularities to the attention of the public and also to the attention of the court.”

Meanwhile, Campaign Co-Chairman of the APNU+AFC, Joseph Harmon, said that now that the CCJ has ruled, it is expected that GECOM will continue with the necessary process, in keeping with the Constitution, which speaks to the requirement of valid votes.

CCJ sets aside Court of Appeal...

While David’s Attorney, Senior Counsel John Jeremie had argued that Court of Appeal had interpreted the Constitution as provided for in Article 177 (4), such an argument did not sit well with the regional court on the basis that the concept of “valid votes” is well known to the legislative framework governing the electoral process. In support of the CCJ’s position, Justice Saunders pointed to the Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act that references to the phrase “valid votes” and in doing so calls on the Chief Election Officer to calculate ‘the total number of valid votes of electors which have been cast for each list of candidates.’

“Validity in this context means, and could only mean, those votes that, on their face, are valid. The determination of such

validity is a transparent exercise that weeds out of the process, for example, spoilt or rejected ballots.

This is an exercise conducted in the presence of the duly appointed candidates and counting agents of contesting parties. It is after such invalid votes are weeded out that the remaining “valid votes” count towards a determination of not only the members of the National Assembly but, incidentally as well, the various listed Presidential candidates,” Justice Saunders explained.

It was noted that if the integrity of a ballot, or the manner in which a vote was procured, is questioned beyond the validation exercise, as was done by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Agent, Joseph Harmon, such could only be pursued under Article 163 of

the Constitution by way of an Elections Petition within 28 days of the declaration of the results of the elections.

On the basis that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the case, the CCJ ruled that the finality clause in Article 177 (4) was inoperable, and as such, it had jurisdiction to hear and determine the application by Ali and Jagdeo.

ELECTIONS REPORT Justice Saunders said the flawed interpretation of the Constitution by the Court of Appeal has resulted in an unlawful validation exercise by the Chief Elections Officer.

“By the unnecessary insertion, into Article 177 (2) (b), of the word “valid”, the Court of Appeal impliedly invited the CEO to engage, unilaterally, in a further

and unlawful validation exercise trespassed on the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court established by Article 163. It was inconsistent with the Constitutional framework for the CEO or GECOM to disenfranchise tens of thousands of electors in a seemingly nontransparent and arbitrary manner without the due processes established in Article 163 and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act,” the CCJ President said.

The CCJ’s decision places the electoral process back into the hands of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and according to the apex court, it is now for GECOM to act. Justice Saunders, while invalidating the Elections Report which was submitted on June 23, said GECOM must ensure that the CEO

“The end of this matter in the Caribbean Court of Justice, puts the matter back to GECOM for the final decisions to be made in the declaration and swearing in of our President. As we have said all along, our Constitution made provision for the actions taken by the Chief Elections Officer. We expect that GECOM, in its understanding of the court’s ruling, will stand firmly with the Constitution which is our Supreme law,” he stated.

Adding his voice to the matter also was APNU+AFC Executive, Aubrey Norton, who stated: “We believe GECOM must live by the law and, under the law, GECOM is expected to deliver on credible votes…if we focus only on tabulated votes we are going to be in a position where we are perpetuating fraud. We are not disposed to any government that will come into power by fraud and we expect that when the Guyana Elections Commission meets they will honor their own Order and in honoring that Order they will be obligated to ensure that what goes into that report is credible votes.” Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are scheduled to meet today at 13:30 hours for deliberation on the decisions of the court.

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submits a report in accordance with its directive of June 16, in an effort to proceed along the path directed by the laws of Guyana.

“As Guyana’s final court, we cannot, however, pretend to be oblivious to events that have transpired since December 2018. Indeed, we have had to pronounce on some of those events. It has been four months since the Elections were held and the country has been without a Parliament for well over a year. No one in Guyana would regard this as a satisfactory state of affairs.

We express the fervent hope that there would quickly be a peaceable restoration of normalcy. Now, the law must run its course,” the CCJ President said.

He noted that the court’s judgment was unanimous.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

US surpasses three million coronavirus cases (BBC) More than three million people in the US have tested positive for Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Over 131,000 deaths have been reported, and on Tuesday the US broke its record for most new cases reported in one day.

Despite the rise, the White House wants to press forward on some reopenings, including for schools.

U S Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t Mike Pence, who leads the White House Coronavirus Taskforce, argued rules should not be “too tough”.

Cases were flattening out, he said, while President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that America was “in a good place” regarding the pandemic.

Over 60,000 new cases were reported Tuesday, shattering the previous highest tally of 55,220 new

cases on 2 July.

The latest figures come as the states of California and Texas each reported more than 10,000 new

“knee-deep” in only its first coronavirus wave.

What did Mr Pence say?

Speaking to reporters

He added that the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will issue new guidelines on reopening schools after

California and Texas each reported more than 10,000 new daily cases on Tuesday

daily cases.

Dr Anthony Fauci, infectious disease expert and adviser to the White House on the coronavirus, said the country was still

THURSDAY, 09 JULY ― 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

at the US Department of Education on Wednesday, Mr Pence defended the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic.

“While we mourn with those who mourn, because of what the American people have done, because of the extraordinary work of our healthcare workers around the country, we are encouraged that the average fatality rate continues to be low and steady,” he said after lowering his face mask.

Mr Trump criticised a plan put forward by the expert body as “very tough and expensive” and threatened to cut off funding to schools that don’t open in the autumn.

“The president said today we just don’t want the guidance to be too tough,” Mr Pence said. “That’s the reason why, next week, CDC is going to be issuing a new set of tools, five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance

going forward.”

Schools in the US normally begin for the year in either August or early September.

The CDC’s guidelines suggest pupils and staff all wear face coverings and stay at home if necessary. They also suggest schools should implement staggered timetables and socially distanced seating arrangements, and close communal spaces.

What other developments have their been?

On Wednesday, United Airlines warned that unless flights dramatically increase, the company will have to lay off nearly half of its workers - totalling some 36,000 employees.

In a memo to employees, the Chicago-based airlines requested that they undergo voluntary furloughs, and warned that flight attendants and airport customer service personnel will be most affected.

Meanwhile, two prestigious universities in the US are taking legal action against the government over an immigration rule they say will force international students to leave the country.

Under the rule, introduced by the Trump administration, foreign students would be barred from staying in the country if their colleges don’t hold in-person classes this autumn.

Much university teaching is shifting online during the pandemic.

Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - two of the highest-ranking universities in the world - have now asked a federal court to block the rule.

Harvard President Lawrence Bacow said in an email to the Harvard community: “We will pursue this case vigorously so that our international students - and international students at institutions across the country - can continue their studies without the threat of deportation.”

Alexander Vindman, witness ‘bullied by Trump’, quits US military

(BBC) A senior official fired from the White House after testifying against Donald Trump during impeachment hearings has quit the military.

Lt Col Alexander Vindman was the victim of a “campaign of bullying, intimidation and retaliation” by the president, his lawyer said.

Lt Col Vindman’s “concern” over a phone call between Mr Trump and Ukraine’s president led to a Senate trial.

The Republican-majority Senate acquitted the president in February.

What has Lt Col Vindman’s lawyer said?

A statement said he had retired after 21 years of military service because his future would be “forever limited”.

His representative, David Pressman, said Lt Col Vindman had spoken publicly only once on the matter - under subpoena from Congress.

He said: “LTC Vindman did what the law compelled him to do; and for that he was bullied by the president and his proxies.”

Mr Pressman added that he had “put the interests of his country ahead of his own. “LTC Vindman’s patriotism has cost him his career,” he said.

Lt Col Vindman tweeted confirming his decision: On Monday, Senator and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth said she had still not been assured

by Secretary of Defence Mark Esper that the White House would not interfere with Lt Col Vindman’s promotion to full colonel.

However, one senior US defence official told Reuters on Wednesday that Mr Esper had approved Lt Col Vindman’s promotion on Monday, and that the list of promotions was to be sent to the White House in the coming days.

There has been no response from the White House yet to Lt Col Vindman’s retirement.

What led to his White House sacking?

Testifying in Congress last November, Lt Col Vindman, a Ukraine expert, said he was “concerned” after hearing Mr Trump’s “improper” phone call on 25 July 2019 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The call led to Mr Trump’s impeachment in December by the Democrat-majority House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Democratic lawmakers argued that the president had dangled US aid in exchange for political favours.

When asked how he had overcome his fear of retaliation in order to testify, Lt Col Vindman testified: “Congressman, because this is America... and here, right matters.”

After the Senate acquittal, Lt Col Vindman was escorted from the White House.

President Trump tweeted at the time: “Actually, I don’t know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don’t believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my ‘perfect’ calls incorrectly, &. was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information.

In other words, ‘OUT’.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

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Brazil coronavirus: Bolsonaro’s cabinet gets tested (BBC) Ministers who have had contact with Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, over the past days are getting tested for coronavirus.

Mr Bolsonaro announced on Tuesday that he had tested positive after developing a high temperature and a cough.

He said that he was already feeling better and later posted a video on social media of himself taking the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine.

Mr Bolsonaro has in the past played down the risks posed by coronavirus.

Who’s been tested?

A number of ministers have already revealed that they have tested negative for coronavirus. Among them are Regional Development Minister Rogério Marinho, Secretary of Government Luiz Eduardo Ramos and Mr Bolsonaro’s chief of staff, Walter Souza Braga Netto.

Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, who attended an Independence Day celebration

with Mr Bolsonaro on Saturday, and tweeted a picture of himself with the president, also says he tested negative.

in quarantine.

In a photo posted by the ambassador neither the president nor the ambassador were

The office of the president released photos of the rooms where Mr Bolsonaro had been being deep cleaned by

US Ambassador Todd Chapman (left) and Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo came into contact with Mr Bolsonaro

The US embassy, which hosted the event, said that Ambassador Todd Chapman, who had had lunch with the president on Saturday was also clear of the virus, but added that he would remain

wearing masks.

Three more senior members of Mr Bolsonaro’s cabinet said they had taken the test but the results are not yet known.

Business as usual?

workers in protective suits.

Mr Bolsonaro told journalists on Tuesday that he was feeling “very well” and removed his mask so they could “look at my face”.

He also said that he was

taking hydroxychloroquine championed by US President Donald Trump - and azithromycin, an antibiotic, to treat the illness. Neither has been proven to be effective against the virus.

He also posted a video on Facebook [in Portuguese] in which he can be seen swallowing a pill and saying that he “has trust in hydroxychloroquine”.

“We know today there are other remedies that can help fight the coronavirus,” he says in the video.

“We know none of them have their efficacy scientifically proven, but I’m one more person for whom this is working. So I trust hydroxychloroquine. Do you?”

Mr Bolsonaro has cancelled a planned trip to Brazil’s north-east, but has said he will continue working and holding meetings with his ministers via videoconference.

What is the state of Covid-19 in Brazil?

Infections in Brazil and

Latin America as a whole took a while to take hold but then started to rise, initially for Brazil in its Amazonas region but then more starkly in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Brazil became only the second country to pass one million cases on 20 June and has continued to rise, passing 1.5 million. Many experts believe deficiencies in testing mean the overall figures for cases and deaths could be considerably higher.

Nevertheless lockdowns began to be lifted in many areas even as the cases surged.

Both Rio and São Paulo have reopened bars and restaurants in the past week.

Two health ministers both doctors - have left their posts after disagreements with the president.

One ray of hope though is Brazil’s renowned expertise in vaccines. Two major vaccine tests, in partnership with AstraZeneca and Sinovac, are to begin final phase testing on thousands of Brazilian volunteers.

Mexico missing students: Bone fragments identified (BBC) Forensic experts have identified the remains of a student who disappeared along with 42 other trainee teachers in the western Mexican state of Guerrero in 2014.

The attorney-general’s office said the bone fragments were those of Christian Alfonso Rodríguez Telumbre.

He is only the second member of the group to be officially listed as dead.

The disappearance of the 43 triggered demonstrations against impunity and state complicity with organised crime.

A government report released shortly after they went missing said the students were killed by the criminal gang Guerreros Unidos (United Warriors), which mistook them for members of a rival group.

But subsequent independent investigations have cast doubts on the official report’s findings, and the results from these latest tests further raise suspicion about the original probe.

What is the case about?

The case dates back to 26 September 2014 when the 43 students disappeared after attending a protest in the town of Iguala in the state of Guerrero.

As they were travelling back to their teacher training college in nearby Ayotzinapa, they were confronted by municipal police who opened fire on the buses they were travelling in.

The officers maintained they had done so because the buses had been hijacked by the students, but the surviving students said the drivers had agreed to give them a lift.

Forty-three of the students vanished after the clash.

What did the original investigation uncover?

An official government report published during the presidency of Enrique Peña Nieto said the students had been seized by the municipal police officers who handed them over to the Guerreros Unidos.

The report concluded that the gang had killed the 43, burned their bodies at a rubbish dump in a place called Cocula and thrown their ashes into a local stream.

Why were the findings questioned?

As early as 2015, independent investigators from the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights warned that the official investigation was “deeply flawed”.

They said that satellite images showed there had

been no fire on the night of the students’ disappearance.

They also said that because the chain of evidence had been broken, it was not clear whether the charred remains of Alexander Mora, the only student to be positively identified at the time, were found at the rubbish dump or planted there.

The Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is one of those who has been critical of how the official investigation was handled by his predecessor.

Last year, he ordered a new investigation, which he said would “start from scratch”.

As part of the new probe, investigators carried out fresh searches in the area where the students disappeared.

What did the new investigation reveal?

Omar Gómez, who leads the special unit in the attorney-general’s office charged with reinvestigating the case, said the bone fragments had been found in November in a ravine near Cocula, about 800m (half a mile) from the rubbish dump.

They were sent to the University of Innsbruck in Austria for analysis and forensic experts there concluded that they matched the DNA of Christian Alfonso

Rodríguez Telumbre.

Mr Gómez also said that at the location where the bone fragments were found there was no evidence of a fire, which appears to contradict the original report’s version that the students’ remains were incinerated.

“It [the bone fragment] was not tossed or found in the Cocula dump, nor in the San Juan River like the previous administration held up publicly and legally,” Mr Gómez said. He added that in

his opinion the original report had thereby been proven to be false.

What happens next?

Further remains found at the site are expected to be sent for analysis.

The relatives of the students, meanwhile, are demanding that more be done to track down the man who led the original investigation, Tomás Zerón.

Mr Zerón, who is believed to have gone on the run and fled Mexico, has

been charged with involvement in the torture of Guerreros Unidos suspects who - under duress - confessed in 2014 to killing and burning the students’ bodies.

Some of the relatives believe that the Guerreros Unidos were convenient scapegoats and that Mr Zerón holds key information about what happened to the students.

An Interpol red notice has been issued for his arrest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

International cooperation

GUYANA is a member of the international community, and, as a young nation, has played a significant role in influencing principles and decisions at various fora; not forgetting that it has given leadership to the conceptualising and building of the regional integration process upon which CARICOM has been established. Guyana’s role and influence in the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War need to be remembered. The nation’s presence in that body assisted in shaping the diplomatic message on the world stage, and aided the protection of this country’s sovereignty, in that it was not wedded to the geopolitical dynamics between the East and West, but secured cooperation on issues and principles. It was this relationship that enhanced the country’s image and brought with it solidarity on several issues that were in our national interest. This positioning resulted in Guyana

acquiring significant support in the defence of its borders against claims made by our neighbours, Suriname and Venezuela. The country also benefitted from technical support, aid and trade from places such as the ABC countries, Eastern Europe, Asia and Cuba. Our participation in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa was clearly defined by us and effectively articulated at the international level, and this played a significant role in bringing an end to apartheid. That was the period when foreign policy was defined and driven by a proficient group of foreign service officials, the likes of Rashleigh Jackson.

Even though Guyana was a young nation, small in size, population and economy, our intellectual prowess was of such that the nation was able to hold its own among others in influencing and developing major strategies on the world stage. International cooperation is premised on

universal principles and practices, and the practices will shift, based on a nation’s developmental thrust, guided by the principles at the international level. In recent years, reference has been made to the Green Economy, which has its genesis in a White Paper prepared by a group of British experts in the 1990s. This has since morphed into an international position which describes growth in an economy based on the Human Development Index (HDI). This new model of development has impacted Guyana. The Green Economy is shaped by three pillars, namely: (i) Environment, (ii) Labour policies consistent with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Core Labour Standards, and (iii) Sustainable development. Prior to the world embracing this new philosophy, Guyana had distinguished itself as a forerunner. Under the leadership of President H. Desmond Hoyte, Guyana sought to address

environmental issues by making Iwokrama available as a model for addressing extraction of our forest and its impact on sustainable development. As the nation continued to play a role in leading the way in defining what the Green Economy ought to be, during the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was introduced as another element. The full implementation and sustainability of the Green Economy is dependent on all international institutions not only publicly recognising the elements of the Green Economy, but beginning the process of measuring growth and development based on HDI. The nation needs to advocate and agitate that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should change its tools of measuring development. Whereas the growth in the Green Economy must be measured by HDI, and the international financial institutions

continue the practice of measuring growth by a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Guyana is once again presented a scenario to influence and win cooperation to have the measurement changed.

Measuring growth in a Green Economy has to address issues such as education, health, jobs created, how many persons have been brought above the poverty line, respect for international labour policies and laws, management of the environment, both in the extractive sector and solid and liquid waste, etc. While international institutions and countries engage in cooperation with Guyana consistent with specific interests, this nation, too, shoulders a responsibility to make sure that our national interest is advanced and embraced in shaping international policies and laws.

Freddie will never be a George Floyd who lives his entire life with a knee on his neck and begging to breathe Dear Editor I thank my friend Freddie Kissoon for his reply to my letter about his wrongdoings as it relates to African Guyanese honour. By Freddie’s standard it was a mild reply. He expressed his disagreements with me without resort to his usual character assassination. I however, wish to make a few points as I close off this episode. First, Freddie says he does not give a “damn” about Black, White, Indian, etc. Well, Freddie clearly does not realise that that is a privilege he enjoys simply because he is not Black. Black people do not have that privilege.

Freddie will never be a George Floyd who lives his entire life with a knee on his neck and begging to breathe. Freddie enjoys privileges simply because he is non-Black. He can choose to be blind and not see skin color. But race is skin color with meaning. I am not surprised that he does not see that. He does not have to.

Second, Freddie says I am one-dimensional in my analysis of Guyanese sociology. I know I am not one-dimensional, and Freddie knows that. But he has to place me there to make his point that Black people are too preoccupied with race. A construct which was invented to deny us our humanity. Yet according to Freddie we must ignore it. We must ignore the persistent threat to our humanity and join Freddie in his foolish chant about Mingo. That may be the greatest threat to Freddie. But race and racism are the greatest threats to Black humanity.

Freddie can choose to ignore the fact that Black People are the only group which has to constantly proclaim its humanity.

Third, Freddie says Kwayana is not his hero. That is your business, Freddie. But Kwayana is a hero to Black People in Guyana and beyond.

He is our Mandela and Martin Luther King. He is our example of public and private morality. You can criticise his politics or his political thought. But you have gone beyond that. You are

seeking to desecrate him. In doing so you are wittingly or unwittingly striking at the heart of Black honor and Black being. And for that you deserve the wrath of our ancestors—spiritual and cultural rebuke. Leave our hero alone, Freddie. That is all we ask of you. You do not see black columnists using their columns to every “two morning” desecrate Cheddi Jagan, or Stephen Campbell or Peter D’ Aguiar.

Clean up your act in that regard Freddie, just leave Kwayana out of your nonsense.

Let me leave Freddie with a quote from a mutual hero, the indomitable Walter Rodney, who Freddie tries every day to turn into a Black token in service of non-Black narratives of insult against Black people: “Black Power is a doctrine about black people, for black people, preached by black people. I am putting it to my black brothers and sisters that the color of our skins is the most fundamental thing about us. I could have chosen to talk about people of the same island, or the same religion,

or the same class – but instead I have chosen skin color as essentially the most binding factor in our world. In so doing, I am not saying that is the way things ought to be. I am simply recognising the real world – that is the way things are. Under different circumstances, it would have been nice to be color blind, to choose my friends solely because their social interests coincided with mine – but no conscious black man can allow himself such luxuries in the contemporary world.”

Rodney, our hero, according to your one-dimensional characterisation is very guilty. Freddie, you would excommunicate him from your congregation of Rodneyites. That is another task you have when you visit us in Buxton for that much awaited speech on what Kwayana did when he was Sydney King--- you will have to explain to them why your hero is just as one dimensional as others. And while you are at it Freddie, tell Buxtonions if you change your mind about whether Comrade

Jagdeo practiced “ideological racism” (systemic racism) when he held office.

And why you asked a one-dimensional “racist” named David Hinds to be your expert witness.

This story too sweet, my friend.

After the election is over and your workload gets lighter, we will still hang out and have a good laugh at how you let Mingo make you say weird things about your cherished Rodneyite friends and dash them out of your church. Your Rodneyite church is now empty because you just expelled the last two members on Tuesday. You have to recruit new members. Recruitment time— Comrade Bharrat, Comrade Ali, Comrade Priya, Brother Shuman and do not forget those statues of democracy you promised to build around Guyana. Soon full again, High Priest of the Rodneyite church—until your next mass expulsion exercise.

Regards Dr David Hinds

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

Guyana Bar Association is partisan Dear editor, Just when we thought it was safe to venture outside, here comes the Guyana Bar Association, slithering from under a PPP/C controlled rock with venom directed at the APNU+AFC. No surprises there. On this occasion, the mediocre LLBs came out in unsolicited defence of CCJ Judges who are far more effectual at legal defence by virtue of their superior legal standing.

And sat back we did, completely gobsmacked that this very Bharrat Association appeared to have lost their voices at critical times when provided with mountainous opportunities to reprimand their parent political party, PPP/C. Many wondered, included myself, if COVID-19 induced laryngitis had afflicted their vocal cords rendering them mute.

For surely these events that

played out over this past four months were impossible to miss. So desperate for divine intervention, the skies became our only hope.

Hoping against hope that the discredited Bharrat Association would make those valued pronouncements on matters of national interest.

But all we experience in those skies was the ultraviolet rays of the penetrating sun, burning our retinas.

No Bharrat Association.

No pronouncements from our legal dilettantes were forthcoming. And with their palpable absence we were left to deal with our psychological scars. Scar, which, were many.

And these scars were more painful for some but afflicted all. The Chairwoman of GECOM traumatised by daily death threats from the PPP/C. The retired judge lost her privacy as 24hrs armed police protection had to be provided. We waited and

waited but no pronouncement from the Bharrat Association was forthcoming. Hell would have frozen over before their vocal cords were engaged.

And yet another opportunity presented itself for their pronouncement. On this occasion the victims were the APNU+AFC Commissioners, who numbered three, were given a toxic dose of death threats from PPP/C. Snipers had to be placed on their roofs but sadly the Bharrat Association remained completely silent. The CEO of GECOM, a man made of steel as an army veteran, was also visited with death threats from PPP/C. He too needed protection to live another day but the Bharrat Association was silent. The Region Four returning officer was made the election punching bag by the PPP/C. He too required armed protection as the Bharrat Association remained mute under an unmarked rock. The PPP/C terroristic

acts on the East Coast where young children and the police were attacked with many requiring hospitalisation, but that was not enough to gain the attention of the Bharrat Association. One of their fellow mediocre and equally obese LLBs made threats to two policewomen in the Ashmins building that was housing GECOM but yet again the Bharrat Association could not find their voices.

During the recount at the ACCC, a PPP/C former minister allegedly assaulted a doctor trying to check his temperature but still our legal numbskulls remained invisible. Two of our Appeal Court Judges came under attack from PPP/C but silence was all we got from the Bharrat Association. But now the PPP/C has a dead on arrival case at the CCJ, the Bharrat Association awoke and come out in defence of the CCJ Judges for perceived verbal hostilities. Why?

And even as we sat in awe listening to sophisticated legal arguments emanating from the CCJ, a notable absence was our mediocre LLBs. They were rightly relegated to the dunce corner. Yes they were present but were relegated to the three groups of shame. The somnolence.

The back seaters. The legal extras. For anyone with an iota of professional pride would have been concerned about the low status they have in the Caribbean.

Not these cohort of political LLBs. They have accepted their role as the PPP/C political stooges.

They care less about improving the standard of jurisprudence in the land of many waters. They are happy and contented to swim in their mediocrity.

Guyana will forever have chicken thieves. Chicken thieves will forever need

their services. Matters of the constitution are way beyond their intellectual capacities and they know that. This is a very sad state of affair. A very sad state of affair. So I pray the day will come where new breed of jurist will replace this bias and unambitious lot. This lot that continue to cause us nothing but international shame. Dr. Francis Alexis was birth in a small island with a population of approximately one hundred thousand, yet he is the region’s preeminent constitutional scholar. Who do we have to boast about?

Just a collection of chicken thief lawyers. Well done the Guyana Bar Association.

Well done!

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

Declare a Coalition ‘win’ subject to bi-election for remaining 55% electorate within 12 months Dear Editor Many have cast aspersions on the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) report presented to the GECOM Board. On June 13, 2020 when Mr. Lowenfield presented his report to GECOM stating in summary it cannot be ascertained the recount results meet a criteria of fair, credible elections, in keeping with the Recount Order. Those ready to jump down his throat said he must present an outcome or result. They argued that despite missing, supporting documentation (tantamount to fraud) to go with some 1300 ballot boxes, almost 55 per cent of the electorate, Mr. Lowenfield and GECOM cannot allow an annulment of the elections. So on June 23, 2020, having been almost forced to produce a final result from the overall discredited report, the CEO

produces a report based on his judgement, knowledge and experience what he believes to be realistic numbers, giving credibility to now about 75 per cent of the ballots. Those who clamored for a result, now switched to the other side of their mouths including Western Nations and other observers, and began discrediting this approach.

Almost simultaneously as the matter went through the courts, Court of Appeal and Caribbean Court of Justice, the very Western Diplomats, OAS, CARICOM Leaders, US Congressional and Senate members, and CARICOM Secretariat, seized upon the opportunity to cite the CARICOM Report as giving credibility to the elections recount process. However, the CARICOM Report is at best duplicitous; its Executive Summary differs from its recommendations, which

then differs from its conclusions, even within themselves. Some of the main examples include: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “Nothing they witnessed warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of results of the March 2, 2020 elections.”

RECOMMENDATIONS “Yes, the recount suggests that the poll was far from perfect but the imperfections cannot deny that the elections and therefore the recount were reasonably credible.”

CONCLUSION “It therefore, behoves whichever political party emerges victorious from these elections …”.

So if these external bodies and governments are asking

GECOM to comply with the CARICOM Report to decide on a declaration, it remains completely unclear what GECOM has to do. Further, both main parties have speculated that the CCJ will likely return judgement in favour of GECOM itself deciding the next move. Given the various scenarios presented by the CARICOM Recount Report, the CEO’s Report and wide ranging powers of GECOM, it is my judgement that Lowenfield and GECOM Secretariat have the two options, one, annulling the results and setting a timeframe for new elections.

The other option, perhaps most realistic and credible in the unchartered circumstances we find ourselves in, is an interim declaration in favour of the current administration on the basis of the CEO’s initial submission on 13 June 2020 or 45 per cent of deemed credible

results, APNU+AFC: 125,000 to PPP/C: 56,000. But, this declaration is conditional on a bi-election taking place within 12 months, for the remaining 55 per cent of the electorate deemed inadmissible at this time, with a fresh house-tohouse registration process to arrive at a clean list. This will be helped by the fact that it was entire boxes or polling stations that were deemed fraudulent by the CEO. Such an approach will restore credibility to GECOM, alleviate the mounting tensions and massive fall out on both sides, which will likely have dire consequences to the country, its people and economy. And allow us all to breathe!

Regards Krishna Persaud

OP-ED

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

Breaking down the CCJ ruling

By Maxwell Edwards THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as our apex court, arrogated to, and gave itself jurisdiction in spite of section 4 (3) of the CCJ Act. The CCJ found that appellate jurisdiction by saying that article 177 (2) (b) means what it says. It does not need any interpretation. No Consequential Order was made. Most significantly, the CCJ ruled that the CEO advice tendered to Gecom was invalid because it was guided by the Court of Appeal (COA) ruling which was set aside by the CCJ as having been made in excess of jurisdiction. No post mortem can change that.

But the CCJ would need to clarify what is the effect as to its obiter dicta, inter alia, that the recount votes are valid unless invalidated by a court. Does it override

the ten (10) declarations of the ROs (made under and pursuant to ROPA, Cap 1:03 to which any order (i.e.

SL which Order 60/2020 is, must be subject) and which are extant and have not been invalidated by any court.

So, what in practical terms does the ruling means?

Simply, it means this: since article 177 (2) (b) is so plain in its language that it needed no interpretation, article 177 (2) (b), REMAINS UNINTERPRETED. But what is plainer than the words “more votes are cast” (as this surely has an element of ambiguity – does “votes” include obviously fraudulent votes of dead people etc.) are the words in the said article 177 (2) (b) viz “…….

ACTING ONLY ON THE ADVICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER…..” I ask rhetorically – what can be plainer than that? The chair

has no discretion. She must act only on the CEOs advice.

One more thing: the CCJ by now requiring the CEO to act on the Chair’s order of June 16 which derives its legitimacy from Order 60, which is in our law mere SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, has purported to turn our legal system and the foundation of our jurisprudence, the most important aspect of which is the supremacy of our constitution, UPSIDE DOWN, ON IT’S HEAD – The CCJ has, in effect, said that the declaration limb of article 177 (2) (b) of the SUPREME LAW is subject to, and is of less legal signification and value, than a piece of SUBSIDIARY legislation which has even less value than an Act of Parliament; (such as ROPA Cap 1:03); and not even an Act of Parliament can be inconsistent with

the Constitution which in clear words which the CCJ needs to be reminded of, demands more than just a flippant reference to. It is article Eight. It says “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and if any other law is inconsistent with it that other law SHALL TO THE EXTENT OF THE INCONSISTENCY BE VOID” (article eight).

So, the chair’s directive of June 16th CANNOT BE INCONSISTENT TO ANY EXTENT WHATSOEVER with the plain words of article 177 (2) (b) which plainly says both the chair, and/or GECOM must act on the CEOs advice.

And so, on the present state of facts, that advice in my understanding of the CCJ ruling, consistent with section 96 of ROPA and the CCJs ruling (which gives recognition to both the recount and section 96)

needs only to give effect, and “valid votes” (as in section 96) meaning to the ten (10) returning officers declaration ALREADY MADE TO THE CEO AND NOT INVALIDATED by any count of law. I repeat, the CCJ was very clear that it was ruling ONLY ON THE JURISDICTIONAL POINT and was not making any consequential orders.

And to the CEO I say: you are legally obligated, and must interpret the chair’s June 16 directive (thereby complying with the CCJ’s ruling) so as to make it consistent with section 96, and more importantly, and bindingly, ensure obedience with the clear intendment of article 177 (2) (b) (the declaration limb) of the Supreme Law – the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as interpreted by the CCJ.

I end with this: In a subsequent letter I will write and explain the historical background to the words “acting only on the advice of the Chief Election Officer….” How those words were by constitutional alteration, inserted into article 177 (in 2000 - 2001) after the contentious 1997 GREs, and how the mischief cured, and intended to be cured, by those words was the dictatorship of the chairman (as displayed by the then Chairman Doodnauth Singh) in making a declaration as he saw fit. It was to put an end to such dictatorship that the Constitution was altered and now requires the Chair to act on the advice of the CEO.

COVID-19 death rate ‘very high’

-DCMO says adhering to control measures is the best solution PUSHING back against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a challenge for Guyana, and this is evidenced by the “very high” death rate of about six per cent, which has been recorded so far.

Guyana has recorded 284 positive cases of COVID-19 to date, and while 125 of those persons have successfully battled the disease, 16 persons have lost that battle and by extension, their lives. The current death rate is much higher than the average death rate, outlined by World Health Organisation (WHO), which is 2-4 per cent.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle said the current situation is worrying because Guyana, unlike other countries, has a “very high” death rate, a rate which is especially high for a country which has a population of less than one million persons.

“So, I launch an appeal yet again to the young in our population, especially our 20-29-year olds, who have been openly disregarding the regulations to reflect on their behavior and ponder on the way this lifestyle is contributing to the COVID-19 situation in our country,” said Dr. Boyle during a virtual COVID-19

update, on Wednesday.

In Guyana, the coronavirus disease is not exclusive to the elderly, but as the statistics have shown, young males have been most vulnerable. Further, health authorities have discussed the potential damage that COVID-19 can cause.

“Are we so uncaring about our life that we have no regard for the future, for our offspring? I ask you to spare a thought to the potential you all possess and the waste of that precious gift that will result if you continue blatantly in this current vein.

Remember all it demands is a little effort that is not costly on your part. Our health workers are resolutely doing their part, so why can’t you?”

Dr. Boyle asked.

It is to that end, that she reminded persons, who have been adhering to the health guidelines, not to relax their efforts. Their adherence has helped the authorities to mitigate the spread of the disease. She commended their efforts and encouraged them to continue demonstrating civil responsibility.

“In our stores, we begin to see some patrons not wearing masks and flouting the physical distancing regulations. Even our cashiers are handling money

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

and citizens’ purchases without constantly sanitizing.

These are the measures that have helped us so far, but which we are neglecting to go through with. I implore you to do the right thing,” Dr. Boyle lamented.

The DCMO assured persons that all efforts have been executed not to harm Guyanese but to preserve their lives.

Health authorities were unable to provide updated statistics on Wednesday because the National Reference Laboratory was affected by a power outage, which was experienced across the country due to the inclement weather.

But, according to the existing statistics, Regions

One, Four, Seven and Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) continue to have most of the cases.

Regions One and Seven, in particular, have seen a rapid increase in the number of cases being recorded. Last Thursday, this newspaper reported that COVID-19 claimed the life of Abdool Khan, a miner from Bartica, in Region Seven.

The spike of cases in Regions One and Seven have since seen authorities implementing a lockdown of those areas, with restrictions of travel in and out of the areas at reference.

“We have been pleading with all residents across our beloved country, particularly in Regions One, Four and

Seven to act responsibly and comply with the guidelines.

Friends, if the number of positive cases and deaths are not evidence enough of the presence and effects of COVID-19, then we are in a very terrible position in our response to this disease,” Dr. Boyle lamented.

Health authorities had found that a large number of positive cases in these regions have no signs and symptoms, so they are what is known as asymptomatic.

This means that these persons can transmit the disease, and the infected persons will not even know that they are sick, because there is no sign Medical teams were dispatched to Aranka and surrounding mining areas in Region Seven, as well as Moruca in Region One, to conduct mass testing to tackle the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Boyle also spoke of the irresponsible actions by citizens in Region Nine whose intent was to transport Brazilians to Georgetown, ignorant of their COVID-19 status and cognisant that the COVID-19 situation in Brazil is out of control. Brazil has 1.63 m confirmed cases and 65,631 deaths.

The continuous rise in the amount of cases has seen local authorities creating a

special emergency unit to enforce the control measures, and curtail the spread of the disease. Authorities believe that the rise is primarily because sections of the population continue to flout the existing measures, which include a national curfew.

The measures instituted by the Ministry of Public Health are consistent with the management of highly contagious diseases. The health system is already overburdened with responding to this current situation, and if this becomes worse, authorities will not be able to manage, and what is happening in next door Brazil will become a reality.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and, according to global statistics, there are 11.3 million cases of COVID-19, with over 532,000 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

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CEO’s report must still be based on valid votes ― Attorney Mayo Robertson says CCJ maintained that the law demands valid votes for election declaration

― says the Court did not invalidate country’s laws

By Lisa Hamilton AT T O R N E Y- AT- L AW, Mayo Robertson, has stated that, while he is disappointed that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that it had jurisdiction over the Guyana elections case, he is pleased that the Court did not invalidate any of the country’s laws and has maintained that valid votes must be used to determine the elections results.

Robertson represented the first respondent in the case filed by People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, and PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, before the CCJ, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to interpret Article 177 (2) of the Constitution to mean “more valid votes are cast”.

Shortly after the CCJ, in assuming jurisdiction to hear the application, set aside the Appellate Court’s decision and invalidated the Elections Report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer

(CEO), Robertson appeared on a programme hosted by the APNU+AFC to give his comments.

“That was a little bit disappointing for us because we believe that we had presented a persuasive case to allow the Court to reach a different conclusion but we must not over play the effect of today’s ruling,” he advised.

“The Court has stood by its previous position that it cannot tell GECOM how to do its job. All the Court has said is that ‘the process must continue; we believe the Court of Appeal was wrong but the law in Guyana still stands’ and that law is that the CEO prepares his report and it’s only on the basis of that report that the declaration can be made.

They invalidated the report that was presented earlier but that doesn’t mean that the declaration can proceed without a report. Another report has to be presented. So, I would suggest to our friends that they keep the champagne on ice for a little while.”

Robertson said that not

only did the CCJ reject the invitation to make declarations about which party won or lost, but it did not interfere with the concept that “valid votes” must be the governing principle that the CEO uses to prepare his report.

the Court of Appeal.

He stated: “My understanding is that the CCJ reaffirmed the concept of a valid vote and it is clear that our law requires the CEO to provide a report based on valid votes… the Court did not specifically

Attorney-at-Law, Mayo Robertson

Furthermore, he explained that given that the CCJ ruled that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the application filed by Eslyn David, it is therefore consistent with its ruling that the CEO’s report was set aside as it was premised on the decision of

say ‘x’ number of votes are valid or ‘y’ number of votes are valid. It simply said that the decision of the Court of Appeal was wrong so that the CEO’s report which was based on the Court’s decision should be set aside. It did not say that the CEO should not go and

Man dies after Banks DIH building collapses on him …two others critically injured

ONE man is dead and two others critically injured after a building owned by Banks DIH at Industrial site Ruimveldt, collapsed Wednesday afternoon.

Reports are that five persons were in the building which was being demolished when it collapsed. Two of the men who were trapped within the building when it collapsed were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital with serious injuries. They have been identified as, Jagmohan Bissessar, who was confirmed dead, and Anthony Lowe.

The employees are attached to Home Designs Construction, the company that was carrying out the demolition on the building at the time of its collapse.

Station Officer, Clive McDonald, Second in Command for Operations at the Guyana Fire Service, in an interview with the media, stated that

the fire service immediately responded following news of the incident. “On arrival at the scene, the crews were informed that two persons were trapped under this collapsed shed; immediately they went into operation and rescued two persons who are presently at the Georgetown Hospital in a serious condition and there are there others who suffered minor injuries.”

McDonald said.

Family members of the deceased and injured workers declined to speak to the media. Banks DIH Limited, in a release, confirmed the accident and the fact that five employees of Home Designs Contractors were injured. The company stated that it is working with the authorities to ascertain the cause of the accident and is adamant that it is working to ensure the injured employees get the best possible emergency care.

The scene following the collapse of the building

prepare a report based on valid votes and I fully expect that that is what he will do.”

The Attorney-at-Law said that while he would not be surprised if some would run with headlines today proclaiming victory, the process is not yet complete as the CEO has not yet submitted the necessary report and a declaration has not yet been made.

He said that what are needed is steady heads and hands to correctly analyze the official decision of the Court and to comply with the said decision.

“To the extent that the Court made a ruling, it’s not very much different from what we were seeking. Remember we went to the Court under [Article] 177 (4) to get the Court to agree that only valid votes could be used in the tabulation of the recount to make a decision as to who should be declared the President. The Court has confirmed that, only valid votes could be used,” he said.

“In addition, the Court has not changed our Constitu-

tion. The Court has certainly not suggested that the CEO does not have to prepare a report. He still has to prepare this report as required by the Constitution and it’s still only on the basis of that report that the Chair can then proceed with the declaration process.

So, while the Court agreed to take jurisdiction, I don’t believe the result is earth-shaking because the Court did not disavow the concept that only valid votes could be used in the tabulation and the Court also reaffirmed the position of the CEO with respect to the report.”

Robertson also said that the national recount Order No. 60 has not been invalidated by the Court and the CEO must therefore take it into consideration in the presentation of his report. He advised the Guyanese public that while they may be disappointed with the decision of the CCJ to assume jurisdiction, the Court did not invalidate any of the country’s laws or processes.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. achieves half year production of 56,600 ounces GUYANA Goldfields Inc., on Wednesday, announced that the company has processed the last batch of ore from stockpile and will continue to recover gold in circuit inventory over the next several days. “Thereafter, as previously announced, the mine site will go into a period of care and maintenance,” said a press release from the company.

The release said that gold production for the second quarter totaled 28,500 ounces, bringing total gold production for the first half of the year to 56,600 ounces. “This is above our guidance of 45,000 to 50,000 ounces for the first half of 2020 as disclosed on May 28, 2020. Our unaudited cash balance as at June 30, 2020 was US$28.8 million (inclusive of US$10 million restricted cash) with US$6.5 million in debt,” the company said in the release.

It noted that as part of the transaction announced with Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., a US$30 million secured loan facility was provided to the company. “The loan balance of US$6.5 million is as a result of the first advance under the Zijin Facility, following our payment to Silvercorp Metals Inc. of the C$9.0 termination fee on June 11, 2020 to terminate the company’s previous arrangement agreement with Silvercorp,” said the release.

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS As Guyana Goldfields had previously announced, on June 12, 2020, the company entered into an arrangement agreement with Zijin pursuant to which Zijin has agreed to acquire, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, all of the issued and outstanding shares of the company not already owned by Zijin for cash consideration of C$1.85 per share.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

Melissa Ifill raps Ruel over ‘pathetic statement’

…says trying to skillfully blame victims inexcusable HISTORIAN Dr Melissa Ifill has condemned former executive of The Citizens Initiative (TCI), Ruel Johnson, over a statement he issued regarding sexual violence claims by his exgirlfriends.

Dr Ifill, in a letter, said she is disgusted that a “grown man who admitted a 'fling' with a child would then try to skillfully blame the child for his inexcusable, sickening predatory behaviour.”

She said that she could not make it to read the entire statement Johnson issued on the matter. “I couldn't make it to the end. I was disgusted that a grown man who admitted a 'fling' with a child would then try to skillfully blame the child for his inexcusable, sickening predatory behaviour. No! You will not come out of this scandal with any assumed reputation intact! You sir are pathetic!

Any grown man who can only find intellectual and sexual stimulation from a child is both pathetic and abusive!

Your attempts to gloss over the abuse by 'blaming' your self-described 'intellect' and the victims' mental state are pathetic! More hilarious, in every statement you make, you exhibit all the classic symptoms of predators and abusers as Akola Thompson so well expected and

articulated,” Dr Ifill said.

According to her the “fake contriteness while at the same time offering excuses for the sickening behaviour and blaming the victims, while painting these women as all unstable – is typical of abusers.” “It is my view that Ruel Johnson is a predator and an abuser and fortunately for him, his other victims are unwilling to come forward at this time and it is not my place to tell their stories of abuse but understand that your sickening conduct has long been well known. All the people congratulating this sick man for that pathetic

Johnson in his statement admitted to some of the accusations levelled against him by two of his former girlfriends but denies that he is guilty of physical abuse, statutory rape or grooming. He has admitted that he does have behavioural problems and will be seeking counselling for help. In light of the recent accusations, though The Citizen Initiative (TCI) has let go of Johnson as their Co-founder and Executive, it appears that he will keep his job at the Kaieteur News as he is now taking steps to meet with female staff individually at the media entity to ascertain

Ruel Johnson

statement are as much a part of the culture of rape, abuse, predation and misogyny as he is,” Dr Ifill wrote.

whether he has wronged them in any way.

He said that since accusations were made

against him he was advised by his friends to remain silent but he has decided to respond in light of the public engagement on the issue.

However, in his response, Johnson distanced himself from some of the remarks made by his ex-girlfriends, Youth Activist and Stabroek News Columnist, Akola Thompson, who broke the silence on the alleged abuse, and Sinah Kloss, a German woman who also accused the Sub-Editor of ill treatment.

Johnson said that Thompson’s account of their relationship was “largely and deliberately fictitious” and was made up of information contradicted by public and private record. “Ms. Thompson has made very specific accusations of what amounts to allegations of criminal activity on my part.

I invite her to press charges and believe that she should be given whatever genuine support she can in that regard.

For the record, as much as I am against her false portrayal of events, I equally condemn any attempts to slander or shame her or any woman who comes forward with any story,” Johnson said.

Regarding Kloss, he said that the woman’s account of her “burnout” phase due to studies and

Dr Melissa Ifill

a dying father was used to seek attention. While he admitted to her account of him spitting at her, he denied manipulation and physical conflict. Johnson said: “What she describes as ‘burnout’ was a phase, in finishing her PhD, in which, among other things, she threatened to throw herself from my balcony and make it appear as if I had pushed her, because I was not paying enough attention to her. What she describes as ‘spitting’ is a singular

incident in which, as I was lying down, she came over me, held my hands and screamed in my face that I should pay attention to her.

Not wanting to physically remove her, yes, I spat at her, something I regretted doing the moment I did it. I ended the relationship after that. More than once, for the avoidance of conflict, I was forced to stay away from a place I frequented due to her turning up there.”

Sophia murder suspect No quarantine exemption shot dead by police for Guyanese entering UK

Murder suspect, (now deceased) Keron Mark Adams.

KERON Mark Adams who was wanted in relation to the murder of a Sophia man on Tuesday has died, following a confrontation with the police.

According to information received, about 13:45h, police, acting on intelligence gathered, went to a location at Mocha, East Bank Demerara in search of Adams. It is reported that the suspect, on seeing the ranks,

whipped out a handgun and began shooting at the lawmen who returned fire and wounded him. The suspect died while receiving medical attention at the East Bank Demerara Public Hospital (Diamond). An unlicenced pistol was retrieved at the scene.

The police had earlier on Wednesday morning, after ascertaining the full identity of Adams, issued a wanted bulletin for him prior to apprehending him. According to information received, Adams, following an altercation, shot dead 37-year-old Sophia resident, Andre Kenyatta. Reports indicate the altercation began when Kenyatta was asked by the reputed wife of Adams to remove his horse from an empty lot in front of her home, after which she started abusing him with expletives, and, subsequently, got the suspect involved. An argument ensued and the suspect pulled a gun and made threats to Kenyatta’s life. Following that altercation, Adams made good that threat and shot Kenyatta dead on Tuesday morning.

The home belonging to Adams was completely destroyed by fire, on Tuesday evening, while he and his reputed wife were on the run.

GUYANESE arriving in the United Kingdom (UK) will still have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement.

The UK, in an updated report, announced that nationals of 12 Caribbean territories are among a list of 59 countries that are exempted from quarantine restrictions, effective July 10, 2020.

Included among the 12 Caribbean countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia and Curacao.

Of note, is that the United States, like Guyana, did not make the list. The report quoted UK's Prime Minister as saying, at a news briefing, "Instead of quarantining arrivals from the whole world, we will only quarantine arrivals from those countries where the virus is, sadly, not under control." Guyana has to date recorded a total of 284 coronavirus cases with 16 deaths. Health authorities, meanwhile, continue to plead with

citizens to adhere to the quarantine restrictions, in an effort to avoid a further spread.

The new UK advisory that goes into effect on Friday, July 10, 2020 specifically states that, if passengers arriving from the 59 named countries or territories did not visit or stop in any other country or territory in the preceding days, they will not be required to self-isolate, on arrival in the UK. It is a requirement for both visitors and residents of the UK, that all passengers, before arriving in the country, complete a passenger locator form which is presented upon arrival.

In the circumstances, persons are therefore asked to continue to monitor the UK gov’t’s website for travel advice. Also, they can check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for update information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

$37.5B expended on Public Infrastructure in 2019

MEETING its budget almost exactly, the Government of Guyana expended $37.5B of a $38.5B budget on public infrastructure in 2019 catering to the areas of roads and bridges, air and water transport and sea and river defence.

This was revealed in the recently released End of Year Outcome 2019 report by the Ministry of Finance on the fiscal performance for the year. Of the $37.5B expended $10.8B accounted for current expenditure and $26.7 B was capital expenditure. In total it represents 12.5 per cent of the national budget.

From this total, $14.6B from a budgeted $16.3B were spent on roads and bridges.

Projects which were completed include the feasibility study for the East Bank/East Coast Road Linkage project; the Better Hope/Annandale four lane highway and the two-lane Buxton-Belfield Road upgrade. Over $2B was spent under the hinterland roads programme, for the completion of the construction of Mahdia community internal roads and the rehabilitation of several roads such as the Port Kaituma main road to Fitzburg Housing Scheme; the Wainaina Bridge

to Yarakita; the Barabina Swamp Road; and the Bartica/Potaro Road Mile 33 to Mile 52, among others.

2019 also saw the construction and upgrading of internal roads in the newly-established townships of Mabaruma and Lethem, the implementation the internal roads and drains programme in Bartica. Preparatory works to improve road linkages between the coast and hinterland continued to an advanced stage by the end of the year. These included the feasibility study for the Linden-Lethem Road Project; the studies and designs for the 72 km Linden-Soesdyke Highway at cost of $207 million; the studies for the reconstruction of the Wismar Bridge; and, the studies for the construction of the Kurupakari Bridge.

Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private sector window, continued their assessment of developing the New Demerara River Bridge using a Public-Private Partnership (P3) arrangement. The Finance Ministry noted too that progress was made on the Sheriff Street-Mandela

Workers compacting concrete just beyond Port Kaituma Police Station back in 2019 (DPI photo)

Avenue Road Programme though it was slower-than-anticipated because of unfulfilled contractual obligations, while $2.2b was spent on the maintenance of roads, dams and trails.

When it comes to air and water transport, $1.8B from an allocation of $2.2B was spent to improve connectivity across Guyana. This sum catered to expansion

works on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which was approximately 90 per cent completed by the end of 2019. The additional work which took place included the construction of the North-East and South-West runways; the completion of the apron and taxiway; the completion of the new terminal building and rehabilitation of the existing building;

the completion of the diesel generator room; and, the fire pump station.

Works also progressed the development of the Aviation Master Plan; a study to upgrade the Lethem aerodrome; the rehabilitation and construction of stellings at Bartica (Phase II) and Leguan and the study for the modernisation of the Parika Stelling.

Completed were the docking and rehabilitation of MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto and the rehabilitation of a section of the Parika Stelling. Regarding sea and river defence, the government spent at total of $5.7B on the maintenance, rehabilitation and construction of sea and river defences. This expenditure exceeded the initial budgeted sum of $3.9B primarily as a result of emergency work undertaken to address breaches at Mahaicony.

Meanwhile, construction and rehabilitation of defence structures were completed in Crane/Mary, Windsor Forest, Waller’s Delight, Grove/Look-Out, East Bank Essequibo; Crabwood Creek and Bush Lot/Maida on the Corentyne; Vryheid’s Lust; Canje River; and, Orealla Village. The Ministry of Finance also noted that stakeholder consultations continued during 2019 to inform the Environmental Impact and Social Assessment and the design phases of the study to develop the waterfront of Port Georgetown and along the East Coast Corridor to Ogle.

ECLAC presents proposals to increase fiscal space in Caribbean Concessional financial support for Caribbean countries is imperative as a response to the crisis unleashed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to confront the economic and climatic vulnerabilities affecting them. So said Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), today during a session of the United Nations High-level Political Forum 2020 (HLPF), which is taking place virtually this July, where she also presented five proposals that would enable these countries to increase their fiscal space.

The event entitled Mobilizing international solidarity, accelerating action and embarking on new pathways to realize the 2030 Agenda and the Samoa Pathway: Small Island Developing States was

presided over by Ambassador Munir Akram of Pakistan, who is Vice President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and moderated by Fekitamoeloa ?Utoikamanu, UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). Participating in the discussion along with Alicia Bárcena were Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney-General, Minister for Economy and Minister responsible for climate change in Fiji; Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives; Terri Toyota, Head of the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Markets Group; Karol Alejandra Arambula Carrillo, Executive Director and Founder of MY World Mexico; Marsha Caddle, Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment of Barbados; and representatives

of various countries.

In her presentation, Alicia Bárcena specified that Latin American and Caribbean countries are suffering the effects of the COVID-19 crisis through five channels: a drop in trade with their main trading partners, lower prices for commodities, the disruption of global value chains, lower demand for tourism services, and a decline in remittances. In particular, Caribbean nations currently face three significant vulnerabilities, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary said: a fall in tourism-related visits calculated at between 57% and 75% in 2020, which will entail a loss of between US$22 billion and US$28 billion in income; high exposure to climate change, which is manifested in the 400 disasters that occurred between 1990 and 2019, 90.4% of which were caused by hydro-climatic phenomena (and 2020 is forecast to be

a very active year with an estimated 16 named storms expected); and a high level of public indebtedness: 11 countries have a debt/GDP ratio that is above the 60% threshold for sustainability, and three are nearing or have exceeded 100% of their GDP. “High debt service in Caribbean countries limits their fiscal space for responding to the COVID-19 crisis,” the senior United Nations official emphasized. They are currently spending US$1.2 billion to address the pandemic, but debt service is very high, between 30% and 70% of their revenue, which puts great pressure on their fiscal space, Bárcena added.

Alicia Bárcena also underscored that the countries of the Caribbean do not have concessional financial support, and receive very little Official Development Assistance (ODA). “Concessional financial support (to the

Caribbean) is an imperative, regardless of whether they are considered to be middle-income countries,” she indicated.

In this area, she explained that ECLAC is proposing five, very concrete recommendations: a debt relief initiative through a debt for climate change adaptation swap, which includes the creation of a resilience fund; a debt service standstill and a change in international financial institutions’ (IFIs) eligibility criteria for granting concessional funding; stage contingency bonds, especially with hurricane clauses; green and blue bonds; and liquidity support via the issuance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). “There are warning signs with 10 years left to fulfill the 2030 Agenda and the Samoa Pathway. We are not going to achieve the goal of reducing poverty, or the full goals related to women’s

empowerment, food security, unemployment and the strengthening of health and sanitation. That is why concessional funding is a must,” Bárcena stated.

“At ECLAC, we are carrying out our ‘Caribbean First’ strategy as a priority.

We are fully prepared to support Caribbean countries on the promotion of a debt relief initiative. We will advocate for a reduction and elimination of debt, regardless of the income status that countries have,” she emphasised. Alicia Bárcena also insisted on the need to open political spaces at an international level so that the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) may be heard. “We need the G-20 to go further and not only consider the challenges of low-income countries, but also those of middle-income countries, especially SIDS,” she stressed.

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PPP/C pleased with CCJ ruling

LEADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has stated that his party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is “extremely pleased” with the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJs) Wednesday decision and expects that the elections commission will act on the basis of the “clear guidance” of the court.

On Wednesday, in assuming jurisdiction to hear an application filed by the PPP/C, the CCJ set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal on the interpretation of the constitution and invalidated the elections report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield.

Subsequently, providing his reaction on the matter via video, the opposition leader said that his party had held the belief from the beginning that the decision of the Appellate Court was “perverse” and that the court lacked jurisdiction.

He said that the PPP/C is also pleased that the CEO’s previous report has been set aside and a new report is now required.

“We were right and, today, we’re vindicated in the sense that the Court of Appeal acted in excess of its jurisdiction. So, we’re extremely pleased that the court [has] set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision…we’re extremely pleased that they also set aside Lowenfield’s report,” he said.

The opposition leader now expects that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will prepare its report based on valid votes as determined by the Representation of the People Act, a process he said was outlined by the CCJ. “Once you listen to [the CCJ’s ruling], you would recognise how strong this ruling has been and the clear guidance that it has set out to GECOM and to the chief elections officer as to how they must act,” Jagdeo said, adding:

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo

“In the summary [of the CCJ ruling] it said that he [Lowenfield] needs to prepare the report in accordance with the instruction given to him by the Chair of GECOM, which is to use the recount data which shows a PPP victory.”

He also put forward that the APNU+AFC must deal with its allegations of electoral fraud through the means of an elections petition.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandall told the Newsroom that he is not surprised by the ruling of the CCJ and looks forward to a report from the elections commission which will lead to a new President being

Former Attorney General Anil Nandall

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

sworn in.

“We always knew that the Caribbean Court of Justice had jurisdiction in this particular case, because you simply can’t make up a case, try to fit it within a jurisdiction in a specialised court like the Court of Appeal, and expect it not to be appealable when the decision of the Court of Appeal ends up being a perversity,” he said.

On Wednesday, GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj also gave comments on the matter on his Facebook page. He stated that, according to the court, GECOM must now direct the CEO to provide a new report to the commission for

its deliberation and declaration of the results.

Gunraj noted then that commissioners had already been formally invited by the GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh to attend a meeting at the commission today at 13:30hrs.

“I expect, in short order, the chief elections officer will…provide that report in short order to the commission and the steps, here from, are very clear, pursuant to the ruling of the CCJ this afternoon. We must receive that report which is based on the results generated by the recount exercise and a declaration must flow naturally and speedily.”

Several homes damaged by early morning storm

SEVERAL roofs were damaged while at least one house in Berbice is said to have collapsed, due to high winds and heavy rainfall that swept across Guyana’s coast on Wednesday morning.

Notwithstanding damage to the property, no one is said to

have been injured as result of the storm, which started at 03:00hrs and lasted for approximately three hours.

“The high winds would’ve caused many houses to have some zinc lifts, which they would’ve repaired almost instantaneously, but we have a few instances

where there were major damage,” reported Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Senior Response Officer, Salim October.

He further added that: “In Region Four there was a house in Lamaha Park and one in Vryheid’s Lust that had severe damage to the roof, where zinc sheets

The collapsed commentator’s booth at Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground

were blown off. At Westbury, Essequibo Coast there was one house that had similar damage, at Success, East Coast we also had that. Another one at Line Dam, Queenstown Essequibo.

We, at section B No. 67 village East Corentyne Berbice, had a collapsed house. Those were the most extensive damage recorded up to this point.”

There was also some amount of damage to public infrastructure, with the commentator’s booth at Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground having collapsed, while live wires burst from main poles to private homes at De Groute, West Bank Demerara.

October explained that the strong winds mainly affected Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, with some amount of strong winds also having been reported in Region 10.

The CDC through the National Emergency Monitoring Systems (NEMS) has since deployed two damage assessment teams, while also working along with other Regional Disaster Response Management Services (RDRMS) to evaluate the extent of the damage in regions where teams were not sent.

“The assessment is a twopart assessment. Based on the hot spots we would’ve deployed two teams. One to the lower East Coast and Georgetown and other between Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika; and we’re utilitising contacts in all 10 administrative regions, working through the RDCs, municipalities and NDCs to receive reports which we would validate after,” explained CDC Response Officer, Salim October.

Though there was some

amount of flooding, there were minor damage as result of the flooding, with majority of the damage being as result of the strong winds.

“With the flooding there was no real damage; the most severe impact in Bartica and that was really one home and yard that was flooded. There is Wax Creek, an Indigenous community, that has been having flooding but that is not as a result of this incident,” October said.

A statement from the CDC further explained that: “Several yards were flooded but it was observed that the waters were quickly receding with no significant damage reported.

Bartica in Cuyuni Mazaruni has reported severe flooding and the RDRMS will continue to monitor activities in the regions with support from CDC.”

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Heavy winds downed Corentyne house

A family on the Corentyne re-attaching their zincs to their roof

Roopranie Latchminarine shows the destruction to the inside of her home after her house fell to the ground

HEAVY winds accompanied by rainfall on Wednesday morning in the East Berbice Corentyne area has left a family contemplating their losses after their one storey wooden house collapsed while they were inside.

Roopranie Latchminarine called “Sharda”, 47 of Lot 68, Section B Number 67 Village, East Berbice Corentyne is pleading for assistance to help her fix her home. She recalled hearing the loud wind and within minutes, felt a shaking and then a loud crashing sound.

She explained, she and her sixteenyear-old son, Romel Richard, who will be writing his first subject at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate on July 17 was in the room with her, he told her not move after the house fell and her bed was broken and sunk into the floor. “I feel the breeze blowing and meh

deh pon the bed ah pray and then the house fall down, crack! bradam! Then meh son she nah move and he get up and go see everything on the bruk-up”.

The woman, a mother of three who lost to lost her husband 13 years ago and is sickly, said she is very worried since her only source of income if from public assistance. She noted she has no means of finances to fix her house as such, she is hoping that persons can assist. She noted while all the pillars that held the house up collapsed, most of the damage she suffered was inside of the house. The walls fell apart and the entire flooring in her room were broken.

“Meh son gotta write exam and a whole bruk up, inside damage bad and meh can’t do anything”. She added that this was the first time she experience the “storm”, in her community. Persons willing to offer assistance to the family call 602-4571.

Meanwhile, Teddy Sukhdeo, a volunteer at the Guyana Red Cross Society and of Number 63 Village stated in light of the frequent “freak storms” that are being experienced in the country which leaves in its wake structural damage, the need for a national conversation on disaster preparedness, disaster response, alert level and building code.

“Guyana now needs to take disaster seriously like its Caribbean neighbours who on an annual season has to deal with hurricane and other natural disaster.”

Heavy winds along Guyana’s coastline ripped off zincs from roofs, uprooted trees, knocked over sign boards and toppled power poles. Throughout the Berbice area, many families were in the process offixing their damaged roofs and were talking about the experience.

Roopranie Latchminarine and her 16-year-old son Romel Richard stands infront of their house that fell to the ground

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Chicken shortage in East Berbice Corentyne forces several outlets to close

RESIDENTS in East Berbice, Corentyne, despite remaining COVID 19 free, are faced with another issue that is significantly affecting them: the region is facing a shortage of broiler chicken. This shortage has caused the price of the most consumed meat worldwide to inflate from as low as $180 per pound within the last month to $280-$300 presently.

Most of the major poultry centres have closed their doors as of Monday last and some with limited stocks are hoping they can be reopened over the weekend while the smaller suppliers may have to remain closed.

Ameer Ishamel, popularly called ‘Pampey’ is the second largest supplier of chicken in East Berbice and was forced to close his operations on Tuesday.

He will be reopened on Thursday through Sunday for retail only, at his main outlet at Fyrish Village.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, he explained that, initially, with the pandemic and with the COVID-19 restrictions put in place, many businesses were closed and the price of chicken decreased due to a significantly lower demand. Apart from the reduced demand many farmers who would rear chickens completely halted or reduced their operations. However, with the restrictions being relaxed making allowance for restaurants and food places to sell takeaway, the demand increased as did the price.

This demand, coupled with

limited supply of baby chicks from the hatcheries, caused whatever quantity of broiler chicks on the market to dry up. The average weight of chicken sold was initially around 6lbs, but now consumers are forced to accept chickens weighting between 3.75-4.5 lbs.

Given the current situation, the wholesalers predict consumers will buy larger quantities and seek to horde the commodity which will further compound matters.

They are optimistic that over the next 6-8 weeks things should begin to return to some level of normalcy as many breeders have already restarted their operations.

Meanwhile, consumers in the region are flocking to the few open outlets hoping to get enough chicken to last them for

An outlet owned by Ishmael, at Fyrish, was closed on Tuesday

One of several chicken outlets that had to close

Access to HIV services slowed A NEW report by UNAIDS shows that despite individual country successes, overall progress in the Caribbean to expand access to HIV services has slowed. Because of this, HIV targets set for 2020 will not be reached. The report, Seizing the moment, urges countries to act with greater resolve to reach those still left behind. Caribbean 2019 data showed that there were an estimated 330,000 people living with HIV in the Region at the end of 2019.

Overall Caribbean adult HIV prevalence was 1.1 per cent. In 2019 77 per cent of people living with HIV in the Caribbean knew their status.

This compares to the worldwide average of 81 per cent.

Eighty-one percent (81 per cent) of diagnosed Caribbean people were on treatment last year. Eighty percent (80 per cent) of those on antiretroviral therapy were virally suppressed. The global average was significantly higher at 88 per cent. Some countries have achieved elements of the 90–90–90 targets (90

per cent of people living with HIV aware of their HIV status, 90 per cent of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of those on treatment virally suppressed).

Barbados has reached the target for testing while Guyana has exceeded it with 94 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed. Haiti has gotten 98per cent of diagnosed people on treatment. Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago have achieved viral suppression among at least 90 per cent of people living with HIV who are on treatment. “This shows that within the region there is the capacity to deploy the people, policies and programmes to end AIDS,” said UNAIDS Caribbean Sub-regional Office Director, Dr. James Guwani.

He was speaking at a virtual launch event hosted by UNAIDS Caribbean today.

Last year there were 6,900 AIDS-related deaths in the region. Deaths due to AIDS decreased by 37 per cent since

2010. Total antiretroviral treatment coverage for the region was 63 per cent–71 per cent for women and 56 per cent for men.

New HIV infections decreased 29 per cent in the region since 2010. One-third of new HIV infections in the Caribbean in 2019 were among young people ages 15 – 24. Males ages 15 – 49 accounted for 57 per cent of new infections. “Year after year, the data tell the story of Caribbean men’s inadequate access to HIV services.

It is time for a comprehensive strategy to meet men where they are, increase demand and adapt service delivery to meet their needs,” Dr. Guwani said. Chair of the Spouses of Caribbean Leaders Action Network (SCLAN), Kim Simplis Barrow encouraged the region to increase access to education and sexual and reproductive health services for young people.

Great strides continue to be made in the Caribbean towards the elimination of mother-tochild HIV transmission, with seven countries and territories

achieving World Health Organisation revalidation. Mother-to-child HIV transmission reduced by nearly half since 2010. Social inequalities and exclusion are key barriers.

60 per cent of new infections in the region were among members of key population communities and their sexual partners in 2019.

This includes 26 per cent among men who have sex with men, six per cent among sex workers, five per cent among transgender people and three per cent among people who use drugs.

Access to care in most of our countries is hindered by several factors including criminalisation of same-sex relationships, hostile communities, homophobic discrimination, violence, internal stigma, and limited health education,” said Dr. Rosmond Adams, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). Prejudice against people living with HIV is still commonplace.

The most recent data show that while discriminatory at-

the week.

Deonarine Arjune of D. Arjune Enterprise, the largest supplier in the region, in an invited comment, said he still has chicken in stocks both for wholesale and retail and is hoping that he can continue to supply until the situation returns to normal.

Another Bussinessman, Doodnauth Teekapersaud, who owns Gabar Chicken Outlet at Tain, said after several years he was forced to close on Tuesday.

He said since the pandemic he cut short on the quantity he was rearing from 3000 to 1500 since the demand decreased.

He is optimistic that within the next week and a half, he will be able to get enough chickens to have a consistent supply for his customers. He said until then he will open only three days per week.

Owner of Gabar Chicken Outlet, Doodnauth Teekapersaud

…new UNAIDS report says 2020 targets will not be met in Caribbean titudes towards people living with HIV are declining consistently in some countries like Belize and Guyana, they are rebounding in others.

“We have to engage people consistently around ending discrimination. We must also improve accountability and redress mechanisms when people’s rights are violated,” Dr. Guwani said. The COVID-19 pandemic could seriously disrupt the AIDS response UNAIDS is urging countries to increase investments in both diseases.

The 2020 Global AIDS Update notes that even before COVID-19, Caribbean state health systems were struggling to cover programmes traditionally funded by international donors, including HIV prevention and key population-focused initiatives. Between 2010 and 2019 there was a 30 per cent decline in disbursements by the Global Fund and a 19 per cent decline in investments by the United States Government. HIV resource availability from domestic

sources increased by 38 per cent from 2010 to 2019. At present funding is 42 per cent short of the level needed to effectively respond to HIV in the region during 2020.

Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV (CRN+) Vice Chair, Renatta Langlais, pointed to the strain COVID-19 placed on community organisations.

She said despite funding cuts, they are being forced to do more work to serve clients whose incomes and healthcare access have been impacted by the COVID-19 response. Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Joy St. John, urged health authorities to adopt measures to assure the health of people living with HIV and those with non-communicable diseases. “Continuous monitoring and re-evaluation of considerations for vulnerable populations at risk from COVID-19 are critical, as the demographics for COVID-19 are quickly changing,” she said.

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‘Troubled’ Ruel admits to spitting in woman’s face ….to seek counselling, apologises to abused victims

KAIETEUR News Sub-editor, Ruel Johnson, has admitted to some of the accusations levelled against him by two of his former girlfriends but denies that he is guilty of physical abuse, statutory rape or grooming. He has admitted that he does have concerning behavioural problems and will be seeking counselling for help.

In light of the recent accusations, though The Citizen Initiative (TCI) has let go of Johnson as their Co-founder and Executive, it appears that he will keep his job at the Kaieteur News as he is now taking steps to meet with female staff individually at the media entity to ascertain whether he has wronged them in any way. On Wednesday morning, through a Facebook post, Johnson said that since accusations were made against him he was advised by his friends to remain silent, but he has decided to respond in light of the public engagement on the issue.

However, in his response, Johnson distanced himself from some of the remarks made by his ex-girlfriends, Youth Activist and Stabroek News Columnist, Akola Thompson, who broke the silence on the alleged abuse, and Sinah Kloss, a German woman who also accused the Sub-Editor of ill treatment.

Johnson said that Thompson’s account of their relationship was “largely and deliberately fictitious” and was made up of information contradicted by public and private record.

“Ms. Thompson has made very specific accusations of what amounts to allegations of criminal activity on my part.

I invite her to press charges and believe that she should be given whatever genuine support she can in that regard.

For the record, as much as I am against her false portrayal of events, I equally condemn any attempts to slander or shame her or any woman who comes forward with any story,” Johnson said.

Regarding Kloss, he said that the woman’s account of her “burnout” phase due to studies and a dying father was used to seek attention. While he admitted to her account of him spitting at her, he denied manipulation and physical conflict.

Johnson said: “What she describes as ‘burnout’ was a phase, in finishing her PhD, in which, among other things, she threatened to throw herself from my balcony and make it appear as if I had pushed her, because I was not paying enough attention to her. What she describes as ‘spitting’ is a singular incident in which, as I was lying down, she came over me, held my hands and

screamed in my face that I should pay attention to her.

Not wanting to physically remove her, yes, I spat at her, something I regretted doing the moment I did it. I ended the relationship after that.

More than once, for the avoidance of conflict, I was forced to stay away from a place I frequented due to her turning up there.”

While many have come out in support of the two women on social media, some members of the public have argued that there are two sides to every situation. They have called for Johnson to be allowed to give his side of the situation, which he did, just moments ago.

However, even Johnson’s close friends have had reason in the past few hours to admit that he did have tendencies regarding his relationships which were concerning.

Lloyda Alicia, a close friend of the Sub-Editor, posted on her Facebook page late yesterday evening: “I considered him to be a friend.

One of the young ladies who spoke out publicly messaged me many years ago one night, crying. I comforted her and offered support and I called him. I am not ready to say publicly what he said at that time because I am hoping he will do the right thing and take responsibility. He does not

owe me anything, but he owes these women a lot. At that time, I did not realize it was a pattern of behavior. I have expressed privately to friends my discomfort with some of the recent relationships he has had and I was particularly upset when a friend described an experience she had at his house. In the last few days, as I have learned more from others who have told me stories of their experiences with him, I have been shocked at how similar the patterns are and just how many people have experienced this with him.”

In contrast, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday for a comment on the matter, Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, said that the matter is a “bedroom story” and those involved should “thrash it out”.

Johnson said in his Facebook post that he is now reflecting on his behavior and acknowledges that he has two problems: his “predilection for connection to women” which has resulted in infidelity and his inability to sustain longterm relationships, and his “facility with words” which, at times, is too harsh.

“A few of those engagements were with girls, not women, that I should have had no business dealing with and as a grown man, and I should

Hyacinth Massay hangs up gloves On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Disability and Rehabilitation Services bid farewell to its long serving member, Hyacinth Massay, former Rehabilitation Officer of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC).

Miss Massay had joined the MOPH team during the early ‘70s and begun work at the PRRC, then known as the Polio Centre.

She provided rehabilitative services to children who suffered residual paralysis following the 1960-1964 polio epidemics in Guyana.

During her time at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC), she was responsible for the

administration of the facility, which had shifted its focus to providing rehab services for children with physical and developmental disabilities. She was tasked with the further expansion of rehabilitation, beyond physiotherapy, to include the disciplines of occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology and drug rehabilitation.

Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, Dr Ariane Mangar, said during her 50 years tenure, Massay served Guyana in an exemplary manner, reflecting great credit upon herself and the MOPH. “After an illustrious career in the Public Ser-

vice, we are all proud of Massay’s distinguished service and many accomplishments; and we wish her success in her future endeavors.” Mangar noted.

Massay was born and grew up in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

She attended Bedford Methodist and Wedgewood Junior Primary Schools.

Having been awarded a government county scholarship, she attended The Bishops’ High School in 1956. While there, she developed a passion for athletics and sports in general. It was this, together with her interest in helping people, which guided her choice of career in physiotherapy.

have known better. It does not matter that my behavior fits no legal definition of statutory rape or grooming; the power relations were so skewed in my favour that it constituted an intrinsic inequality… this is something I need, and will seek, counseling for. I might not be guilty of the worst claims against me, but that does not make me innocent of bad behavior,” he said.

He apologised to his family, friends, son and wife, noting that he is sorry and ashamed that the matter had grown to this public magnitude. “I make a specific apology to my wife, Cristal, for what she has been subjected to. To the women I have hurt – including Sinah and Akola – I am truly, genuinely sorry.

You should not be silenced and you should be allowed

to speak your truth. I am open to reconciliation and a direct apology to anyone whom I have caused pain. If nothing else, I hope that my being called out on my behavior sets a standard when it comes to powerful men in this country and their behavior towards women. No woman should be silenced, and no man offered protection because of his wealth, public status or political affiliation,” he said. “With regards to my employment, I raised the issue for discussion at a meeting as soon as it became public. My employer, Glen Lall, also did the same. I have invited female staff members to come speak to me at their convenience and have me address whatever concerns they might have with working with me.”

…after over 50 years in the Public Service

Hyacinth Massay, former Rehabilitation Officer of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC).

After leaving Bishops’ in 1963, Massay spent one year teaching English Language and Literature at Central High School.

Her desire to join the physiotherapy profession was achieved when her application for the position of physiotherapist trainee at the Georgetown Public Hospital was successful. In 1965, Massay was granted a Government of Guyana Scholarship, and went to Birmingham, England, where she qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1968.

On her return to Guyana, she continued work at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

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British sprinter receives apology from Met Police (BBC) - British sprinter Bianca Williams has received an apology from the Met Police after she and her partner were pulled over in their car in a stop-and-search.

to apologise for “distress” caused by the stop.

Ms Williams said police had apologised for the distress but not their actions.

Footage of the stopand-search has been shared

Bianca Williams won European and Commonwealth gold in the 4x100m relay in 2018

Ms Williams’ threemonth-old son was also in the car on Saturday when it was stopped in Maida Vale.

Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick told a committee of MPs officers had visited Ms Williams

widely on social media.

Ms Williams believes officers racially profiled her and her partner Ricardo dos Santos, a Portuguese international 400m runner, because they are black and were driving a Mercedes.

They say police handcuffed them while their son was in the car.

Despite two reviews by the force’s directorate of professional standards, Dame Cressida said the force had found no misconduct by its officers.

However, because of the public interest in the case, the Met has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Earlier, Dame Cressida told the Home Affairs Select Committee: “We apologised yesterday to Ms Williams and I apologise again for the distress this stop clearly caused her.

“I think all of us watch-

ing could empathise with somebody who is stopped in a vehicle, who has a young child in the back, who does not probably know what exactly is going on, and is subsequently found, together with her partner, not to be carrying anything illicit.”

Dame Cressida said she has asked a senior officer to review the Met’s handcuffing practices to make sure it hasn’t become a “default”, and has set up an “oversight group” looking at the use of force.

“Every time we see a video that is of concern we review them, we see if there are any lessons to be learned,” she told MPs. In a statement on Instagram, Ms Williams wrote that the couple welcomed the referral of the incident to the IOPC. She said: “An independent investigation is now necessary, as the Metropolitan Police have proved that they cannot be trusted to investigate a complaint themselves, having already publicly stated that there has been ‘no misconduct’.”

“We have now received an apology for the distress the incident caused us, but significantly, not for the wholly unjustified actions that officers took against our family.

“We are now contacting the IOPC through our lawyers and will assist fully with their investigation, which we hope will be rigorous,” Ms Williams added.

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said the IOPC would look at whether the use of stop and search was appropriate and proportionate in line with approved police policies, adding: “We will also investigate if racial profiling or discrimination played a part in the incident.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Thursday July 09, 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) A B De Villers-162* (Sydney, 2015) (2) Chris Gayle-152*, Johannesburg, 2004) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who is the first SA player to take a One Day International hattrick?

(2) Which WI has played most ODIs against SA to date??

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

Manchester City thrash Newcastle (BBC) - Manchester City returned to winning ways in style by thrashing hapless Newcastle at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side were surprisingly beaten at Southampton in their previous Premier League game but two goals in the opening 20 minutes against the Magpies effectively settled this contest.

Gabriel Jesus ended his nine-game goal drought by converting from David Silva’s cutback, while Riyad Mahrez swept home the second from Kevin de Bruyne’s pass.

It got worse for Newcastle in the second period when Federico Fernandez inadvertently deflected Matt Ritchie’s attempted clearance into his own net and David Silva added the fourth by curling in a sublime free-kick.

Raheem Sterling came off the bench to add the fifth for City in injury-time, rolling in from Silva’s pass.

With four games remaining, City have strengthened their claim to second place, moving nine points clear of Chelsea, while Newcastle drop to 13th.

CITY SLICKERS Manchester City’s unsatisfactory title defence has seen them drop 33 points

quick passing in the final third tore apart the Magpies backline with ease time and time again and though their aggregate score from their

around in the final third, but the young Englishman will be disappointed by missing a hat-trick of chances, all dragged wide from promis-

League has seen, completing 106 of his 112 passes, contributing two assists as well as scoring a glorious free-kick.

Riyad Mahrez scored his 12th goal of the season for Man City

this season, three more than in their previous two campaigns combined, but they were a class apart against Newcastle.

The swift movement and

last five home games now reads 19-0, it could have been much more.

Phil Foden’s growing influence in the starting lineup is clear to see, buzzing

ing positions.

The man Foden is tipped to replace next season, David Silva, showed why he will depart as one of the finest players the Premier

The first two goals were similar, both coming from the left of the box, with Belgium international De Bruyne taking his assist tally to 18 for the campaign,

just two short of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record.

MEAGRE MAGPIES Newcastle’s form since the restart has been excellent with two victories and two draws, but this heavy defeat ended a run of six unbeaten games in the league.

The appointment of Steve Bruce to replace Rafael Benitez last summer was not universally well received by the club’s fans, but the 59-year-old has kept them away from the relegation zone and they are only two points short of matching last season’s tally.

But Bruce extended his wretched record as manager against City. He has never beaten them, losing nine out of 12 matches.

They had several firstchoice players missing, including Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles, and conceding two early goals did not help their cause.

Defender Fernandez, who saw Ritchie’s attempted clearance ricochet off him into his own net, recorded the away side’s only shot on target, a weak header which was easily gathered by Ederson.

Liverpool record victory over Brighton (BBC) - Liverpool continued their relentless pursuit of a Premier League points record with victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The newly-crowned champions looked on course to secure three more points with ease when they went two up inside eight minutes as Brighton, with sights set on Premier League safety, made a nightmare start.

Naby Keita robbed Davy Propper in a dangerous position to set up Mohamed Salah before Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson swiftly swept home a superb second from 20 yards.

Brighton, however, fought back with real spirit and fully deserved to pull a goal back when Leandro Trossard fired a crisp finish past Liverpool keeper Alisson from the impressive Tariq Lamptey’s cross.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stopped Brighton’s progress with some astute substitutions and a corner from one Andrew Robertson, was headed in by Salah for his 19th league goal of the season.

Brighton manager Graham Potter, whose side are edging towards preserving their top-flight status, were left to rue those opening minutes while Liverpool - with 92 -

close in on Manchester City’s 100-point Premier League landmark.

Liverpool had their uncomfortable moments in this game and their defending

lacked its usual assurance in the face of a spirited Brighton response to those two early goals but in the end, as on so many occasions, they simply carried too much firepower

and quality.

Klopp’s pressing demands were in evidence as Brighton paid the price for a risky possession plan near their own goal early on and in Salah they

Mohamed Salah has scored three goals in four Liverpool appearances since the Premier League restart in June

have a reliable goal machine who is a proven world class match-winner.

Some of Liverpool’s players will want to make an impact before the end of the season, even with the club’s first title in 30 years already won, and Keita was highly impressive for an hour before his substitution while teenager Neco Williams, given his first Premier League start in an unaccustomed position of leftback, had some uncomfortable moments but will be all the better for this experience.

Williams was replaced

by Robertson at the interval but this was not so much a reflection of his performance but more Klopp not wanting to take any chances with the Welsh youngster on a yellow card.

Liverpool may not have been quite at their intense, irresistible best since clinching the title, which is perfectly understandable.

However, their will to win, quality and sheer belief remain and they still have more history in their sights before the end of this stellar campaign.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

21

Teams; match officials show support for BLM movement (ESPNCricinfo) - The players, support staff and umpires all took a knee on the field yesterday, with each member of the West Indies team wearing a black glove on his right hand, which he raised in a fist while kneeling.

After rain delayed start of play in Southampton by three hours until 14:00hrs, both teams stood in a semi-circle around the pitch to observe a minute’s silence for those persons, who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic, and for Sir Everton Weekes who died on July 1, aged 95.

Immediately afterwards, the players - along with umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth - took up their positions and all dropped to one knee, with the fielding West Indies players raising their gloved hand. England batsmen Rory Burns and Dom Sibley knelt at the crease as the rest of the England and West Indian players and support staff knelt down around the boundary in a powerful show of solidarity.

Roddy Estwick, West Indies assistant coach, said at the close of play that his side had wanted “to make a statement”.

“For me it was a good feeling because we have to make change,” Estwick said. “For us it’s all about equality, it’s all about honesty, it’s all about treating everybody equally and for us that was very, very important. Fortunately enough we were able to make a statement so we were happy as a group to do it and I thought it was really wonderful to see England supporting us as well.”

Both teams had spoken about their intention to make a gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, in the United States, which sparked a series of demonstra-

tions around the world. Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after a White police officer restrained him by pressing down on his neck with a knee for more than seven minutes while he was handcuffed.

While the gloves were reminiscent of the Black Lives Matter logo worn by both teams on their shirts, in which the ‘A’ in ‘Black’ is replaced by a clenched fist, and of the black power salute by athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, Estwick said it was more about the West Indies team having a point of difference from other sporting teams who had shown support for the movement.

Many protesters have “taken a knee”, referencing Colin Kaepernick, the former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, who famously knelt during a rendition of the US national anthem at an NFL game while representing San Francisco 49ers to protest against police brutality and racial injustice in 2016.

“Everybody else came up with their way of doing things and that was our way of showing our support to the Black Lives Matter campaign,” Estwick said. “We just felt we wanted to do something slightly different. Everybody was taking a knee and raising the right hand and we felt that if we wanted to make a bigger statement, and have more impact, that we would wear the black gloves and that’s something that we all decided to do.”

In June, the ICC said it would take a “common sense” approach to players “using their platform to appropriately express their support for a more equitable society” with such expressions to be “assessed on a case-by-case basis by the match officials”. In the past, the ICC has acted when players

have made statements that could be considered political.

Graham Thorpe, the England assistant coach, said it was “important to show solidarity with the West Indies” side.

“The bottom line is that we feel that there is no room for racism in our sport and from the England team perspective today it was good to show that solidarity with the West Indies,” Thorpe said.

“Children from different backgrounds and races and religions, you want them to be able to stand together. That’s the type of thing which we spoke about yesterday as a team and if that’s a start from the England cricket team today to show that, then we’re proud to have done it.”

The worldwide protests have sparked discussion on systemic racism within sport, including cricket. Michael Carberry, the former England batsman, claimed “cricket is rife with racism”, while Darren Sammy has spoken out, revealing he was given a racist nickname while playing in the IPL. Yesterday’s gesture followed a powerful segment on Sky Sports’ match coverage in which broadcasters Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent gave impassioned accounts of their own experiences of racism within the game.

Last month, Holding told ESPNcircinfo: “There is no single person responsible for systemic racism and that’s why people have to come together to beat it. And you have to change it from the grassroots, systematically.

“The burden of change, though, shouldn’t be on the kids. It’s the adults who need to change. The white people who don’t speak up are part of the problem. It should be clear by now that silence isn’t going to solve it. It’s 2020: if we don’t change now, then when?”

Ryder Cup postponed to 2021 (BBC) - The 2020 Ryder Cup has been postponed for a year because the coronavirus pandemic means the event cannot be staged safely with spectators present.

The match between the United States and Europe was due to be held at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin on September 25-27.

But the biennial event has now been rescheduled for September 24-26, 2021.

“The spectators make it a unique and compelling event and playing without them was not a realistic option,” said PGA of America chief Seth Waugh.

“It became clear that our medical experts and the public authorities in Wisconsin could not give us certainty that conducting an event responsibly with thousands of spectators in September would be possible.

“Given that uncertainty, we knew rescheduling was the right call.”

Professional men’s golf in the U.S. has resumed behind closed doors but players have said the Ryder Cup should

not go ahead without fans.

The women’s Solheim Cup is scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6, 2021 in Ohio and LPGA commissioner Mike Whan has told BBC Sport that the

Ryder Cup decision does not affect their plans.

The European Tour announced that the qualification process for the European team has been frozen until the beginning of 2021.

And the next Ryder Cup to be held in Europe has been pushed back a year with Rome now set to host the event in 2023.

Europe captain Padraig Harrington said it was a “re-

lief” that organisers decided to postpone the competition.

“For me, it was very messy behind the scenes,” the 48-year-old Irishman said.

“The decision was based on health and safety, but try-

Europe are the current holders of the Ryder Cup after beating the U.S. in the 2018 match at Le Golf National in France

ing to get organised behind the scenes, it was going to be incredibly difficult to pull a team together that was fair and representative, and all the complications that go with it.

“For example, what happens if a player gets COVID? What happens if there’s a cluster? Do players have to quarantine?”

Harrington also said that if the Ryder Cup went ahead without fans then it would have lost part of its character.

“The team atmosphere the crowd generate, that would’ve been missed,” the three-time major winner added. “When you win in a tournament it’s very exciting, but you don’t get the same experience as you would at the Ryder Cup. “I’ve seen over the years, the number of players that come out of their shell in terms of their personality because of the crowds and that would be missed.”

In 2018 Europe regained the trophy with a 17½-10½ win over USA in the 42nd edition of the biennial competition.

22

(ESPNCricinfo) - After months of pain-staking preparation, cricket’s long-awaited return was held up not by bio-security protocols, the addition of saliva to a ball or a shortage of hand sanitiser but by the weather.

Perhaps it was inevitable after months of sunshine in the UK that rain and bad light would play their all-too-familiar parts, but that did little to lessen the disappointment as only 17.4 overs were possible at the Ageas Bowl.

During the three small windows of play possible, England dug in after stand-in captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat, as Rory Burns and Joe Denly led the recovery after the loss of Dom Sibley only 10 balls into the innings. It looked like a good toss to lose, with overcast skies offering assistance for seamers but the pitch seemingly slowish underneath a firmer top.

Jason Holder said he was “not too disheartened” to be bowling first and asked for “discipline” from his bowlers, after opting to pick an extra batsman

in Jermaine Blackwood and fielding four frontline quicks including himself.

So, 117 days after the last ball in international cricket - a Pat Cummins bouncer which Trent Boult slashed at to offer a steepling return catch in Sydney - Burns defended Kemar Roach into the off side to get proceedings underway, but in all the teams managed just 82 minutes of action.

The delayed start offered a chance for Sky - whose £1.1 billion, five-year broadcast deal had given the ECB such an imperative to get this series on - to show off all the new toys in their coverage. Those included a new Big Brother-style diary room for mid-match player interactions and the robot that filled in for a presenter at the toss, but the build-up was primarily dominated by more important issues.

Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent spoke candidly and openly about their experiences of racism, and players and staff from both teams took a knee before Kemar Roach’s first

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

ball, as a sign of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. England wore the names of key workers on their training shirts, and observed a minute’s silence to remember both those who died during the pandemic and the late Sir Everton Weekes.

If there were any concerns that the unprecedented circumstances might in some way distract players from the task at hand, West Indies’ opening bowlers made sure that England’s top order were unable to lose focus. Roach started immaculately, finding hints of movement, while in his first over Shannon Gabriel jagged a length ball in off the seam which Sibley ill-advisedly left alone, turning round to see his off stump pegged back.

Gabriel’s opening burst was slightly wayward at times, but despite his status as a late addition to the squad after being asked to prove he had overcome his ankle injury, he regularly hit 90mph/145kph and found late movement as the ball passed the bat.

He nearly accounted for

Denly in his fifth over, who edged him with hard hands through the vacant fourth-slip reason for four, while Roach nagged away from the Hotel End, landing the ball on a sixpence in the off-stump channel.

Burns and Denly found scoring slightly easier against Alzarri Joseph - included ahead of Rahkeem Cornwall as West Indies decided to back Roston Chase as their only main spin option - before bad light intervened around teatime. A combination of drizzle and dark cloud kept the teams off the pitch until the umpires eventually decided they had seen enough just before 18.15hrs.

The main talking point overnight had been Stuart Broad’s omission from the England team, which Ben Stokes admitted had been “a very tough decision” as he opted to partner Mark Wood with Jofra Archer for the first time in Test cricket.

Broad and Chris Woakes, the other man to miss out from England’s 13-man squad, “took it like champions” according to Stokes,

presumably in the knowledge that an opportunity would arise later in the series.

James Anderson described England’s schedule - which features six Tests in the space of seven weeks - as “gruelling”, and rotation will be an inevitable feature of the summer.

There was almost a breach of social-distancing protocols as soon as the coin had landed at the toss when Stokes’ at-

tempted fist bump was met by Holder’s handshake, but with so little time in the middle it was hard to draw any conclusions about the new normal.

The broadcasters pumped in a low-level hum of crowd noise, which was conspicuous only when it failed to turn into a ripple of polite applause after each boundary, but the ICC’s ban on the use of saliva may only be noticed when the ball gets older.

SCORECARD

ENGLAND 1st Innings R Burns not out 20 D Sibley b Gabriel 0 J Denley not out 14 EXTRAS: (nb1) 1 TOTAL: (wkt 1, 17.4 overs) 35 Fall of wicket: 1-0 (Sibley).

To bat: Z Crawley, O Pope, *B Stokes, +J Buttler, J Anderson, J Archer, D Bess, M Wood.

Bowling: Roach 6-4-2-0, Gabriel 5-1-19-1, Joseph 3.4-111-0, Holder 3-1-3-0.

WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.

UMPIRES: Richard Kettleborough, Richard Illingworth; TV – Michael Gough.

There are debts to be repaid Says George Dorbell THE end of lockdown - maybe the pause in lockdown will prove a more accurate phrase - has precipitated many long-awaited reunions. Friends, lovers, families have all been reunited.

It’s hard to say where the resumption of cricket rates compared to such events.

But it’s significant in many ways. Not least, it will go some way towards avoiding a financial meltdown in cricket in England and Wales. As things stand, it seems England have a better than even chance of fulfilling all their international fixtures for the 2020 summer.

From the situation in which they found themselves when the season was meant to start in April, this is a fine achievement. The fact that the highlights will be shown on the BBC also represents an opportunity. There’s never been too much wrong with our game; if we can get more people to see it, there’s no reason they should not fall in love with it.

The ECB - and Steve Elworthy, their events director, in particular - deserves a huge amount of credit for making this series a reality. Realising early that the cost of doing nothing would be far greater than the cost of drastic action, planes, grounds and hotels have been requisitioned.

New protocols have been introduced to cover everything from training to eating

to walking around stadiums.

The scope of the project is vast and would have seemed unimaginable as little as four months ago. A huge amount has been asked of many. Everyone has bought in. Most of the methods adopted by Elworthy and co. in recent weeks will provide a blueprint for governing bodies around the rest of the world. That, in turn, allows the sport to navigate its way through a crisis that could be with us for some time yet. Playing behind closed doors is nobody’s idea of perfect but, in the circumstances, most would have settled for this solution.

Elworthy already had an outstanding record in this area.

He was tournament director of the World Cup last year and in 2013 organised a Champions Trophy that may well have saved the 50-over format. In pulling off this project, he deserves to be viewed, alongside the likes of Tony Greig, Andy Flower and Kevin Pietersen, among the most valuable southern African imports to the English game.

England owe a great deal to West Indies, too. Leaving a region that has been spared the worst of COVID-19 and travelling to one in its grip has taken a certain amount of courage and determination.

Yes, CWI needed the tour to satisfy their sponsors - Sandals, the hotel chain, aims much of its marketing at the UK audience - but the players could easily have opted out.

English cricket owes every

one of them.

It’s not fair to conclude England would definitely not have toured had roles been reversed. There would have been doubts, of course. But England returned to India after the terrorist attacks in 2008 and went to Bangladesh, in 2016, at a time other teams were unwilling.

amid a renewed focus on racial equality and will feature a team of cricketers of Afro-Caribbean heritage answering England’s plea for help. It’s a reminder, perhaps, of how much England has gained from the Caribbean over the years. It needs to be acknowledged and respected.

Pakistan have been equal-

be nice to think this sense of cooperation will foster a new spirit among the cricketing community.

That it will remind all involved of our interdependence and shared interests, that it will lead to a new revenue model for international cricket which sees the biggest earners, like higher-rate taxpayers,

West Indies captain Jason Holder speaks to his team during a nets session at Ageas Bowl (Getty Images)

Even before recent events, there seemed every chance they would return to Pakistan in line with their obligations in the Future Tours Programme.

Their understanding of their global responsibilities is better than is sometimes credited.

But this series, in particular, seems timely. It comes

ly helpful to England. Their players are here already and seeing out their period of isolation in a Travelodge in Derby. Not every international team would do that.

Again, an opponent who has had a chequered relationship with the ECB has answered their call for help. It would

contribute a little more, that those who run the ‘big three’ will understand that, eventually, without strong opponents the appeal of the international game will wither and their own business models will be compromised. It would be nice.

But the early evidence

is not encouraging. The T20 World Cup, an event that would generate income for multiple cricket boards, is on the verge of being postponed for an event - the IPL - that will generate income for one.

And while Australia look set to host a lucrative bilateral series against India, they seem less keen to host Zimbabwe.

Within eight months next year, England will play 10 Tests against India and then travel to Australia for an Ashes series. The obsession for the rich to play the rich is leaving the rest struggling for survival.

The shame of all this is that recent weeks have shown what can be achieved when the game works together. If England are truly grateful for the support of Pakistan and West Indies at a time they needed them most, they will ensure their words of gratitude are translated to more tangible rewards. Cricket can be stronger for this experience but we require more than warm words and gestures. We need change.

Maybe such issues can wait for a day or two. There will be a sense of joy at seeing the resumption of cricket over the next few days. A sense of relief, too, that we are finding a way back towards the normal life we will never take for granted again. Well, not for a while, anyway.

But amid the excitement, let’s not forget the debt owed to West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland too. And debts need to be repaid.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 9, 2020

23

Hales excited for title defence

Alex Hales plays a cut, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents, CPL 2019, Basseterre, September 11, 2019

ALEX Hales will be back at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2020 having won the title with the Barbados Tridents in 2019. The tournament will take place from August 18 to September 10 and it will be amongst the first cricket competitions to return.

The English opener is very excited to be back at the CPL but is conscious that he wants to improve on the

performances he put in during last season.

“I am really happy. Obviously last year, personally I didn’t perform anywhere near the level I wanted to and I know I am capable of.

So, for them to put their faith in me again is really, really pleasing. When you win a title like that, I guess you want to keep as many of the guys together.

“We had such a good environment there, led incredibly well by Jason Holder and Phil Simmons.

The combination of those two was so chilled out - which is exactly what you need in T20 cricket. I am really looking forward to it.

CPL is a great competition and held in high regard around the world

in terms of standard. To get another crack, another bite of the cherry is a great opportunity.”

Hales was really impressed with the CPL in his first season at the tournament and says he would like to be involved for as long as he can be. He says the talent and passion on show are fantastic to be around.

“Some of the Caribbean players are some of the most talented cricketers I have been around anywhere in the world. Also, the love of the game the team in Barbados had was something I had never quite experienced.

“The highs of winning games, and then we lost a couple of games and everyone was devastated. The love and passion that everyone has there is second to none. Personally, if I can improve on what I did last year it is a tournament I would love to be involved with for the rest of my career.”

The Tridents have retained the core of their squad from the 2019 season and Hales says that finding that right balance between experience and youth was one of the pillars of the team’s success last year.

“From what I have found playing for different franchises you need the right blend of experience and youth, and the more I have played the more I think experience plays a part in winning trophies.

“The young guns will win you

games here and there along the way, but I think you really do need a mixture of experience when it comes to the pressure games. That is something we spoke about a lot in the Barbados team: it is keeping that cool head. “I think experience when it comes to the pressure moments and the big games in tournaments really helps you win those games at the right time.”

This season the Tridents have added Rashid Khan to their ranks and Hales thinks having the number one-ranked T20 bowler in their side is a massive boost for an already strong side.

“I have played against Rashid Khan a few times and had a season with him at Sunrisers Hyderabad.

(With) any team that has Rashid Khan in it, you boost your chances of winning the competition. For me, he and Andre Russell are probably the best two T20 players in the world.

“So to have Rashid, particularly on the pitches that favour spin in the Caribbean he can be an absolute handful. And he is fantastic in the field and obviously smacks a few at the end. So any team that got him in their ranks seriously boost their chances of winning.”

“We have signed Marcus Stoinis as well, and playing against him in the Big Bash, he was in the form of his life and scored runs in every game that he played. We seem to

have got an even stronger squad somehow than we did last year. It is really exciting.”

Hales will be linking up again with his Nottinghamshire team mate, Harry Gurney, for the 2020 tournament and he was full of praise for the left-ram seamer, saying he was crucial to their championship win.

Gurney arrived for the home leg of the tournament at a time when the Tridents were far from certain of making the playoffs. Hales says his efforts helped guide them to the knockouts and beyond.

“Signing Harry Gurney was massive. He learns his trade on Trent Bridge which is arguably the flattest pitch in the world. So, for him to bowl on probably bowler-friendly pitches was huge for us for him to come in for the back end of the tournament. He played a massive part in our winning the whole thing. I think we can build on that for next year, knowing that if things don’t quite work out at the start of the tournament you have got time to figure it and not panic.

“And that is something Jason and Phil did really well, at no point did they get edgy or concerned about playing well at the start.

Everyone kept a cool head and we really turned it on when it mattered which is a really good trait in a team.”

Lara; Tendulkar offer advice to Windies batsmen (ESPNCRICINFO) - Protect your stumps. Play beside the line of the ball.

Two nuggets of wisdom to succeed in England, from former greats Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar to Jason Holder’s West Indies, before the first Test against England in Southampton.

The visitors won the previous leg of the Wisden Trophy at home in 2019, but they have struggled in England, having failed to win a Test series in the country since 1988. They have managed only six Test wins during this period.

Batting remains West Indies’ weakness. Holder and head coach Phil Simmons have underlined that as a big concern. In the rain-affected second intra-squad warm-up match in Manchester, none of the top-order batsmen even got a decent start. After the first-innings collapse in that match, Holder was embarrassed to admit some of his batsmen needed to “look in the mirror”.

In the absence of Darren Bravo and Shimron

Hetmyer, West Indies will look at the pair of Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope to lead the batting department.

They were the standout performers for West Indies on their 2017 tour, as the visitors clinched a rare Test win in the country at Headingley on the back of their heroics.

However, both batsmen have struggled since. In terms of average, since

their tour of England in 2017, Holder has been West Indies’ best batsman.

Lack of application and focus and absence of partnerships have been outlined

by Simmons as the major issues with the batting.

Lara, meanwhile, said that batting remained the “key” to West Indies’ fortunes.

“The key to any team taking the field, especially if they are taking the field after batting, is the amount of runs they have to play with,” Lara told Tendulkar in a chat on the 100MB app.

“This present West Indies team need the

luxury of having runs on the board. They need their batsmen to come up trumps and give them that sort of comfort. So the effectiveness of a Kemar Roach or Shannon Gabriel will only come into play if they don’t have to go on the defensive because of the lack of runs.

That has been our problem for many, many years.”

According to Lara, quickly understanding the conditions, playing late, and dominating bowlers selectively were

Shai Hope is desperate to rediscover his 2017 form (Getty Images)

some of the cues West Indies batsmen needed to understand.

When pressed by Tendulkar, who asked: “In short, your message to West Indian team is try and stay beside the line; don’t get behind the line too much?”, Lara agreed.

“In England it is to protect your stumps, get acclimatised quickly, get the pace and bounce of the pitch, know what the bowlers are doing. Then when you feel comfortable you sort of grow. You don’t necessarily have to dominate every single bowler who is bowling to you.

If you get to 70-80 and there’s somebody that is giving you trouble, back off. That’s key.”

When Tendulkar joked that West Indies ought to take Lara “seriously”, the former West Indies captain cited the example of Tendulkar’s masterful 241 in 2004 in Sydney where he abstained from playing the cover drive - a shot that had got him into trouble throughout the series.

To cut out what hurts you, Lara said, was the “key” to batting.

“You know that, Sachin, as well. In terms of that great innings that you played in Sydney: it was not about a particular bowler getting you out, but it was a particular shot getting you out. And you stopped yourself from playing it and you were able to score in other areas. So it is similar sort of approach - be it your technique and may be having a problem with a particular shot or a particular bowler.

A good example would be Australia. Playing against Australia, I will be 70-80 or maybe a 140 and (Glenn) McGrath comes back for a spell. I know he is going to bowl 36 balls or six overs, seven overs. I don’t need to take any great risks. Give the guy at the other end the opportunity to score.”

Summing up the chat, Tendulkar said: “You just have to be smart.”

Lara nodded, “Yes, that’s all”.

Rain has final say as cricket returns PAGE 22

Dom Sibley was bowled offering no stroke Š Getty Images

Players from both teams and match officials united in a poignant gesture to support the Black Lives Matter movement before play in the first Test between England and West Indies at the Ageas Bowl

Teams; match officials show support for BLM movement PAGE 21

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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020