Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_17_2020

FRIDAY 17th July, 2020

' No.106063

‘We will not bend’ SEE PAGE 03

– Harmon says, amid increasing calls for President Granger to concede General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon

…says legal process must run its course

Guyanese passengers want their money back from LIAT …for flights paid for but never took off

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Curfew moves to 8pm

…outdoor dining permitted as Guyana enters phase three of ‘reopening’

High turn-out for CSEC, CAPE

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Students of St Joseph’s High file into the classroom to write their CSEC exams (Delano Williams photo)

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Securing frontier regions during COVID-19 --- GPF tackling language barriers, culture shock and more

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

CEO stands by elections report based on declarations …says approach taken during recount inconsistent with election laws

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

AHEAD of today’s hearing of the Misenga Jones case challenging the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) decision to declare the results of the General and Elections using data from the National Recount, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith

A section of the Basket of Issues created during the National Recount

Lowenfield told the Court that the approach taken during 33-day National Recount at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) was inconsistent with the Representation of the People Act, as he stood by his Election Report compiled on the

basis of declarations made

by Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts.

In his Affidavit in Answer in the case – Misenga Jones v the Guyana Elections Commission and others – Lowenfield explained that the valid votes documented on

the Certificates of Recount are not the same as determined by the Presiding Officers on March 2, 2020 due to various directions given during the Election Commission supervised National Recount.

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‘We will not bend’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

– Harmon says amid increasing calls for President Granger to concede …says legal process must run its course

THE ruling coalition will not buckle under pressure, General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, made clear on Thursday, amid increasing calls for President David Granger to concede.

To heap pressure on the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition, the US Government, on Wednesday, announced the revocation of US visas, notwithstanding the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not declared the results of the General and Regional Elections held last March.

Iterating that the electoral process is still ongoing, Harmon, as he marked the 9th Anniversary of the APNU, said the partnership supports the Coalition’s position that the “calls to concede in the circumstance from whatever source it comes are prematurely a coercive ploy, a violation of our constitution and laws.”

“We will not bend,” he said in an address to the country. Harmon said notwithstanding the fact that three Election Reports submitted by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, to the Elections Commission showed a win for the APNU+AFC, the PPP/C and its allies are seeking to use a fraudulent process to unseat the Government.

“The PPP/C and its backers, mostly the backers, are seeking to rely on a partial report of a fraudulent recount process to coerce the Chairman of GECOM to make a declaration in their favour. And may I dare say the timing of their recent action seems aimed at exhorting undue influence on the judge who has to deal with this matter in the High Court,” the APNU General Secretary said.

Today (July 17), the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, will hear arguments in the Misenga Jones Case, challenging GECOM’s failure to declare

the results of the General and Regional Elections in accordance with the advice of the Chief Elections Officer.

The sanctions announced by the US were made public the very day the court sat to facilitate a Case Management Conference.

The Misenga Jones Case, in part, is premised on the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case - Eslyn David vs. Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) et al – in which it set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and invalidated the June 23 Elections Report of the Chief Elections Officer. That report was the second of three reports.

Harmon said the CCJ, in its July 8th judgment, while acknowledging the aim of the recount Order No. 60, noted that the Order ought not to contradict the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The CCJ stated: “The court also notes that an Order issued by GECOM in any particular context can never

determine how the Constitution is to be determined. It is a matter of elementary constitutional law that if ordinary legislation is in tension with the Constitution, then the Court must give precedence to the words of the Constitution and not the other way around. With respect, the notion that Order No. 60 could either impact the interpretation of the Constitution or create a new election regime at variance with the plain words of the Constitution is constitutionally unacceptable.”

According to him, the CCJ’s ruling meant that the recount order created a new electoral regime and as such, was not in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana.

“This has meant, also, that votes tabulated during the National Recount cannot be used to declare the results of the General and Regional elections,” he posited while pointing to paragraph 37 of the court’s judgment.

That paragraph reads: “The Presidential Candidate

on the list for which more votes have been cast than any other list is deemed to be elected as President and the Chairman of GECOM must declare. The allocations of seats in the National Assembly and the identification of the successful Presidential Candidate are determined on the sole basis of votes counted and information furnished by returning officers under the Representation of the People Act.” Notably, the first and third Election Reports compiled and submitted by the Chief Elections Officer were done on the basis of the declarations made by the Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts.

“The CCJ’s ruling clearly invalidated the recount process indicating that the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission was obliged to act in full accordance with the Constitution of Guyana and the judgement of the CCJ and declare the elections results based on the report presented by the Chief Elections Offi-

CEO stands by elections report based...

He posited that the approach taken during the National Recount, which was triggered by Order No. 60, was inconsistent with the procedures outlined in the Representation of the People Act and the official manual for Presiding Officers and other Polling Day Officials (revised 2019).

In support of his position, the Chief Elections Officer provided the High Court with approximately five examples in the form of exhibits in which the Elections Commission, during the National Recount, validated votes in contradiction with the Representation of the People Act. Additionally, Lowenfield told the High Court that the ‘Basket of Issues’ created during the recount exercise was amended to accept ballots with smudges or erasures as long as the voter intention appeared to be clear. However, he said, in some instances, ballots were invalidated though some Elections Commissioners argued that the voters’ intentions were clear. “… overall, there was inconsistent application of the ‘new rule’ depending on arguments proffered or the officials involved,” the CEO said.

To add weight to his po-

sition, Lowenfield furnished the Court with a table depicting the number of ballots for which the status assigned by the Presiding Officers in the presence of the Counting Agents and persons entitled to be there on March 2, 2020, was redefined during the National Recount as captured in the Observation Reports.

According to that table, in Region One (Barima-Waini), nine rejected ballots were validated while three valid ballots were changed to rejected during the National Recount.

Over in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 12 rejected ballots were changed to valid while one valid ballot was changed to rejected; in Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara), 37 rejected ballots were changed to valid and 32 valid ballots changed to rejected; in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 305 rejected ballots were changed to valid and 192 valid ballots changed to rejected.

Over in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), a total of 48 rejected ballots were changed to valid and 20 valid ballots changed to rejected; in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) 82 rejected ballots changed to valid and 27 valid ballots

cer,” Harmon stressed.

He said the records, from all indications, show that the APNU+AFC won the March 2 Elections. Given the continuous threats of sanctions, Harmon expressed the view that the elections now seem to be no longer about the Guyanese people, but about other interests.

“And to this, APNU iterate that Guyana is an independent and sovereign state and respect and cherish our relations at a diplomatic level with all states. We stand firm against any threats or actions which are aimed at violating the trust which exist between our leadership and our people. We will, with patient restraint, await the lawful outcome of our electoral process,” he said.

Reciting the National Pledge, Harmon, on behalf of the APNU and by extension the coalition, vowed to stand firm in the interest of the Guyanese people.

“Our cause is just and we are confident in the victory of good over evil,” he said.

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Table showing summary of votes altered during National Recount

changed to rejected; in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 30 rejected ballots changed to valid and eight valid ballots changed to rejected; in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) 26 rejected ballots changed to valid and two valid ballots changed to rejected; in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) two rejected ballots changed to valid and three valid ballots changed to rejected;

and in Region 10, 21 rejected ballots changed to valid and 31 valid ballots were changed to rejected. Overall, 572 rejected ballots were changed to valid and 319 valid ballots were rejected.

“The Commission’s instructions changed from one day to the next depending on the questions that arose during the recount. Further, there was no strict adherence to the pro-

cedure for determining valid votes as described in Section 84 (6) of the Representation of the People Act Cap 1:03.

For instance, as shown in the ‘Basket of Issues,’ on the 6th day of May, 2020, the Commission redefined a valid vote to mean a ballot cast where the voter’s intention [was clear],” the Chief Elections Officer explained. He pointed to the fact that the no Returning Officer

or District Counting Agents were appointed to conduct or attend the National Recount.

Lowenfield told the Court it was the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, who had committed to a recount but at the level of the Elections Commission. “…The Chairperson, Claudette Singh, on the 13th day of March, 2020, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

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CEO stands by elections report based... appeared before the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature in contempt proceedings and indicated to the Court that the tabulation was in progress and should there be any discrepancies in the Statements of Poll as declared by the Returning Officer and those held by political parties, the discrepancy should be noted and at the end of the process, if they could not be addressed, she will endeavor to facilitate a recount at the level of the Commission,” he recalled.

He further noted that as a result of complaints by political parties, Order No. 60 was brought into effect on May 4, 2020 to remove difficulties connected with the application of the Representation of the People Act. Referencing to the recent judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Lowenfield said the Court in pronouncing on Order 60 did not compel the Elections Commission to use the recount data in the Elections Report.

“The Caribbean Court of Justice did not say the results of the recount are to form the basis of the Chief Elections Officer’s report rather the Caribbean Court of Justice states ‘it is for GECOM to ensure that the elections results are swiftly declared in accordance with the Laws of Guyana,’” he pointed out.

According to him, the Elections Report tendered on June 11, 2020 is consistent with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act. That report, however, did not find favour with the Chairperson of GECOM, who had ordered that it be replaced with one that reflects the National Recount data. Lowenfield is being represented by Senior Counsel Neil Boston.

Ballots which were invalidated by Presiding Officers on Elections Day in accordance with the Representation of the People Act but were validated by the Elections Commission during the recount.

OACPS/EU negotiations edge closer to final successor agreement GUYANA, on Thursday, participated in the ninth session of the Chief Negotiators

of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the Eu-

Friday July 17, 2020 –– 02:00hrs & 14:30hrs

ropean Union (EU), which was held via video-conference.

In a press release on Thursday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, over the past two days, the Organisation’s Central Negotiating Group (CNG-M) engaged in re-negotiating a successor agreement to the Cotonou Accord as they fo-

cused on stock-taking of the process, endorsing texts from the technical level negotiations, and providing political guidance on the outstanding issues.

Head of the Guyana delegation and Vice-Chair and Lead Ministerial Negotiator for the Caribbean Protocol, Carl B. Greenidge, noted that the negotiations were in the

Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge

final stage and scheduled to be concluded shortly. “It has been a very engaging process that was also impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

These factors will certainly be reflected in the type of agreement concluded,” he stated.

Further, Mr. Greenidge explained that, “The agreement is unique in that it is resultant of a partnership which has agreed procedures for dispute resolution and for it to be negotiated.”

The OACPS CNG-M is chaired by Professor Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of Togo, and include the Honourable Carl B. Greenidge as Vice-Chair and Lead

Ministerial Negotiator for the Caribbean Protocol, and the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, as the Caribbean representatives. The Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the ACP and EU was signed in 2000 and expired in March 2020.

Formal negotiations for a successor arrangement were launched in September 2018. This Agreement provides the basis for cooperation and donor support with the EU at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The EU is the largest provider of concessional development funds and assistance to Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Coronavirus: Russian spies target COVID-19 vaccine research

(BBC) Russian spies are targeting organisations trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine in the UK, US and Canada, security services have warned.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the hackers "almost certainly" operated as "part of Russian intelligence services".

It did not specify which organisations had been targeted, or whether any information had been stolen.

But it said vaccine research had not been hindered by the hackers.

Russia has denied responsibility.

"We do not have information about who may have hacked into pharmaceutical companies and research centres in Great Britain. We can say one thing - Russia has nothing at all to do with these attempts," said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Putin, according to the Tass news agency.

The warning was published by a international group of security services: One expert said it was "plausible" that, despite the Kremlin's denials, Russian spies were involved.

"The received wisdom is that in cyber-space, attribution is difficult but not impossible," commented Emily Taylor from the Chatham House think tank.

"Usually the security services are much more hedgy in their language if they think there is any doubt.

"Cozy Bear [the named group] has been implicated in past cyber-attacks and has left quite a trail, and there are fairly good links to the Russian state itself."

In recent years, Western security agencies have become more willing to call out hackers targeting companies and organisations in their countries in the hope it will deter them.

But the latest accusations

are more unusual since officials are directly pointing the finger at Russian spies rather than talking generally about "state-backed hackers" or using other more cautious references.

And they are also challenging them over targeting something that the general public recognises as being highly sensitive - coronavirus vaccine research - rather than simply some company or government department's information.

However, on another level we should not be too surprised by the claim.

Understanding vaccine research and other details about the pandemic has become a top target for intelligence agencies around the world and many others, including Western spies, are likely to be active in this space.

The UK, US and Canadian agencies said the hackers had exploited software flaws

to get access to vulnerable computer systems, and had used malware called WellMess and WellMail to upload and download files from infected machines.

They are also said to have tricked individuals into handing over login credentials

with spear-phishing attacks.

But one cyber-security expert said the Russians were unlikely to be the only ones involved in such a campaign.

"They have lots of people, we have lots of people, the Americans have even more people, as do the Chi-

nese," commented Prof Ross Anderson from the University of Cambridge's Computer Laboratory.

"They are all trying to steal this kind of stuff all the time."

Summers could become 'too hot for humans' (BBC) Millions of people around the world could be exposed to dangerous levels of heat stress - a dangerous condition which can cause organs to shut down.

Many live in developing countries, and do jobs that expose them to potentially life threatening conditions.

These include being out in the open on farms and building sites or indoors in factories and hospitals.

Global warming will increase the chances of summer conditions that may be "too hot for humans" to work in.

When we caught up with Dr Jimmy Lee, his goggles were steamed up and there was sweat trickling off his neck.

An emergency medic, he's labouring in the stifling heat of tropical Singapore to care for patients with Covid-19.

There's no air conditioning - a deliberate choice, to prevent the virus being blown around - and he notices that he and his colleagues become "more irritable, more short with each other".

And his personal protective equipment, essential for avoiding infection, makes things worse by creating a sweltering 'micro-climate' under the multiple layers of plastic.

"It really hits you when you first go in there," Dr Lee says, "and it's really uncomfortable over a whole shift of eight hours - it affects morale."

One danger, he realises,

is that overheating can slow down their ability to do something that's vital for medical staff - make quick decisions.

Another is that they may ignore the warning signs of what's called heat stress - such as faintness and nausea - and keep on working till they collapse.

What is heat stress?

It's when the body is unable to cool down properly so its core temperature keeps rising to dangerous levels and key organs can shut down.

It happens when the main technique for getting rid of excess heat - the evaporation of sweat on the skin - can't take place because the air is too humid.

And as Dr Lee and other medics have found, the impermeable layers of personal protection equipment (PPE) designed to keep the virus out - have the effect of preventing the sweat from evaporating.

According to Dr Rebecca Lucas, who researches physiology at the University of Birmingham, the symptoms can escalate from fainting and disorientation to cramps and failure of the guts and kidneys.

"It can become very serious as you overheat, and in all areas of the body."

How can we spot it?

A system known as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measures not only heat but also humidity and other factors to give a more realistic description of the conditions.

The US military developed heat stress guidelines to keep its soldiers safe

Back in the 1950s, the US military used it to work out guidelines for keeping soldiers safe.

When the WBGT reaches 29C, for example, the recommendation is to suspend exercise for anyone not acclimatised.

Yet that's the level Dr Lee and his colleagues are regularly experiencing at Singapore's Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

And at the top of the scale - when the WBGT registers 32C - the US says strenuous training should stop because the risk becomes "extreme".

But levels that high have recently been recorded inside hospitals in Chennai in India

by Prof Vidhya Venugopal of the Sri Ramachandra University.

She's also found workers in a salt pan enduring a WBGT that climbs during the day to 33C - at which point

they have to seek shelter.

And in a steel plant, a ferocious level of 41.7C was recorded, the workers being among the most vulnerable to what she calls "the huge heat".

"If this happens day-in, day-out, people become dehydrated, there are cardiovascular issues, kidney stones, heat exhaustion," Prof Venugopal says.

What impact will climate change have?

As global temperatures rise, more intense humidity is likely as well which means more people will be exposed to more days with that hazardous combination of heat and moisture.

Prof Richard Betts of the UK Met Office has run computer models which suggest that the number of days with a WBGT above 32C are set to increase, depending on whether greenhouse gas emissions are cut.

And he spells out the risks

for millions of people already having to work in the challenging combination of extreme heat and high humidity.

"We humans evolved to live in a particular range of temperatures, so it's clear that if we continue to cause temperatures to rise worldwide, sooner or later the hottest parts of the world could start to see conditions that are simply too hot for us."

Another study, published earlier this year, warned that heat stress could affect as many as 1.2bn people around the world by 2100, four times more than now.

What solutions are there?

According to Dr Jimmy Lee, "it's not rocket science".

People need to drink plenty of fluid before they start work, take regular breaks and then drink again when they rest.

His hospital has started laying on "slushie" semi-frozen drinks to help the staff cool down.

But he admits that avoiding heat stress is easier said than done.

For him and his colleagues, going for rests involves the laborious process of changing out of PPE and then back into a new set of equipment.

There's a practical problem as well - "some people do not want to drink so they can avoid having to go to the toilet," he says.

And there's a professional desire to keep working what-

ever the difficulties so as not to let colleagues and patients down at a time of crisis.

People who are highly motivated can actually be at the greatest risk of heat injury, says Dr Jason Lee, an associate professor in physiology at the National University of Singapore.

He's a leading member of a group specialising in the dangers of excessive heat, the Global Heat Health Information Network, which has drawn up guidelines to help medics cope with Covid-19.

It's spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the US weather and climate agency Noaa.

Dr Lee says that as well as measures like rest and fluids and shade for outdoor workers - a key strategy for resisting heat stress is to be fit.

"By keeping yourself aerobically fit, you're also increasing your heat tolerance, and there are so many other benefits too."

And he sees the challenge for medics, sweating inside their PPE as they deal with Covid-19, as "almost like a full dress rehearsal" for future rises in temperature.

"This climate change will be a bigger monster and we really need a coordinated effort across nations to prepare for what is to come.

"If not," he says, "there'll be a price to be paid."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Prison reform EARLIER this week, news broke of a riot at the Lusignan Prison. Criminal activities of this type have routinely occurred at our penal institutions over the years and despite the many efforts at reform, these continue.

Sunday’s riot was sparked by a combination of the seizure of contraband, and a confrontation between a prisoner and a prison warder. A building that housed the inmates was completely destroyed, causing the relocation of the 284 prisoners that were housed there.

At a subsequent news conference, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, clarified that the incident did not involve a prison-wide search, but just the search of one prisoner. Samuels also said that a lack of contraband in the prisons may have been frustrating prisoners more than usual, noting that it was clearly overheard that prisoners said there is a drought in the prison as relates to contraband.

The prison guard involved in the con-

frontation has since been removed to avoid further agitation at the prison. The prison has been and will continue to be an institution in society. Recognising that the prison encompasses people who are citizens, it must not only be looked at as a penal system, but a reformist institution that prepares the incarcerated for re-integration into society.

The walls of the prisons are bursting at their seams given the larger population than what they were originally designed for. This is in itself a violation of prisoners’ rights and in some society there would be an outcry to have this corrected. The disgust for criminal actions must not translate to violation of human rights which prisoners too are guaranteed. Addressing reform will require reviewing sentencing based on the type of crime. Innovative ways can be examined to dispense with petty crimes such as stealing a bicycle, wherein justice can be dispensed through community service in a

controlled environment. President Granger’s initiative of pardoning young men who had committed non-violent offences must be considered a good intent to kick start a major prison reformation. The prison population can be placed in several different groups since the one-size fits all system is a proven failure. Even as inmates are taught CXC subjects and afforded basic technical education, such can be complemented with programmes like an effective parole system designed towards preparing prisoners for reintegration and reducing the congestion that presently exists.

Every incarcerated individual, outside of those on death row or life imprisonment, is expected to re-integrate into society. Taking cognisance of this reality requires a reform structure that is deep, focused and incisive, with consideration for the varied groups. It should be considered that prison life must bring with it new opportunities or second chance to

pursue a life of legitimacy and productivity through acquisition of knowledge and development of appropriate life skills. In the wider society, efforts can also be made to empower the citizenry of the various crimes and corresponding penalties via roadway signs, etc., which play a role in deterring crime. Our prison system has remained in an era the world has moved beyond. And given that the prison system is being managed at a tidy sum to the taxpayers, attention ought to be paid to value for money. Applying this principle can see a system put in place targeting reduction in recurring offenders by separating them from the hardened criminals who can influence them to a life of crime. Prison reform is possible in the presence of will and commitment, but such must also be seen as a matter of necessity to bring Guyana into the 21st century.

Pompeo’s statement seeks to APNU+AFC Government undermine law, order and due process not in breach of any laws Dear Editor THE threat by Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, of visa revocation for government officials (elected and appointed) comes as no surprise. His behavior, overtime, could be associated with the culture of ‘might is right.’ This thinking tramples the rights of citizens, the welfare of nations and any who dare follow a contrary path. In this environment, wrong is right and right is wrong depending on who is doing or saying what to whom, when, where and how.

That today Guyana is in the United States’ bullseye, and our democracy ridiculed by someone who is known for demonstrating intolerance for laws and institutions if he considers such hindrance to his agenda, silence is not an option. Whereas in the U.S there remains stronag respect for law and order and this gentleman will continue to be met with resistance when he seeks to flout them, Guyanese must too assert ourselves.

I refuse to believe Pompeo was not properly briefed or failed to take the time to acquaint himself of the progress Guyana has made in resolving our election impasse.

And whereas he has sought refuge in silence when some approached the court, his vocal opposition when others do so is not lost on us. This is much, much more than elections

playing out before our eyes, for if the U.S truly seeks democracy in Guyana, its top diplomat will respect the institutions that safeguard democracy. The functionaries in these institutions will be allowed to execute their task and held to account consistent with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana.

Instructively, on the very date (15th July 2020) the High Court commenced hearing on the electoral law and Order 60 of 2020 in helping the GECOM to arrive at a definitive declaration, the Secretary threatened visa sanctions. This is not an accident. The action is deliberate and properly timed to seek to undermine the only branch of government that has thus far remained independent, ruling in favour of both sides.

The threat is designed to cast doubts on Guyana’s institutions, intimidate us, and threaten key players tasked with responsibility to deliberate and function consistent with our laws.

Secretary Pompeo, by his statement, has set out to undermine law, order and due process which America stands for.

Guyanese, home and in the diaspora, are being called on to reject this undermining of Guyana’s democracy. Raise your voice in condemnation of the assault.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

Dear Editor, The APNU+AFC Coalition Government is not in breach of any international laws or treaties nor has it engaged in any human rights violations.

This Government has meticulously followed and continues to follow the constitution and laws of Guyana. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government is not in any contravention with any of the Laws of Guyana. Therefore, it is befuddling and surprising that the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. Mike Pompeo, can announce to the world that the US intends to impose visa restrictions on individuals undermining democracy in Guyana, while urging President David A. Granger to step aside and respect the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Clearly, it appears that Secretary Pompeo was speaking from an uninformed position, as the results of the Gen-

eral and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020 have not yet been lawfully declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Until a lawful declaration is made by GECOM, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government will remain the democratic Government in place in Guyana.

Guyana gained independence 54 years ago and became an independent nation with its own laws and sovereignty. The Constitution of Guyana is the supreme Law of the land. The Constitution of Guyana outlines in clear and simple language the role GECOM must play as the sole body in Guyana with the authority and responsibility to conduct elections in Guyana.

GECOM has not yet lawfully declared the winner of Elections 2020, which means that, until that declaration has been made in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana, President David A. Granger and the APNU+AFC Coalition Government will remain in office.

President Granger has long

stated that he and the APNU+AFC Coalition Government will abide by the Constitution, once GECOM makes a lawful and legal declaration of the March 2, 2020 Election Results.

As a citizen of Guyana, I take umbrage at the threats emanating from the US Secretary of State of visa restrictions for persons they deem as undermining democracy in Guyana, particularly when these threats are unfounded and baseless.

Guyana remains a democratic country with its own rules and laws by which the Government governs itself.

Perhaps Secretary Pompeo will do well to focus on the real pressing issues affecting the US, especially in this era of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and leave Guyana to sort out its own issues within the confines of the Laws of Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Concerned Guyanese Citizen’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Body of male still unidentified

THE body of an unidentified man of East Indian ancestry was, on June 26, 2020, found on Rosignol Public Road, West Coast Berbice, at about 05:00h. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man. Accord-

Congratulations to West Indies Dear Editor PLEASE permit me to use this medium to congratulate the West Indies Cricket Team on their recent outstanding defeat of England. Under the captaincy of the world's number one test all-rounder, Jason Holder, they defied the Covid-19 challenges and hammered England in their own backyard. It was so pleasing to see the resumption of test cricket after one hundred and seventeen days and, moreso, the Caribbean team with the words, Black Lives Matter boldly inscribed on their collars, giving a knee at the Ageas Bowl. It has been a long time since the West Indies team defeated a team ranked above them in a test match away from home . Also, it was the first time since 2000 that they defeated their opponent in the first test match of a series in England.

The team from the Caribbean dominated the match, apart from two brief periods when they batted the second time and were 2 for 7 and 3 for 21.

Gabrael, Blackwood and Holder were outstanding, although several others chipped in with valuable contributions with both bat and ball at diverse stages of the match. It was truly a great team effort. However, there were too many dropped catches, missed run out chances, poor communication in running between the wickets by the tallest man in the team, Jason Holder, and the shortest person, Jermain Blackwood; too many batsmen got good starts but did not move on to bigger scores and a few tactical blunders by the skipper himself.

On the other side of the coin, the victors gained from several dropped catches, run out opportunities and a no-ball that could [have]resulted in a wicket.

As we jubilate, we must remember that England will come back at us with blood in their eyes in the upcoming tests. There is a saying that England would prefer to lose a battleship than to lose a test match.

They will also posit that one swallow does not mean that it is summer.

However, it is always nice to be first among equals. As we move forward for a blackwash, we must remember that there is hope.

Best regards Clinton Conway

ing to the description provided by the GPF, the man seems to be about 40 years old, 5' 5" tall, medium built, was clad in a pair of long blue jeans and black short sleeve jersey. His body remains at Bailey's Funeral Home, West Coast Berbice, awaiting identi-

fication and post mortem.

Anyone with information leading to his identification is asked to contact the Guyana Police Force on telephone numbers ?232-0313, 232-0291, 911 or the nearest Police Station.

The Windies epic in the pandemic

Dear Editor

IT is the worst of times, it is the best of times. It is the epoch of incredulity, it is the epoch of credulity. It is the cricket tour that should not have been. It is the cricket tour that should be seen. It was the birth of a summer like no other. It was a test of will, it was a test of skills. It was a Test that was witnessed by no one, it was a Test that was viewed by everyone. Indeed, it was a test. It was a bubble in a bowl … the Ageas Bowl. And the spirit of George Floyd who knew not of cricket was ever present, and the doctrine of Black Lives Matter dominated the silence with black fists raised as the teams knelt to open the proceedings.

There was no John Arlott or Tony Cozier to broadcast the momentous event. But indeed tailor-made for the moment there was Michael Holding and Ebony Rainford-Brent to add authenticity, emotional evidence and texture to the times.

And when the Windies stood up and removed their black gloves, but kept their black armbands to remember the late West Indies icon Sir Everton Weekes, crossed the boundary boards unto the field of play, England were squarely in their sights. When it was all said and done, the Windies had twisted the lion’s tail and taken a one-nil lead

in the three- Test series. Skipper Jason Holder led the team admirably with his Test best of 6 for 42, supported by a resurgent Shannon Gabriel, who went 4 for 62 as they dismissed a formidable England line-up for a mere 204, captained by star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, in the absence of Joe Root, away on paternity leave. Stokes led the way with a measured 43.

The Windies, it could be said, seized the moment and garnered an important lead with resolute top-order batting from Kraigg Brathwaite, 65, Shane Dowrich, 61, and Roston Chase, 47, to reach 318 all out. It was a hard-fought advantage that would serve them well as England managed 313 in their second innings with solid contributions from Zak Crawley, 76, all-rounder Dom Sibley, 50, Stokes, 46, and Joe Burns, 42. Gabriel, evidently fully recovered from off-season ankle surgery, occasioned the vital breakthrough in tandem with Alzarri Joseph, late on the penultimate afternoon with venomous pacey stuff to close out the night, leaving England eight wickets down. On the final morning, Gabriel removed Mark Wood and then the feisty Jofra Archer for 23 to finish with 5 for 75, and Manof-the-Match figures of 9 for 137, as England set the visitors a modest 200 for victory.

In the chase, Windies wobbled at 27 for 3, losing Brathwaite, Hope, and Shamarh Brooks, with lefty opener, John Campbell,

retired hurt. But a determined middle order, led by dimunitive Jamaican, Jermaine Blackwood, who fashioned an accomplished 95, along with Chase, 37, and pint-sized wicketkeeper, Dowrich, 20, and skipper Holder 14 not out, ensured the Windies achieved their victory target.

And now all eyes are turned to the venerable sward, Old Trafford, Manchester, for the second ‘raise the bat’ Test as cricket fans the world over look forward to relief from the punishing global pandemic. India’s off-spinner, Ravi Ashwin, meanwhile, gave his stamp of approval to the first Test, tweeting ‘well played Windies – and congratulations to ECB cricket and SKY sports for putting together some wonderful cricket during these times.’ The Windies, who have not achieved a series win in England since 1988, before any of the current players was born, will likely retain the winning team for the second stanza, while England are expected to welcome back skipper, Joe Root, and replace pacer, Mark Wood, with the veteran quickie, Stuart Broad.

Regards Cosmo Hamilton

It’s clearly illegal for ‘Dr’ Ali to call himself a “Dr” because the bachelor’s degree never existed Dear Editor I AM neither a supporter of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nor A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, so my writing is neutral.

It is shocking beyond disbelief how the media has sanitised the issue of the “dr” Irfaan Ali’s phony education. Phony “dr” Ali is unqualified to be President of Guyana.

Please publish the address and phone number of the West Demerara College, date it was established, date, if it was closed, and accreditation. Without proper accreditation, the institution would be considered as a “diploma mill.” If it is still in operation, please list a few of the degrees being offered. Contact information of colleges/universities is public information. Certainly, a

lot of Guyanese, including myself (although I was educated in the US) would like to get a degree from this phantom college. I have asked several people for the information but nothing has been forthcoming, including one media outlet which is pro-PPP. Guyana loves to compare itself with America and clearly the US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, has been meddling in local affairs which is not the duty of a foreign service officer.

Lynch and the squad (Canadian Chatterjee, British Quinn), should be ashamed of themselves of being “dr” Ali and the PPP’s lackeys. Lynch, of most people, should have expounded on the phony “dr” Ali’s qualifications.

Since Guyana’s politicians love to compare themselves with the United States, Lynch knows the adverse ramifications if a politician, or for that matter, any public

official being caught with phony educational credentials: their political careers would be doomed, Yet Lynch has accepted this fake “dr” Ali and failed to speak one word about his phony education.

Get real Sarah-Ann Lynch, speak on this phantom West Demerara College or stop running your mouth about Guyana’s political affairs and exit the country. We don’t need you here to be a biased supporter of a phony “dr”.

It’s clearly illegal for “dr” Ali to call himself a “Dr” because the bachelor’s degree never existed. In the United States, it is highly illegal for someone to present a fake degree and that is exactly what Irfaan Ali has done, supported by the squad from the ABC countries.

Obtaining a phony bachelor’s degree from the West Demerara College that doesn’t exist certainly invalidates the master and

doctorate of the phony “dr” Ali. Hence, it could say much for University of the West Indies as just as bad. It appears as though once a person has a position, title and could pay for the degree, they get it. Bravo to you phony degree holders. Irfaan Ali, with his phony degrees, is not qualified to be President.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) between 1980 and 1991 in the United States, Operation Dipscam, yield more than 20 convictions and more than 12,500 fake graduates including government officials were identified. Surely, Ambassador Lynch must be aware of this, yet she is complicit with “dr” Irfaan Ali’s phony degree from the West Demerara College.

Regards P. Haniff

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

U.S. tight-lipped on visa restrictions …“privacy laws” prohibit naming individuals

… U.S. urges President to “step aside” but also admits it must “wait for a declaration”

By Lisa Hamilton THE United States (U.S) is tight-lipped on the names or number of individuals in Guyana who have been affected by the visa restrictions announced by U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo on Wednesday.

In a virtual press briefing on Thursday, hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, the Ambassador said that “privacy laws” prevent the U.S. from naming these individuals.

“Visa records are confidential under U.S. law.

We are not able to identify the individuals or provide details on any individual visa kits,” Lynch stated.

“People will be informed when they apply for a visa or if they already have one and they plan to travel to the

U.S., they will be informed that their visa has been revoked.”

However, about 30 minutes after the press briefing, the U.S. Embassy clarified that: “Individuals whose visas have been revoked under the Secretary’s announcement yesterday will be informed by the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy.” Still, the newspaper is unaware of which communication method will be used to relay this information to the said individuals.

The visa restrictions were made under Section 212 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act which speaks to the restriction of persons who potentially pose “serious adverse foreign policy consequences” to the U.S. Lynch said that the restrictions took effect

as soon as they were announced by the U.S. Secretary of State on Wednesday.

CONTRASTING POSITIONS The Ambassador denied that this move of the U.S. government has anything to do with intentions to target the Venezuelan government through Guyana. “We’re focused on Guyana. It has nothing to do with any other nation,” she said.

Questioned whether the actions of the U.S. Government could be seen as premature considering that the matter of an election declaration is still before the Court, the Ambassador defended that over 130 nations worldwide have called for an end to the election process.

The Ambassador said:

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

“We do not feel that we're getting ahead of anything here. As I’ve now said several times, the Secretary of State has spoken out for several weeks about the potential for serious consequences should Guyana or should individuals in Guyana continue to undermine the democratic process.”

On the matter of premature actions, the question was also posed that given the fact that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has not yet made a declaration –- which is the basis upon which a new President is elected and subsequently sworn in --- how does the U.S. government justify requesting that President David Granger nonetheless “step aside”.

Lynch did not answer the direct question. She responded: “The initial election on March 2, as well as the recount, had substantial observation efforts --- international, local, party agents, election officials. As I said in my opening remarks, there were seven separate results for this election --two that were credible from the initial election and the Secretary of State had mentioned that we recognise the legitimate and credible count of the national vote recount.”

In contrast, when asked whether the U.S. recognises Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Irfaan Ali, as having won the elections, the U.S. Ambassador re-

sponded: “We will wait for a declaration from the Chairwoman of GECOM.” Awaiting a declaration from the Elections Commission is what President David Granger has asked the international community to do as opposed to its call for him to “concede” or “step aside”.

The President said in July 2020: “The Executive branch of Government does not have a role in managing elections. That role is given under the Constitution, exclusively, explicitly to the Elections Commission. I cannot claim victory, which I have not done, and I cannot concede defeat, which I have not done, unless I’m notified, formally, by the Chairperson of the Elections Commission.”

In other words, even if President Granger were to “step aside”, the Elections Commission would still have to complete the electoral process in accordance with the Law and Constitution, before another President can be sworn in.

AWAIT A DECLARATION Still, on Wednesday, in announcing the visa restrictions, the U.S. Secretary of State called on President David Granger to “step aside”.

“Today I'm announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Guyana. Immediate family members of such persons may also be

subject to restrictions. The Granger government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo said.

In his extended statement, he said that he has been clear on previous occasions that the U.S. stands with the Guyanese people and that there would be consequences for individuals who seek to undermine democracy.

He said that the events following the March 2 elections indicate that there are “forces” that have repeatedly refused to accept the will of the people at the ballot box.

In response on Wednesday, the Executive arm of Government expressed that it was regretful of the decision taken by the U.S. State Department but nonetheless urged all locally and abroad to await the conclusion of the elections.

The Government said: “The matter affecting the outcome of Guyana’s elections is still before courts, which is entirely the responsibility of the judiciary. No declaration has been made. The Executive Branch has not participated in the undermining of the electoral process and urges all countries interested in Guyana’s development to await the logical conclusion of the process which is being managed by the Elections Commission, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Airport ‘Phase Two’ reopening

– GCAA says REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have noted that Phase Two of Guyana’s air travel re-opening plan could come by August 28, 2020.

This information was presented by GCAA Director of Aviation Safety and Security, Abraham Doris during the first round of the Tourism Recovery Action Committee (TRAC)’s stakeholder consultations hosted Online on Thursday.

He was accompanied

by Director of Air Transport Management Saheed Sulaman, and as part of a presentation, the two discussed circumstances likely to influence travel to Guyana in the near future and the measures implemented by local airports to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when scheduled flights return.

Doris said that with Phase One of the government’s reopening plan ongoing, Phase Two is tentatively estimated for August 28, and will facilitate limited incoming flights from citizens, permanent residents, international workers and diplomats. Meanwhile, Phase Three could come by September 30, and will include limited flights and flights open to foreign nationals.

The final phase, Phase Four, will include the removal of travel restrictions on various states.

It was noted that the restart date of airline operations in Guyana is contingent on the re-opening of Guyana’s airports. Eastern Airlines has already made itself available for repatriation flights, and will extend its services upon the reopening of Guyana’s airports. Aruba

Director of Air Transport Management Saheed Sulaman (DPI photo)

Airlines should be available between August to December, while Jet Blue will be available in Spring of 2021.

Caribbean Airlines, Suri-

name Airways, American Airlines and Copa Airlines are still to provide advice on their operations, and for LIAT, due to its challenges,

restart remains uncertain.

Sulaman said that Guyana is classified as an Origin and Destination Market, which sees the country having five main hubs out of Georgetown. They are Panama, Miami, New York, Port of Spain and Barbados. He said Guyana is monitoring the situation in these countries closely, as that’s where most of its flights originate from.

“We found that not many airlines are interested in operating in Phase Two. Phase Two has to do with the transport of citizens of Guyana, permanent residents living in Guyana, international workers and diplomats.

Most airlines are interested in Phase Three, when the foreigners are allowed to fly.

We’re waiting on airlines to say when they would want to participate once we reopen, but for Phase Two, only one airline would have indicated

Tentative Airline restart dates (presentation screenshot)

their interest in participating,” Sulaman said.

STRICT MEASURES IN PLACE In reopening airports and resuming aircraft operations, the GCAA must focus on regulating aviation safety and security; advocating safety and hygiene practices; promoting safe aviation environments and safer travel; and facilitating tourism in Guyana.

During the month of June and into July, as part of Phase One of its reopening plan, the GCAA and Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) have conducted several walk-throughs at the airports, and conducted extensive research on international best practices in dealing with COVID-19.

The Authority has mapped the processing of passengers from the time they check-in to departure, or from the time they arrive, and

has developed a set of Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) that are already being used during the repatriation of Guyanese.

The SOPs apply to both the airports and aircraft operators; airport and airline personnel; port health workers; and customs and immigration. Ultimately, they establish safety and hygiene practices for passengers and employees.

For example, for entry to airport travel, persons are subject to temperature testing, disinfection of baggage, hand sanitization, the wearing of masks, physical distancing and more.

Within the CJIA itself, there are social- distancing markers on the floors and seats; trolleys and carts are cleaned regularly; the floors are sanitised frequently; and there are several hand sanitising stations.

“These are all in an effort to ensure that the airports remain COVID-free, or to at least mitigate the spread of COVID to the extent that is practicable,” Doris said, adding that similar measures have been implemented at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle.

For small aircraft operators, apart from the foregoing measures, others have been implemented to ensure 50 per cent capacity; the sanitisation of baggage and cargo; and the wearing of protective gear on board the aircraft.

Doris said that Safety and Security Inspectors of the Civil Aviation Authority are conducting frequent surveillance of airports and aircraft operations for compliance with a checklist of SOPs and the necessary regulations.

Foreigners being trafficked through Iwokrama forest

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) will be closely monitoring vehicles passing through the Iwokrama forest after it was discovered that some transport operators are trafficking illegal aliens, likely from Brazil, to Guyana.

In a release on Thursday, the IIC noted that, on June 13, two bus drivers transported groups of aliens likely from Brazil. On July 6, 2020 at Iwokrama’s ranger station at Corkwood, the IIC said

that the police found three illegal Brazilians on a bus. The foreigners were dropped off at the popular Oasis restaurant while the bus continued to Georgetown.

“A few days later on a tip, Iwokrama staffers unearthed yet another very disturbing development within the Iwokrama Forest, a secret way of bypassing the monitoring stations and getting illegals past the police at Corkwood and Kurupukari,” the IIC stated, adding: “A few days later, two persons where caught coming out of one of these trails, one

Brazilian and one Guyanese.

They were handed over to police and the Brazilian has since been deported. Investigations are continuing on the detained Guyanese to assess whether or not he is a trafficker or guide.”

The IIC said that its management is taking this situation very seriously as the trafficking of illegal persons is criminal and poses a serious COVID-19 health risk to communities.

The statement pointed out: “[The] COVID-19 health situation is very serious and Iwokrama Management is

requesting that transport providers be very careful and that they pay attention to the situation at hand. There is an upsurge of cases now in the Rupnununi and most of these are linked to persons crossing the border.”

Teaming up with the GPF and MOPH the ICC hopes to find road users complicit in such acts and hopes to see a ban placed on these vehicles passing through the Iwokrama Forest for at least three months. It noted that the Ministry of Citizenship will also be taking action.

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The Iwokrama Road

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Curfew moves to 8pm …outdoor dining permitted as Guyana enters phase three of ‘reopening

EVEN as Guyanese are being encouraged to stay safe and safeguard themselves against the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), they have been afforded more time to conduct their daily affairs, as government reduced the time for the national curfew in some regions.

This and other amended measures, which form part of phase three of government’s four-phased reopening exercise, will take effect from July 18, 2020 and last until July 31, 2020 or August 3 for some regions. Guyana has seen a consistent rise in cases of COVID-19, with the country recording 314 cases to date, with 19 deaths. And, while the control measures are being adjusted, government has assured that emphasis will be placed on high-risk areas.

For instance, while the national curfew has been adjusted for some regions, areas such as Aranka and Arangoy in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Moruca in Region One (Barima-Waini), which have recorded a steady rise in cases, will have to abide by the existing 18:00hrs to 6:00hrs curfew.

Conversely, the curfew shall not apply to Regions Five

(Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) from Monday to Friday, but shall be in effect on Saturdays and Sundays. Every other region will have to abide by the curfew every day.

Additionally, the public sector will resume work on a rotation basis unless otherwise instructed by their respective minister of head of agency.

Government has also permitted outdoor dining at restaurants from 6:00hrs to 18:00hrs, under strict conditions. Food services and restaurants will be permitted to be open for delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pick up and take away service from 6:00hrs to midnight, daily.

Public transportation services, except in Aranka, Arangoy and Moruca, are permitted to operate at a 75 per cent passenger capacity.

Government has also cleared the way for private sector construction to resume, and for clothing, shoes and book stores to resume operations.

While these measures allow persons to traverse more freely, it remains imperative that persons adhere to the social distancing guidelines and not gather in groups of more than 10, and also wear a face mask

in public at all times. The wearing of face masks in public has been considered a requirement by government.

As authorities continue to relax some of the measures and simultaneously get a grip on the local situation, it was ordered that the Cheddi Jagan International and Eugene F. Correia International Airports remain closed to all international flights except for outgoing flights, cargo flights, medical

evacuation flights, technical stops for fuel only and special authorised flights.

These emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, David Granger, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement- B, March 16, 2020.

These measures may be terminated, extended or amend-

ed by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

In March, the Guyana Chronicle reported that a “cavalier approach” in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic could ‘seriously’ impair government’s efforts to combat the virus.

Such an approach from the public could result in consequences which will be devastating for the entire population, said President Granger in a message to the nation, in March.

“Guyanese, I urge you to continue to support all medical professionals: doctors, nurses, and other caregivers. I urge you also to practice social distancing in public places and to avoid crowds, ceremonies including funerals and large gatherings,” said President Granger.

He had also advised persons to remain calm and implement all guidelines relating to personal hygiene and infection prevention and control.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

WHO said most people

infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.

“Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” WHO advised.

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.

Securing frontier regions during COVID-19 --- GPF tackling language barriers, culture shock and more

By Lisa Hamilton IN its efforts to monitor and protect Guyana’s frontier locations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has faced challenges relating to language barriers, culture shock and education.

Disclosing how the Force has been operating in spite of the challenges was GPF Senior Superintendent, Charmaine Stuart, during the first round of the Tourism Recovery Action Committee (TRAC) stakeholder consultations, hosted online on Thursday.

Stuart presented on ‘Securing Frontiers and Protecting Border Communities as part of Tourism Recovery’. She listed the police stations located at Guyana’s frontier locations.

In Region One (Barima-Waini), stations are located at Imbotero, Baramita and Morawhanna; in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), they are located at Kaikan and Eteringbang; in Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni), a station is located at Orinduik and, in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo),

stations are located at Lethem/ Takutu Bridge Crossing.

Stuart said that the Police Force is aware of a number of cases of illegal crossing near the Takutu Bridge making more difficult the work of the GPF and health officials in combating COVID-19.

“What is going on now is that most persons are coming through the illegal route to get into Guyana and that is where it poses a difficulty for the police to control that illegal point,” she said.

She also spoke to the reports of police officers assisting in the movement of illegal persons through border backtracks and noted that these instances are under investigation. Stuart urged persons with information on such acts to take it directly to the Commander responsible for the Region they live in.

LANGUAGE BARRIERS When it comes to the authorized entry of persons to Guyana, the GPF has put in place strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus now and in the future when the country’s

Guyana Police Force (GPF) Senior Superintendent, Charmaine Stuart

ports are opened up further.

These include a screening process conducted by a joint team of law enforcement officers, immigration officers and port health officers; escorts for movement/visits in and around tourist sites and shopping areas; uniform and plain clothes police along routes and shopping areas; special arrangements for domestic air travel to some tourist sites and networking with local tourist operators, village leaders and Community Development

Officers.

Regarding the latter, Stuart said that in many remote areas, it is better to form working relations with village leaders as they are better suited to pass key information on to their communities. She explained that, given the existence of language barriers in some parts, Toshaos and village leaders help to bridge the gap.

“As law enforcement, we do not know all the languages. We know that it poses a challenge

for us because we don’t know French, not all of us are fluent in Spanish, or Portuguese. So, from time to time, persons come into our country and they use those languages and, even in the Amerindian villages, there is a language barrier between the police and the communities,” she said.

Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America, is neighbored by Spanish-speaking Venezuela, the Portuguese-Speaking Brazil and the Dutch-speaking Suriname. Many Guyanese in border regions also speak these languages due to their interactions with the people and time spent in those locations.

CULTURE SHOCK AND EDUCATION In frontier areas, the Senior Superintendent also noted that, after the ‘arrival’ of COVID-19, persons in those regions would have had to immediately adapt to a new way of life which has not been easy.

Stuart said that the GPF is aware of this cultural shock and of the mental health implications it can have on some individuals.

“It’s a cultural shock, it can also cause persons to go into depression and it can also cause persons to be stressed out because

they cannot get to go [about] their normal way of life and do the things they are accustomed to doing, so their whole culture has changed,” she said.

The Senior Superintendent pointed out her belief that, in these areas, more education is needed to ensure that persons understand the gravity of the situation and how they can protect themselves.

In her collective recommendations, she proposed continuous capacity building; strict monitoring at all ports, including the Lethem bridge crossing and Moleson Creek; the monitoring of compliance by all entertainment operators and hotelier and public awareness campaigns to sensitise visitors and tourists when they are allowed into the country again.

During the question and answer segment, Stuart fielded several questions which she either provided answers to or noted that she would seek further advice.

Coming out from the discussion there was the recommendation from the audience that the GPF set up a police outpost near the neighbouring Brazilian village of Normandia as it is alleged that many backtrackers utilise the location.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Guyana’s democracy should be allowed to work WELL-KNOWN Attorney-at-Law, Bart Fisher, of the United States of America has made it clear that Secretary Mike Pompeo should allow Guyana’s democracy to work.

In a release issued on Thursday, July 16, 2020, he stated that “It is wrong for the US Government to threaten the officials of Guyana Government, the courts and election body with visa revocation. The March 2020 election has not been declared by the election body.

The people of Guyana are working through their electoral challenges peacefully.

They need the United States to respect this. ” On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement saying, “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on individuals who have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Guyana. Immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. In my public statements since the election

Attorney-at-law, Bart Fisher

I have been very clear that the United States stands with the Guyanese people and that there would be consequences for individuals who seek to undermine democracy”.

The Guyanese Government, in a statement on Wednesday, said that it regrets the decision taken by the United States to implement visa restrictions on

persons.

The Government further added that the matter affecting Guyana’s elections is still before the courts, which is entirely the responsibility of the judiciary On the same matter, President Granger has long stated that he, like the rest of Guyana, has little choice but to await a formal declaration of

United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

the results by the Chair of the elections commission. He has pledged that his government will accept the results of the elections as declared, when declared.

“The executive branch of government does not have a role in managing elections.

That role is given under the Constitution, exclusively, explicitly to the elections com-

mission. I cannot claim victory, which I have not done, and I cannot concede defeat, which I have not done, unless I’m notified, formally, by the chairperson of the elections commission,” he said in July 2020.

Added to this, the matter of a final declaration by the elections commission is now before Chief Justice,

Ag of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, CCH, SC. Private citizen Misenga Jones has moved to the High Court to compel GECOM to declare the results of the General and Regional Elections in accordance with the declarations made by the 10 returning officers in mid-March as advised by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and in keeping with the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).

Nonetheless, lobbied by the main opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, several U.S. senators and congressmen have called for sanctions to be heaped on Guyana and specific individuals.

It is not the first time that the U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, has commented on Guyana’s electoral situation. Several tweets have come from the U.S. official about the need for Guyana’s elections to be transparently concluded, ‘or else.’

Assuria adds affordable TrackPoint to insurance package Contractor gunned down

Chief Executive Officer of V-Net Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, along with a representative of Assuria General, during the promo launch of Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking Service - TrackPoint

ASSURIA General (GY) Inc., in collaboration with V-Net Communications, has added a GPS Tracking Service – TrackPoint - to their packages. Such will provide for vehicles to have Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and those customers who wish to sign on will be eligible for discounts on customers’ vehicle insurance.

Upon registering, custom-

ers will be able to gain as much as 20% discount on TrackPoint device, installation and monthly subscriptions.

According to Mr. Yogindra Arjune, General Manager for Assuria, “I believe that, with the ongoing theft of vehicles, we must find avenues to combat this problem. With this in mind, Assuria will continue to collaborate with the best partners, as in this case V-Net Communications, for the ben-

efit of all stakeholders”.

He added that the new venture, will see Assuria offering all of their existing and new motor insurance clients, a 5% discount on their premiums to a maximum of $10,000, to those who will install GPS devices from V-Net Communications.

Mr. Arjune further stated that, with the state-of-the-art device installed, theft or attempted theft of vehicles will

be reduced significantly and the combined package offer will give owners of vehicles peace of mind, knowing that their vehicles are additionally protected.

Likewise, Chief Executive Officer, of V-Net Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, was elated to have another major Company in Guyana collaborate to use its reliable service which has been very efficient to customers thus far.

Sheriffudeen envisions that the partnership will benefit Assuria and its customers immensely, especially, given the safety features.

TrackPoint offers the future of vehicle tracking and fleet management in Guyana since it ensures an enhanced experience with a user-friendly interface for detecting and monitoring the whereabouts and activities of your vehicle.

This system encourages optimization where the user would be able to identify solutions to reducing costs, improving response time, security and customer service.

The comprehensive service is available on both GSM and Satellite Networks.

Get further details on this promotion by contacting Assuria Office on Tel# 2267090 / whatsapp 655-7278 and V-Net on Tel# 219-4787 / whatsapp 608-0268.

Murder-scene

Prem Sukh, called ‘Dave’, a 47- year- old contractor who was working on a structure at D’Urban Street, Lodge was shot dead at around 17:30hrs on Thursday at the worksite.

According to reports, the man’s fellow workers were in the building when they heard the first shot and rushed outside to find the man in the yard covered in blood. The man lived at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

The man’s workers reported that they were unable to identify the shooter when they got outside. One of Sukh’s workmates stated that although he is not aware that the man had any enemies, it is alleged that the contractor was shot twice to his leg on Father’s day. According to reports the man sustained multiple gunshot wounds about his body during the attack on Thursday. Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

APNU talks up progress under coalition government

….as partnership marks 9th Anniversary IN just five years, the David Granger-led Administration successfully removed Guyana from the Money Laundering Blacklist and elevated the country’s rating in its fight against Human Trafficking even as it makes a case against Venezuela before the World Court in defence of the country’s territorial integrity, but these unprecedented developments are now under threat, Joseph Harmon said as he marked the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU’s) ninth anniversary.

Harmon, the General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity, in an address to the nation on Thursday, said the APNU together with the Alliance For Change (AFC) stands committed to further advance development in Guyana but the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has gone great lengths to thwart the will of the Guyanese people.

Based on the Election Reports submitted by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield to the Guyana Elections Commission, the APNU+AFC won the General and Regional Elec-

tions held last March, but the PPP/C, according to Harmon, has placed obstacles in the way of the Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, in declaring David Granger as President.

He said for 23 years, the people of Guyana suffered at the hands of the PPP/C, and such a party should not be allowed to re-enter government, especially on basis of fraudulent votes. A national recount conducted in MayJune showed a win for the PPP/C but it also unearthed massive electoral fraud particularly in PPP/C stronghold areas.

Harmon said in those 23 years, the then opposition did not stand idly by as the PPP/C wrecked the country, noting that the battle was often about construction versus destruction; cooperation versus confrontation and the good life versus poverty and communal disintegration.

Cognisant of the need to unite, he recalled that on July 15, 2011 five political parties – the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), the People’s National Congress

Reform (PNCR) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) – came together to launch A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“It was clear then as it is clear now that the racial-based politics and policies of the past has no place in the future, and Guyana with all of its resources would not reach its true potential and embrace modernity if the old ways of doing business was allowed to continue. The Partnership (APNU) gave the nation a chance to hit the reset button, and the leaders, a new pallet on which to promote policies and programmes designed to advance the interest of all the people of Guyana,” the APNU General Secretary said.

The partnership, he said, is proud of its service to the nation in nine short years.

“APNU has broken down barriers of social prejudice; smashed the barriers of bigotry and broke through with new ideas and a new vision for Guyana’s future. APNU is the future. We have chosen hope over despair and faith over fear,” he added.

But the APNU created an even greater impact in

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

2015 when it coalesced with the AFC, and successfully defeated the PPP/C regime.

“We entered government in 2015 as a Coalition and over those five years we have restored hope to the people of Guyana. We have successfully ended 23 years of ‘wreckage’ carried out by the PPP/C. Block by block, we have rebuilt this nation from the rubble and restored national pride. We have gone from being viewed as a narcotic state to being removed from the anti-money laundering blacklist,” he detailed.

Harmon added: “We have aggressively tackled corruption, which according to one newspaper editorial during the Jagdeo era was on an indus-

trial scale. We have brought back the dignity of human life and placed a strong premium on Guyanese life; extra-judicial killings are now a thing of the past. We have cleaned up the tattered legacy which Jagdeo and the PPP/C left us.”

Additionally, it was under the APNU+AFC Administration, the country’s rating in the global fight against Human Trafficking significantly improved. During the period 2013-2015, Guyana was on the US Tier Two watch-list; in 2016 it moved to Tier Two and since 2017 it has maintained a Tier One status.

Emphasis was also placed on human and infrastructural

development. “We have addressed, among other things, education, public infrastructure, public security, public health, and social protection and people are now proud to say ‘I am Guyanese,’” he posited.

Key among the achievements was the APNU+AFC Administration’s successful push to have the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy deferred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General for a final and binding judgment that the 1899 Arbitral Award is valid.

“Over these five (5) years no foreign government has had the need to accuse us of corruption or mismanagement in public office,” Harmon said but noted that even as the APNU marked its Ninth Anniversary on Wednesday, “dark forces” threatening to pull the coalition apart.

“APNU believes in a community working together for a common cause. Our approach is rooted in the belief that each citizen performs best in a strong and safe community of people who share common values,” Harmon said in his address to the country.

Guyanese want their money back from LIAT …for flights paid for that never took off

By Tamica Garnett

SCORES of Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals are up in arms, wondering if they will ever again see the money they handed over to the failed regional airline LIAT for flights that never took off.

The Eastern Caribbean airline is currently up to its ears in debt totaling over US$100M, some US$11M of which is owed to passengers. Here in Guyana, the Consumer and Competitions Affairs Commission (CCAC) is advising locals to file a complaint with them so that they can approach LIAT about refunding, but thus far, only one affected consumer has done so.

And with the situation reminiscent of the plight many Guyanese faced with the now defunct Fly Jamaica, whereby some of them are still awaiting a refund, LIAT customers are not very optimistic about what steps to take next. Some passengers are even saying they’re afraid of booking flights with any regional carrier ever again. Many of their Guyanese patrons are

either overseas-based and are stuck here in Guyana, or live here but are stuck overseas as a result of the grounding of flights, which was initially caused by airport closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airports in Guyana have been closed to international flights since March 18, due to measures implemented to stem the spread of COVID-19, which resulted in flights being halted, and passengers stranded.

The airport later opened to accommodate specially-arranged repatriation flights.

Jankeedai Eric is currently stuck in Antigua, desperate to get back to Guyana, and worried that she may never again see her money from LIAT, given that she may have to book with another airline if she wants to return home. Leaving for vacation in February, she was scheduled to return in April, having paid US$573 for her return ticket.

CREDIT ON FUTURE FLIGHTS However, repatriation flights from Antigua are not

currently being done. Notwithstanding an announcement in June that the airline will be liquidated, and that a new one is in the cards, LIAT is currently only offering passengers credit on “future” flights, causing passengers to ask themselves, “What future flights?”

“I feel as though customers have been forced to accept an unacceptable solution to this issue, and we are the losers here,” said 25-year-old schoolteacher Jealisha Leung, who had booked flights totaling US$378 with the foundering airline. “It’s as though this situation has been a high-class robbery and fraud upon us,” she added.

Leung had booked her flights in February, in the hope of flying in June, but shortly after booking, all flights for the airline were cancelled, as the COVID-19 pandemic had by then spread across the Caribbean. Leung wrote asking the company to cancel the flights, but her request was denied.

“I was told only a credit could be done; no refunds.

I reluctantly allowed this; now the credit is only valid

for one year from when they cancelled my flights, which brings me to next March, but I saw stories about them liquidating,” Leung said.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Brown had announced in June that liquidation was one option the airline was looking at. Antigua, along with two other Caribbean governments, Barbados and St. Vincent, are the largest shareholders of the airline.

Even before the COVID-19 situation hit, the airline had been having successive years of financial difficulties, operating at a loss. In 2019, that loss amounted to US$4.44M. Hence, while most airlines are being hard hit by the COVID-19 situation and restrictions on travel, LIAT is drowning.

“COVID would have… increased the losses exponentially. Whereas in 2019, LIAT made a loss of about EC$12M, that was within the means of the shareholder governments to subsidise.

[But] since COVID, the planes have been grounded; they have to pay the lease [but] they are not getting any revenue,” Browne is quoted as sharing on local

radio in Antigua.

In its latest statement last Friday, all the airline could bring itself to say was: “Further information about LIAT’s future will only be available after LIAT’s next Annual General Meeting which has not yet been scheduled.”

WORRIED PASSENGERS Though some customers were at one point tolerable of being offered credit, with the airline headed to liquidation, they are now worried about getting value for the money they have already spent. The consumers have been swarming every post LIAT makes on its social media page, making it clear that they just want their money back, more so because they would need to pay for separate repatriation flights, even if they do get to fly anytime soon. The situation is leaving many in a deteriorating mental state.

“I don’t know how to cope with this right now; I am so depressed and stressed out,” conveyed Kay Narayan, who is currently stuck in Guyana. Though Guyanese by birth, Narayan has been

residing in Barbados for the past ten years.

She landed in Guyana the day before the airport closure, and had been scheduled to leave on March 23.

Like everyone else, she has only been offered credit, after having paid US$480 for her return flight.

“I called them at the ending of June; they said they will give me a credit note and pay the difference for the day I would like,” Narayan said, adding: “I had all hope that I would get a flight; I still have my bills and rent to pay back in Barbados.” For many of the passengers, the money they spent on those airline tickets were already a strain on their pockets, but they had made the sacrifices for varying reasons.

“It’s really frustrating, given the fact that we used our savings to book the flight, and now we’re unsure of if we’ll be refunded. I booked a flight for my fiancé who is currently in the British Virgin Islands Tortola, and was due to come back to his hometown Guyana,” shared Keiara Gomes, who doled out US$496 for her one-way ticket.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

ROs’ declarations cannot be set aside …Attorneys argue in favour of Misenga Jones

The Declarations made by the 10 Returning Officers in March cannot be set aside by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), a team of legal luminaries representing Misenga Jones have argued in their written submissions to the High Court ahead of today’s (July 17) oral arguments.

The battery of lawyers, led by Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel John Jeremie, told the Court that the Declarations together with the Elections Report compiled by the Chief Elections Officer constitutes an accrued right. It was argued that while the Elections Commission facilitated a National Recount under Order No. 60 which was brought into effect using Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act, such an order does not allow for new declarations to be made. Any attempt to declare the results of the General and Regional Elections using data from the National Recount would be unconstitutional and in direct conflict with the accrued rights as set out in and crystallised in the Declarations and the Report of the Chief Elections Officer, Jeremie argued.

Further the Trinidadian Senior Counsel submit-

ted that the approach taken during the recount not only crossed boundaries such as those outlined in Article 163 but also breached the Representation of the People Act. “It is important to note that the application of Section 22 [of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act]

by GECOM to conduct a recount related not to mere procedural matters but substantive ones which were for an Election Court under Article 163. The approach of GECOM breaches the Constitution and the RPA by its unconstitutional establishment of a dispute resolution process that is contrary to the RPA which excluded the statutory officers, that is to say, the Returning Officers from the recount process and declaration of the counts,” Jeremie argued.

Referencing to Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, the Legal Counsel told the Court that it is clear from the Act that the Returning Officers are required to make their respective declarations, and the Chief Elections Officer, in accordance with Section 96 of the very Act, is required to consider the declarations in the preparation of his Elections Report.

“Order 60 cannot bring about a new legal regime for the basis of the declaration

Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel John Jeremie

of the votes. The CCJ has expressly stated in Eslyn David that Order 60 of 2020 cannot bring about a new legal regime. There is a clear process set out for the declaration of results which the CEO must comply,” he told the Court.

According to him, Order 60 merely facilitated a fish-

ing expedition in respect of grounds of illegalities and fraud. “Order 60 cannot and does not invalidate nor could the Chair and/or GECOM act as an imperio imperium and unilaterally invalidate declarations. That is something only an Election Court can do under Article 163,” the Senior Counsel submit-

ted.

Referencing again to the July 8 judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Jeremie reminded the High Court that Order 60 cannot create a new legal regime for the criteria and standards for the determination of validity of votes, especially when such is inconsistent with the Representation of the People Act. “Order 60 permitted a process to be used which established the validity of votes not only by persons not authorised to so do and after the validity of votes were already determined by the Returning Officers but on criteria and standards inconsistent with the Representation of the People Act,” Jeremie argued.

Further, he contended that it is impermissible for the Elections Commission and or the Chairman to direct the CEO to produce a Report at variance with the requirements of Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act. The GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh had objected to CEO’s Elections Report but Jeremie argued that once the Report is in accordance with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, the Chairman of GECOM is duty bound to convene a meeting, present the Report

and to act on the advice of the CEO tendered under Article 177(2) (b). Such, he posited, would result in the declaration of the President elect.

“The Elections Commission is not free ex post facto the 2 March 2020 declarations had already been made and reports prepared by the CEO to trample upon the established legal regime and pave its own way unilaterally to create a substantively different electoral procedure for recounts, declarations and reports well after the 2 March 2020 had occurred,” he argued.

Reminding the Court that the CEO has long submitted his Elections Report, the Trinidadian Senior Counsel said it is now time for the declaration of the results of the 2020 Elections in accordance with the course of the law under Representation of the People Act and Article 177 of the Constitution. Any challenge to that declaration could be made via an Elections Petition in the High Court as provided for in Article 163 of the Constitution.

Jeremie appeared in association with Attorneys-at-Law Roysdale Forde SC, Mayo Robertson, Keith Scotland and Rondelle Keller.

Latin America's death toll tops 150,000 (BBC) In Latin America, the number of coronavirus-related deaths has now exceeded 150,000, with the World Health Organization warning that the outbreak is expected to peak next month in the region.

The worst hit country by far is Brazil, where nearly 2 million people have been infected and more than 75,000 have died - the word's second-highest death toll behind only the US. Meanwhile, Peru - where nearly 340,000 cases have been confirmed - has appointed a new health minister to tackle the growing crisis.

Mexico and Chile are also struggling to contain the pandemic.

Crematorium workers enter the body of a person who died of Covid-19 in Mexico City

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Guyana records two new cases of COVID-19

–– Six persons recover, control measures extended in hinterland regions GUYANA continues to record a consistent increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, and the past 24 hours was no different, as the country recorded two new cases within that time.

Health authorities found those cases after testing 65 persons between Wednesday and Thursday. Some 3,483 persons have been tested for COVID-19, with 3,168 of those persons being negative and 315 testing positive.

Of the positive cases, 162 persons have recovered and 19 persons have died, but authorities are still monitoring 134 active cases, of which five are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“Fellow Guyanese, I wish to emphasise the ministry’s (Ministry of Public Health) deep concern about the increase in cases even as we appreciate the upward trend of our recoveries. As we have been pleading through our briefs, it is imperative for all of us to adhere to the guidelines outlined for our safety,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Deputy Chief Medical Thursday.

Officer (DCMO), In a breakdown of cases, Dr. Karen Boyle she said Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded 95 cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one case; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 26 cases; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 119 cases; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), zero; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), six; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 48; Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), three; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 11; and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 10 cases.

Recent statistics have, however, shown that Regions One and Seven are the new areas of target for the Ministry of Public Health, since most of the new cases are coming from communities in those regions.

Dr. Boyle said there is great need for further interventions in those regions, especially if the spread of the disease is to be curtailed.

“Friends, we cannot allow the exponential increase in cases to continue and overwhelm our health workers.

I am therefore relying on all, residents, Toshaos, whistleblowers, to respond positively and help us to reach those contacts that may be experiencing any COVID-19 related signs or symptoms or may have been in proximity with a COVID-19 case,” said the DCMO. In Region Seven, health authorities have been able to establish an isolation centre; conduct 273 tests; and increase staff morale at health facilities, among other things.

Further, she encouraged persons to reduce their movement in and out of these regions and remain vigilant, concerning undocumented migrants from Brazil and Venezuela who may not have been quarantined. The COVID-19 pandemic in these bordering countries is still rampant.

The Ministry of Public Health reminded persons that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which causes damage to one’s body, even after recovery.

“Please remember that the highest rate of infection in Guyana is in the 21-60 age group representing 70 per cent of all infections and you all need to minimize, as best as possible, your exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. Boyle.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 13.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 574,000 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 Friday, July 17, 2020

Dozens of fraudulent food-handling certificates found –– at businesses across GT

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has found that dozens of food businesses and vendors across Georgetown are operating with fraudulent food-handling certificates, issued to them by sources other than the City Council.

The practice has even been found at major food establishments, Chief Meat and Food Inspector (Ag) Abiola Baker said on Thursday.

“Upon routine inspections to food establishments as well as vendors, we noticed that several persons have fraudulent food-handling certificates, or those that are from sources who are not credible,” she explained in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

In some cases, valid permits from the M&CC are being used by persons other than those to whom they were issued.

But Baker said the M&CC wants to remind persons who may own a food business or who may be working with one, that they are required to first go in to the City Council to obtain their permit.

“They need to come in to us; we’re the authority,” she said, adding that the process is relatively easy and fast.

Explaining how to obtain a certificate, Baker said the individual who goes in to the City Council will be given an investigation slip requiring them to do two tests, blood and stool, at ‘labs’ that the municipality knows are authorised to conduct such tests, such as Eureka Lab and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA).

Acting Chief Meat and Food Inspector Abiola Baker

Director of M&CC’s Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds

Once the tests are done, the individual then goes to the Dorothy Bailey Health Centre on South Road, where they see the City Council’s doctor assigned to food handling. A passport size photo is provided, and a fee of $5,000 is paid, after which the certificate is approved. “It’s nothing hard to do, and you get it within the same day. It is then valid for one year,” Baker noted.

According to her, with an increasing economic crisis due to COVID-19, persons who are out of jobs are coming out everywhere to start their own business.

“They know that it is not a time where we will be policing a lot because of limited staff, so they’re taking advantage of that,” Baker said.

Beginning next week, Baker said the M&CC will be rolling out a campaign to rid the city of this food-handling problem. She said the municipality is also thinking about imposing a fine on those found culpable.

The City Council is going to warn those individuals first, and then give them some time to get themselves in order. “We’re on the ball, even with our limited resources,” Baker expressed.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that COVID-19 is not food-borne. Even so, local authorities have been stressing the need for food businesses in Guyana to maintain high standards.

Director of M&CC’s Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds told this publication recently that those who wish to purchase food should be guided by the same rules that apply to making deliveries.

“The virus is not food-borne, but the boxes, plastic bags, cups, can become contaminated in the process of food handling,” Reynolds said, adding, “If 1a fast-food place has a crowd, or is known to have one, that’s abusing social distancing, and I don’t recommend anyone contribute to same.

While delivery should be highly considered, everything should be sterilised upon receipt.”

Roadside vending on the city’s reserves

Artist Francis Ferreira passes … Minister Norton expresses condolences

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, has expressed his sincerest condolences to the relatives, friends and supporters of Guyanese sculptor and artist, Francis Ferreira who recently passed away.

For about 50 years, Ferreira contributed well-praised works of visual arts both locally and abroad and Norton highlight some of these in a release to the press on Thursday.

“He was perhaps best known as the creator of the Marine Turtle Conservation Monument which continues to beautifully decorate the central point of Kingston, Georgetown.

Ferreira was an Executive member of the Guyana United Artists as well as the Founder of the Main Street Group of Artists. Ferreira was a silver medalist for visual arts in Guyana who will forever be remembered for his art advo-

cacy work which inspired a number of projects, including the establishment of the Main Street Group of Artists,” Minister Norton pointed out.

He also remembered Ferreira as a passionate farmer, keen on the preservation and protection of the environment.

He expressed his hope that Ferreira’s family would be comforted by the fact that his work will continue to inspire generations of new artists.

Artist Francis Ferreira

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Guyana snags Second Runner Up at virtual Miss Emerald Guyana International Pageant To receive USD$20,000 cash prize

R

EIGNING Miss Emerald Guyana and beauty enthusiast, Arian ‘Dahlia’ Richmond snagged the Second Runner Up position at the recently concluded Miss Emerald International pageant.

Richmond represented Guyana on the creative and innovative Virtual Stage that stood on the platform of

Pageant Queen, Miss Emerald Guyana Arian Richmond

uplifting indigenous heritage.

Miss Emerald Peru, Danea Panta walked away with the Miss Emerald International 2020 title. Miss Emerald Colombia, Giselle Archbold gained First Runner Up and Richmond gained the third position at Second Runner Up. The Miss Emerald Pageant organisers stated on their Instagram page that the three top contestants and their national directors will receive cash prizes of USD$20,000 while the winner of the pageant will move to Colombia for three months to work on projects related to the pageant’s indigenous-centred mission.

Richmond holds many professional hats as an activist, beauty queen, makeup artist and entrepreneur, and took The Buzz on her journey to educating and changing the lives of children through pageantry. The Miss Emerald International pageant saw 11 women from all over the world including delegates from Peru, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Mexico vying for the digital crown.

The pageant, according to Richmond in a previous interview with The Buzz, allowed the delegates to employ technology to do photo-shoots and professional videos as they took part in the varying segments of the competition.

Richmond has expressed great pride to represent Guyana and its indigenous people on the international platform, adding that the basis of the Miss Emerald International Pageant is to propel holistic learning further into the hinterland.

Before the competition’s finale, Richmond had told The Buzz that she will be focusing on preserving the history and advancing the living conditions of Guyana’s first peoples, stating “I am elated to be on the journey of development exactly where it is needed.”

Richmond is committed to her cause of ensuring that the necessary indigenous communities are given recognition as well as a platform for development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Honouring his routes

Haitian DJ and Producer of Guyanese parentage, Michael Brun

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UYANESE speak a lot on the defects of the local music industry, which are in most cases true. But one cannot turn a blind eye to those Guyanese, be it by birth or parentage, who are making their mark, and at the same time, proudly showcasing and owning their connections to Guyana.

A perfect example is Haitian Producer, Michael Brun who has grown into a global sensation with his unique productions.

His singular production style fuses traditional Haitian and Caribbean rhythms with modern pop and electronic beats.

Tracks like ‘Gaya’, ‘Wherever I Go’ and ‘Bayo’ have earned millions of plays on Spotify, while catching the ears of tastemakers like Diplo.

Brun has collaborated with artists including Alicia Keys, Mr Eazi, Maxwell, One Republic, Calvin Harris and Tiesto. He has performed at major festivals including Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival, co-founded the Haitian Heat playlist, launched his own non-profit festival in Haiti,

and by committing himself to showcasing his country’s rich cultural heritage, he became a flag bearer for a new generation of Haitians. He also serves as the face of the Emmy winning Beatmaking Lab project.

Though Brun is Haitian by birth, his mother us Guyanese and during his growing years, he spent most of his summertime vacations in Guyana. So proud is he of his Guyanese lineage, Brun displays both the Haiti and Guyana flags.

In a recent local radio interview, the 28-year-old said that all the beauty of the world comes through the Caribbean, as such, more has to be done to showcase it internationally, especially Guyana.

He spoke about a recent album he produced, ‘LOKAL’, which highlights the beautiful sounds and culture of Haiti, and he collaborated with international artists to elevate it. The album is now an online sensation as people are visually experiencing the beauty and culture of Haiti. It is a production of like manner, Brun wishes to execute in Guyana.

“I’ve been doing this for about 10 years, ‘repping’ both countries. I started

International music producer plans to promote Guyana’s culture through his platform off as an EDM DJ and Producer, but then I realised along the way, a lot of what I was doing was just trying to be like the biggest Swedish DJ, the biggest German DJ or the biggest DJ from the UK. I didn’t want to be just the tenth best in that genre.

I wanted to do something unique and different to stand out,” he said. “So I explored my culture and my background, did my research in Haiti, and that just expanded me as a person and expanded my music.

I really want to uplift cultures that people don’t really pay attention to, and try to do the same for where I’m from. So I can’t wait to come to Guyana to do some stuff.”

Because it was his uniqueness that caused his career to catapult, and because his uniqueness was locally inspired, Brun advises all local talent who may want to get into the international level, to “just have to look around you to find the inspiration. Ever-ything is right in front of you, you don’t have to go places.”

He said that one of his missions in the future is to learn all about his Guyanese history and culture and incorporate it in what he does.

“One of my missions in life is making sure that everything that I’m doing elevates the culture. Anything I can do to learn about my own history and all the amazing stuff that has been happening in the country, that’s exactly what I want to be doing right now,” he said. “Growing up, I spent the winter and school year in Haiti, and I would spend summers in Guyana. So because I’m a mixture of English, French and Creole, my experiences in both countries were so beautiful and important to who I am today,” Brun said.

Sharing brief personal history with the viewers and listeners on the interview, he said that his initial career choice was to be a paediatrician. But because his dad had a band in Haiti and his mom played the piano and the violin, he indispensably inherited the love and passion for music.

As such, in the middle of his medical career, with the help of his supportive parents, he was able to pursue his current career, which took off speedily because of his skill set and the connections with the right people in the industry.

Guyana-based Nigerian promotes brand for women of colour

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ITH immense love for her culture, and understanding the mechanism of melanin skin, young Nigerian woman, Dr. Deborah Oluwadara Kehinde has been promoting her brand in Guyana, which caters to the beauty and skincare needs of women of colour.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the 27-year-old woman said that she started her business five years ago in Guyana, to give Guyanese the experience of the real African culture.

Her online-based business, Rhoda Doxa African Skincare, African Cuisine, Fashion & Beauty, has been doing wonders in the Afro-Guyanese community.

Kehinde said that being a woman of colour herself, she understands the challenges faced, and that is part of the reason she focuses solely on women of the African race.

“I am a woman of colour and I have firsthand experience on our challenges and I want to fix that. A lot of mainstream brands want our black dollar but they don’t want to give us quality stuff. First of all, every black woman is a queen. And

I want every black woman to feel like the queen they are, providing quality products that are worth their money,” the young woman told ‘The Buzz’.

Being the daughter from a family of pastors, Kehinde is passionate about preaching, fashion, making people happy and making money, which are key attributes that allow her business to thrive.

She said that because she genuinely loves what she does, the energy she puts into her brand is therapeutic, and it keeps her on track to achieving her ultimate goal of being the best version of herself.

“I aspire every day to always be better than yesterday, and of course I want to be on Forbes’ List to be a Billionaire and having free top hospitals in several parts of the world,” Kehinde said jovially.

Sharing where her journey started, Kehinde said that See page 16

Owner of Rhoda Doxa African Skincare, African Cuisine, Fashion & Beauty, Dr. Deborah Oluwadara Kehinde

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Guyana-based Nigerian promotes brand ...

From page 15

she started off being a fashion brand that brought quality African fabric and attires, straight from Nigeria.

However, last year she decided to

launch the skincare line due to a personal experience and also feedback on the lack of products that cater to melanin skin.

She further pointed out that for differing

Two models showcasing the effect of the skincare line on melanin skin

Two models wearing makeup from Rhoda Doxa’s Beauty Line

reasons, like a woman’s menstrual cycle, or a particular food or makeup product, may cause a woman’s skin to have breakouts.

However, not all mainstream skincare products are suitable for melanin skin, and her skincare line caters to that.

“I have very dry skin and other moisturizers don’t work for my skin except for petroleum jelly. A few years ago, I went back to Nigeria and asked my mom to buy me Shea Butter… She sent me a big container of recent and I made a moisturizer which worked for my skin and that was a game-changer and I want to share that with the rest of the world. Also when I came back with the Shea Butter a few years ago, I fell ill and I lost my hair and the Shea butter helped my hair to grow back,” Kehinde disclosed.

Explaining the products her brand has to offer and the multiple benefits to the African community, the young entrepreneur said that her line is organic, 100 percent

pure, natural, unrefined and imported from Africa.

In addition to her fashion line and skincare line, there is also the beauty line which provides makeup products for women of colour.

The young woman explained that the elements in these products have been lab-tested and proven to care for melanin skin.

“Personally, I love complimenting people. There is something beautiful about each person just pointing that out to a fellow sister, can make a permanent change. At Rhoda Doxa, we know when people look good, they feel good. Like our skincare line, we sell natural products which are the best for the skin, our beauty line products are perfect for melanin beauty if they want to glam up,” she said.

Persons can visit social media handles to contact Facebook: Rhoda Doxa African Skincare & Beauty; Instagram: Rhodadoxabeauty

Some of the African prints available at Rhoda Doxa

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

The new kid on the block

Upcoming artiste making his way to the big stage

T

WENTY-two-yearold Burris Anthony Griffith commonly known as “Limyt” is the newest artiste in the musical arena. Griffith who hails from “Cow Dam” (Angoy’s Avenue) in Berbice told the Buzz that there is no limit to his talent and determination.

Griffith started music at a young age, just as he entered secondary school with his fellow peers, “I started music since I was in Grade Seven [Form One] where I would have sing-offs in the streets and school for money ...I always loved music, it never seems to come out of me. I try putting music behind but I always seem to put it first again.”

The young man, who admitted to being a little bit of a rebel in his school days, disclosed that his teachers and friends would always tell him the old Guyanese

saying “you ain’t got no limit” whenever he would misbehave or say something a tad bit too out of line.

He stated that the name became his trademark and he soon adapted it with a whole new meaning and concept that there is no limit to what he can do with his talents.

He disclosed that he pursued a career with the Guyana Police Force in the earlier years of his adult life, however, music seemed to have a hold on him so he recently resigned as an officer and is now pursuing a career as a fulltime musician.

Surprisingly, he noted that being the new kid on the block is easier than what he thought it would be. Griffith stated with the lyrics of his songs he has been able to gain a whole other level of both respect and criticism from members of the public.

“Well as the new artist on the block everything comes

easy these days even the hate and bad mind .... I mean my words have power and these days people listen when I speak and always hype me up and build a vibe. Whenever they see me it is like my life is on a different level and I ain’t meet nowhere yet,” he said.

The young artiste disclosed that he does not identify himself as a rapper or dancehall artist since he is still on his journey of figuring out what he wants his trademark sound and brand to be like. However, he noted that his inspiration come from some of the greats who have passed on leaving a legacy, like Tupac, Micheal Jackson as well as the current stars who have a continuous influence on the life of many young men like himself with their sounds.

Despite having it relatively easy when it comes to being recognised and having

a decently large following, Griffith admitted that he is still faced with a few financial hurdles as he funds for everything himself, from studio time to producing as well as videography.

He stated that the greatest part of his musical journey is the overwhelming support he has received from his friends and family as well as persons who may just come across his music.

But one of his greatest achievements so far was recently being recognised by a Jamaican music producer who acknowledged his talent and potential to be alongside some of the greatest one day.

Burris Anthony Griffith commonly known as “Limyt”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Sisters set up makeshift tent after storm damages house

- seek support to help complete construction AN upper Corentyne single parent is seeking the public’s assistance in rebuilding her home after it was damaged by a storm on July 8, 2020.

Bajrool Khan called ‘Haseena’ 58 of Number 72 Village along with her 45 year old sister has been sleeping in hammocks in a makeshift tent for the past week after their roof was blown off and a section of their house damaged as a result of the storm.

“When the breeze start blowing the house was rocking and we rushed outside and watched the roof blow off,” Khan said.

The 58-year-old woman explained that the roof was ripped off completely as well as a section at the back

of the house. The damage rendered the house inhabitable and she decided to take down the remaining section and use whatever little money they had to hire carpenters and purchase some zinc sheets and nails to rebuild.

However, Haseena who works as a cleaner at the Massiah Primary School, said when they started to rebuild, they realised the wood that was taken from the house could not be reused since they were rotted. She had already spent whatever savings she had to purchase new materials for the roof but now cannot rebuild the house that she has been living in for the past 20 plus years.

“I was not looking for help because we thought the

Bajrool Khan

boards them could use back but when them carpenter start nail all the wood a buss up. Now we don’t have any more money left and I don’t know what to do.

School close so I don’t get work and I am looking for work but nobody not hiring.

Please I need help to get the rest of the materials,” she pleaded.

Haseena has a 16-yearold son whom she takes care of but he sleeps with relatives, she shared the house with her sister who is also a cleaner.

Persons desirous of assisting can make contact on telephone number +592 629 1872.

The tent the sisters made

Khan had started work to fix her house but cannot afford the materials to continue

The tent she currently occupies

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

High turn-out for CSEC, CAPE … 100 percent attendance at region three schools so far

THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has reported a high turnout for the ongoing Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) which commenced on July 13, 2020.

There are 11,998 students at 168 centres countrywide registered to write the CSEC examination while 851 candidates at 15 centres are registered to write CAPE. The MOE noted in a release on Thursday that a 100 per cent attendance was recorded at schools in Region Three (Essequibo Island- West Demerara) thus far. “…it has been noted that students attending schools in that region have been attending their institutions to sit their exams and that there have been no issues with absenteeism for the examinations written to date,” the ministry stated. Thursday marked the fourth day into the examinations and saw students writing Principles of Accounts (POA) amongst other subjects.

Visiting four secondary schools in West Demerara, Stewartville, Leonora and Uitvulgt, the MOE noted that all students registered to write this exam were present. Headteacher of West Demerara Secondary, Mr. Harrinarine, told the MOE that he was very satisfied with the conduct of the examinations.

He said that the high attendance of the students is an indication of the importance placed on the examination by the students, their parents and teachers. The situation at the other three schools mirrored that of West Demerara Secondary.

The ministry also reported that, at all of the schools visited, the COVID-19 guidelines set out in the gazetted Examination Order were being stringently enforced.

Even as the exams are ongoing, the MOE reminds that students, teachers and those permitted to be in the school compound are re-

A Leonora Secondary school student has his temperature tested before the examination.

quired to wear a face mask at all times. Additionally, handwashing and sanitizing must be done at the entrance of the school.

Students are required to be two meters or 6 feet apart from each other at all times while playing, gathering and vending outside schools are prohibited. MOE Education Officers will be visiting schools across the country to ensure that there is full compliance with the order.

The CSEC examination and CAPE are being written from July 13August 4 and July 13- 31 respectively.

Uitvlugt secondary school students receive instructions from the invigilator before the exam begins

West Demerara secondary students seated in the exam room.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Sibley & Stokes put...

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

Sibley is unlikely to earn plaudits for his style, but the manner in which he values his wicket has been needed by England not only here, but for so long in their search for a reliable opening pair.

He dropped anchor in a vigil that mainly included leaving anything outside off stump and shovelling the ball to the leg side any time West Indies bowled straight. His first boundary did not come until the 91st ball he faced, and only 14 of his runs were scored in front of square on the off side.

He saw all of Burns, Crawley and Root gift their wickets away. Burns played down the wrong line to be lbw to Chase, Crawley softly turned his first ball to leg slip, and Root edged a wild drive off Alzarri Joseph to second slip.

England skipper Root caught in the slips for 23 At 81-3, England were teetering, only for Stokes to join Sibley. When Stokes lofted Chase for a straight six, it ended a period of more than an hour without a boundary, during which time Sibley was dropped at short leg off Chase on 44.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings R Burns lbw b Chase 15 D Sibley not out 85 Z Crawley c Holder b Chase 0 *J Root c Holder b Joseph 23 B Stokes not out 59 Extras (b4, lb6, w9, nb5) 24 TOTAL (3 wkts, 80.3 overs) 206 To bat: O Pope, +J Buttler, S Curran, D Bess, C Woakes, S Broad.

Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Burns), 2-29 (Crawley), While Stokes took time to find some fluency, he was never troubled, and it brief flashes of his strokeplay provided the highlights of a day when England hit only 11 fours and one six.

On a rare occasion that Sibley, on 68, was drawn into playing outside off stump by Shannon Gabriel, West Indies captain Jason Holder could not hold on to a straightforward chance at second slip.

A struggle for weary Windies After their pace bowlers bowled with such incision in Southampton, West Indies pounced on the opportunity to do so again in grey Manchester, ignoring the history that says no side has won a Test on this ground after winning the toss and choosing to field.They instantly looked flat. Gabriel, man of the match with nine wickets in the first Test, sent his second delivery down the leg side for five wides

3-81 (Root).

Bowling: Roach 20-4-37-0 (w1, nb3) , Gabriel 101-32-0 (w4, nb2), Joseph 15-3-41-1, Holder 20-833-0, Chase 16-1-53-2, Brathwaite 1-0-1-0.

WEST INDIES – K Brathwaite, J Campbell, S Hope, S Brooks, J Blackwood, R Chase, *J Holder, +S Dowrich, A Joseph, K Roach, S Gabriel. and later spent time off the field with what looked like a groin problem.

Chase was only bowling in the first hour because the pacemen were so poor, but struck with his second and third deliveries, and remained tidy throughout the day.

The sprightly Joseph led an improvement of the fast bowlers, getting his reward when Root chased an outswinger he could barely reach.

Kemar Roach and Holder managed one threatening spell apiece, in the afternoon and evening respectively, but Holder was also forced from the field.

When he returned, he missed the chance off Sibley, was in the firing line when another Gabriel wide went straight to second slip, and could not inspire his team into finding a way to past England’s i n c re a s i n g l y c o m f o r t a b l e fourth-wicket pair.

Rashford gets honorary doctorate...

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Vincent Kompany are among the football figures to have received the award.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, the university president and vice-chancellor, said: “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.

His work for charity and his high-profile campaign will not only help countless young people across our own city but across the entire country.

“Our university has

social responsibility at its core and this sense of civic pride and duty is something we are proud to share with Marcus.

That is why the university is delighted to make Marcus our youngest-ever recipient of an honorary degree.”

United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, said: “We’re so proud of Marcus and I’ve said it a few times, the great person he is and a great human being who cares so much more about others than himself.

Very proud of him and hopefully he’ll keep his personality for the rest of his life and be himself.”(Extracted from the Guardian)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Amla comes out in support of Black Lives Matter and Lungi Ngidi

HASHIM Amla, the former South Africa captain, is the latest cricketer to come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, posting on Instagram of the “delusions” of those who believe in one race being superior to the other. He also registered his backing of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, thanking him and others who have “stood up for just causes in their own way”. “... The imagined superiority of whites over blacks or blacks over whites, or one nationality over another, is simply delusional. Yes that’s right - nothing but delusional,” Amla wrote. “However many of us, including myself, have bore the brunt of these delusions and have crazy stories to tell which is why it makes it even more admirable to see exceptional youngsters like @ lungingidi doing his bit to represent us all. Thank you

brother and all those who stand up for just causes in their own way - publicly and privately.”

Amla’s post comes a day after 31 prominent current and former South African players of colour wrote a letter in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Ngidi.

The letter’s signatories included Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, JP Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs. The letter was in response to events stemming from Ngidi’s message that he hoped South Africa’s players would join the rest of the world in “making a stand” in support of Black Lives Matter.

He was criticised by former players Pat Symcox, Boeta Dippenaar, Rudi Steyn and Brian McMillan for not being equally vocal about the murders of mostly white farmers in the country. The South African

Cricketers’ Association issued a statement in support of Ngidi, and CSA also made it clear that it was behind the Black Lives Matter movement. Since then, several players of colour have begun telling their stories on social media, including Ashwell Prince, who called the South African system “broken”.

Amla said while he agreed that all lives matter, people with darker skins have “had the worst of it”. “There are oppressed people here in this country and the world over, of all colours and walks of life, cricket included. However the darker skinned people have had the worst of it.

Some may convince themselves otherwise but you have to ask yourself - are those who know the same as those who don’t know?

“I stand with all those who are oppressed. And I stand with @lungingidi (again).”(ESPN Cricinfo)

Hashim Amla thanked Lungi Ngidi and others who have “stood up for just causes” Lee Warren / © Getty Images)

Aussies name huge 26-player group with eye on UK tour

UNCAPPED trio Daniel Sams, Riley Meredith and Josh Philippe are among a preliminary list of 26 players named yesterday by national selectors as Australia’s men’s team looks towards a return to on-field action.

Australia’s next assignment is yet to be confirmed, although Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board are in discussions about a limited-overs series in the UK in September.

With that in mind, selectors have identified 26 players of interest, a large group that will help cover a range of contingencies for a possible England tour, which will likely be played in a bio-secure ‘bubble’, meaning replacement players won’t be able to be drafted in.

A final squad will be named if and when the tour is confirmed.

Other notable names on the list of 26 are Glenn Maxwell, who hasn’t played for Australia since October, as well as batsmen Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, who have recently been out of favour in white-ball cricket.

Paceman Andrew Tye has also been named despite not being offered a state contract by Western Australia for this season.

Victoria’s Peter Handscomb and veterans Shaun Marsh and Nathan CoulterNile, who were all part of Australia’s World Cup campaign last year, were all overlooked while WA pace duo Jhye Richardson and

Jason Behrendorff were not considered due to injury.

Other players of note to have not been named are Test quick James Pattinson, recent ODI and T20 squad member Ashton Turner and domestic stars like Cameron Green, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Ellis and Jono Wells.

Ben Oliver, CA’s Executive General Manager of National Teams, said while officials are still working through the logistics of touring England, the announcement of a 26-man group of players gives everyone some much-needed clarity.

“The ECB are a long-standing and valued international cricket partner and we are doing all we can to give the tour the best possible chance of taking place,” he said.

“We continue to work with the ECB and government agencies and a decision on the tour will be made in due course.

“In the meantime, the identification of a preliminary list will enable us to work with players and states more directly on the preparation for the tour in the hope it can proceed.

“The health and wellbeing of players and staff, along with our commitment to public health within our communities, remain our utmost priority.”

A short tour consisting of three ODIs and three T20s was originally scheduled for this month but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the tour goes ahead, it would likely require players

and coaches to be quarantined in hubs during the series – like the England and West Indies players are currently – while members of the touring party may also need to quarantine when they return to Australia.

“This preliminary list covers the contingencies of playing One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals in bio-secure hubs with the likely prospect of not being able to bring in replacements should the tour proceed,” selector Trevor Hohns said.

“The preliminary list includes several exciting young players who have recently excelled at state level and in the BBL. These emerging players are those we would like to develop further as we believe they have a bright future in Australian cricket.

“The preliminary list also has a view towards the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and in the longer term the 2023 ICC World Cup.” Australia’s preliminary squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Michael Neser, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, D’Arcy Short, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

(Cricket.comau)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Qatar World Cup to start at Al Bayt Stadium as schedule announced

DOHA, Qatar (AFP) — Qatar will kick off the 2022 World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, organisers announced yesterday, as they revealed the schedule for the finals.

In a joint statement, FIFA and Qatar’s Supreme Committee organisational body said that the gas-rich Gulf nation will start the World Cup at the 60,000-capacity ground on November 21.

The final will be held at the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium in Doha nearly a month later on December 18.

The opening match will begin a group stage that will feature four matches a day

for 12 days, spread over eight stadiums around Qatar.

Group matches will kick off at three-hour intervals, beginning at 1.00pm local time, with the late match kicking off at 10:00pm local time.

The tournament will then jump straight to the last 16, with two matches a day until two rest days and the start of the quarter- and semi-finals, which will both be spread over two days.

Qualification for the World Cup has begun in Asia and Africa, but is yet to start in Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Organisers said yesterday that the draw for the

finals would be made “after the March 2022 international match calendar qualifying window”.

Both the Al Bayt and Lusail stadiums are still under construction, although the Al Bayt ground — which takes its shape from the traditional tents used by nomadic peoples in the Gulf region — is nearing completion, according to World Cup organisers.

Last week rights group Amnesty International claimed that around a hundred migrant workers at the Al-Bayt stadium, which is 50 kilometres north of Doha, have yet to receive outstanding wages in

This file photo taken on December 17, 2019, shows a view inside Qatar’s new Al-Bayt Stadium in the capital Doha, which will host matches of the Fifa football World Cup 2022. (Photo: AFP)

full after not being paid for up to seven months.

Earlier this month several sources told AFP that

World Cup organisers will lay off an undisclosed number of staff as Qatar cuts costs amid the coronavirus

economic downturn.

Qatar has one of the world’s highest per capita infection rates.

Liverpool to lift Premier League trophy on the Kop after Chelsea visit

LIVERPOOL will lift the Premier League trophy in a special ceremony on the Kop following next Wednesday’s fixture with Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s team secured their first league title in 30 years in June but fans will not be at Anfield to watch the ceremony because of Covid-19.

It will be aired for free on Sky’s Pick channel in the UK. Club legend Sir Kenny Dalglish will hand out medals before club captain Jordan Henderson lifts the trophy.

Henderson - who lift-

Fans will have to watch Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy on television

ed the Champions League trophy last season - will be the first Liverpool captain to lift the trophy awarded to the English champions since Alan Hansen in 1990, despite his season being over because of a knee injury.

Henderson and his team-mates will receive the trophy on a podium surrounded by banners made by fans and built in the middle of the famous Kop Stand.

The club has urged fans to “stay at home to enjoy the ceremony” in light of the ongoing measures in place to safeguard against the spread of coronavirus.

“With supporters unable to attend the behind-closeddoors fixture, the historic occasion will involve a unique presentation designed to acknowledge and celebrate Liverpool fans,” the club said.

In the aftermath of Liverpool mathematically sealing the title, fans gathered at Anfield despite being warned it was not safe to do so.

Fans also gathered at the city’s waterfront the following evening and faced criticism from both the club and the city’s mayor Joe Anderson.(BBC Sport).

Calls to arrest ex-Afghan football boss as sex-abuse life ban upheld KABUL, Afghanistan (AFP) — Afghan women players yesterday called for the arrest of fugitive ex-football chief Keramuddin Karim after his life ban for “appalling” sexual abuse was upheld.

Karim was last year found guilty of assaulting several female Afghan footballers, with Fifa delivering their toughest sanction — a life ban and a fine of 1 million Swiss francs ($1 million, 934,000 euros).

The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday upheld the Fifa verdict, saying Karim had “violated basic

human rights and damaged the mental and physical dignity and integrity of young female players”.

“With his appalling acts, he had destroyed not only their careers, but severely damaged their lives,” Lausanne-based CAS, the highest court in sport, said in a statement.

Karim, who had previously denounced the accusations as part of a “conspiracy”, has been on the run since Afghan authorities issued a warrant for his arrest last year.

Khalida Popal, the former Afghan women’s captain

who campaigned against Karim, said the ruling had sent out a message.

“It is a strong statement that there is no room for abuse and violation of human rights in football,” Popal told AFP.` Popal had reportedly collected accounts against Karim from former teammates that included sexual violence, death threats and rapes.

The scandal involving Karim rocked Afghan women’s football, with many players forced to stop training and quit the sport under pressure from their families.

Several matches planned for the national women’s team were cancelled as sponsors terminated contracts.

Afghan authorities are still searching for Karim, whose whereabouts are unknown.

The Afghan attorney general’s office said it had done a “thorough investigation” but Karim never came forward for interrogations.

The Afghan Football Federation, which was headed by Karim until the scandal broke out, declined to comment when approached by AFP.

Afghanistan ex-football chief Keramuddin Karim

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

‘Brilliant’ ECB share critical bio-security info with CA

ENGLAND have put aside their historic on-field rivalry with Australia to share vital information with how they have handled the restart of international cricket amid the coronavirus pandemic.

England and the West Indies ended international cricket’s 117-day hiatus last week when the first Test was played in a ‘bubble’ at Southampton’s Rose Bowl, where players and support staff stayed in the on-site hotel and followed strict bio-security measures. The second Test starts tonight (AEST) at Old Trafford.

Those necessary steps ensured a successful and safe return of Test cricket and provided a blueprint for how future tours can be staged around the world.

How the first Test played out was of particular interest to Cricket Australia (CA), whose men’s limit-

ed-overs tour of England is set for September following a reschedule due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Australia today named a preliminary group of 26 players for the proposed six-match tour, consisting of three oneday internationals and three T20s, which is set to be reduced should the tour be given the green light.

CA Executive General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver says he has been in constant dialogue with his counterparts at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about how they have managed the complex and evolving challenges of staging international cricket in the time of the coronavirus.

“The ECB have been brilliant at engaging with us about their plans and what they’re experiencing currently in running the Test series with the West

Indies, and they’re also scheduled to have Pakistan and Ireland before us,” Oliver said today.

“There’s no doubt learnings will be taken from that and we’re in regular discussion with them and how that’s evolving.

“They should be commended on getting international cricket up and running and I’ve got a degree of confidence in what they’re able to produce there.

“They’re focused in on international cricket and a couple of venues in particular which is an interesting learning.

“We’re hopeful, we’re optimistic but there are some complexities in (Australia’s potential) tour that we still need to work through and we’re doing that as quickly as we can to try and give everyone some certainty.”

One of the major challenges with touring abroad is the quarantine process upon arrival and when returning home.

As of July 3, travellers from Australia do not need to self-isolate for 14 days in England, which would allow the Australian cricketers to train and prepare as soon as they touch down albeit in compliance with strict bio-security measures.

Pakistan were made to quarantine upon arrival in England for a fortnight before they could begin their preparation for their three-Test tour, to be played in Southampton and Manchester, the same venues as the West Indies series.

While Australia’s players and support staff won’t need to quarantine in England they will have to self-isolate when they return to Australia, from either the UK or perhaps

the Indian Premier League should it be rescheduled, which could have an impact on their preparations for the start of the home summer.

“We obviously take the quarantine requirements very seriously and it’s important we understand that fully before a decision on the tour is made,” Oliver said.

“For elite athletes generally the ability to train and stay fit and keep ticking over is an important factor but the health and safety of the players and staff and the public health component is most critical.

“Quarantine arrangements are not in place, they’re not confirmed but they do exist in terms of general international travel so that’s something that we’re working through but it is a consideration.”

Oliver says the 26 players announced yesterday

will continue to prepare with their respective state programs, including those based in Victoria, which has been hit by a second wave of the coronavirus.

CA is monitoring the situation in Victoria, and the other states and territories, to make sure all players can adequately prepare for the England tour if selected.

“As it currently stands they (state players) are able to continue to operate in a really strict environment and that’s enabling them to prepare,” Oliver said.

“It’s a bit of a watch and see at the moment just to see how all that unfolds.

“And obviously there’s a critical path there that we need to monitor to make sure that if the tour can proceed we give players across all states and territories the best chance to be part of that tour.”(Cricket. com.au)

Three great West Indies wins at Old Trafford LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — West Indies can seal their first Test series win in England for 32 years by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the second Test which startied at Old Trafford yesterday.

AFP Sport looks back at three West Indies Test triumphs at the Manchester ground ahead of the second match of the three-Test series. star

1966: Sobers and Gibbs

West Indies Captain Garfield Sobers, arguably the finest all-rounder in the history of cricket, led from the front with 161 and Conrad Hunte

hit 135 in a first-innings total of 484.

England managed just 167 in reply, with off-spinner Lance Gibbs taking five wickets for 37 runs, and the hosts were made to follow-on.

Test debutant Colin Milburn made 94 but another five-wicket haul from Gibbs saw the West Indies victory by an innings and 40 runs in the opening match of a fivematch series they eventually won 3-1.

1976: Greenidge at the double In a dramatic start to the match, West Indies collapsed to 19 for three wickets, with fast-medium bowler Mike Selvey marking his England

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020)COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 6839500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1)37 players (2)1963 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was the WI captain when Curtly Ambrose

made his Test debut?

(2)When and where did Andy Roberts make his

Test debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Garfield Sobers

debut by removing Roy Fredericks and Alvin Kallicharran for ducks either side of dismissing batting great Vivian Richards for just four.

But amid the clatter of wickets, opener Gordon Greenidge made a brilliant 134 that saw the West Indies to 211.

England then collapsed to 71 all out, with fast bowler Michael Holding taking 5-17.

West Indies piled up 4115 declared in their second innings, with Greenidge (101) becoming the first batsman to score hundreds in both innings of a Test at Old Trafford and Richards 135.

England, needing a mammoth 552 for victory, saw veteran openers John Edrich and Brian Close, who suffered several bruises, some-

Lance Gibbs

Malocm Marshall took a Test best of 7-22.

how bat through until stumps on Saturday in the face of fiery bowling from Holding in particular.

But it was new-ball partner Andy Roberts, with 6-37, who did the bulk of the damage in England’s 126 all out

Gordon Greenidge

as West Indies won by 425 runs.

After two draws, West Indies were now 1-0 ahead in a series they would win 3-0.

1988: Marshall the master

A chaotic summer for the hosts saw England bowled out for 135 after John Emburey, one of their four captains in the series, won the toss.

West Indies replied with 384-7 declared.

Malcolm Marshall, perhaps the greatest of all West Indies many fine fast bowlers, then took a Test-best 7-22 as England slumped to 93 all out.

West Indies won by an innings and 156 runs to go 2-0 up in a campaign they took 4-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 17, 2020

Archer excluded from second Test for protocols breach ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Archer was excluded from the second Test against West Indies after breaching the bio-secure protocols.

The 25-year-old went to his Brighton home between the first Test in Southampton and second in Manchester.

All of England’s matches this summer are being played behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment.

“I am extremely sorry for what I have done. I feel like I have let both teams down,” said Archer.

With Mark Wood and James Anderson rested, Archer was set to be the only member of England’s pace attack from the first Test retained in the side for the second.

After he was excluded, England opted to include Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran in their side at Emirates Old Trafford.

England captain Joe Root said Archer’s actions were “disappointing”.

He also said any questions over why players made their own way between venues, rather than travelling together, were for those making logistical arrangements, rather than him.

‘I have let both teams down’ Archer, who made his England debut last summer, said: “I have put not only myself but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions and I want to apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble.

“It deeply pains me to be missing the Test match, especially with the series poised.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special: “I would think the management would feel very let down. He’s a young kid who has made a silly mistake, and England will miss him.

“I look at the West Indies and what they’ve given up to be here.

“They have come to a country that has been hit by COVID more than most. They’ve had to

live at Old Trafford for two and a half weeks. For one England player to break that protocol, when he’s only been away from home a couple of weeks...”

Former England captain Alastair Cook said: “It does throw it into a little bit of disarray. England wanted to have some pace and bounce in their bowling attack throughout the summer but now they’re going to be robbed of that.”

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said: “They put the trust in the player and 99.9% of the people involved have done the right thing.”

West Indies limited-overs all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite told TMS: “As a personal friend, I’m disappointed, not only in what Jofra’s done, but the scrutiny you get from the media.

“That said, it does not excuse what he does. Without me trying to sound disrespectful or accepting of what he did, there’s a lot worse things he could have done, outside of popping home.”

How did it happen?

Cook said all the England players would have known they were not allowed to return home between Tests.

“He knew what he was doing was wrong,” said Cook. “He will have been briefed; he’s been in the bubble for long enough.

“Someone will have questioned ‘can we go home?’ and it would have ‘no, this is what we’ve agreed to’.

“What we don’t know is did he go home to get something he genuinely needed and it’s just a mistake.”

Vaughan said: “I’m led to believe that (team manager) Phil Neale sent a WhatsApp group message to the England players just before 7:50 this morning saying ‘I need to see you all’, before the news about Jofra Archer got out at 8am.

“One or two of them didn’t see it because they were fast asleep and woke up about 8:308:45 and were like ‘eh what’s going on here?’”

Archer must now isolate for

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has taken 33 wickets in eight Tests for England

five days, during which time he will take two coronavirus tests, both of which must return negative results before he can return to the England squad.

West Indies were informed of the sanctions and were satisfied with the restrictions imposed.

ANALYSIS An extraordinary amount of planning went into creating the bio-secure environment and the punishment for what some might see as a minor indiscretion from Archer shows just how seriously England are taking the safety protocols.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had pre-

viously acknowledged the need for players to leave the bubble from time to time, but on this occasion they were expected to head straight from Southampton to Manchester.

The experience in Southampton demonstrated just how strict life in the bubble is - regular coronavirus tests, temperature checkpoints, mandatory face masks and hand sanitiser in every location imaginable.

The movement of everyone on site - players, staff, media and hotel workers - is tracked by a fob worn around the neck.

Archer will have known what is expected. It is a great shame for him and the England team that he has erred.(BBC Sport).

Stevens banned for Tokyo Olympics after missed anti-doping tests

USA Olympic 200m finalist Deajah Stevens has been banned for the Tokyo Games in 2021 for missing anti-doping tests.

The 25-year-old has been banned for 18 months from 17 February to 16 August 2021, eight days after the rearranged Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to finish.

Stevens, seventh in the 2016 200m final, can appeal against the decision.

The Athletics Integrity Unit handed out the ban for missed tests in February, August and November 2019.

The ruling said that on the first occasion, the doping control officer could not reach the American’s specified location because of restricted access at the given address in Oregon and attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful.

For the early-morning August 2019 test in West Hollywood, Stevens claims her phone had run out of battery overnight and she only saw the five missed calls when she woke up.

Three knocks on her door over a 22-minute span went unanswered.

On the final missed test, Stevens said she was at her residence during the 60-min-

ute window but had changed her phone number to avoid harassment by an unknown individual who had threatened her fiance’s life.

According to the doping control officer, access to the building on the final visit was restricted as Stevens’ name was not on the building directory, which the sprinter said she requested because of the claims of harassment.(BBC Sport)

Deajah Stevens came seventh in the 200m final at the Rio Olympics.

Leeds win to move within a point of Premier League promotion LEEDS, England (Reuters) Leeds United moved one step closer to ending a 16-year wait for a Premier League return after a 1-0 win over Barnsley in the second-tier Championship put them within a point of automatic promotion to the top flight.

Leeds, who missed out on promotion last year after finishing third and losing in the playoffs, are top with 87 points — five points ahead of West Bromwich Albion and six in front of third-placed Brentford with two more rounds of fixtures

Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk and Jordan Stevens celebrate victory, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Action Images/Lee Smit

left.

A first half own goal from Michael Sollbauer as he tried to block Patrick Bamford’s cut-back ensured Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side took home all three points in a cagey Yorkshire derby.

“It was a product of the collective effort,” Bielsa told a post-match news conference. “We had to run a lot to keep the result. I value a lot the courage and effort all the players gave to keep the difference in the result.”

If West Brom fail to win at Huddersfield Town on Friday and

Brentford do not beat Stoke City away on Saturday, Leeds would be champions by the time they visit Derby County on Sunday.

Leeds striker Bamford said promotion would be a big moment for the city but warned that Leeds were “not over the line yet” and that winning the title was the priority.

“The way we looked at it is that before this game it was six points to be champions, not just to go up,” he told Sky Sports. “Going up is obviously the main aim but if you’re going up as champions it makes it so much better.”

Sibley & Stokes put England on top against West Indies

By Stephan Shemilt BBC Sport at Emirates Old Trafford DOM Sibley and Ben Stokes batted England into a strong position on an attritional first day of the second Test against West Indies.

Sibley inched his way to 86 not out from 253 balls, adding an unbroken 126 with Stokes, who batted beautifully for his unbeaten 59.

In closing on 207-3, England recovered from being reduced to 29-2 by off-spinner Roston Chase removing Rory Burns and Zak Crawley with successive balls either side of lunch.

Not only that, but the home side dealt with the disruption of dropping Jofra Archer for a breach of the bio-secure protocols.

Pace bowler Archer was left out after travelling to his Brighton home in between the first Test in Southampton and this game at Emirates Old Trafford.

No decision on football’s return locally-GFF boss

Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes ground out a 100-run stand Pool via Getty Images Without him, England fielded an entirely different pace attack to the one that lost the series opener, but it was their batsmen who were thrust into the action when West Indies won the toss on a murky day in Manchester.

The touring pace bowlers, so impressive in the six-wicket win at the Ageas Bowl, looked weary and were not helped by their fielders, who dropped Sibley twice.

West Indies also face the prospect of having to bat last on sluggish pitch that is already offering turn and some uneven bounce.

Archer indiscretion dominates slow day Archer’s omission was announced three hours before play was due to begin. Without it, this would have gone down as an unremarkable day of Test cricket.

The bio-secure, behind-closed-doors environment in Southampton was masked by the quality of the match, while the openness of the ground provided life from the outside world.

GFF president Wayne

...Forde calls Stabroek News article misleading

This may yet mature into a similarly compelling contest, but the urban, enclosed nature of the impressively redeveloped Old Trafford resulted in a sense of claustrophobia.

A crowd, usually so boisterous in Manchester, was missed, while the conditions - leaden skies and a tacky surface - was not conducive to thrilling cricket.

The weather prevented any action before 12:30 BST, and the players were still out there when the sun finally appeared at 19:30.

England had much the better of it, vindicating captain Joe Root’s view that he would have batted on winning the toss, rather than unleashing a new-look pace attack of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran on a day that would have been ideal for them.

Sibley grinds it out

Manchester United striker says it is a ‘proud day’ for him

By Rawle Toney

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, has rubbished an article published in the July 16 sports section of the Stabroek News, which stated that football in Guyana will resume on August 1.

The report stemmed from information published by the sport’s governing body, FIFA on their official FIFA Worldwide Registration Periods Calendar.

According to the information on FIFA website, the GFF Senior Men’s season is scheduled for August 1 2020 to May 31 2021.

However, speaking to Chronicle Sport, Forde said the “the FIFA website carries the established schedule they have on record, for each Member Association’s (MA) top league. The GFF has not and cannot confirm any date for the resumption of Football without the requisite clearance and guidance from the Ministry of public Health.”

While the Government of Guyana has moved to phase-3 of the country’s reopening, there are still restrictions on all sporting event.

In an prior interview with Chronicle Sport, Forde said developing a National Senior Men’s tournament that can be completed in 2020, playing the GFF Super-16 Cup as well as seeing an Intra-Association women’s tournament will be part of the agenda whenever clearance is given for the sport’s return in Guyana.

The GFF also plans to have short, compact Intra-Association, U-15, U-17 & U-20 Boys, either at the Association level or as part of the Inter-academy competition programme.

Affixing dates to the plan is the biggest challenge for the GFF, taking into account the unpredictable shifting in the cases of COVID-19, as Forde related that they’re “essentially making educated guesses as to when the return to some semblance of normal

life will occur.”

The GFF had stated that that plans will be tailored to suit the situation that currently exists and updated along the way.

Competitive football in Guyana is currently at a halt, with all on-field action suspended until further notice.

Ever since the known cases of the coronavirus emerged in Guyana, the federation has been proactive in taking measures to guard against the spread, the foremost decision being the reduction of operations at the Secretariat to a minimal.

Forde said that while the fraternity is disappointed that no football is being played; stakeholders understand the need to exercise caution and adhere to the stipulated guidelines issued by health authorities.

Any decision on when it is safe for football to resume would be done in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

SEE PAGE 19

Award comes from University of Manchester Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford will be the youngest recipient of the university’s award. Photograph: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images

Rashford gets honorary doctorate for work against child poverty MARCUS Rashford will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his “remarkable campaign against child poverty” which caused a government U-turn and the granting of free food vouchers for the poorest families over the summer.

Boris Johnson had initially rejected the Manchester United striker’s calls before the prime minister reversed his decision last month.

Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe,

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

south Manchester, and will become the university’s youngest recipient of the award.

It also recognises his “outstanding sporting achievements”.

The 22-year-old said: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling. We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving

SEE PAGE 19 FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2020