Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_06_2020

THURSDAY 6th August, 2020

' No.106083

New Cabinet a mixture of youth, experience --19 take Oath of Office

SEE PAGE 12

Ministers raring to go PAGE

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--bring youthful energy, wealth of experience to the table President Irfaan Ali (centre) with his 19 newly appointed Cabinet Ministers (MoTP photo)

Hunt still on for 02 Minister of Finance PAGE

--more critical appointments to come

12 new COVID-19 cases, three more recoveries

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Santa Rosa residents relieved community now 'COVID-free'

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Hunt still on for Minister of Finance

-President says more critical appointments to come following swearing in of 19 ministers THE newly-elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is still in “search mode,” when it comes to the appointment of someone to the post of Minister of Finance.

President Irfaan Ali said his transition team has not yet identified an individual for the position, but hopes to do so soon, as all options are being reviewed.

“We are looking at the variables and we are still in search mode, so I cannot confirm any individual. We have not identified an individual,” said the president while responding to questions from the media, on the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony for 19 ministers of government, on Wednesday.

In the structure of governance and government, the transition team has reached out to many individuals, but no one individual in relation to finance.

The Finance Minister holds a key portfolio, as he/ she has oversight for govern-

ment’s spending and plays a critical role in the preparation of a National Budget. Prior to 2015, Dr. Ashni Singh had served as the Minister of Finance under the Donald Ramotar-led administration.

While several ministers have already been appointed, Dr. Ali said the post of finance minister remains critical and more “critical” appointments will be made soon. He, however, said that, until a minister is appointed, the president has responsibility for that sector.

“And, with the skillset that we have at the moment in the Office of the President, with the former president (Bharrat Jagdeo), we are hoping to move quickly on a number of issues at the financial level, but it is an area that we are still searching for potential candidates,” said the president.

The work of government is, however, not hindered by the absence of a finance minister, as work is ongoing in relation to the preparation of a National Budget.

President Ali said government has been doing an

management of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

President Irfaan Ali

assessment of the current economic situation and the availability of resources.

“That is ongoing, and what we have found is alarming in some of these areas,” said the President, noting that a lot has to do with the recent

situation.

To this end, President Ali assured that financing for initiatives to curb the spread of COVID-19, will be a top priority for government.

The task ahead will not be easy, but Head of the De-

partment of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong, believes the swift passage of a national budget would create some traction and stability for the economy, which has been burdened not just by the pandemic, but also by a protracted electoral process, which ended only on Sunday.

“There is the need for President Ali and his team to swiftly pass a budget for 2020 so as to create some traction for this economy in this difficult time and at the same time think about budget 2021,” the economist told the Guyana Chronicle during an exclusive interview, on Monday.

The country’s last budget, Budget 2019, was passed in December 2018, to the tune $300.7B. And, with the country already eight months into 2020, it is important for a budget to be passed soon.

Armstrong, in his advice to the new government, said the budget should be “people-focused,” and especially give priority to vulnerable

groups.

Largely, the budget should focus on health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and industries, all with linkages to the new Oil and Gas Sector, which should be the central feature in the new budget.

“As a nation, we are at a defining moment given the development of our Oil and Gas Sector, but it is also important to note that the road up ahead is still going to be challenging, given that we are still in a global pandemic,” said Armstrong.

Considering the economic situation and the instability caused by COVID-19, the economist said there is need for a “stimulus package,” as this would ease the “economic hardship” faced by the vulnerable groups in society.

He also advised government to reassess the COVID-19 control measures because there has been a consistent rise in cases over the past few weeks.

Financing for COVID-19 initiatives a top priority –– Gov’t looking to conduct 300 tests per day

GUYANA will be moving to intensify the fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and, to this end, newly-elected President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said financing for COVID-19 initiatives will be a top priority for his government.

In answering questions related to the preparation of a National Budget, President Ali said the government is catering for a number of interventions and those include financing initiatives to deal with COVID-19. “…That has to occupy one of the highest priorities, if not the highest priority right now,” said the president.

He said it is also important for Guyanese to know what mechanisms and arrangements are in place to deal with the dreaded pandemic, which has infected over 500 people and caused the death of 22 of those persons, locally.

President Ali was sworn in on Sunday, but has already engaged a number of stakeholders on the prevailing issue. A key participant in

those engagements was Dr. Frank Anthony, who was sworn in as Minister of Public Health, on Wednesday.

The result of those engagements is a plan, which will soon be implemented by the new government.

“In the very near future, we need to do a number of things…we have done a rapid assessment and we have advised the president… the president will soon be making measures known, as to how we move forward,” Dr. Anthony said while responding to questions from reporters, on Wednesday.

When asked about Guyana’s capacity to test for COVID-19, the health minister said the National Reference Laboratory has a capacity to do about 50-60 tests per day.

“They are using an old machine which was purchased to test for HIV. It is about 20 years old and it takes about five to six hours to do the test, so that is why it is taking so long,” Dr. Anthony lamented, adding: “there are machines which could do up to 96 tests in one hour, so we are looking to procure

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

those types of machines to lift the capacity of the reference lab.”

The aim is for the facility to have the capacity to do 300 tests per day. And, Dr. Anthony assured that government will be sourcing the “right” type of test kits to ensure that this happens.

To date, 5,057 persons have been tested from which there were 4,548 negative

tests and 509 positive.

It was reported that, amidst the rise in cases, health authorities will be looking to “tighten” control measures in order to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease.

As has been his wont every day to caution residents of hinterland communities about taking foolish

risks, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, had said: “I plead with you to halt the illicit cross-border movement; look out for the migrants and report their presence immediately to the Authorities.

On a personal level, I ask you to cooperate and comply with the regulations of social distancing and the hygiene etiquette.”

And just in case that did not do the trick, he said: “Fellow Guyanese, I know that you have been following closely these daily briefs, and that you are aware that our cases continue to climb, especially in the hotspot areas of Regions Seven and Nine.”

That said, he sought to remind his audience that the coronavirus is not selective or exclusive. “It’s all around; in and out of Guyana,” Dr. Persaud said, adding: “So everyone, everywhere, in all the ten administrative regions needs to make that special effort to continue playing a part in spreading the message about COVID-19. There should be no letting up; complacency and worse still a laissez faire attitude can be our undoing.”

Sadly, misconceptions about COVID-19 still persist,

including the belief that the disease doesn’t exist; that wearing a mask causes the disease, and that even testing brings about the disease.

These are “all myths”, which, according to Dr. Persaud, need to be dispelled if Guyana is going to “break the back of the camel” not only in Regions Seven and Nine, but in every community.

This, he believes, is the only way that persons can be supportive of the selfless efforts of the health workers on the frontline who are risking their lives to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus.

He made a special plea to young persons, urging them not to delay, but seek medical assistance at the earliest.

“Fellow Guyanese, our irresponsible actions impinge greatly on our health workers whom we need to protect at all costs. They have families just like us; they want to enjoy life too; they deserve this, but they are making the sacrifice to protect all of us,” said the CMO. He encouraged persons to cooperate and comply with all regulations of social distancing, hygiene etiquette and wearing of the mask in public.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Ministers raring to go …bring youthful energy, wealth of experience to the table

MINISTERS of Government, freshly appointed to their posts under the new People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration, come with a wealth of experience they intend to use to further development in Guyana.

The Guyana Chronicle participated in interviews with all 19 of the recently appointed on Wednesday and they did not hesitate to share their promising plans.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand is hoping to influence Guyana’s education sector positively with improvements in the areas of science and technology. She also plans to assess how best practices across the world can apply to Guyana.

She is determined to tackle, head-on, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the education sector with a keen interest in the safety of all stakeholders. “I haven’t been briefed as yet…but for me, the important thing right now is staying safe. Our most precious resource should be our people, particularly our young people that we’re trying to educate right now.

I’m of the view that a couple weeks or a couple of months out the schools is not going to kill us, but a virus might,” she said.

With this in mind, the Education Minister said that the new government will have to ensure that in its decision-making, it takes into consideration the right to be educated alongside the government’s duty to preserve the safety of its people.

Manickchand will also focus on curricular reform.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat told the media that he will ensure that better management and accountability are maintained in the management of Guyana’s natural resources.

He said that he has received reports of serious issues at the level of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) so his intention, working along with his team, is to immediately address these. He said: “At the Forest Commission we were told that workers were not paid for several months but, of course, tomorrow we will get a better idea as to what is taking place there.”

Bharrat will also push for the review of existing oil contracts so that Guyanese can benefit from better future deals. He has also set his sights on improving the current Local Content Policy.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said that he will continue on

projects such as the Linden to Lethem Road, the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Diamond, East Bank Demerara bypass road, the Corentyne River Bridge, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and farm-tomarket access roads.

Edghill also said that Guyanese can look forward to improved sea and river defences to prevent flooding and loss of crops and livestock; safer waterways and improved road and traffic.

His ministry will also be working to speed up the process towards bringing gas onshore to Guyana to give the manufacturing sector the needed boost and will pursue cheaper, cleaner forms of electricity through the oil and gas sector and the Amaila

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Hon. Pauline Campbell-Sukhai, receives her Instrument of Office from HE President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali (DPI photo)

Receiving his Instrument of Office is Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, the Hon. Deodat Indar

Falls Hydro Project.

“These are all things that we’ve been speaking in the public and I’ve been tasked as the lead team member… to ensure that we have these developmental, transformational projects happen and we’ll be working to ensure that our country with the gas and gas economy will [develop further],” he said.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud told the media that she will be seeking to address the needs of society’s most vulnerable through her ministerial portfolio.

Regarding the elderly, she will seek to improve on pensions and access to pensions, benefits and programmes to improve the quality of life of the elderly.

For women, she intends to focus on their unique issues and to develop more women leaders who understand their worth in society.

Dr. Persaud will also seek to improve on the safety and security of the nation’s youth

through existing agencies representing the well-being and welfare of children. “I would like to see those agencies enriched, better served, more resourced, so that we can have things that we always wanted to see such as more counselling in schools,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has assured the public that, under the new government, his ministry will be doing more than serving as a mediator between employers and employees.

He said that one of the key focus areas citizens can look forward to is human development through training. “Of course, the issue of representation of employees will play a role, but when you talk about labour, you need a well-informed, educated, talented labour force to execute government programmes,” he reasoned.

As Minister of Labour he also has his sights set on equal development to ensure that the concerns of no single

Collin Croal, wants to ensure that all Guyanese, especially young people, can have access to housing in the near future and efficient water delivery. He said that his party will stick to its manifesto to expand the housing drive and will work to reduce the backlog that has existed for years.

“Our aim is to ensure that we keep our commitment to the people of Guyana and that is what I’ll work towards and I must say thanks to the President for having the confidence in myself to get that sector. As you’re aware, he was the former Minister of Housing and Water in the last PPP government, so I am happy that my President has confidence in me,” he said.

Minister of Amerindi-

Minister of Education, the Hon. Priya Manickchand receives her Instrument of Office

region is brushed beneath the carpet.

Newly appointed Minister of Housing and Water,

an Affairs Pauline Campbell-Sukhai hopes to continue her representation of indige-

nous peoples in Guyana by ensuring that they receive the lands they deserve under the Amerindian Land Titling Programme.

She also wants to rally greater support from the government to address the COVID-19 challenges in Regions Seven, Eight and, especially Nine. “The President is strong on that. We have to rid ourselves of COVID, so I suppose that the ministry will also be participating in that,” the minister said.

Campbell-Sukhai will also focus on providing funding for investment in entrepreneurial projects; food security; challenges with flooding and projects which invest in supporting agriculture in villages.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, intends to bring his skills from the private sector into government for greater effectiveness. He will work to advance Guyana’s infrastructure, aviation and other sectors.

“Within the Ministry of Public Works, there’s a massive task ahead for all of the infrastructure works that we promised in the manifesto which includes the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the deep-water harbour, the Amaila, the bypass link, just to name a few,” he said. Indar has over 20 years of experience in the private sector and is a trained economist.

On Wednesday, President Irfaan Ali swore in 19 Ministers of Cabinet. They will now take up the task of managing the various sectors of Guyana as top leaders of the government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Beirut explosion: Port officials under house arrest as rescue efforts continue (BBC) A number of Beirut port officials are being placed under house arrest pending an investigation into Tuesday's huge explosion, Lebanon's government says.

The blast killed at least 135 people and injured more than 4,000 others. A twoweek state of emergency has begun.

President Michel Aoun said the blast was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely in a warehouse.

Customs chief Badri Daher said his agency called for the chemical to be removed, but "this did not happen".

"We leave it to the experts to determine the reasons," he said.

Ammonium nitrate is

used as a fertiliser in agriculture and as an explosive.

Opening an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Aoun said: "No words can describe the horror that has hit Beirut last night, turning it into a disaster-stricken city".

Specialists at the University of Sheffield in the UK estimate that the blast had about one tenth of the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima during World War Two and was "unquestionably one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in history".

What triggered the explosion?

The ammonium nitrate had reportedly been in a warehouse in Beirut port for

Thursday August 06, 2020 – 05:00hrs

six years after it was unloaded from a ship impounded in 2013.

The head of Beirut port and the head of the customs authority both told local media that they had written to the judiciary several times asking that the chemical be exported or sold on to ensure port safety.

Port General Manager Hassan Koraytem told OTV

that they had been aware that the material was dangerous when a court first ordered it stored in the warehouse, "but not to this degree".

Lebanon's Supreme Defence Council has vowed that those found responsible will face the "maximum punishment" possible.

Economy Minister Raoul Nehme told the BBC: "I think it is incompetence and

really bad management and there are a lot of responsibilities from management and probably previous governments. We do not intend after such an explosion to stay silent on who is responsible for what."

House arrest would apply for all port officials "who have handled the affairs of storing [the] ammonium nitrate, guarding it and handling its paperwork" since June 2014, Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said.

The ammonium ni-

trate arrived on a Moldovan-flagged ship, the Rhosus, which entered Beirut port after suffering technical problems during its voyage from Georgia to Mozambique, according to Shiparrested. com, which deals with shipping-related legal cases.

The Rhosus was inspected, banned from leaving and was shortly afterwards abandoned by its owners, sparking several legal claims. Its cargo was stored in a port warehouse for safety reasons, the report said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Roget in racist rant against journalists

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) The Media Association (MATT) is considering filing a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) against Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) president Ancel Roget, after he referred to editors of the three daily newspapers as “house ni**ers”. In a statement hours after Roget attacked the media houses at a press conference yesterday, MATT described his references as an egregious example of infantile leadership.

MATT said Roget’s comment was an attack against a free press that has represented the voice of workers throughout the history of media in T&T. “This is silly season, not open season on journalists,” MATT said.

“Leaders seem incapable of emancipating themselves from narrow ideologies and limited vocabularies. A similar matter involving our member, Kejan Haynes, is currently before the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). MATT is actively exploring the possibility of filing a similar complaint against Mr Roget on behalf of our members.”

In 2018, Haynes filed an EOC complaint against Progressive Empowerment Party leader Phillip Alexander. Alexander had described Haynes as a “half-pint house n--ro, bent over backwards to sell your brothers and sisters for a few pieces of silver and a pat on the head from Sabga.”

Alexander claimed that he did not know Haynes’ ethnicity when he commented.

The term is a derivative of the slavery era which was used to describe a house slave of African descent who had a higher standard of living than his or her peers. It also

described a black person who strives to please white people, even if it means disowning his or her own racial identity.

Wesley Gibbings

During JTUM’s media conference at Paramount Building, San Fernando, yesterday, Roget used the derogatory reference as he attempted to clarify JTUM’s calls for the commencement of outstanding wage negotiations between the various unions and the Government.

“I want to make the point for those editors, those house ni**ers whose crying is for the 1 per cent and who for the establishment, advances the establishment’s position, that this morning, I as the president of the Joint Trade Union Movement is not calling for more money,” Roget said.

“I am not being unreasonable. I am taking the most reasonable position, the moral high ground of a position to say ‘listen, you ought to treat with all of those workers with respect’. Any self-respecting editor who is not in the hands or at the behest of their one per cent, modern-day slave masters would agree with the position that himself, at the end of the day, is treated as

a worker because that is how they see them.”

He added, “Even though you would carry out their

not care about any of you all anyway.”

He also warned “sycophants” of the People’s Na-

JTUM president Ancel Roget makes a point during yesterday’s press conference at Paramount Building in San Fernando.

dictates as your local, modern-day massas and write against the trade union movement that ‘election time and they are now coming to raise these issues’, I want to remind you house ni**ers in the Guardian and the Express and the Newsday and so on, I want to remind you that we have been raising these issues all of the time. We will continue to raise them in this time, we will continue to raise it after elections. Election or no election, we will continue to raise it.

That is the consistency of us.”

He said JTUM wrote to Minister of Finance Colm Imbert on three occasions to discuss outstanding negotiations but there was no response.

He said journalists were there when JTUM delivered those letters.

“The media was there.

You editors, you house ni**ers, your hard workers were out there, so you can spin these how you want, they were out there. We really do

tional Movement and United National Congress that if they were against the trade union movement when their party was in government, they should not seek to join the bandwagon following Monday’s election.

“All of those persons today, who donned themselves in red or yellow jerseys, walking all over the place, we want to remind you that your issue is unresolved as we speak.”

DEPLORABLE CONDUCT Also contacted on the issue yesterday, T&T Publishers and Broadcasters Association president Kiran Maharaj said she could not comment until reviewing the statements.

But veteran journalist Wesley Gibbings said Roget used completely unacceptable language to apply to journalism and the journalistic community. He said it was also a reference that should be removed from people’s

vocabulary.

“What kind of deplorable conduct is that?” Gibbings asked in a telephone inter-

Kafra Kambon

view.

One newspaper editor said for a leader of the labour movement to take the language of oppressors and use it against workers was not only distasteful but a cruel act of violence.

“Mr Roget should be ashamed of himself and should do some introspection before apologising to this country for his disrespect,” the editor said.

Another editor said such a reference was unnecessary, especially three days after T&T commemorated the abolition of slavery. The editor said as a leader, Roget ought to have known better, especially as his comment was coming following the backlash UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar received for her “black man/blank man” comment in reference to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

Many citizens also took to social media to knock Roget for the comment as stories were posted online, with some

saying it was distasteful and disrespectful.

Also contacted for comment, Director of Regional and Pan-African Affairs at the Emancipation Support Committee, Khafra Kambon, told Guardian Media that wrong or right depends on the context of the statement.

However, Kambon said it is not a term that people in public life should use publicly.

Kambon, one of the leaders of the 1970s Black Power Movement, said the use of the phrase “house ni**er” as a description is common within pro-African groups and used as an insult. He said while the historical reference is the person who seemingly accepts the status as a lower class being in society and does not act like his or her peers, it is something that some people of African descent would say among themselves.

“I don’t think it is a good term for people in public office to use publicly. Maybe in the group of executives or trade unionists, it would be something else,” Kambon said.

“If you look at the history of trade unions, they always found themselves having to be in adversarial positions with companies and people in government. In the history of the trade union movement in this country, language of that kind is pretty standard.

“I have heard a lot of it because I have been around the trade union movement for many decades. It does not rattle me. There is something special about the platform for unionists. I do not advocate for it, but I have heard the language of that kind, and in other movements, even people in progressive African movements may throw it out in terms of insult.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Youth and nation-building

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ITH approximately two-thirds of its population being 40 years and under, Guyana has a wealth of human capital to tap into and propel the nation’s growth and development. The continuous high levels of unemployment and under-employment hinder this progression, and therefore require deliberative thinking and actions. Harnessing our human capital for production and productivity requires having policies and programmes that can be accessed by all across the country. The failure of previous governments to implement a National Development Policy that includes programmes for the youth continues to adversely impact the people and country’s development. Those who have not left are either hoping to leave, or depend on the benevolence of loved ones overseas to supplement their incomes, live with their parents, struggle to make ends meet, or turn to a life of crime. Our nation’s growth and development require working to avoid the aforementioned challenges. Current programmes such as the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and a promised National Youth Policy are laudable, and deserve to be expanded through learning and benefiting from the past, looking at the opportunities presented in the world today, thinking big, and acting outside the box.

Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh has offered an interesting perspective on a new form of national service, which can contribute to alleviating the unemployment crisis.

Guyana has vast forests, which should not only be seen as offering eco-tourism and economic opportunities for

foreign businesses, but needing to be policed, peopled, and developed for the benefit of the people.

The young can be tapped into to meet these goals. Forests create work opportunities for those who are willing and able to work. The presence of a legitimate workforce protects our land from drug trafficking, destruction of the forest, and illegal entry. The threat to our borders can be managed by creating opportunities for the young to solidify our boundaries, such as providing effective border patrol. In order for Guyana to be competitive and relevant in the 21st Century, we need to prepare our youth to get caught up, starting now, or we can fall way behind in comparison to other countries.

The best way of doing this is investing in our people,which means that we need to invest in the current and upcoming generations. The youth remain our best and greatest resource; their potential is limitless, because they are more informed and more educated, but need guidance and a sense of purpose. It is at this stage in human growth that people are very optimistic, progressive, and have limitless energy. Also, with the inherent less emotional attachment to a specific means, such as a job or career, they tend to take greater risks, and are also more entrepreneurially-minded.

There are, in the world, more millionaires and billionaires under 30 years old than ever in human history. We are in the technological age, which allows the individual to flourish, unlike the industrial era, which allowed for industries and companies to flourish. In this Information Age, we have an exponential increase of access to wealth and information; there are no boundaries, borders or

time limits to making money. The young generation is brought up and built for this age. Guyana has the resources and land space to be a rich country, which requires focus with the aim of living up to our potential of being the breadbasket of the Caribbean. We have everything that we need, but what we need to do is invest in the raw talent that is being left idle or underutilised, and exported to countries to aid the development of other lands. People are never too young to learn; the more persons are deprived of mentorship and leadership opportunities, the more errors we will have, given that that generation will be ill-equipped to govern. If this generation of leadership does not allow the next generation to develop in the ranks of leadership, our country will have a void of leadership in the next generation. The consequences borne from not being given opportunities to develop in the leadership rank will mean that the young will suffer in terms of preparation for what the future holds for them; when the time comes, persons would be incapable of performing.

Mentorship to take over leadership means preparation to lead, and this reduces the chances of leadership being placed in bad hands. The father whose son was shot to death while entering another man’s premises, called for attention to be paid to the young to assist them in leading a productive life away from crime. This father’s call brings attention to the cliché that the devil finds work for idle hands. When the young have nothing to do, they will make only bad choices; thus keeping them preoccupied allows them to use their efforts and energies productively.

Julius Faerber is my neighbour Dear Editor,

T

HIS writer at the time of writing this letter is residing at Lot WD 107 Government Quarters, Post Office Street – Leonora West Coast Demerara and my neighbours are President Irfaan Ali to the east and former Regional Chairman of Region Three, Julius Faerber to the West. To the north is the Atlantic Ocean and to the south is the Leonora Police Station.

I have been residing at this Government Quarter for nearly five years now and I must say that when I began occupancy of the house back in November of 2015 with my letter of permission to occupy, it was Julius Faerber and his family that warmly welcomed me and requested that we live as loving neighbours.

I believe that we indeed did live as loving neighbours. I remember vividly during Hindu religious holidays he would share sweet

meat with me and I will do same. I remember sharing with him gooseberry, passion fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden which I planted in the yard space. I remember when my mother-in-law passed away it was Faerber who came first and it was his wife that covered the corpse with a sheet. I remember attending religious functions at his home and never did I ever pass him nor his family straight without saying a good morning or a good afternoon. In fact his deceased motherin-law and I use to frequently communicate and even at her funeral which I attended, Faerber embraced me.

Notwithstanding the above, even though Faerber is using the parapet of the street which I use as his garbage site, I never complained. Even though he blocked the drain which I was using as my drainage, I never complained and even though he fenced the reserve, I never complained simply because I remember the words, “Let’s live as loving

neighbours.”

Fast forward to Sunday, August 2, 2020 when His Excellency Irfaan Ali took the Oath of Office as President of Guyana. Faerber changed. It started will loud chattering but I simply locked my doors and stayed inside.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020, I was told that Faerber ‘instructed’ the substantive Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three to write me and demand that I vacate the government house in 72 hours and further, the REO must copy the letter to him and the Regional Police Commander.

Editor, when I heard this I laughed and as I pen this missive, I am still laughing. Let me make it pellucid here and now. I am a geographic candidate for the APNU+AFC coalition in the recently-concluded Regional and General Elections. I campaigned for the coalition. I walked the street fighting for the coalition in this democratic, sovereign state called Guyana. Like many of the persons

that are still in the employ of government who did it for the PPP in 2015, I did it for the APNU+AFC in 2020. It is public knowledge.

As an employee within the Public Sector of Guyana I am aware that first, there is no rule barring public servants from campaigning for a political party of their choice. Secondly, it is the Regional Executive Officer who is the custodian of all Government properties in regions and thirdly, after the declaration of election results, Regional Chairmen no longer exist until Regional Councillors take their oaths of office and elect a Regional Chairman.

Editor, former Chairman Faerber’s bone of contention is one that I cannot understand but I do know that his house has a lot of people living in it, so maybe he needs another house and I guess the government house closest to him will be perfect.

Yours truly, Ganesh Mahipaul

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

The Mother of all Elections proves that Guyana’s electoral system is flawed

Dear Editor,

T

HE recent March 2, 2020 polls dubbed the “Mother of all Elections” proved to all Guyanese, now more than ever, that our already fragile electoral system is flawed and is overdue for reform.

It is known that regularly held, free and fair elections is the hallmark of a democratic State and as such, facilitates the implementation of sound democratic practices. In that regard, I find it prudent to put on record, that in my view, democracy is alive and well in Guyana and was never under threat. My view emanates from the fact that, in light of all the irregularities that were uncovered during this election cycle, every aggrieved person was given a fair hearing before the courts to bring redress to their concerns.

Nevertheless, it is now proven fact that elections in Guyana are done wrong. The simple interpretation of democracy is majority rule. However, Article 177 (2)(b) of our Constitution, states “if more votes are cast in favour of the list…”. This Article, in my estimation perpetuates and gives legal credence to the ‘winner takes all’ attitude of any sitting government in Guyana and as such, during every election cycle there is an overwhelming feeling of an US vs. THEM atmosphere.

The Article would be better worded if it stated “if the majority of votes are cast in favour of the list…” which would therefore underscore the democratic principle of majority rule.

Mr. Editor, it would be remiss of any Guyanese to deny the fact that a bloated voters’ list and our mostly, two-party electoral system was the source of many of the issues we experienced during this election cycle. I stand by this belief and I will not falter.

The undeniable, fundamental and inherent problem with our electoral system is the principle that only one person can win, and that said winner takes all i.e. you either win everything or you lose everything. There is no ‘in-between’. And as result of this, there is an unquestionable fear and hatred for the other party, when it comes to Guyana’s two political behemoths, the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C. This fear and hatred is the most powerful force in our politics today. It is known as “Negative Partisanship” and for such a small society like Guyana, it’s worrying and disheartening for a young Guyanese, like myself, to witness our political leaders willfully take advantage of this negative partisanship to secure their bid to hold the seat of government by any means necessary.

It is because of this electoral ideology (winner takes all), that the “mother of all elections” was tainted by an astronomical number of cases of electoral fraud. There is no denying that the “winner takes all” outcome, encourages and rewards illegal activities at

the polls.

Upon the discovery of the fraud, the two parties attacked each other relentlessly, and as such widened the existing political divide in Guyana, thereby legitimising the “winner takes all” outcome. Evidently, it’s easier to have people rally against something, than come out in support of what they believe and over the years, by doing this we have degraded Guyana’s democracy. 2020 has really shown how divided we are as a society.

Taking all of the above into consideration, the question of a viable third party as an option to bring some balance to the consequences of winner takes all, arises. And to that I say, any viable third-party option in Guyana’s current political terrain will need broad political appeal. Because most voters in Guyana are so engrained in this two party system (PPP/C v APNU+AFC) we most times vote for the party that we think can win and, in most cases, the leaders of said party are of a particular ethnic makeup that is similar to that of the voter.

Guyanese rarely vote for candidates who reflect their values and as such compromise on same because they want to vote for a party that can win. Don’t believe me? Think about how we, as fellow citizens, reacted to someone who voted for one of the small parties during the 2020 elections. Depending on our political loyalties, we either labelled that person as a PPP/C supporter or an APNU+AFC supporter (if they didn’t vote for us, they are against us). We ultimately labelled the votes of such voters as wasted votes, because they voted for a party that has no chance of winning the elections. And that Mr. Editor is as a result of winner takes all elections. “We just need to beat the other party. Policy concerns, your views and values (that of the voters) will matter after we get into government, so compromise on those for now and vote for us”. This is the attitude of both of the major political parties, towards their base.

Mr. Editor, permit me to quote the late John Adams, Second President of the US, “the division of a country into two great political parties… is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil….” It is with this in mind, that I wish to highlight a possible solution to fix our inherent problem of winner takes all elections i.e. Ranked Choice Voting.

According to Time Magazine (Politics & Election, November 2019), Ranked Choice Voting is an electoral system which allows voters to rank candidates by preference, meaning they can submit ballots that list not only their first-choice candidate for a position, but also their second, third and so on.

How does it work? The candidate with the majority (more than 50 per cent) of first-choice votes wins outright. If no candidate gets a majority of first-choice votes, then it triggers a new

Congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali Dear Editor,

I

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wish to express heartfelt Congratulations to his Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali on his appointment as the 9th President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. What an incredible feat to a well-deserving gentleman.

My blessings and best wishes be with you, your Excellency, our Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Attorney General, Mr. Anil. Nandlall, and all the other ministers, officials, along with the team of stalwarts that constitutes the backbone of the PPP/C - the supporters, the workers, the volunteers, the farmers, the laborers, the cane cutters, and those in every arena of occupation that stood firm through trials and tribulations to see this day.

I know that you would bring to Guyana a great calm to our fractured society that was severely damaged due to the shenanigans of the 2020 elections and the time it took for you to be sworn in. I am most certain that you would be able to reverse the plethora of negativity that has tarnished our country. I am confident that you would place our economy on solid foundations that will inevitably help all peoples of this nation. As for these reasons, we, as citizens, look forward to your time as our President with great anticipation.

Your appointment as President is quite timely and came by the will of the Universal Creator and the Universe in which the system is set that the will of the people is the will of the Almighty. You have a great purpose to serve which to this writer, would be unique and Divine especially when you have the Creator watching over you. I am most certain that you will

bring positive vibrations and energies along with your winning personality, charisma, and love for humanity that will help us to break barriers and create change Guyana so desperately needs.

Consequently, you have proven yourself to have mastered the art of winning friends and influencing people. In this regard, I respect how you started firstly by sharing out masks to all Guyanese of all ethnicities and stretched your arms to all peoples in need, and not just to one group of people. This shows the greatness of your heart for humanity at large where you understand the concept of Karmayog - whereby service to humanity is the greatest worship to God. The Islamic concept to this is Khidmat-ul-Insaan. Additionally, our Christian brothers and sisters would also say, “Faith without works is dead/useless.” James 2:26 Mr. President, I commit to assisting you and our country in any way that I can so that together, we may propel this nation to greatness. Your victory signifies the confidence the electorate has in your insightful leadership. I also take the pleasure of wishing our First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, and your beautiful family success. I believe that a proven and tested leader like you will be rewarded with many more achievements. Know that my family and I will stand by you and uphold you in our prayers as you begin your journey of leadership and service. May Almighty God grant you good health and prosperity as you set out to fulfill your purpose of serving Guyana and humanity.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan

counting process. The candidate who did the worst is eliminated, and that candidate’s voters’ ballots are redistributed to their second-choice pick. In other words, if you ranked a losing candidate as your first choice, and the candidate is eliminated, then your vote still counts: it just moves to your second-choice candidate.

That process continues until there is a candidate who has the majority of votes. This would be great for Guyanese voters because we would be able to vote our conscience and not just vote to beat the other party.

If the above were to materialise, the two major parties would have to reach out to all voters and not just the swing voters. By doing this, as a result of Ranked Choice Voting, Negative Partisanship goes away and can no longer be a viable strategy to get voters out to the polls. Political parties will have to work together to appeal to voters and not pit them (the voters) against each other (us v them/APNU+AFC v PPP/C, TCI v LJP or ANUG v TNM and so forth). Through this process there are no “wasted votes” and small political parties will ultimately be able to grow.

Ranked Choice Voting is just one possible solution and it is a long-term solution to Guyana’s unsustainable political terrain.

The implementation of any electoral reform solution calls for great political will and political maturity from both the government and the combined opposition.

Mr. Editor, in light of everything I’ve opined in this letter and based on my observations of the 2020 elections, the PPP/C Government and the combined opposition of ANUG, TNM, LJP and APNU+AFC, owe it to the Guyanese electors to ensure that we have electoral reform and by extension constitutional reform.

This needs to be done, to ensure that the credibility of our elections is never again questioned by internal or external forces and no voter feels like they’ve lost or is aggrieved by winner takes all. Because no matter the result, Ranked Choice Voting presents the majority outcome, based on the order of the voters preferred/ ranked candidate.

Our society must never again experience the unprecedented levels of distress, anxiety, hostility, and uncertainty, created by the understandably, lengthy processing of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Sincerely, Trevon Sampson A concerned Guyanese, who is begging for major electoral reform

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Guyanese searching for equal freedom for real emancipation

Dear Editor,

Last Saturday, all Guyanese celebrated African Emancipation Day at home and abroad and also in the rest of the world.

This day and event was commemorated rightly so as a national holiday.

Some refer to it as “Freedom Day” and, Bob Marley made the distinction between emancipation and freedom by saying, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” Slavery is, perhaps, the most despicable, devious, degrading and discernable atrocity committed on the human race by mankind. Being captured and shackled was when “The iron entered into our souls,” lamented Caesar, a formerly enslaved man. The slave trade provided political power, social standing and wealth for the church, European nation-states, the New World and their colonies.

“If one minute’s freedom had been offered to me, and I had been told I must die at the end of that minute, I would have taken it,” Mum Bett had said.” Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett or MumBet, was the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts (Brom and Bett vs Ashley 1781). The abolition of slavery occurred at different times in different countries. It frequently occurred sequentially in more than one stage – for example, as abolition of the trade in slaves in a specific country, and then as abolition of slavery throughout empires.

Each step was usually the result of a separate law or action. All slaves in the

colonies became free after a period of forced apprenticeship following the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 in the United Kingdom and it was abolished in 1838. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States as passed by Congress on January 31, 1865.

Freedom and Independence are also not the same.

It was Rabindranath Tagore who once said “Emancipation from the soil is no freedom for the tree”. Without economic, political, cultural and social equity, there is no freedom, there is no Emancipation. Freedom is a basic human right and above all, economic freedom and economic independence are basic human rights.

According to The African Federation Development Association, Emancipation is three pronged: the first Emancipation occurred in 1838 and centered on “Freedom” from chattel slavery; the second Emancipation was called Independence in 1966, regarded as “Freedom” from colonisation and economic slavery and the third Emancipation is for us to embrace at this time. Their call is a request to move beyond Emancipation and Independence and towards economic freedom, social justice, racial respect and harmony. With the abolition of slavery, this eventually paved the way for a new type of slavery in then, British Guiana, known as “Indentureship of mainly East Indians.” Barack Obama reflected that, “A freedom that only asks what’s in it for me; A freedom without commitments to others; A freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideal, and those who died in their defence.

To this day, Guyana still

finds itself searching for an equal freedom for real emancipation to realise a liberal independence. Gandhi advised, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” The domineering and devious ideology of a hand-picked few still influences many from the mass and misguides their thinking, rationality and actions. This unfortunately, stifles their growth mentally, economically and socially and disallows the functionality, the individuality and the identity as a person to be truly representative, unilaterally. More Guyanese need to start thinking outside of the box and to face reality to not allow themselves to be brainwashed anymore and to start thinking for themselves. Only a few days ago, democracy was restored to this beautiful land Guyana as the will of the people was finally granted.

But democracy continues to be on trial with a new twist and dimension because the new government will be tested and challenged for its survivorship. Also, will the PPP/C Party be allowed to implement their manifesto, supporting, complimenting and upholding democracy, or, will they be thwarted by subversive elements, detrimental to the nation at large? In the past, there have been reckless and heartless behaviours supplementing this issue.

A timely reminder from Mark Twain would perhaps be helpful, “We have three precious gifts: the freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and the prudence to never use them both.” The national community is now calling on all stakeholders to move beyond any political injustice and towards social justice through a conscious

application.

Mia Mottley, former CARICOM Chairwoman recently pointed out that, “there must be space for all, regardless of who wins and who loses.” The electorate has spoken and CARICOM, the most legitimate interlocutor according to Mr. Granger himself, has certified the election recount result as creditable and confirmed that the PPP/C Party won the election by 15,413 valid votes. Finally, the APNU+AFC Party has conceded and GECOM was allowed to complete the election process. It was Abraham Lincoln who pointed out that, “A Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from earth.”

The APNU+AFC Party can not only want to protect its constituency alone anymore and it must pay attention to inclusivity for other sensitivities and must recognise respect for the balance of the divide because Guyana is a multi-racial society. No party must lead innocent Guyanese down the wrong track that will prove very detrimental to people. All people must have an equal opportunity to enjoy the good life and not only a few whose bread is already well buttered for the rest of their lives. Take a look and see who owns the mansions, driving luxury cars, receiving fat salaries, servants and security, paying no bills and doesn’t have to worry about the next meal. Not the man in the street who has to struggle daily and facing starvation, poverty and sickness, with death awaiting at the door!

It is time for all party supporters to pay keen attention and realise if and how they are being used and abused at their own expense

for the benefit of a few only.

It is time sober minded, honest and conscientious people wake up and smell the coffee. It is time to lock arms with each other regardless of creed or color or political influence and form a united front again. It is time to roll back the old times when you could have gone to a neighbor’s home and pick their fruits from their yard without reservation for religion or ethnicity. That is the Guyana that the new generation should envisage, strive, build and protect by demanding leadership change if necessary in any organisation immediately, if it does not ingrain this ideology.

Last Friday, our loving Muslim sisters and brothers with families celebrated the auspicious holiday of EidUl-Adha, known as the feast of the sacrifice. The prophet Ibrahim was openly willing to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael to please the Lord.

It was his unshakable faith and unwavering obedience that saved his son. Today, it is that type of faith that is required to save this nation, a faith in yourself to act righteously and not follow unrighteous leaders. Do not be influenced by the tongue twisters and liars who cunningly deceive you with their foolishness and craftiness. George Orwell, the author for Animal Farm wrote, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

As we tread tenderly this week on to a new horizon, many burning questions are roasting on the hot coals and the fire is dancing and darting, flickering and flaming with passion. Will the significance of the Muslim holiday influence the thinkers

and players of tomorrow?

Will the observation and preservation of Emancipation Day’s celebration proclaim a cause and effect in the hearts and minds of the “die- hard” and persuade them with rational practicality? Guyana is agitated, edgy, impatient and has the world of expectations and wants answers, results and changes yesterday, not today nor tomorrow. People want to cross the finishing line today that leads to a rainbow bridge, despite the PPP/C Party taking stewardship of a ravaged and bankrupt economy only a few days and is now in pampers.

Guyanese have been kept on a leash and imprisoned for the past five months away from sunlight, fresh air, proper food, adequate exercise and needed relaxation. They want to unshackle this hold, relinquish this strangulation and free themselves from a depressing state of oppression. Guyanese don’t want to be left in limbo any longer and that is why they are impatient and looking forward to this new government to remove the knee from their neck so that they can once again breathe freely. Guyanese are once again awake and vigilant and their priorities remain, food on the table, effectively managing COVID-19 repercussions, work, virtual education and harnessing crime. The rhythm from the beat of the Congo drum and tabla must be in sync with the dancers of all parties, in tune with the melody of the people and harmonise in symphony with the needs of priority.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Immediate actions must include swift passage of 2020 Budget --local economist warns, if Guyana to regain its economic equilibrium after the slowdown of the last few months

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA is at a defining moment in its history, as the country enters a new era under the leadership of its ninth Executive President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who is expected to immediately lead the charge against the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and simultaneously maintain economic stability.

The task ahead will not be easy, but Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong believes that the swift passage of a national budget would create some traction and stability for the economy, which has been burdened not just by the pandemic, but also by a protracted electoral process which ended only on Sunday.

“There is the need for President Ali and his team to swiftly pass a budget for 2020 so as to create some traction for this economy in this difficult time, and at the same time think about Budget 2021,” the economist told the Guyana Chronicle during an exclusive interview on Monday.

The country’s last budget, Budget 2019, was passed in December 2018 to the tune $300.7B. And, with the country already eight months into 2020, it is important for a budget to be passed soon.

Armstrong strongly advises that the proposed budget be “people-focused”, and especially give priority to vulnerable groups.

He feels that essentially,

it should focus on such key sectors as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and industries, all of which should be inextricably linked to the new Oil-and-Gas Sector, which should be its central feature.

“As a nation, we are at a defining moment, given the development of our Oil-andGas Sector,” Armstrong said, “but it is also important to note that the road up ahead is still going to be challenging, given that we are still in a global pandemic.”

Considering the economic situation and the instability caused by COVID-19, the economist said there is need for a “stimulus package”, as this would ease the “economic hardship” faced by vulnerable groups in society.

His advice to the government also is to reassess the COVID-19 control measures, because there has been a consistent rise in cases over the past few weeks.

STRICTER COVID-19 MEASURES “There is a need for a decision to re-lockdown the hotspot areas and have strict travelling arrangements to and from those areas, most of which are border areas, except for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica),” Armstrong said.

Guyana has so far recorded over 490 cases of COVID-19, with 22 deaths.

And, while 186 persons have recovered thus far, there are still over 280 active cases being monitored.

In this time of distress, Armstrong said, President Ali will have to reassure the

nation that he will be a leader for all its peoples, as there is

Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong

still a divisiveness amongst them. This, he believes, is an opportunity to bring them together.

Dr. Ali in his first address as President reassured the nation that he will uphold the oath he’s taken, and will work in the best interest of the people of Guyana.

“There is only one future, and that requires a united, strong Guyana,” the President said, adding: “That future requires every Guyanese to play a part in building our country, and ensuring we leave a better Guyana for the next generation.”

Noting that there’s strength in unity, he said: “We are in this together; we are not separated by class, by ethnicity, religion or political persuasion. We are united in

the true Guyanese spirit.”

President Ali later told the media that the new administration will focus on a development agenda that will reflect the priorities of every Guyanese.

“We are building a country for every Guyanese.

There is no need for fear; there is no need for distinction based on political persuasion, religious belief or ethnicity. This is a government for all of Guyana,” said the President.

THE FULL VISION The full vision of the government will be outlined later this week at the official inauguration ceremony. That vision will project where the government hopes to see Guyana at the end of its fiveyear reign.

In April, the World Bank, in a semi-annual report on the Latin America and Caribbean Region titled: “The Economy in the Time of COVID-19”, said: “Guyana’s economy expanded by 4.7 per cent in 2019, with anticipated oil revenues spurring an expansion in nontraded sectors. Oil production is projected to boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to unprecedented levels in 2020.”

Coming off of a good run in 2019, with recorded economic growth of 4.7 per cent, Guyana’s continued progression and transformation was inevitably halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The necessary restrictions in place to curtail the spread if the disease, as seen in countries across the world, had “slowed down”

the economy, because businesses either reduced their productive hours or are closed indefinitely, and the public sector has also scaled down its operations for the time being.

And, unlike other countries, Guyana was also faced with the effects of a protracted electoral process.

There is, however, still hope for Guyana, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in a report last year, said Guyana’s $4B annual GDP is expected to expand to about $15B by 2024. The financial institution had said the commencement of oil production will substantially improve Guyana’s medium and long-term outlook. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025.

The oil sector is projected to grow rapidly, accounting for around 40 per cent of GDP by 2024 and supporting additional fiscal spending annually of 6.5 per cent of non-oil GDP on average over the medium term, which will help meet critical social and infrastructure needs.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) had also said the Guyana Government will receive approximately 14.5 per cent of all oil revenue in 2020.

12 new COVID-19 cases, three more recoveries GUYANA has recorded 12 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 24-hour testing period, while three more persons have recovered from the disease, and one more person has come out of the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. This is according to the latest statistics as declared by the Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday, August 5.

The latest additions bring the country’s total number of cases to 509, and were discovered following the testing of 82 more persons, bringing the total number of persons who have been tested to 5057.

Of that number, the results of 4548 came back negative. The number of COVID-related deaths is still 22, while there is

now only one person in the COVID-19 ICU, whereas just the day before there were two.

There are currently 298 active cases of the virus, all of whom are in institutional isolation, while another 38 persons are in institutional quarantine.

On Tuesday, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud urged persons to be wary of the prevailing situation, especially in the hinterland communities where the virus has been spreading like “wildfire”.

The 12 cases reported on Wednesday followed 23 cases having been reported the previous day.

Of the 23 new cases reported on Tuesday, all of the recent cases were from

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

hinterland regions, with eight originating in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); four in Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni); and 11 in the villages of Aranaputa and Annai in Region Nine (Upper

Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Amidst the rise in cases, health authorities are looking to “tighten” control measures in order to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease.

Cautioning residents of hinterland communities about taking foolish risks, Dr. Persaud said, “I plead with you to halt the illicit cross-border movement; look out for the migrants and report their presence immediately to the Authorities. On a personal level, I ask you to cooperate and comply with the regulations of social distancing and the hygiene etiquette,” Dr. Persaud said, adding: “Fellow Guyanese, I know that you have been following closely these daily briefs, and that

you are aware that our cases continue to climb, especially in the hotspot areas of Regions Seven and Nine.”

He encouraged persons to cooperate and comply with all regulations of social distancing, hygiene etiquette and wearing of the mask in public, and made a special plea to young persons, urging them not to delay, but seek medical assistance at the earliest.

“Fellow Guyanese, our irresponsible actions impinge greatly on our health workers whom we need to protect at all costs.

They have families just like us; they want to enjoy life too; they deserve this, but they are making the sacrifice to protect all of us,” said the CMO.

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Sanitation worker dies in two-vehicle smash-up FORTY-FIVE-YEAROLD sanitation worker Zameer Isfehani of lot 12 Leonora, West Coast Demerara, lost his life while working on Tuesday on the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports, the accident involved motor lorry #GVV2646 owned by Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., and was being driven by a 55-year-old resident of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara; the other vehicle, motor lorry #GWW 9841 driven by a 52- yearold resident of One Mile Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

In a gruesome video that was circulated on social media, it could be seen that the vehicle owned by Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., lorry #GVV 2646 was stationary on the northern side of the northern carriageway of the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara, collecting garbage; the now deceased Isfehani was standing at the rear of the lorry when lorry #GWW9841 which was proceeding east along the said roadway at a fast rate of speed, ploughed into Isfehani and pinned him into the rear of the stationary lorry.

Isfehani was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of lorry #GWW 9841 and the occupant Wendell Cort, age 46 years, received injuries about their bodies. They were assisted out of the lorry in a conscious condition and taken to the GPHC where they were treated and admitted patients in the Male Surgical Ward. As a result of the incident the driver suffered a heart attack and other injuries, while another occupant suffered a fractured right leg.

Both men remain at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation under observation. An investigation into the events leading up to and the cause of the accident is still being conducted by the Guyana Police Force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Santa Rosa residents relieved community now ‘COVID-free’ SANTA Rosa, Guyana’s largest Indigenous settlement, located in the Moruca Sub-District in the Barima-Waini region, has recorded a full recovery of all of their eighty-eight (88) COVID-19 cases.

In an interview with DPI today, Toshao Whanita Phillips explained that all of the

patients are out of isolation.

Santa Rosa recorded its first case back in April and in a matter of weeks, the community was considered a ‘hot spot’ when several persons tested positive for the virus.

Of the 89 confirmed cases, 10 were children and one resident, unfortunately, lost her life. Some 246 tests were

done in the village, with a population of over 10,000.

The village leader said she is happy with the new development of the recoveries, noting that the situation was worrying over the past few months. “You know some persons saying ‘we don’t have coronavirus in Moruca’ and so on, but we were able

to control the situation...we are happy to be COVID-19 free.”

Toshao Phillips added that all of the measures remain in full effect. The area is still under lockdown and the curfew remains in effect.

However, there is an amount of cargo boat still operating in the area.

“All the measures are still in place. We have a few cargo boats still working but we continue to monitor the situation. The villagers are adhering to the measures implemented by the village council, and so we are hoping to keep it that way.”

The Toshao is encouraging the residents to continue to take the necessary precautions by sanitising and washing their hands, avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask when going

Toshao Whanita Phillips

out in public.

As of August 4, a total of 497 positive cases were recorded; of this amount, 22 were COVID-related deaths.

The Public Health Ministry has reported that

there are 289 active cases in Institutional Isolation; 38 persons in institutional quarantine and two persons are in the COVID-ICU. To date, 186 persons have recovered. (DPI)

Mass testing for COVID-19 commences in Region Eight -Nine cases confirmed, two recover

REGION Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), has recorded nine COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, August 5, 2020. Six of these cases are from Kanapang and are currently isolated along with one case from Mahdia; two other cases identified at Itabac have recovered.

Regional Health Officer Dr. Chrissundra Abdool, said with identification of the first three cases in the region, a series of testing was initiated.

“We held an outreach in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health last week. Mass testing was done in Kurukubaru, Kamana, Itabac and Kanapang ; 35 tests were done and of that amount, six were positive from Kanapang.”

These outreaches also sought to have a small vaccination campaign launched with quarantine and isolation facilities established with prefabricated houses.

Dr. Abdool noted that the seven active cases currently in isolation were all asymptomatic and will remain there until they have recovered and are medically cleared.

“Everybody is asymptomatic, which is a good thing, because according to WHO’s guidelines, when they are asymptomatic the viral load is not as high, so they are less likely to be contagious. I am not saying that they cannot infect someone else, but someone whose immune system is not strong can be infected,” the RHO explained.

Meanwhile, the first person in the re-

Region Eight Regional Health Officer, Dr. Chrissundra Abdool

gion to have been detected with the virus remains in isolation; that individual had travelled from Moruca. Contact-tracing was prompted and his acquaintances were cleared, having not exhibited any signs and also testing negative for COVID-19.

Neighbouring regions - One and Nine – have recorded more than 100 cases, therefore, Potaro-Siparuni is being closely monitored for new cases.

The Health Department and by extension the regional COVID-19 task force will continue screening and other measures to ensure that the spread of the virus is contained and residents’ safety is protected.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

GNBS again warns against use of dial scales

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has disclosed that the scales now seen at the markets are not approved and should therefore not be used by vendors and retailers in commercial trade.

In a recent post on their facebook page, the GNBS warned that the body does not verify such scales and maintains that they are for household use only. Further, the GNBS stated that the scales do not measure, but solely uses the metric system.

The GNBS has maintained that the weighing mechanism of the scales was not designed for continuous

use and can be easily damaged.

Vendors, shopkeepers and store-owners are urged by the GNBS to desist from using these scales and switch to the use of devices approved by the standards body.

Consumers have the right to demand, the standards-maintenance body advised, that items being purchased are weighed by an approved weighing device.

If consumers have any complaints pertaining to the scales being used at shops, stores or markets, they are urged to report this by messaging the GNBS on WhatsApp: 692GNBS (4627).

This is not the first time the GNBS had disapproved of dial scales.

Back in 2017, in an article published in the Guyana Chronicle of June 5, 2017, it was revealed that approval had not been given for these scales to be at commercial markets, but are to be used domestically by the body.

Then Head of the Standards Compliance Department, Shailendra Rai, had made it clear to vendors and shopkeepers that they should not purchase unapproved devices in the retail sector for commercial trade.

The Bureau of Standards cannot limit the types of

St George's Cathedral renovation nears completion RENOVATION works on one of Guyana’s historic buildings, the St George's Cathedral, are near completion.

The works which began since 2017 to the tune of $61M are expected to be completed late in August 2020.

According to a media release, finishing works on mouldings and painting are in progress. Additionally, a section of the sheeting on the roof on the south-western side is to be changed, while work is also ongoing in the UnderCroft Centre, where a new ceiling is being installed. The old ceiling was made of asbestos and was therefore removed last year. The renovation team has reportedly made great progress, COVID-19 limitations notwithstanding The Iwokrama International Centre and local firm Farfan and Mendes Ltd are joint partners in contributing to the restoration of the historic building.

From the hand-carved mouldings to the majestic, stained-glass windows, Gothic arches, clustered columns, flying buttresses, the arched ceiling and built-in musical organs with musical pipes, the cathedral is not just a sight to behold, it is also a national treasure. The cathedral was built in 1889 and stands some 177 years, with almost all of its original architecture intact.

In 2017, the leadership of the cathedral decided that repairs to the church were long overdue, but they didn’t wish to modernise the structure. They had a vision of preserving the history in it, so they embarked on the St George’s Cathedral Restoration Plan.

The plan was devised by the leadership of the Anglican church and the National Trust of Guyana. The purpose of the restoration is to ensure that every detail of the original design of the building be restored.

This national monument, which was designed and constructed under the Anglican Diocese of Guyana in 1899, is among

some 400 heritage sites and “things of national interest,” which have been documented on the Monument Register of the National Trust.

Heritage sites and historic sites are a concern for many people; therefore, it is the call of many citizens of the country to preserve these buildings for future generations.

Last year, under its capital work expenditure, the National Trust said that major works on the following monuments were completed: the Damon Monument, located at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast; the Enmore Martyrs’ Monument, at Enmore, East Coast Demerara; the Hogg Island Windmill on the Essequibo River – which is Dutch in origin and is the only structure of this type that can be found in Guyana and Fort Zealandia, located on Fort Island, Essequibo River.

However, it is the condition of sites such the St. George’s Cathedral and City Hall that is causing concern among the citizenry. Both structures were slated for reconstruction for some time now. In 2012, the National Trust had granted the St George’s Cathedral one million dollars for repairs to the eastern wing of the building.

The building is under the direct management of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana.

The National Trust of Guyana is an organisation that plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the country’s national patrimony is preserved. Heritage buildings such as the St George’s Cathedral and City Hall are safeguarded by the National Trust.

Hence, as regards City Hall, the Mayor and City Council and the European Union (EU), as well as the National Trust are to decide the way forward for restoration of the 125-year-old structure.

scales imported into Guyana, because there are scales used for domestic purposes and scales imported for commercial use. However, the GNBS stated that it has been found that vendors and shopkeepers are purchasing the domestic scales for commercial trade; when that happens, consumers are cheated because as a result of continuous usage over a period of time, the in-

ternal mechanism of the scale would show extra weight when an item/s are placed on it.

The GNBS had further advised store owners and dealers to educate consumers and shop owners on approved and non-approved devices, since the approved devices would be verified by the GNBS and would carry a bureau sticker.

The Metrology and Standards Compliance Department plays an active role in consumer protection and equity in trade. It is responsible for three main programmes: Standards Compliance, Weights and Measures and Consumers’ Complaints Investigation.

These programmes are intended to protect consumers and facilitate local, regional and international trade.

New Cabinet a mixture

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

By Lisa Hamilton PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali on Wednesday swore in a 19-member Cabinet comprising a mixture of youthful and well experienced individuals, who have all expressed that they are eager to bring about positive change in Guyana.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and was attended by Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira who had all been previously appointed.

In attendance too were former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West; members of the diplomatic corps and families and friends of the newly appointed ministers.

Appointed to the post of Minister of Health is Dr. Frank Anthony. Under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), he was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport from 2006 to 2015.

As health minister he will now lead the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, which has challenged Guyana with over 500 cases since March, 2020.

He has a Master’s in Public Health from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel and Medical Degree from the Russian Friendship University in Moscow, Russia. Dr. Anthony served in various high-level positions previously in the Ministry of Health, including the post of Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit.

His involvement in politics dates back to 1979, starting as a pioneer in the Progressive Organisation of Pioneers, and the Progressive Youth Organisation.

Reappointed as Minister of Education is Priya Manickchand. Manickchand is also an attorney-at-law and a former Minister of Human Services.

She will now tackle Guyana’s education system which, like most countries around the world, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her efforts moving forward, she plans to ensure that the safety of Guyana’s children and educators is top priority.

Sworn in as Minister of Natural Resources was 40-year-old Vickram Bharrat, who formerly served as a parliamentarian under the PPP/C. He holds a Bachelor’s

President Irfaan Ali (centre) stands along with the 19 newly appointed Ministers of Cabinet

Degree in Computer Science from the University of Guyana (UG) and is married with two children.

He once worked as a Technical Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Health and as a Project Manager with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Bharrat was also the Chairman of the Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council. He will now oversee the management of Guyana’s multiple natural resources, such as gold and bauxite.

Medical doctor and humanitarian Dr. Vindhya Persaud has been appointed Minister of Human Services and Social Security. Dr. Persaud has been a medical doctor since 2001 and worked at the Georgetown Public Hospital and Mercy Hospital. She is known for her humanitarian, cultural and religious activities, serving as President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

She comes from a long history of association with the PPP/C with her father, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, being Guyana’s longest-serving parliamentarian.

Appointed Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport is

Charles Ramson. He is 36 years old and recently graduated from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, with a Master of Science Degree in Oil and Gas engineering.

He had previously graduated with a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago and LL.B (Hons.) Law from the University of Buckingham, Buckingham, England, United Kingdom (UK).

Meanwhile, former Junior Minister of Finance Bishop Juan Edghill has now been appointed Minister of Public Works. Edghill is also a former Chair of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and a former adviser to former President Jagdeo.

Former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, was also sworn in on Monday as Minister within the Ministry of Public Works.

He completed his first degree at the University of Oxford Brookes in England and received his Bachelor’s Degree honours. He has also completed his Certified General Accounting Exams of Canada, and received his

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud ,along with President Irfaan Ali

e of youth, experience GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

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… 19 take Oath of Office

President Irfaan Ali addresses the audience at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday

Appointed Minister of Health is Dr. Frank Anthony (MoTP Photos)

Master of Business Administration Degree at the University of East London. He then proceeded to do the US (United States) Certified Internal Audit Exam.

He has also worked with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through the Government of Guyana and served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Institute of Internal Auditors The PPP/C’s former MP and Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha has been appointed the new Minister of Agriculture. He is 50 years old and is also the former Chairman of Region Six, (East Berbice-Corentyne), where he served for five years.

Mustapha has previously worked with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) as Assistant General-Secretary and, over the years, has visited and interacted with farmers from across the country. He holds a Management Degree from the University of the West Indies and has been with the PPP/C from a youthful age as a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation.

The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development is Nigel Dharamlall. The 46-year-old previously served as an MP under the PPP/C. He also served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministries of Local Government and Amerindian Affairs; Chief Fisheries Officer and Chair of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Appointed Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is Anand Persaud, owner of National Television Network (NTN).

He has been an active member of the PPP/C. Since his return to Guyana in the 1980s, he has been involved in communication and media, starting with the continuation of a legacy left by his grand-parents and older generation.

Meanwhile, University of Guyana lecturer Hugh Todd has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Todd has published and presented at academic conferences in Guyana, within the Region and beyond. His strengths include new regionalism, small state issues, Latin American and Caribbean politics, strategic planning and policy formulation, international business and competitiveness and marketing strategy.

Appointed Minister of Home Affairs is Robeson Benn. He is the former Minister of Public Works; a former

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and a former Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Colin Croal, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has been appointed Minister of Housing and Water. He is 41-years-old and possesses a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), majoring in International Business at University Malayu, Malaysia in 2007. His first degree was in Business Management at the University of Guyana in 2000.

Croal has been with the PPP/C for over two decades. He has previously served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

In Parliament, he served as the Geographical Representative for Region One (Barima-Waini) and he also held parliamentary responsibility for Local Government and Housing and Water.

Working along with him as Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water will be Susan Rodrigues. The 33-year-old mother of two is an entrepreneur, who is eager to make her mark in the political arena. She also has a Degree in Law from UG and a Masters in Business Administration.

Former PPP/C MP Joseph Hamilton has been appointed Minister of Labour. Hamilton is an Information Technology Specialist and Building Contractor. He was also a Good and Green Guyana (GGG) Councillor of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council from 1994-1997.

Additionally, he is a former People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Region FourCouncillor; a former parliamentarian from 1998-2001 and a former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health.

Reinstated as Minister of Amerindian Affairs is Pauline Campbell-Sukhai. She is an Economist and Amerindian and Women’s affairs activist.

Campbell-Sukhai has served in the National Assembly since 1992.

New Minister of the Public Service is 37-year-old Sonia Parag. She has been an attorney since 2007. In 2019, she began offering legal services at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and eventually became a candidate for the party for the March

elections.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old Kwame McCoy has been appointed Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister.

McCoy started his career as a reporter with the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation and later served at the Ministry of Information and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He also worked as Head of the Press and Publicity Unit at the Office of the President during the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency. He is currently finalising his Masters in Political Marketing.

Oneidge Waldron, an attorney-at-law, has been appointed Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The 22-year-old has served as an adviser to former Minister of Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes and was a nominee of the then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for the position of GECOM Chair.

Then 19 Cabinet ministers will now serve as the top leaders of the executive branch. They all took their individual Oaths of Office prior to being appointed.

In brief remarks to the gathering subsequently, President Ali reminded the ministers that they will be held accountable by the executive, Parliament and the people of the country.

He said that the job will require sacrifices, but he is certain that the team he has chosen will be up to the task.

“I expect that this team will be results-oriented; that this team will work in an efficient and transparent manner. The multi-faceted nature of the skill sets that comprise the team is what I believe Guyana requires in ensuring we fulfil the aspirations of all the people of this country,” he said.

The President hit home that 19 Cabinet ministers bring youthful energy, experience and the skillsets needed for electoral reform, security sector reform and the managing of the country’s natural resources.

He stated: “You would see that we have private sector experience coming in to the government; legal experience; experience in working at various agencies of government; medical experience; educators. It is a multifaceted fusion of experience and skills set that we’ve brought together.”

President Ali noted that additional important appointments will be made shortly, which will work to provide to Guyanese the best group of government ministers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Single mother gets boost to kick-start business venture

—Donation possible through the MOSP and Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc ON Tuesday, the Ministry of Social Protection, through its Gender Affairs Bureau and the Humanitarian Mission Guyana Incorporated, donated a quantity of cosmetology equipment to Shamika Henry, a single mother to launch her business venture.

Henry noted that the donation will help her provide for herself and her teenage son.

She said being a single parent comes with challenges, but is determined to rise above poverty and use her skills to earn a living. Henry said due to

Shemika Henry

Shemika Henry received the cheque from representative of the Humanitarian Mission Guyana Incorporated, Dr. Suresh Sugrim

(From left) Shemika Henry (recipient), Dr. Sugrim representative of Humanitarian Mission Guyana Incorporated and Senior Affairs Officer, Gender Affairs Bureau, Hemwattie Lagan, MOSP

the COVID pandemic, she lost her “steady-job”.

“I am going to start my own business even if I have to go house to house to do my work. I provide manicures, pedicures and also hair treatment. Today, I received a dryer, foot spa and hair curlers among other necessities to independently do what I love,” Henry remarked happily.

Henry disclosed that once the pandemic is over and it is safe, she will be pursuing studies in cosmetology to certify herself to provide quality service

to her customers.

The equipment was handed over by Dr. Suresh Sugrim, a representative of the US-based Humanitarian Mission Guyana Incorpoted.

“The mission originated in New Jersey, USA and for 15 years we have been working on many projects in Guyana which focus on empowering children by assisting them with funds to school and women who are exposed to violence,” Dr. Sugrim explained.

According to Dr. Sugrim, the organisation

also focuses “on small businesses, especially training young adults in skills such as computer knowledge and sewing. As of lately suicide prevention and mental health awareness are also on our agenda.” Senior Affairs Officer attached to the Gender Affairs Bureau, at the Ministry of Social Protection, Hemwattie Lagan noted that the department aims to provide resources to empower individuals who are in need to transform their lives.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

ACDA disappointed over Guyana’s electoral process ~maintains call for shared governance to end racial division and political discord

THE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) has expressed its disappointment with the March 2020 electoral process which it believes has not alleviated the racial division and political discord in Guyana.

ACDA in a written statement on Wednesday said, “ACDA is disappointed that the [elections] did not result in the two major electoral parties agreeing on a serious definitive discussion on constitutional reform to end the pernicious winner-takes-all governance system that only results in deepening the racial fractures in our society.”

The organisation added that racial division has never been in the best interest of the Guyanese nation, but are cleverly used by politicians and foreign groups to exacerbate fears and distrust among the country’s people. This, ACDA stated, was more evident and virulent during the recently held March 2020 elections.

Additionally, the organisation noted that there was an

array of international forces led by the U.S. and its ABCE allies against the Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) coalition government and disregard for clearly defined laws and guidelines of the electoral laws of Guyana.

ACDA has been on record since 1997 as calling for shared governance and the end to winner-takes- all elections.

The organisation maintains that this system will always lead to a crisis during the elections period, since the major ethnic groups understand that this system of governance gives the winner all and relegates the loser to the economic, social and political margins of the state.

Elections in Guyana are an ethnic census, the organisation said and they are now more convinced and committed to an organised struggle of the African community for constitutional reform and economic justice for the community.

“We call for urgent and decisive action to utilise the opportunity before our nation from the new oil wealth to address economic inequality affecting people of African descent. As a signatory of the U.N. International Decade for People of African Descent declaration during a time with heightened awareness that Black Lives Matter, Guyana must meet its responsibility.”

ACDA in its statement warned Guyanese to beware of ‘Greeks bearing gifts’ and not to believe that their equity in the development of Guyana would be matched by the foreign powers who have intervened most aggressively in the recent national elections.

“Most of them have never been throughout time, interested in the well-being of the people of Guyana. They will not change as they seek to reap the bounty of Guyana’s oil harvest and the opportunities that would be created for their own gain,” the organisation said.

MOIPA exploring virtual celebration for Heritage 2020

THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has disclosed that it is exploring the possibilities of hosting a virtual celebration for Indigenous Heritage Month in September this year.

The Ministry’s Principal Regional Development Officer (PRDO), Anil Roberts, said the matter was debated in an initial discussion. “We are looking to have it [live] streamed nationally and especially in the hinterland communities,” he told DPI. However, Roberts explained that the ministry is awaiting the ongoing transition of the new administration, and a budget to move ahead with plans for the month-long observance.

This move is in keeping with the social distancing measures that are necessary

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Principal Regional Development Officer, Anil Roberts

to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The month of September is recognised nationally as Indigenous Heritage Month, and a series of activities hosted by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is planned to honour the work, culture and contributions of Guyana’s first people.

The very first Indigenous Heritage Month was observed on September 10, 1995, in honour of Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous Member of Parliament.

Last year’s heritage observances were held under the theme “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Bale left out of Real Madrid’s Man City game

Real manager Zinedine Zidane has only picked Gareth Bale in his starting 11 five times in all competitions in 2020

(BCC) - Wales forward Gareth Bale has been left out of Real Madrid’s 24man squad for the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Manchester City on Friday.

City won 2-1 in the first leg in Spain in February before the coronavirus pandemic caused the competition to be halted for almost five months.

Bale, 31, has played twice with only one start in 11 Real games since football in Spain restarted in June.

The winners of the tie will play either Lyon or Juventus in the quarter-fi-

nals.

All the games in the Champions League from the last eight onwards will be played in Portugal over a 12day period from August 12 with the final on August 23.

Bale joined Real in a then-world record transfer of £85M from Tottenham in September 2013. He has helped the Spanish champions win the Champions League on four occasions, scoring in the 2014 final against Atletico Madrid, converting a penalty in the shootout against the same side in 2016 and netting twice against Liverpool,

including a spectacular bicycle kick, in 2018.

Last summer he was set to move to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning in a deal worth a reported £1M a week. However, the move fell through when Real Madrid demanded a fee for Bale.

The forward has only started 14 games in all competitions in 2019-20 and looked disinterested in recent weeks, including pretending to be asleep as a substitute, as Real went on a 10-game winning run to become Spanish champions.

Azam, Masood lift...

alled during this series when he over-stepped bowling to Azam in the 31st over.

Meanwhile, Masood was enjoying almost as good a time against Broad and, by the time Root turned to Archer and the offspin of Dom Bess, the batsmen were in a decent flow. They had put on 78 runs together and, as Azam brought up his half-century off just 70 balls with a punch into the covers off Bess and then passed it with two runs behind square off Archer, the rain hit.

By that stage, Masood had moved to 45 not out, Pakistan had recovered from 43 for 2 to 121 for 2 and the players faced a long stay in the dressing rooms.

Manchester was eventually bathed in bright sunshine but, by the end of mopping-up operations, play resumed under lights with the dim skies back overhead.

Archer, who had bowled one ball before the lengthy stoppage, finished his over with plenty of short stuff, which meant Root was forced to turn back to spin, bringing himself on with Bess.

Masood added just one run, having faced 152 balls - more than any other visiting opener in England since 2016 - for his 46 not out before bad light forced play to be abandoned for the day.

In the course of his innings, Masood had two lives, both from Jos Buttler off the bowling of Bess. On 45, he survived an edge through to the keeper, and he hadn’t

Turn from page 23

added to his score when, after the r a i n break, he charged at Bess, attempted to hit the ball to the leg side but missed, only to be saved when the ball bounced out of Buttler’s gloves.

At the other end, Azam had moved to an unbeaten 69 off 100 balls in a third-wicket stand of 96.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Thursday, August 06, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Stuart Broad-16 wickets Shannon Gabriel-11 wickets

TODAY’S QUIZ: Which English bowler had the best innings figures in the recent ENG/WI Test series?

(2) Which WI had the best figures in an innings?

(1)

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Torres explains Valencia exit (BBC) NEW Manchester City winger Ferran Torres says he left Valencia in part because they would not make him captain and one of their highest-paid players.

Torres, 20,

Ferran Torres has made five appearances for Spain Under-21s

s a i d he was “excited and happy” to join City, after completing his £21M move from the La Liga side.

“I wanted to stay and I put forward the conditions to do so. They weren’t above the club’s means,” he told Marca.

But the Spaniard added he was “sad” to leave Valencia and “very grateful” to the club he joined aged seven.

Torres said as well as asking for the captaincy and a wage increase, he also wanted Valencia owner Peter Lim to be involved in any talks over a new deal with them.

“I wanted two of the three, but none was fulfilled,” said the Spain Under-21 international, who revealed he did not have a good relationship with current Valencia skipper Dani Parejo.

“I know they’re not in the same position as big European clubs, but I was able to lead that project and wanted to be treated as such.”

Torres said he had more “peace of mind” about the move to the Premier League after speaking to City manager Pep Guardiola.

He said he started to think about leaving the La Liga side after helping Spain win last summer’s European Under-19

Championship.

“The club told me personally they weren’t counting on me,” he added.

“They literally said I was the fifth winger in the squad; that reinforcements were coming and other players from other positions were ahead of me.

“It was a v e r y hard blow f o r me, b u t what w a s worse was that t h e y even put me on the market and offered me to teams in Spain.”

FIFA backs GFF as transfer window extended to August 23 THE GFF 2020/2021 Pre-season Transfer Window has now been extended to August 23, 2020 in order to accommodate any hindrances that interested parties might have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

This decision was made in consultation with its Regional Member Associations (RMA), affiliates and Elite League Clubs and endorsed

by FIFA following an official request from the GFF. According to the FIFA correspondence dated August 5, the endorsement was granted “consistent with (i) the guidelines and decisions regarding COVID-19 ap-

proved by the Bureau of the Council on April 6 2020 and (ii) FIFA circular No. 1720.

Meanwhile, GFF president Wayne Forde said the GFF “…is actively drawing up plans for a robust restart of football nationally and would like to give each registered club the opportunity to prepare for a competitive season. The GFF will be announcing these plans once the COVID-19 Task Force and the Ministry of Public Health provide the requisite clearance for the resumption of competitive sports. In the meantime, we urge our members to continue to respect the COVID-19 guidelines.”

The original 2020/2021

Pre-season Transfer Window opened on June 1, 2020 and closed at midnight on July 31, 2020.

GFF general secretary, Ian Alves, in his correspondence to the members urged the use of electronic communication for the processing of transfers: “In light of the continuing situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and the public advisories as issued by the relevant government agencies, and the fact that the GFF secretariat is only opened on a need-to basis, having only essential staff on duty on any given day, RMAs, clubs, and other interested.

Six Nations dates...

played on December 5.

England also lead the women’s competition, eight points ahead of France, who have a game in hand.

Six Nations said it had prioritised “the health and safety of players, associated staff and supporters” in rescheduling the matches.

“We remain in close contact with all relevant authorities across the respective jurisdictions to ensure these matches take place in a safe

environment and we will announce further details of health and safety protocols and guidance on spectator attendance in due course,” it added.

Wales will have to host their home fixtures away from the Principality Stadium after chief executive Martyn Phillips confirmed there will be no more international matches at the ground this year because it is being used as a tempo-

Turn from page 21

rary hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

World Rugby approved a new temporary international window to allow the Six Nations to be completed.

The 2020 men’s Autumn Tests are set to be replaced by an eight-team tournament in which the Six Nations sides will be joined by Japan and Fiji and which will begin on November 14.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

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ICC looking for bio-security manager Could we see a full Eden Park at the 2021 Women’s World Cup? For now, in-ground fans remain in the plans (Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The ICC is looking for a bio-security manager for the women’s 50-over World Cup, as planning continues for an event around which there remains a fair amount of uncertainty.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Zealand in February and March 2021, but the ICC is yet to officially take a call on its status, although the Board will meet tomorrow to discuss this and other ICC events.

It is not necessary that a decision on the tournament has to be taken then, especially as there is still some distance to be covered between now and the tournament.

But plenty remains to be done, not least a place to host the qualifiers - postponed indefinitely from July 2020 in Sri Lanka because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of now, only England, Australia, South Africa, In-

dia and hosts New Zealand are confirmed participants; three more spots are to be filled via the qualifiers. The UAE has come up in discussions as a venue, though the IPL window, which runs until November 10, squeezes that option a little.

Bio-security protocols have already been drawn up by the World Cup’s organising committee, in consultation with the ICC, New Zealand Cricket, and the New Zealand government. It’s understood that the role of the bio-security manager would be to implement those.

One part of that plan would involve teams arriving two weeks earlier than planned. Quarantine regulations in New Zealand currently require a twoweek isolation period after entering the country.

Teams were originally expected to arrive in New Zealand towards the end of January, but an earlier arrival

would impact cost considerations for the tournament.

For the moment, planning for the tournament involves fans at the ground.

New Zealand has been one of the countries least affected worldwide by the pandemic, and following a strict lockdown that began in March, is now all but virus-free (New Zealand’s ministry of health website recorded figures for August 5 as 24 active cases, with two changes in the count in the previous 24 hours).

Spectators have been present at rugby games in the country, without limitation, since mid-June and there are few restrictions once visitors have completed their twoweek quarantine.

Tickets are not yet on sale for the tournament and, unless late developments change things, they are likely to go on sale sometime in September or October.

Six Nations dates confirmed (BBC) - The Six Nations has confirmed its dates for the outstanding fixtures from the 2020 men’s and women’s championships.

Both competitions were suspended in March amid the coronavirus pandemic with four matches in the men’s event to be completed and six

in the women’s.

Ireland will face Italy at the Aviva Stadium on October 24 to resume the men’s tournament.

The last round of the competition, involving all six teams, will take place on October 31.

Wales will face Scotland

England lead the men’s and women’s 2020 Six Nations tournaments

at a venue yet to be confirmed, Italy will host England at the Stadio Olimpico and France will play Ireland at the Stade de France.

England are top of the standings in the men’s competition with 13 points, ahead of France on points difference.

The women’s competition will resume with Scotland facing France and Ireland taking on Italy on October 24.

On October 31, Wales play Scotland, Italy host England and France face Ireland.

The remaining fixture between Italy and Turn to page 20 Scotland will be

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Ramson Jnr is new Sport Minister!

Several Tour of Poland riders, race official injured in stage one (BBC) - Several riders and a race official were caught up in a horrifying crash on stage one of the Tour of Poland.

Dylan Groenewegen, 27, drifted across the road in the final, downhill sprint and he and fellow Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen collided at high speed just before the line in Katowice.

Jakobsen, 23, then fell over the barriers and collided with an official.

Groenewegen, who was subsequently disqualified, and several other riders also fell after crossing the line.

Cycling’s governing body UCI said it “strongly condemns the dangerous behaviour of Groenewegen”.

A statement read: “The UCI, which considers the behaviour unacceptable, immediately referred the matter to the disciplinary commission to request the imposition of sanctions commensurate with the

―Culture and Youth merged

By Stephan Sookram CHARLES Ramson Jnr. will take up his tenure as the Minister with responsibility for Culture Youth and Sport following the swearing in of new government ministers yesterday.

Ramson Jnr, a former presidential adviser to the Donald Ramotar administration, has now been handed the keys to a sector many feel should have its own subject minister.

This was not the case in the previous government as the sport sector was absorbed and ultimately overshadowed by the education sector.

After his swearing in at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), Ramson gave a quick comment saying, “As far as sport is concerned, right now sport is very disorganised, so I want to be able to start to get sport organised in this country.”

While he did not outline his plans for the sector, Ramson Jnr is no stranger to the sporting world, being an active participant in cricket; he now has the job of reforming the sport sector.

One of the many things the new minister has to look

at is the refurbishment and ultimate development of the South Dakota Race track into an international venue.

In its manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) campaigned heavily on the refurbishing and further development of the Timehri-based motorsport circuit, the home of racing locally.

President Irfan Ali had spoken to this on numerous rallies and it is also outlined in the party’s manifesto, indicating that there are plans to revamp the venue.

Other plans outlined for the sector in the Manifesto are to ensure that each region has a premium, multi-purpose sporting facility that could be used for multiple events.

This ties into the PPP/C’s plan to also build sport academies to serve all regions, another plan outlined in the manifesto.

The Manifesto also outlined plans for the provision of incentive packages for the businesses that provide sponsorship or employment opportunities for sports persons and athletes.

Outside of the Manifesto, the new minister is also expected to look at the reform of the sector, including the long promised sport policy.

seriousness of the facts.”

Race organisers said an air ambulance was called to the finish but the condition of those involved in the crash has not been confirmed.

Deceuninck-QuickStep said their rider, Jakobsen, was being tended to by doctors.

Jumbo-Visma sprinter Groenewegen was initially named the stage winner before being disqualified.

“Our thoughts go out to Fabio Jakobsen and other people involved in today’s terrible crash in the Tour of Poland - crashes like these should not happen,” said Jumbo-Visma on Twitter.

“We offer our sincere apologies and we will discuss internally what has happened before we may make any further statement.”

The podium ceremony was cancelled and the stage results have not been released.

UEFA warns of strict measures for tournaments

(BBC) - UEFA has warned that the staging of international matches will be at risk if its protocols for the return of the Champions League and Europa League are not observed.

Both tournaments resume this week after a five-month delay, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The protocols were distributed to all 28 teams still in the two competitions.

Both competitions conclude with ‘final eight’ tournaments behind closed doors in Portugal and Germany.

The Champions League final will be held in Lisbon on August 23, two days after the Europa League final takes place in Cologne.

“UEFA expects all parties to adhere to hygiene best practices both in the controlled match environments, as well as in their private day-to-day lives,” the protocols state.

“It is imperative that all precautions set out in this document, as well as the standard hygiene best practices, will be strictly adhered to by all members of these various groups.

“Non-respect of such social norms could have serious consequences for the staging of international matches.”

The return of European

club competition will immediately be followed by the start of the Nations League international qualifiers at the beginning of September.

In addition, the 2020-21 European club season starts on August 8, with Northern Irish side Linfield involved in the Champions League prelimi-

nary round.

TESTING, MASKS, HOTELS AND PRIVATE FLIGHTS The protocols themselves have been drafted under the guidance of UEFA medical committee chairman Tim Meyer, who is also in charge of

the Bundesliga protocols in Germany.

Club players and staff have been told they will be tested either two or three days before they leave their home countries for the ‘final eight’ tournaments and again, on site, the day before each game.

UEFA promises to have the

results back “a minimum of six hours” before kick-off.

Clubs have been told their players must wear face masks ‘in all public places’ when they are travelling and the use of charter flights “is strongly recommended”.

Players have also been reminded to refrain from swap-

Benfica’s Estadio da Luz will host the Champions League final

ping their shirts.

UEFA has rejected requests from some clubs - including Manchester United, Wolves and Inter Milan - to be allowed to fly in and out of Germany for individual games, which means more emphasis on the strict rules around the hotels where individual clubs are staying.

Amongst the requirements for that are: Private dining area and access routes.

Food should be served by the team’s own staff and/or as few hotel staff as possible, with food placed on a table and collected by the players/coaches/ trainers. No clean-up is to take place until the players have left the dining areas.

Team members (both players and technical staff) must not leave the hotel unless it is under previously agreed and organised conditions and does not involve coming into contact with anyone outside of their group.

For longer stays, visiting teams will also need to make appropriate laundry arrangements with their hotel, ensuring in particular that washed clothing and equipment (bibs etc) are handled only by members of the team delegation and not by hotel staff.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 6, 2020

Hero CPL could learn much from NBA’s ‘bubble’ initiative … Players must curb event’s ‘party culture’

By Clifton Ross HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 will be much different from previous editions, as the tournament will be played in a ‘bubble’-like setting due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and organisers should look to the National Basketball Association (NBA) for guidance on how to pull off such a delicate plan.

NBA boss Adam Silver along with stakeholders invested hundreds of millions recently to ensure that the 2020 basketball season, which is currently in its play-offs phases, is played under the strictest of guidelines at their ‘bubble’ which is situated at Disney Land in Orlando Florida.

While a few of their stars were eventually cleared for action after contracting the virus, prior to leaving for Orlando, NBA has so far managed to resume its season with a number of scrimmages and is currently progressing nicely into its playoffs; without any interference from coronavirus.

The concept of Bubble is basically geared towards containing and monitoring player’s activities and interactions during the pandemic. The main area of concern is keeping those inside the invisible effervesce, safe from any threats or means of contracting the virus;

thus ensuring the overall safety and success of the sport.

Players will be away from friends and family for an extended period while day-to-day customs like food, training, socialising with teammates and fans will come at a huge risk due to the restrictions likely to take effect. Also, cricketers will need to show more responsibility as it relates to curbing the West Indian culture of partying and hanging following games.

Among the challenges CPL officials will likely face throughout this season, is keeping all the cricketers on one page with regard to following safety guidelines and adhering to restrictions.

Recently, NBA has been hit with a number of outside blows which in turn saw a number of teams being without a few of their key players as they had to leave the bubble to attend important family issues etc.

Recently, LA Clippers star Lou Williams became the star of global attention after he was given permission to leave the bubble to attend what he told officials was a funeral of a relative but later it turned out to be a father of a close friend. After attending the funeral service, Williams then ventured to a local club for food before returning to the NBA bubble.

As a result, Williams was subjected to 11 days mandatory quarantine upon return, missing the Clippers crucial opening season game against the LA Lakers which his side narrowly lost.

positive diagnosis of Jamaican Tallawahs middle-order batsman Andre McCarthy and spinner Jeavor Royal. The pair will miss this season’s festivities after allegedly being exposed to a person who had been

were replaced by cousins; Jermaine Blackwood and Ramaal Lewis.

Now with CPL preparing to kick-start their bubble, it is likely that, given the culture of cricket in the Caribbean and the identity

The 2020 Hero CPL will be without most of its iconic fanfare and parties due to COVID-19. Flashback! Soca superstar Machel Montano performing at halftime Williams also became subject of debate in the sports world as player monitoring as well as trust among athletes and teams became biggest concern of trying to keep players safe during the pandemic.

One major pre-season scare was the confirmed

tested positive for the virus, days before leaving for the bubble.

Both McCarthy and Royal had tested negative and were due another test in seven days which runs after the date for the next flights bound for Trinidad and Tobago. The pair

CPL has undertaken over the years being dubbed as the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ or ‘Summer ’s Biggest Party’; officials will have their hands full to capacity as they seek to make this year’s event safe.

As of July 31, the Twin Island Republic has re-

corded 169 cases with eight deaths with 29 current active cases. Part of entering into the bubble, squads and team management of the six franchises, along with organisers and the respective crews, will be subjected to self-quarantine for two weeks before entering the country.

Upon arrival, persons will then go on lockdown for a further 14 days. As for the international lot of stars, they too will undergo COVID-19 tests before and after arriving in the country, with additional tests being carried out prior to the August 18 start of the tournament.

PM Keith Rowley recently said that the move is to ensure that players and those who are involved in the day-to-day operations of the tournament are well protected and remain that way. Rowley also cautioned those about falling victim to the culture of partying and imbibing after games, something he said will be met with repercussions.

Although the CPL Bubble blueprint seems foolproof, it will be interesting to see how they handle situations with players having to leave for emergency or what type of punishment will be dished out to anyone who bravely breaks any of the tournament’s bio-security rules; thus possibly jeopardising the entire season.

Azam, Masood lift Pakistan to control of day one (ESPNCRICINFO) - Babar Azam and Shan Masood lifted Pakistan on a day punctuated by shifting fortunes on the field and above it as the first match in the threeTest series against England began.

A moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic before play began under heavy skies put the match in perspective and emphasised the efforts of both countries to stage this contest behind closed doors at Emirates Old Trafford.

Having been in England for a month, preparing in the relative anonymity provided

by England’s series against West Indies, Pakistan arrived to their first Test since February as questions swirled over their readiness to face an opposition which

has three matches’ worth of competition fitness in them.

By the time rain brought about an early tea and delayed the evening session by nearly three hours, it was batsmen Azam and Masood who looked to be in a groove against a bowling attack that seemed to have turned rusty at lunch.

After his captain, Azhar Ali, won the toss and elected to bat first - opposite number Joe Root said he would have done the same - Pakistan opener Masood withstood a tricky period against Stuart Broad and James Anderson first up, accompanied by Abid Ali in a partnership that was approaching fifty when Jofra Archer entered the attack.

Having rounded off his first over with a couple of steepling bouncers which were evaded well by Abid, Archer struck with the first ball of his

second over when he bowled Abid with a beauty through the gate and into off stump, thus ending a patient start by Abid and the partnership on 46.

After a brief rain interruption, Masood settled, guiding Archer through the bare gully region with smart, soft hands for four.

Babar Azam

But then Chris Woakes, who had relieved Anderson after five overs, struck with a full delivery that thwacked Azhar Ali on the pad in line

and sent him on his way for a six-ball duck, despite his swift call for a review, which only confirmed the lbw decision.

That brought Azam to the crease and he showed his class, somehow escaping a testing first delivery from Woakes that narrowly missed the outside edge and off stump and negotiating the ever-challenging Archer.

But it was against Anderson after lunch that Azam settled into his stride, finding the boundary three times in as many overs to bring his spell to a swift end.

Anderson even became the first bowler to be called for a front-foot no-ball - a rarity for him - by the third umpire in Tests under the n e w system being triTurn to

page 19

Ramson Jnr is new Sport Minister!

PAGE 22

Charles Ramson Jnr. collects his instruments of appointment from H.E Irfaan Ali (Adrian Narine Photo)

―Culture and Youth merged

Hero CPL could learn much from NBA’s ‘bubble’ initiative … Players must curb event’s ‘party culture’

PAGE 23

PAGE 20

FIFA backs GFF as transfer window extended to August 23 An aerial view of the NBA’s bubble

PAGE 20

Torres explains Valencia exit

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020