Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_22_2020

SATURDAY 22nd August, 2020

' No.106099

Mingo, Lowenfield being investigated

-- DPP takes over private criminal charges against duo for electoral fraud

SEE PAGE 03

WPA quits coalition PAGE

15

Police seize $10M worth of cannabis PAGE

10

Christopher Jones on $100k station bail 17 PAGE

FLASHBACK: Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, during a court appearance in the five-month elections saga

Harmon is new Opposition Leader

SEE PAGE 02

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Harmon is new Opposition Leader

MEMBERS of the APNU/ AFC coalition, who will be heading to Parliament, agreed, on Friday, that General-Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon, will serve as Opposition Leader.

Reports indicate that Harmon was the only person nominated for the constitutional position that will be announced when the 12th Parliament is convened.

Former President and Leader of APNU, David Granger, has stepped aside, and will not be returning to Parliament.

PNC Chairman, Volda Lawrence; party General-Secretary, Amna Ally; former Chairman, Basil Williams and former General-Secretary,

Aubrey Norton will not be returning to the House.

Granger has been at the helm of the coalition since 2011, when he was elected Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) – the largest party in the coalition.

Senior functionaries of APNU and AFC, namely Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan, David Patterson, Dr. Karen Cummings, Cathy Hughes, Nicolette Henry, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Annette Ferguson and Hemraj Rajkumar are slated to return to Parliament, likely as front benchers.

Some of the new coalition parliamentarians are former Magistrate, Geeta Chandan-Edmond; Attorney-at-Law, Roysdale Forde;

New Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

Sherod Duncan; Juretha Fernandes; trade unionist, Coretta McDonald; and Ganesh Mahipaul.

Most of those persons were actively campaigning for the coalition during the leadup to the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Under the revised Cummingsburg Accord, the AFC

will only get 30 per cent of the seats secured by the coalition in the National Assembly based on a new 70:30 ratio agreed upon with APNU. The formula will also guide the allocation of seats at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs). Under the old accord, the formula was 60:40.

There has been no sitting of the National Assembly since May, 2019. This was due mainly to the passage of a motion of no-confidence against the former APNU+AFC Government.

A date for the convening of parliament has not been set, but upon their return to Parliament, MPs will elect a Speaker to preside over the proceedings of the House.

The Speaker oversees the administration of the House and chairs several committees, including the Parliamentary Management Committee.

The Speaker is also the spokesperson and representative of the National Assembly in its relations with the executive and other bodies outside of the House. The last Speaker of the National Assembly was

Dr. Barton Scotland.

The passage of a National Budget will also be high on the agenda, as the country is already eight months into the year and is faced with the challenges caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As a result of COVID-19, Parliament will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister responsible for Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has confirmed.

Teixeira explained that to minimise the risk of infection, the Parliament will also reduce the number of staff and invitees during the sitting while ministers and MPs will be seated in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Mingo, Lowenfield being investigated

3

--DPP takes over private criminal charges against duo for electoral fraud THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a “comprehensive” investigation against the Chief Election Officer and the Returning Officer for Region Four after it received formal reports of alleged criminal misconduct by the duo.

Police in a statement noted that formal reports allege criminal conduct by Mr. Keith Lowenfield and Mr. Clairmont Mingo and others in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and events subsequent thereto.

As a result, Police Headquarters noted that legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and the GPF was advised to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations in accordance with its mandate.

“The DPP has further indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her, under Article 187 of the Constitution, she will take over

the private criminal charges currently pending in the Mag-

the APNU/AFC Coalition as declared by District Four

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

istrate’s Court in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and its aftermath,” police stated.

The country’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield had presented results for the March 02 elections, with the exact inflated figures for

Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, which was widely protested as being fraudulent.

This led to a national vote recount, which clearly established that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was the winner of the elections.

The elections’ results were finally announced on

results of the March 2, 2020 elections which he knows to

Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo

August 2, after a five-month delay.

Meanwhile, the charges against Lowenfield were filed on June 30 by Desmond Morian and Daniel Josh Kanhai relating to fraud, misconduct in office, and breach of the public’s trust by providing

be false.

Lowenfield first appeared in court on July 24, 2020 where he was granted bail in the sum of $450,000 bail; or $150,000 bail on each charge.

In charges filed against the CEO, it is alleged that between March 5, 2020, and

June 23, 2020, Lowenfield conspired with person (s) unknown to commit a common- law fraud.

The court document stated: “The accused, between March 5, 2020 and June 29, 2020 while performing his duty as the chief elections officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, without lawful excuse or justification, willfully misconducted himself at Georgetown… a place within the Georgetown Magisterial District by ascertaining results of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections for Guyana, knowing the said results to be false, the said willful misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the Office of the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

The matter is set to be heard on August 24, 2020.

Guyana records 35 new COVID-19 cases -- almost 50 per cent of total infected persons have recovered

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA continues to record a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with 35 new cases being recorded within the past 24 hours.

Health authorities have so far tested 6,628 persons, with 5,743 being negative and 881 positive.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said 433 or 49.2 per cent of the infected persons have recovered thus far and have been released on home monitoring, with strict measures to prevent any further re-infection.

Despite this positive development in the fight against COVID-19, the fact remains that 30 persons have lost their lives to the disease. There are also 410 persons under close monitoring, with 77 in

institutional isolation, 333 in approved home isolation and eight persons in the COVIDICU. Dr. Persaud said authorities continue to be wary of the situation, as cases continue to be recorded on a daily basis. Over the period August 15-20, 218 new cases were reported; these cases came mainly from Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

“During the last week we had the first case reported from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and a cluster of imported cases in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), with the occurrence of sporadic cases in regions One and Two,” said the CMO.

It is clear that COVID-19 remains a threat to everyone in all areas of Guyana, but within the last few days, there have been lots of concerns about testing and laboratory confirmation of COVID-19.

“I would like to assure members of the public that the test conducted by the Ministry of Health is the WHO-recommended molecular PCR test for the coronavirus. There are also available antibody rapid test which may indicate that someone was exposed to the virus but is not recommended to diagnoses the infection,” said Dr. Persaud.

He advised persons to desist from comparing these two distinctly different methods of testing, since the rapid antibody test is not approved to diagnose active COVID-19 cases, and only the molecular PCR can credibly identify

infected persons.

In further sharing his advice, the CMO said: “Please note that all the materials including the nasopharyngeal swabs and the reagents used in the molecular PCR testing are approved by PAHO/ WHO and meets all the national safety standards.”

ADHERE TO SAFETY GUIDLINES The CMO encouraged persons to adhere to the safety guidelines as outlined in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Guyana Chronicle had reported that government is mobilising some US$60M from the World Bank, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Islamic Development Bank, in addition to a $4.5B package

it had announced earlier to bolster the national response to COVID-19.

President Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, during an address to the nation from State House said that those sums are in addition to the US$1M grant received from the Government of India.

Those, he said, were outside of other bi-lateral support received and were in the process of being received.

The President said that he spent the last few weeks consulting with many stakeholders including the private sector, communities, trade union representatives, youths, and healthcare professionals, aimed at arriving at a national holistic plan that integrates every aspect in response to COVID-19.

“So what we have seen is the closure of small business enterprises, our economy

declined about four per cent at mid-year, contraction in business by more than 20 to 70 per cent, the loss of jobs, reduced workforce, reduced operations and output due to the implementation of work rotation work schedules,” the President said.

Further, the Head of State said the loss of income has led to starvation in many communities, something which is being addressed.

He noted that a holistic plan is being looked to tackle the pandemic, while also targeting measures that would create jobs, ensure the return of income, and improve spending in the economy, while keeping the population in good health.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Belarus protests: Tikhanovskaya vows to stand till the end (BBC) Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has vowed to “stand till the end” in protests over disputed elections and subsequent violence.

She told the BBC that if the protest movement stepped back now, they would be “slaves”.

Protests and strikes continue, but President Alexander Lukashenko shows no sign of backing down nearly two weeks after the election was held.

He has vowed to crush the unrest in the coming days.

Ms Tikhanovskaya stood as the main opposition candidate, drawing large crowds during the election campaign.

But she left for neigh-

Opposition supporters joined a “solidarity chain” in Minsk on Friday evening bouring Lithuania a day Lukashenko was officially master - to the east and after the 9 August election, declared the winner by a Ukraine to the south. To saying she feared for her landslide. She has said she the north and west lie EU family’s safety, after Mr will go back when she feels and Nato members Latvia, safe.

Lithuania and Poland.

The results prompted Why does it matter? Like widespread unrest and a Ukraine, this nation of 9.5 brutal police crackdown, million is caught in rivalry which only led to more between the West and Russia. protests.

President Lukashenko, an ally Last weekend an es- of Russia, has been nicknamed timated 200,000 anti-Lu- “Europe’s last dictator”. He kashenko protesters filled has been in power for 26 years, central Minsk, and mass keeping much of the economy strikes are continuing. in state hands, and using cenBelarus - the basic facts sorship and police crackdowns Where is Belarus? It has against opponents.

Russia - its former imperial What’s going on there?

Saturday, August 22, 11:00hrs - 12:00hrs

Now there is a huge opposition movement, demanding new, democratic leadership and economic reform. They say Mr Lukashenko rigged the 9 August election - officially he won by a landslide. His supporters say his toughness has kept the country stable.

‘If not now, we’ll be slaves’ Ms Tikhanovskaya told the BBC Belarusians had voted for her, not as a future president but as a “symbol of changes”.

“They were shouting for their future, for their wish to live in a free country, against violence, for their rights,” she said, in her only interview with a Western media outlet.

Despite the fact that the protests had stalled, they had to go on, she added.

“We have no right to step back now - if not now, we’ll be slaves and our people understand this and I’m sure we will stand till the end.”

Earlier in a video address, Ms Tikhanovskaya urged supporters to step up strikes despite “intimidation” from the authorities.

There have been reports of pressure put on strikers as Mr Lukashenko tries to reassert control.

The president insisted that the crisis would soon be over.

“This is my problem, which I should resolve, and we are resolving it,” he said in a visit to a state food factory. “And believe me, in the coming days it will be resolved.”

Meanwhile allies of Ms Tikhanovskaya on the new opposition Co-ordination Council have been summoned to the Belarus Investigative Committee

(SK), as they are now accused of an illegal power grab.

A lawyer for the council, Maxim Znak, and Sergei Dylevsky, organiser of strikes at the Minsk Tractor Factory, were questioned on Friday.

The council, which also includes prominent Belarusian cultural figures, was launched to organise a peaceful transition and pave the way for a re-run of the election.

But on Thursday the chief prosecutor launched a criminal case against the council, calling it unconstitutional. President Lukashenko has called some of the protesters.

Maxim Znak told the BBC he was concerned he could be arrested on Friday.

Traditionally loyal factory workers at state enterprises joined the strike action, in an unprecedented show of defiance towards Mr Lukashenko.

But reports say the number of strikers has fallen because of the official pressure on them. For example, those who walked out of state TV were told they would not get their jobs back.

Police intervened in a demonstration outside the Minsk Tractor Factory, arresting protesters.

EU leaders and the US government see Mr Lukashenko’s victory as fraudulent and back the opposition’s demand for an election re-run.

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Belarus crisis on Friday with his security chiefs.

A Kremlin statement later said “they stressed that any outside interference in the republic’s affairs is unacceptable and that the only way to settle all of Belarus’s internal problems is through dialogue between the country’s leadership and its citizens”.

Ms Tikhanovskaya has appealed to European leaders to help establish such a dialogue.

Meanwhile, the EU has announced sanctions against Mr Lukashenko.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Gadsby-Dolly to look at Concordat, SEA early (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Newly-appointed Minister of Education Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Minister in the ministry Lisa Morris-Julian have vowed to transform and modernise operations in the ministry.

In her first interaction with the media since her appointment Wednesday, Gadsby-Dolly yesterday said concerns relating to the Concordat and how students are assessed and placed in secondary schools are issues that “are very long-standing and impactful and important issues that we have been circling around for quite some time.”

“Again, there are issues we have to look at. Also, very important is the issue the Prime Minister would have spoken to yesterday (Wednesday) of curriculum reform and the expansion of the curriculum and what it would include,” Gadsby-Dolly said following visits to some schools to see how Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examinations were going.

“There are a lot of issues that have to be looked at. Some would be easier to deal with than others. Some of them are deeply embedded into our culture and so, looking at all of that is what we intend to do.”

Gadsby-Dolly said the administration of yesterday’s exam had gone smoothly. Up to 1.30 pm yesterday, Gadsby-Dolly said no reports of an untoward nature had been received.

Approximately 19,363 students were registered to write the exam but it was unclear up to last evening just how many students actually wrote the exam. However, five students in Tobago did not sit the exam, three of them directly as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

Commending students islandwide for the resilience they had shown in the months leading up to the exam, which had been initially scheduled for April 2, Gadsby-Dolly said

Government was proud of them for staying the course. She also complimented teachers for ensuring their charges adhered to the public health regulations while in school.

Asked how they intended to move the teaching and learning process forward now, Gadsby-Dolly said, “The ministry was prepared with a blended learning type approach based on the trajectory we were on but given the recent circumstances and the Prime Minister’s declaration of the 28-days of pause, that has placed things in a different light and so the ministry is at this point preparing a new way forward with respect to how we deal with totally online learning.”

She stressed that discussions with stakeholders ahead would not only focus on learning via the internet, as there were children without electronic devices and WiFi connectivity, while others lack proper supervision.

Claiming many principals and teachers had begun devising their own methods to reach students, as they understood their respective schools’ cultures, Gadsby-Dolly said, “The ministry is at the point where they are finalising the new protocols based on the emerging situation we are in now. By tomorrow (today), that should come to the executive of the ministry and we will be taking a look at that for finalisation on Monday…and certainly within that week between Monday and Friday, that’s next week, to finalise how those protocols will be.”

She underscored that every school would have its’ own guidelines for moving forward and the input of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and National Council of Parent-Teacher Association (NCPTA) will be sought.

As two former educators and as mothers whose children are also experiencing this

Parents Planning To Homeschool Must Seek Education Ministry Authorisation (JAMAICA GLEANER) The Ministry of Education is advising parents and guardians who intend to homeschool their children for the 2020/2021 academic year to contact the Ministry before pulling their children from the formal school system.

Speaking at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) 56th annual conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Montego Bay, St James on Wednesday, Portfolio Minister Karl Samuda said parents who desire this alternative option, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, must get authorisation by sending a formal letter of request to the Ministry.

“Parents who wish to have their children homeschooled for the new school year should write to the regional offices to request that registration at the school be retained and attendance credited for the period of homeschooling,” he informed.

This, he said, will ensure that students can be reintegrated into school “should the decision be taken at a later stage by the parent to re-engage in the public school system.”

Samuda indicated that the Ministry keeps a record of every child that is engaged in educational training in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Samuda said that homeschooling should not be confused with distance learning, which is facilitated by the public education system.

“The homeschool system allows children to

Minister of Education Karl Samuda addressing the 56th annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St James on August 19, 2020 - Contributed photo. learn at their own pace, in which teaching and learning is facilitated by parents, family members or a trained tutor at the expense of the parent or guardian. Don’t get that confused with distance learning and online teaching. Online teaching is sponsored by the school system and is a part of the school strategy,” he explained.

The new school term is slated to begin on September 7, barring any major spike in the number of COVID-19 cases across the island.

Newly-appointed Minister of Education Dr. Nyan Gabsy-Dolly addresses SEA students at the Gandhi Memorial Vedic School in Aranguez, San Juan, yesterday. unique situation, Gadsby-Dolly added, “We want to be able to understand the needs of all, that is the main thing…understanding there are different perspectives to this thing and everybody is interested in the education of our children and everybody is interested to make sure that children are not left behind.

“So we bring that empathy, we bring that understanding and we bring that nurturing spirit. We are women, we are mothers, we are educators, so I think it brings the best combination of experience to the ministry and we care about what happens to our

nation’s children. We both feel very deeply about the awesome sense of responsibility that has been placed on our shoulders.”

Echoing her colleague’s sentiments, Morris-Julian promised teamwork from the two as she said, “I know there will be great expectations from teachers and parents and students, and we will do our absolute best.

I am a hard worker and I have been paired with an extremely hard worker so what you will see from us is teamwork and two mothers making sure we do the best for the nation’s children.”

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

(ag)

Housing the nation

THE housing the nation initiative was always a primary priority of successive PPP/PPP/C administrations and it is evident that still holds true for the Irfaan Ali administration.

Senior and Junior Housing Ministers – Colin Croal and Susan Rodriques, respectively, have been taking stock of where the need for adequate shelter is most dire. Their visits to Sophia and other squatting areas in order to formulate plans for final resolution of the illegal occupancy of state and private lands met with eager squatters who were reassured by the ministers that, while squatting would not be tolerated, their removal would be executed in a humane way, with the provision of more durable alternative accommodation.

However, beneficiaries of the PPP/C Government’s housing drive met many roadblocks because of unscrupulous contractors and builders. Dream houses became nightmares when a new homeowner had to deal with contractors within Guyana’s construction industry. The name of the game is rip-off.

The housing programme of the former PPP/C Government is probably its lodestone initiative since that party’s assumption to office in October of 1992.

What was once an unreachable, unattainable dream for most Guyanese became a very concrete reality. (Pun not intended) A massive housing drive enabled thou-

sands of working-class Guyanese to become homeowners, with all its attendant benefits.

The government went several steps further to create enabling synergies where ordinary citizens, with no savings, and no hope of accruing any, especially while paying the very steep rentals being demanded by landlords, could access low-interest loans to build their homes upon the acquisition of titles and/or transports to their precious plots of land.

But then the horror story began.

Some aspiring homeowners opted to acquire pre-constructed homes in schemes where developers entered into partnership with government, which provide the land on which low-cost houses were supposed to be built for sale to potential homeowners.

But this has, time and again, proven to fructify in less than desired expectations in many instances. The horror stories are many – walls separating from the main building, with cracks appearing at different pressure points; plumbing coming apart; zinc sheets improperly secured.

The list is endless and at times mind-boggling.

For those who choose to build from scratch, according to specified requirements – well, the astronomical labour costs belie the service provided, unless one has the time, and the knowledge, to personally supervise every aspect of construction.

Persons who have taken loans have found themselves with a few walls and a depleted loan account.

GuySuCo could have alleviated power woes Dear Editor,

A FEW days ago, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, lamented the lack of sufficient generating capacity to meet peak demand in the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The shortfall in capacity has forced the government to have the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) invite proposals from private power generators to supply electricity to the DBIS. As we considered the situation, we could not help but be saddened. We were sad, when we learnt, that no major investments in capacity were made during the life of the Coalition to improve capacity and thus we now find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. But as disturbing as that is, we were even sadder when we recalled that the Coalition borrowed $30B which, among other things, were earmarked to construct cogeneration plants at Albion and Uitvlugt Estates. It is now two years since those monies were borrowed and those plants are not even designed as yet.

Those plants would have made a meaningful difference and could have seen the

approximate $10B earmarked for the purchase of new generating sets for GPL being spent to promote development elsewhere in the country. Apart from that, those plants wouldn’t have required the importation of fossil fuels therefore constraining our import bill. And probably most significantly it would have brought in much-needed revenue to GuySuCo. While we should not cry over spilt milk, we must be disappointed where the uncreative leadership of the immediate past government has placed us. As energy demand will rise in the coming years with improved economic prosperity there is a significant opportunity for the sugar industry to make an even more meaningful contribution while sustaining its operations and promoting renewable energy production.

This task needs to begin with fervor and cane supplies must be improved to ensure the full utilisation of co-generation plants where feasible.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

Contractors purchase the materials but often, through pre-arrangement, effect delivery to another job site. Of course someone inexperienced in measuring lumber and other material would be none the wiser, because they most often accept the receipts tendered at face value.

Carpenters and labourers are also diverted to other job sites while on the clock so, along with materials, the homeowner is also short-changed on the labour, for which they have to pay astronomical amounts.

While it is understood that government has limitations to its funds and capacities, there needs to be instituted protective mechanisms that will ensure that the dishonest actions of builders do not derail government’s laudable efforts in the provision of state lands to facilitate home ownership by the poor and vulnerable in society.

The law currently provides for a course of action – breach of contract or negligence, in the event that a contractor does not deliver a reasonable quality of service for which he receives financial compensation.

However, the judiciary and its adjunctive arms have proven to be traditionally slothful and, given the oftentimes pecuniary circumstances of the victims, the scurrilous actions of the home builders have almost always been allowed to go unpunished.

There is dire need for some agency to work along with government and the banks to institute a programme where reliable,

affordable, and knowledgeable labour is provided to those who access mortgages.

The skills development component of the Ministry of Education could work along with a public/private partnering programme to create opportunities for youths to garner income while acquiring life skills.

The Guyana Prison Service, under the guidance of then Officer-in-Charge of the Georgetown Prisons, Dale Erskine, had initiated a programme whereby skilled convicts worked for an income. The service had provided affordable labour and various skills, blocks, linen, and uniquely beautiful furniture and cabinetry made from Guyana’s hardwoods and indigenous material.

Along with Food for the Poor, Habitat for Humanity, and other such organisations an advisory and support group could be established for the guidance and assistance in order to ensure curtailment of the prevalent syndrome of dishonesty by housing developers and construction contractors.

This current government has promised to take the housing drive to new levels, but in its push toward further development of the sector, it needs to do so with a human face, recognising the vulnerability of the new homeowners to the predators in the building trade and establish protective mechanisms that will ensure that owning one’s own home remains a cherished dream and not become a nightmare.

Open letter to President, Irfaan Ali Your Excellency,

I can testify that the benefits are long lasting. I think Guyana should host a YOUR inaugural speech was justifi- special edition of CARIFESTA in 2022. ably loud in praise for the Caribbean If we start planning now, we can Community. So was your reaffirma- do it well! A 2022 special edition can tion of Guyana’s commitment to this provide the focus, attention, and support indispensable Caribbean institution. that Guyana’s cultural sector so sorely In doing this, you demonstrated con- needs. tinuity. You reaffirmed commitment President Ali, in the spirit of your to an institution for which Guyana has inaugural speech, pull together an proud and solid relations. We were interagency mechanism, and a public/ there at its conception. At its birth. We private/diaspora partnership, along are an essential part of its current life. with the CARICOM Secretariat, In 2022, two years from now, the to begin the planning for a special idea of CARIFESTA will be 50 years! edition of CARIFESTA in 2022 to That idea came to life memorably in celebrate the 50th anniversary of a 1972 in Guyana. Again, in 2008, Guy- distinctive Caribbean gathering. ana was the host of this most important Caribbean gathering. We cannot deny Sincerely, it, CARIFESTAS are special moments Vibert C. Cambridge, for the arts and the wider community.

Ph.D., A.A.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Pyramid scheme or FOREX trading Dear Editor, I’LL start off by saying that I have seen the advertising flooding Facebook and other social media and they are indeed very alluring. Who wouldn’t want to get rich quick without trying and all from the comforts of your very own home with just a few clicks? Some might actually be tempted enough to ‘invest’ their hard-earned money in these hard times to their own detriment possibly.

So will these FOREX trading opportunities give you untold riches or are they simply a pyramid scheme? I’ll try to explain simply without the complicated textbook definitions that are used to convince people one way or the other. I decided to write this because I see many of my friends falling prey to this scheme and many I know are honest individuals who work hard, save and are simply looking to make some extra money and to ‘save for the future’.

First off, pyramid schemes are a scam.

They are marketed as being very legitimate and offering great opportunity but they are simply ‘rip-offs’. So what should you be looking for? Well let’s identify some red flags: 1) Those who are the promoters of a pyramid scheme try to recruit new persons by enticing them with messages of what they will be able to earn. Some of the appealing pitches would include, “change your life and work from home”, “leave your job and be your own boss”, “get financial freedom”. If you’ve seen such messages being used as the primary marketing attraction then it is likely a pyramid scheme with promises that are too good to be true.

Pyramid schemes are created in such a way that they need a constant supply of new participants and of course their ‘money’ to keep the business flowing and they do so through ‘out of the world’ promises’.

Your income would not mainly be based on the selling of a product (FOREX) but on how many people you are able to recruit.

ASK YOURSELF: Is the scheme you’re investing in giving the vast majority, if not all of your income, through your ability to attract other people? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

2) Pyramid schemes often offer extravagant rewards and bonuses for ‘investors’/ participants who are able to meet certain goals such as bringing in a number of new recruits or attending a certain number of trainings and advertise these to bait the unsuspecting.

ASK YOURSELF: Is the scheme you’re investing in giving higher rewards or so-called bonuses based on the number of new persons that you are able to bring in and attaching fancy marketing names and levels to that number such as ‘Diamond’, ‘Platinum’, ‘Crown’, ‘Conqueror’?

If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

3) Pyramid schemes usually require repeated fees for such things as so-called ‘training sessions’ or expensive marketing materials.

ASK YOURSELF: Is the scheme you’re investing in charging ‘fees’ for

training sessions and other materials? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

4) Pyramid schemes play on emotions and generally use ‘high-pressure sales tactics’. You will hear such lines as ‘act now or you’ll lose the opportunity to work from home and gain financial freedom’.

The ploy is to encourage emotional buying and reduce the time you take to research the scheme.

ASKK YOURSELF: Is the scheme you’re investing in using such marketing lines? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

5) Pyramid schemes require new investors to pay a fee for the right to sell the products to others or in other words pay a fee for the right to recruit others into the scheme so as to gain rewards/income for bringing more people in and not rewards/ income related to the actual product sales (FOREX).

ASK YOURSELF: Is the scheme you’re investing in requiring a fee for the right to recruit others? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

6) Pyramid schemes under the guise of FOREX traders do not have actual brokers who are the promoters of the scheme. Therefore, the person who brings you on to the scheme is not a broker who can actually trade and chances are that the company you are signing up with is not a broker either. This means that all trades will be done through someone else; not the person who brings you on or the company you are joining with.

ASK YOURSELF: Is the person bringing me on to the scheme or the company I’m joining up with a broker? If not, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

7) Pyramid schemes do not have regulatory clearance.

ASK YOURSELF: Does the scheme have regulatory clearance and has the Guyana Securities Council given authorisation? If not, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

8) Pyramid schemes usually defend themselves by claiming to be Multi-Level Marketing (MLM). MLM is basically a method of selling products directly to consumers without the in-between ‘retailer’. The products are sold through a network of salespersons and when the MLM is set-up, it resembles that of a pyramid with each salesperson recruiting and training additional salespersons to earn commission on others they get to join on.

The pyramidal structure of MLM companies allows many pyramid schemes to be passed off using this fancy name but there is a distinct difference between the two.

ASK YOURSELF: Does the scheme you’re investing in pay you based on your actual product sales to customers without you having to recruit new customers so as to earn income or is your income primarily based on how many people you recruit?

If it’s primarily based on the number of persons you recruit then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

9) Pyramid schemes tend to involve the sale of products (in this case FOREX) through salespersons so as to show legitimacy. This is, however, a mere smokescreen that is done simply to sidestep the

regulatory bodies and attempt to show that the potential for profit stem from the sale of products and not from recruiting other investors. This allows them to claim that they are not a pyramid scheme but rather an elaborate Multi-Level Marketing company. The bottom line is that if the majority of your income comes from the recruiting of new investors rather than the sale of the product itself (FOREX) then it is a pyramid regardless of the explanation.

ASK YOURSELF: Does the majority of your income come from the recruiting of new investors rather than FOREX trading? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

10) Pyramid schemes usually offer products of little or doubtful value that serve as a simple tool to promote the scheme while the real value lays in recruiting new persons.

ASK YOURSELF: Is the product being offered of doubtful value? Is the income derived from trading FOREX little and in most cases doubtful? If so, then chances are it’s a pyramid and a scam.

As a note, FOREX trading in itself is not illegal and not a pyramid scheme.

However, it is not the trading of FOREX that is the issue but the requirement for you to recruit others or pay monthly fees if you want to learn from certain persons.

When your income is primarily through the recruiting of others then you have moved away from FOREX trading and entered the realms of a pyramid scheme.

FOREX trading in itself is legal; however, the act of recruiting persons for a fee and the promise of a financial return that is dependent on the recruitment of additional participants is illegal. The Guyana Consumer Affairs Act, No. 13 of 2011 states that “For the purposes of this section, the term “pyramid selling scheme” means a scheme --- that provides for the supply of goods or services or both for reward; and that, to many participants, constitutes primarily an opportunity to sell an investment opportunity rather than an opportunity to supply goods or services; and that is unfair, or is likely to be unfair, to many of the participants in that (i) the financial rewards of many of the participants are dependent on the recruitment of additional participants; and (ii) the number of additional participants that must be recruited to produce reasonable rewards to participants is either not attainable, or is not likely to be attained, by many of the participants.”

Note well “financial rewards of many of the participants are dependent on the recruitment of additional participants”.

If you trade FOREX, trade FOREX but there’s a difference between FOREX trading and the companies that operate the scheme.

The reality is that most of those on social media today openly promoting FOREX trading are not FOREX traders but in fact, mere recruiters or salespersons and the majority of their income earned is based on commission from bringing more people in.

When you’re joining a pyramid scheme you are made to purchase a product which in this case will be training modules, seminars, videos, and the opportunity to market

and bring more people on board that are provided by more experienced traders.

After you purchase the product, you are then added to the recruiter’s downline.

This means that the person who recruited you gets a commission for bringing you on board. That person will also get a commission when you recruit someone else into the scheme (your own downline).

Most of these ‘FOREX trading’ schemes offer memberships where you are awarded a certain rank and then offered the chance to grow your rank through recruiting people and the higher up the ranks you go the more you earn as there will be more people in your downline.

Since only a very small number of traders will actually make profits off of trading (most analysts estimate less than 10 per cent); the focus then shifts from trading and the profits earned there to attracting new members in an attempt to move up the ranks, increase their own downline and earn commission from you and those you recruit.

That’s your problem right there; it is not the FOREX trading but the fact that the majority of income earned may be from recruiting rather than trading.

In addition, for those who believe that FOREX trading in your free time or lunch break on your phone or home laptop is your way to financial security and a long-term investment plan then you are grossly mistaken. FOREX trading is risky, complicated and even money managers with years of training and experience fail.

According to the Institutional Investor (2020), a Federal Trade Commission complain is that these FOREX traders/ teachers “tell prospects that it’s a groundfloor opportunity because for the first time ever, you can make money off the product and not by recruiting and it’s not true at all. They are selling people the fake dream that the big bucks come from trading, not recruiting.”

Pyramid schemes offer the promise of high returns from a small initial investment upfront. However, while the early investors usually do gain some sort of return on their money and become motivated by this success, the truth is that the ‘investment opportunity’ does not really exist and the initial return is simply funded by money that is paid in by other members of the scheme. When the investor numbers start to drop the scammers will close the scheme and we will hear from them no more.

Bloomberg noted in a 2014 article that 68 per cent of investors had net losses from trading currencies in the prior year; while some stats indicate as much as 90 per cent of traders lose money.

Keep that in mind 68 per cent and now couple that with the fact that many are trying to beat the odds and get rich in their free time with basic training in a complex market. I’ll stop there as this is not about the actual pros and cons of FOREX trading but about pyramid schemes that can be disguised as such.

For your information, Terrence Jaskaran Chartered Accountant

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

‘We are here to help you’

9

-- Dr. Mahadeo urges Region Five residents to take no chances with COVID-19

HEALTH Ministry representative, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, has made a passionate plea to Region Five residents to comply with COVID-19 guidelines with regards to contact tracing for victims who have been tested positive for the disease.

He was at the time speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday as the region recorded its first case of the disease.

“We need to avoid the stigma. We are here to help you, not lock you up as you committed a crime. It is important for people to understand that we are looking out for you and your family. With contact tracing, we will need to get everyone a person was in contact with and this is being done for your safety,” he said.

Dr. Mahadeo, a former regional medical officer for Region Six, noted that oftentimes people are asymptomatic and feel offended when being asked to be tested after being in contact with someone who was tested positive.

“We are here to help, not stigmatise you. We are not here to lock you up. We just need you to be safe and we also need to sell this message that you might not exhibit the signs nor symptoms but it does not mean that you do not have it and can take it home and inevitably the elders, your grandparents,

as well.

Region Five Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal (left) and Ministry of Health representative, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo (right), at the press briefing on Wednesday in the region’s boardroom

your parents, your children will be infected,” he said.

In addition, he is calling for cooperation among all involved, especially in providing assistance and checking up on the vulnerable groups, including the elderly and differently-abled.

“COVID-19 is here to stay for a while and we need to accept that in order to survive, we have to change our lifestyles. We need the community support if we are going to beat this,” Dr. Mahadeo said.

Regional Medical Officer of Region Five, Dr. Desmond Nicholson, said that the region is still continuing their efforts to contain the spread of the disease and persons from regions with known cases visiting Region Five will be subject to mandatory quarantine.

The Deputy Commander of Region Five, Yonette Stephens, reiterated that the police will be arresting and prosecuting anyone guilty of flouting the guidelines.

To this end, she noted that

the Police Force in the region has been doing educational sessions and is advising residents and businesses to educate themselves for their own safety.

Stephens made special mention of those operating and travelling in public transportation to know that use of a mask is mandatory as well as passengers should be sanitised before entry since this is not only for the safety of the other passengers but that of the drivers and conductors

DOING OUR BEST Meanwhile, Hutton Griffith, the estate manager for Blairmont Estate, said the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been trying their best to limit their over 2,000 employees to situations that may put them at risk.

“We as a corporation have issued 18,000 face mask to workers; 400 N95 mask to medical staff; 70 face shields; and 70 gowns caps, gloves, long boots and other supplies to our staff. In addition, we have conducted over 150 training sessions to educate staff, 31 alone at Blairmont and will continue as well as distribution of flyers and other educational materials.

We have been monitoring the temperature of staff entering estates via 32 thermal guns; six at Blairmont; installed additional 42 hand sinks at the various points of entry; six at Blairmont. So far we have used over 5,000 liters of ethanol, 300 litres at Blairmont,” the estate manager said.

Griffith noted that the main concern as expressed by many is the overcrowding of the lorries transporting workers and assured that measures have been put in place to address this problem. He explained that since March to now, the estate has faced a massive constraint with transporting 2,000 workers, using only 18 lorries that usually

carry 65 persons.

The estate had initially reduced the amount from 65 to 40 and now to 30 persons per lorry. They have also increased the fleet of 18 to 26 lorries presently, with another four more lorries expected to come on board shortly.

In addition, a ‘conductor’ was added to each lorry to ensure that every worker adheres to the mandatory guidelines of social distancing, wearing of a face mask and sanitisation prior to entry aboard the lorry.

Griffith noted that while there has been some resistance from the 2,000 plus workers, especially in the wearing of masks by labourers, the ‘conductors’ have made sure that they are complying. Further staff arrival hours have been staggered to limit exposure.

Region Five was the last region in the country to record a case since the pandemic started. This is mainly due to the stringent safety measures implemented by the regional task force, which include three separate screening sites at Mahaica, Rosignal Stelling and the D’Edward end of the Berbice Bridge.

The press briefing was chaired by Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, and included representatives from the region’s business community, the MMA/ ADA, GuySuCo, the Regional Health Authority and the Guyana Police Force.

Efforts being made to address Mabaruma water woes

HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, has committed to short-term interventions and a needs assessment exercise which will guide future plans for safe water delivery following a recent visit to Mabaruma Sub-District, Region one.

The minister, along with GWI’s Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand Jailall, other engineers, and regional officials, visited pump stations and water sources in the district.

The pump stations visited include White Water, Wauna, Wanaina, Barabina, Mabaruma, and the Hosororo and Khan’s Hill Water Source.

Already a team of engineers has commenced visits to several satellite villages in the sub-district with the aim of coming up with a comprehensive plan to improve service delivery.

In instances where there is no service, the data collected will shape plans to bring service to those communities and also give guidance on what is required to improve ex-

isting systems.

Throughout the visit, the common issue of insufficient water supply to the residents within the service area was raised.

Residents complained of a breakdown in communication as it relates to the distribution schedule between the water company and regional officials, at the perils of their day-to-day activities being disrupted.

In addition, the poor quality of fuel supplied to the Wanaina Pump Station has caused damage to the pump resulting in downtime, which has adversely affected the supply of water to neighbouring Wauna and some sections of Hosororo.

Underscoring the importance of safe water delivery, the minister reminded residents this critical service has become even more a necessity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, it is important for the issues of poor water supply to schools, health centres and residents to be addressed forthwith.

In his response to the issue of the smooth flow of accurate infor-

mation relating to the distribution schedule, Minister Croal called for greater inter-agency collaboration which will aid in better services to the communities and its people.

Moving forward, a representative from GWI will be attending the Regional Democratic Council’s sub-committee meeting to ensure a better flow of information.

In addition, the distribution schedule and changes to that, if any should arise, will be shared with regional officials, constituency representatives and will be broadcasted on Radio Mabaruma in a timely manner so that residents can be better informed and prepared.

Speaking to the issue of shortterm intervention, Minister Croal assured residents of White Water, that the newly-dug well in their community will be operational within the next three weeks.

This well will serve some per cent of households with potable water. Given the geographical layout of the remaining 40 per cent of the community, the needs assessment data will guide what is required.

Over at Wauna, immediate efforts will be made to increase the number of days water is supplied to that community.

The village of Wauna gets its water supply from the Wanaina Pump Station and this is done three days a week. Moving forward, water is expected to be pumped every other day.

This decision was made, as Minister Croal, committed to addressing the issue of the quality of fuel used at the pump station. By examining and changing the quality of fuel used on that pump, downtime for repairs will automatically be reduced.

As part of the long-term plan, the minister said Wauna will be outfitted with its own well, thus reducing the dependency on the Wanaina Pump which also supplies other satellite villages.

At Barabina, within the new month, an additional 10 household’s will, for the first time, be accessing potable water as there will be an extension to the network on the existing system.

Meanwhile, according to the

Housing Ministry, plans are underway for the expansion to the existing spring at Mabaruma which currently serves several satellite villages.

With the expansion of the spring and installation of a new pumping system, residents will see an increase in distribution hours. In addition to the existing system on Central Mabaruma, another spring is being looked at in the Mabaruma Settlement area.

Providing that the spring can produce an adequate supply of water, a system will be established to serve surrounding villages.

This new system will translate into more villages being able to access potable water and an increase in service delivery for those dependent on the existing Mabaruma pump.

While these interventions will bring solutions to some of the issues facing residents, Minister Croal has committed to a comprehensive and inclusive approach in dealing with service delivery for all.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Commander Cooper, team seize $10M worth of cannabis –– motorcycles also seized, suspect who fled scene identified

COMMANDER of Regional Division Five, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper and his team on Friday seized over 61 kilos of marijuana during police operations at the Kingelly seadam and Weldaad seawall on the West Coast Berbice.

One of the suspects who fled the scene was identified as Shawn Sears, called “Shawn storm”.

One of the seizures resulted after a cordon- and-search exercise was conducted by the commander and team in the wee hours of Friday morning within the Weldaad Police Station district.

The other find occurred when the commander, an inspector and other ranks, acting on information, paid a visit to the Kingelly seadam, where upon them, a

man fled the scene, leaving three motorcycles and two large transparent bulky plastic parcels hidden between tombs in the area.

The three motorcycles, bearing registration numbers CK 4203, CK 1363 and CH 7170, along with a green haversack containing one Samsung cellular phone, were also seized.

The plastic parcels, motorcycles and the green bag containing the cellphone were taken to the Weldaad Police Station.

At the station, the plastic parcels were opened and inside was a quantity of suspected cannabis sativa.

When weighed, the substance amounted to a total of 62 kilos, with a street value of over $10M. Police inves- Commander Edmond Cooper (in flop hat) and his team with the confiscated tigations are ongoing. marijuana, motorcycles and other items

‘Tech’ needs you as you are

By Lisa Hamilton

SCORES of girls and women in Guyana are being taught how to digitise their knowledge within their field of work to make it applicable to digital platforms which will ensure that they are not left behind as the world advances in technology.

Providing this training is Girls in Tech - Guyana (GIT), the local chapter of a global non-profit that works to end to gender inequality in hi-tech industries and startups. On August 7, GIT celebrated its one-year anniversary, starting with a series of events from August 15 to 31.

However, before then, it has been actively empowering women and girls in Guyana to let go of the fear and stereotypes of being involved in ‘tech’.

The organisation’s local chapter has 25 volunteers, 75 registered members, and an over 200 attendance base.

Explaining the oganisation’s current drive to encourage women that technology needs them, Managing Director of the Guyana Chapter, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran told

–– Girls in Tech Guyana impacting hundreds

GIT Managing Director of the Guyana Chapter, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran speaking at the launch of the organisation in 2019 the Guyana Chronicle that the how to look at the digital side them to identify and solve the how to move their businesses organisation’s current drive of that.” obstacles keeping then from Online, and the COVID-19 is to encourage women that Since its inception in achieving their professional pandemic has proven this technology needs them.

2019, GIT has rolled out goals. skill to be even more bene“Instead of thinking you several mentor/mentee enThough GIT is cele- ficial, as more persons move need a technical background gagement forums attended by brating just one year, Kan- towards working from home. to be involved in ‘tech’, we’re more than 200 participants, hai-Gurchuran has been ac“If you look at our culsaying, whatever your knowl- and focused on the education tively involved in the training tural context…women are edge is now, you can bring and empowerment of women of women over the years to more groomed for jobs in the it to technical learning and in technology and entrepre- take their businesses Online, home and family care, while advance yourself in that way. neurship. and has captured data on the boys are groomed to take on If a woman, for example, The forums were target- interest of women in learning the world and take on what is is involved in accountancy, ed specifically to tertiary digital and technical skills. considered to be manual-lanow we’re saying, if you’re education, university and She said that women have bour tasks. We need a shift in an accountant, let’s show you professional women, teaching a strong interest in learning thinking,” she urged, adding:

“Whether or not you started out not being interested in ‘tech’, it demands of you now that wherever you are in your knowledge, wherever you are in your knowledge or your age that you have to be interested in evolving, or you really wouldn’t be able to be successful.

The events that women and girls, now learning of GIT, can participate in as the one-year anniversary is observed includes a Virtual Celebration, Tech Pro Convo, Girl in Tech Check, a Virtual Tech Fair and a Virtual Career Fair. The next scheduled event is a Girl in Tech Check set for today, Saturday, August 22, 2020.

Despite the onset of COVID-19, GIT plans to continue to raise the profile of the organization, and explore synergies with other organisations to identify opportunities to work together, and raise funding to create a greater impact by running global programmes.

GIT was founded in 2007, and is headquartered in San Francisco, in the USA. The ‘Girls in Tech’ global community is 60 chapters strong, with an impact of more than 100,000 members in 36 countries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

11

Coalition confident about meeting election petitions deadline

Attorney-at-Law, Roysdale Forde

The APNU+AFC coalition is confident about meeting the deadline for the submission of its Elections Petition to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and looks forward to a similar keenness of the international community and expeditiousness of the court as displayed during the elections.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle on Friday, attorney-at-law representing the coalition, Roysdale Forde, said that contrary to concerns, the coalition is not experiencing difficulties with its election petition.

He said that it would be filed in accordance with the law which allows for the same to be filed 28 days after the results are gazetted in the Official Gazette.

Questioned who are the other lawyers likely to represent the coalition on the matter, Forde did not state, save to note that there would be a “team of lawyers”. The newspaper also questioned the lawyer on whether the coalition party holds concerns about the length that such a petition could take to make passage through the court.

Forde acknowledged that past failures to have a swift hearing of such matters could be attributed to a wide range of factors. Two of which he listed were judicial systemic challenges which impair the ability of the court to have swift hearing and lack of interest by the petitioners after the matter is filed.

This newspaper therefore questioned the attorney-at-law on what guarantee the party has that lengthy delays will not occur. To this, he responded: “The guarantee which we have and on which we rely is the guarantee that the law provides and guarantees a swift hearing.”

Furthermore, the coalition expects that the international community, local

groups and political parties which urged the APNU+AFC to address its grievances on the elections via an election petitions, respect the party’s decision to move in this direction.

Former chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, had stated in June on Guyana’s elections crisis: “We must remind all that if there is any evidence of fraudulent or improper conduct then there is a clear and well accepted route to deal with these matters. It is through an elections petition to an Election Court.”

The Organisation of American States (OAS) had also urged: “In these circumstances, the OAS General Secretariat expects that anyone who wishes to challenge the validity of any of these votes should do so through an elections petition filed in the High Court, after GECOM declares the election result based on the recount data.”

As such, Forde told the newspaper on Friday: “We would also be expecting the international and diplomatic community, CARICOM, civil society, the Bar Association, to demonstrate the same keenness in this aspect of the electoral process and democracy. Also, the courts have dealt with electoral pre-declaration litigation quite expeditiously, we would expect no less in the electoral post declaration litigation which will be filed.”

Prior to a declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), then President, David Granger, accepted that a declaration must be made in keeping with the decision of the court with regards to the use of the national recount data but vowed that his party would fire back by way of an elections petition.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Woman got into trouble for declaring Reg.6 chair COVID-19 positive REGIONAL Chairman, Permaul David Armogan, has vehemently denied that he has been tested positive for COVID-19.

He issued the response in relation to post made on the social media platform, Facebook, on Thursday evening.

Armogan told the Guyana Chronicle that he was initially unaware of the posting until former Director of Regional Health Service, Jevaughn Stephen telephoned, informing him of the public statement The posting was made under the name Allison Cromwell Grant.

As the posting went viral, hundreds of Berbicians, especially those who recently interfaced with the East Berbice Corentyne chairman,

Regional Chairman, Permaul David Armogan

made contact with him to confirm the authenticity of the matter. The chairman denied being tested for the virus.

As a result of the overflowing concern, efforts were made by Armogan to seek legal advice in an attempt to file a $2M lawsuit against Cromwell-Grant.

However, Armogan revealed that Allison Cromwell and her husband made contact with him and apologized, and he accepted their apA post on Allison Cromwell-Grant’s facebook page read: “I will like to retract my statement claiming that the Region Six chairman is positive with Covid-19.

It is deemed a lie and I apologise to Mr. Armogan for such misleading news whatsoever.”

Business icon Toolsie Persaud passes on PROMINENT businessman, Toolsie Persaud, passed away on Friday morning, after reportedly being ill for several weeks.

He was in his early 90s.

He was the owner of Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), a timber and hardware company which has been in operation since the Toolsie Persaud in his younger days early 1950s.

Persaud, who hailed from the Corentyne, had been unwell in recent months.

He created Toolsie Persaud Limited and Group of Companies which is one of the largest privately-owned and operated companies in the building and construction sector in Guyana.

Evo Business Solutions sets sights on emerging O&G sector –– by helping local clients get ISO-ready for the global market WITH the emergence of an oil-and gas sector here, several companies have been looking to get a foot in the door, among them Evo Business Solutions, a young Guyanese outfit that is already making a name for itself by helping local businesses access the global market by implementing ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management systems as well as ISO9001 Quality Management systems.

According to Operations Manager Elisha Ali, ‘Evo’ boasts a youthful management team that is committed to elevating local businesses to the global platform through the alignment of operational activities in compliance with International Standards.

Ali stated that since its establishment, “the aim of the company is to be the Number One support company for our clients, and businesses striving to become ISO 9001 and/or 45001 compliant and certified.”

Noting that ‘Evo’ offers its clients an avenue for continued growth and improvement through partnership, Ali said: “We work with local companies who want to get into the oil-and-gas sector, and companies who work for the Centre for Local Business Devel-

opment, and they implement these systems to get them to international standards. For you to get into the oil-andgas sector, you need to be ISO 45001 compliance certified, and what we help these businesses to do is maintain their growth, and increase their markets and profitability within their company. We help them to create systems that would help them to retain customers. Basically, we aim to provide a quality service to their customers.”

Ali said that by partnering with ‘Evo’, its clients stand to benefit from: The Elimination of wastage in activities via repeat work; Development of Staff technical competency; Robust documentation in compliance with International Standard; International Recognition; Compliance with all Legal, Statutory, and Regulatory requirements; and Continuous improvement in business activities, among other gains.

He said what makes the company stand out is its commitment to achieving the goals of its client, as well as its affordability.

In closing, Ali couldn’t help but boast: “Evo Business Solutions is one of the most cost-conscious companies offering this service in Guyana.”

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GTU hopes to renew CLA negotiations with MoE before yearend forward on salary negotiations have been sidelined, the new administration is conscious of the proposal submitted by the GTU. “What I can say is that

By Tamica Garnett EVEN as the re-opening of schools currently takes prime focus in discussions between the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Union is still hoping to broach the subject of its Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) and salary negotiations before the end of the year.

Since the change of government earlier this month, the GTU has already met with the new Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, after she assumed the post on August 5, and future engagements are planned.

However, the two sides are currently focused on putting together a safe and practical plan for the re-opening of schools, which have been closed since March 16 due to the COVID-19 outbreak here. As such, the GTU says the discussions on the salary negotiations have understandably been deferred.

“With regards to our negotiations, that is not going to happen now; it’s going to be a little off for now. It is on the agenda, but with COVID-19, we can’t do much,” GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald explained in an invited comment on Thursday.

Nonetheless, McDonald says the Union is hopeful of broaching the issue with the Ministry in the not too distant future.

“We’re hoping that it can be done before the end of the year, as soon as we are settled with the COVID-19 business, and school readiness,” she said, adding: “Before we make a decision, we must ensure that proper systems are in place to safeguard the lives of our teachers, our charges, as well as the community on a whole where schools are located in.”

OPEN TO COMPROMISE Asked whether the GTU would be willing to revise what it had previously asked for, in light of the COVID-19 situation, which has gravely affected economic activity in the country, McDonald said the Union is open to compromise.

“When we have discussions on that, based on what is laid on the table, GTU will take a position. We will decide whether we are going to lower our asking; forego our asking because of what is facing us at this time, or whether we would hold on to our position,” McDonald replied.

She added that: “Just like everything else, GTU is very

GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald

considerate, and outside of the finances, there are other non-salary benefits that can be offered to teachers to say if we choose to forego ‘A’, then we can have additional non-salary benefits to cushion ‘A’. So, in our negotiations, if the MoE says we don’t have finances, then that would be up for consideration.”

However, notwithstanding the downturn of most of its economic activities, Guyana has continued to profit from its newly-minted oil-and-gas industry, and McDonald said that when the economy normalises, teachers, like everyone else, will be expecting their piece of the pie.

“It’s only a matter of time before we would be able to get access to that money; and that money caters for increases in salaries and that sort of thing. So that is up for discussion. As soon as we settle on the COVID-19, we can have further discussions on further matters,” she noted.

Guyana currently has over US$90M in its Natural Resource Fund (NRF), after the country sold its first and second million-barrel of crude for US$55 million and US$35 million respectively, and received US$4.9M in royalties from the first-quarter gross production.

The various governmental ministries are currently in the process of crafting their budgets, which is expected in approximately two weeks, with the national fiscal plan expected to urgently address relief to citizens facing economic pressure.

The GTU had last year submitted a three-year proposal, for 2019 – 2021, pertaining to salary increase suggestions among other things, to the MoE, as the previous agreement running 2016 – 2018 would’ve concluded on December 31, 2018.

STALLED NEGOTIATIONS However, several issues have since stalled the negotiations, including the successful passage of a No-Con-

fidence Motion against the then government in December 2018; a change of Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in 2019; and the holding of national elections earlier this year, which stretched on for five months before the new government was declared.

The situation is further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic after Guyana recorded its first case on March 11, which has since increased to 846 cases. McDonald related that notwithstanding the end of the previous agreement, it still stands until a new one is instituted.

“The agreement that we have, even though it is expired, it still stands, because there is a clause in that agreement to say that until a new agreement is in, all the conditions of the previous agreement will continue to be met; teachers will continue to receive their duty-free concessions and allowances.

The only exception there is salary increases,” she noted.

In its last agreement with the Education Ministry, signed in 2018, the GTU received retroactive salary increases of 12, eight, and eight per cent, respectively, for the years 2016 – 2018.

REACHED AGREEMENT The two sides had reached the agreement following strike action by the Union, which was initially asking for an across-theboard increase in salary of 40 per cent for 2016, and incremental increases of five per cent in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

With no agreement in 2019, teachers were givne the same retroactive tax-free 8.5 to 9 per cent salary increases that were allotted to public servants.

However, in a previous interview, McDonald had noted that the GTU was considering that salary increase as an interim payout until a final amount was decided upon.

McDonald said that even as discussions on the way

the Minister is fully aware as to what is happening, and aware of where we are at as regards GTU’s proposal, and I guess she is having her team look

at that and to advise her, so that she can advise her Cabinet colleagues. And then when she comes to us, we will get a position from her.”

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Aberdeen reaffirms O&G interest in Guyana

By Lisa Hamilton

LORD Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, has reaffirmed the interest of Aberdeen, Scotland in Guyana’s Oil and Gas (O&G) industry for mutual support in business growth and prosperity.

The City of Aberdeen has long been touted as the ‘oil capital of Europe’ and has racked-up years of expe-

rience in the O&G industry dating back to the mid-20th century. In March 2019, the mayors of Georgetown and Aberdeen signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pave the way for a two-year bilateral relationship in the sector.

At the third Aberdeen – Guyana Gateway event held on Wednesday via Zoom, the Lord Provost said that over the last months, he has

been tuned into reports coming out of Guyana knowing that it was a “very worrying period”.

Moving forward, he expressed his hope that Guyana will continue to see Aberdeen as a very useful partner as there are numerous areas for collaboration.

“There’s two reasons for my special interest in the region. Firstly, I hope it will produce great results

From left: Then acting Prime Minister, Carl Greenidge; Mayor of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett; Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, during a visit to Guyana in 2019 (Adrian Narine photo)

for my city but the second reason is that it’s a fantastic opportunity to see a country that needs development get that in the right way. If Aberdeen can help in that, I’ll be absolutely delighted.

We’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Georgetown which is quite a comprehensive document for us. We’re keen to see more activity and I think the new government will be too,” he said, adding: “After a worrying period for Guyana we’re now on the brink of great strides forward and we look forward to that.”

The Aberdeen – Guyana Gateway event was hosted

by Granite PR in collaboration with several other companies and was live streamed

by OilNow in Guyana.

Also present and delivering remarks was British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn.

He delved into facts about Guyana even as he cautioned the attendees that if a foreign business wants to succeed in Guyana, it must put in significant effort to building business-to-business links and genuine partnerships.

“Ensuring as much money as possible stays in Guyana will be forefront of the mind of this government, I cannot stress that enough.

The government will demand to see what the benefits are for Guyana and it’s people from the involvement of any outside business,” he

said.

The high commissioner announced that the Energy Industries Council (EIC) in Aberdeen was expected to pay a visit to Guyana in June 2020 but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that plans are now in place to facilitate the visit in first quarter 2021.

MONUMENTAL DRIVER Remarks came, too, from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey. He told the attendees that Guyana is looking forward to its oil and gas sector being the monumental driver which will boost all other local sectors.

He stressed that Guyana’s extractive industry should not be known only for its oil and gas potential, but for its existing resources in the areas of forestry and minerals. He also boasted opportunities for investment in agriculture development/ agro-processing, tourism, services, energy, light manufacturing, professional services and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

In his remarks, Verway also presented on the types of incentives available in Guyana; how to start a business in Guyana and how to apply for fiscal incentives or industrial and commercial land. He said that there are many avenues for investors

to do business in Guyana and GO-Invest is charged with aiding where necessary.

Meanwhile, chair of the programme, Granite PR founder and Managing Director, Brett Jackson, also announced during the programme that Energy Voice has developed a ‘Guyana Playbook’ which is a guide for investors looking at Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil industry.

It includes a block-bybock Exploration and Production (E&P) breakdown; a snapshot of the current services landscape; an analysis for future oil and gas opportunities; a practical investment and legal guide and expert comment and advice from Guyana veterans.

Head of Energy Voice, Ryan Stevenson stated: “There’s obviously great opportunity in the country, people are very excited about it but they need a guide as to how to go into the country, how to meet the right partners and how to make a success of it.”

It is hoped that the Aberdeen-Georgetown relationship will be more than a diplomatic or government bilateral connection, but a relationship fully endorsed by the private sector of the two cities and countries.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

WPA quits coalition -- after nine years of bludgeoning from the PNC/R

AFTER almost a decade of ‘bludgeoning’ from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) - the largest party in the five-party A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition- the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has decided to “walk away” from the coalition, but has offered an ultimatum, which, if fulfilled, would see them rescinding their decision.

APNU, which comprised the PNC/R, the National Front Alliance (NFA), the Guyana Action Party (GAP), and the Justice for All Party (JFAP) and WPA, was formed in 2011, but had recruited the Alliance For Change (AFC) to form a larger coalition, the APNU+AFC. Since the formation of the APNU and particularly since the rise to office in 2015, there have been several violations of the principles governing coalition politics, said the WPA in a letter seen by this publication.

The political party claimed that those violations have threatened to dismantle the APNU. Most noteworthy has been how decisions, in the coalition, are made.

“WPA has had cause on several occasions, both internally and publicly, to draw attention to the practice of non-consultation within the APNU. It cannot be denied that the behaviour of the PNC/R leadership in this regard has left a lot to be desired,” said the political party.

Decisions affecting the APNU have been made and continue to be made in the name of the constituent parties without consultations.

“In other words, we have had to live with PNC’s decisions being imposed on the rest of the APNU. Unfortunately, although the coalition is now out of power, nothing has changed for the better within the APNU,” said the WPA. Throughout the life of the APNU, WPA, to its detriment, said it has done everything within its powers to ensure the survival and success of the APNU and by extension, the coalition.

The “accommodating positions” it assumed on critical issues, which it would normally condemn, have exposed the party both internally, by party members and supporters and externally, by its detractors, to the worst kinds of criticisms imaginable.

NO LONGER BUSINESS AS USUAL It has become very clear even to the party’s most hardline supporters of “accommodation” that in the face of

recent developments, which culminated in the fiasco of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, it could no longer be business as usual within the APNU. For a party without much

ment, not for the first time, the WPA was informed by the media that APNU had decided on its representatives for the next National Assembly,” said the WPA, adding: “It was only after we sent a letter to you

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has decided to “walk away” from the coalition, but has offered an ultimatum, which, if fulfilled, would see them rescinding their decision

material resources, the WPA claimed that it has endeavoured to compensate in areas in which strengths are manifest.

During the recent campaign and the impasse which followed, the WPA made equal contributions from the preparation of the manifesto, to participation on the campaign platform, when they were allowed participation, to the defence of the coalition and advocacy of its case during the five-month standoff.

“Our contributions have been made out of a recognition that Guyana needed and continues to need a new approach, if it is to emerge from the state it finds itself in. We believe coalition politics is necessary for the survival of Guyana as a viable nation-state,” said the political party.

In pursuit of this objective, the WPA said it has made the ultimate sacrifice of neglecting the replenishing of its party in deference to the unity and viability of the APNU. Unfortunately, leaders of the PNCR have not been similarly disposed, lamented the WPA. “So, we continue to witness their bludgeoning of their APNU partners even at a critical time when togetherness is required,” said the political party.

In a recent show of its power within the coalition, the PNC/R unilaterally decided on the persons who will represent the coalition in the National Assembly. The list was dominated by members of the PNC/R and included just one member of the WPA, while other “small parties” were neglected.

“To our utter embarrass-

enquiring about the state of affairs that we were informed by the General- Secretary of the PNC/R, that the Chairperson of the WPA (Tabitha Sarabo-Halley) is one of the selected persons.”

This, of course was done without any engagement with the WPA, thus denying the party an opportunity to determine who its representative should be.

The party viewed this as disrespectful, insulting, a gross disregard for principle and unacceptable. This, the party believes, is just a precursor of what is to come.

In an attempt to “flex its muscles,” the WPA has requested that their representatives for Parliament and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) be removed.

DECLINED TO COMMENT WPA Chairman, Sarabo-Halley, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle to find out if she is willing to give up her parliamentary seat under the coalition government in the 12th Parliament, declined to comment.

The WPA also noted the non-allocation of parliamentary seats to the other small parties, and said this development has changed the electoral image of the APNU and in the process, has effectively destroyed the organisation’s election franchise.

In recognition of the actions of the PNC/R, the WPA said it has been forced to draw a line in the sand and say that enough is enough.

“Since 2015 there has been no new and progressive dis-

pensation within the APNU and there is no recognition of the rights of the partners to contribute to the decision-making process and more importantly, for each party, not the General Secretary of the PNC/R, or its leader, to determine unilaterally, the allocation of seats to each member party of the APNU for Parliament, RDC and NDC,” said the WPA. The party is convinced that there will be no significant attitudinal changes within the APNU on the matters raised by the party, and those which must engage the attention of the organisation and be corrected, if it is to regain the government at future elections.

It is this conviction and the circumstances referenced that WPA feels it can no longer remain a member of the APNU. “However, given our com-

mitment to coalition politics as the way forward for Guyana and out of respect for our historic relationship as partners in the APNU, WPA leaves the door open for reconciliation,” said the WPA. In its ultimatum, the WPA insisted that it be immediately accorded the right to determine who its representative on the APNU list to the National Assembly should be, and asked that this principle be enshrined in the APNU Charter.

The WPA also insisted that the recommendations of the “Corbin Report” be implemented. Should the second and third conditions be met within the next two months, the WPA would revisit its decision to leave.

APNU in a response to criticisms from its own members, had said it values the small parties, which have been

excluded from representation in the 12th Parliament.

APNU highlighted that it’s Statement of Principles to which all partners ascribe, clearly affirm that a positive transformation of Guyana can only be achieved by an inclusive Electoral Coalition built around the political parties, and other stakeholders.

“The coalition must be organised and committed to develop Guyana into a united, stable and prosperous nation, where the well-being of each citizen is assured, irrespective of differences in race, religion, region of residence, social rank or political persuasion. APNU has not and will not deviate from its founding principles,” the party explained.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Heritage Month celebrations still on the cards --but will most likely be done virtually

By Naomi Parris UNDER normal circumstances, members of the local Indigenous Peoples community and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs would have been busy as the proverbial bee, preparing a number of elaborate cultural activities for the celebration of this year’s Indigenous Heritage Month. However, due to the COVID-19 situation here, there’s been a slight change of plans.

So, instead of the usual lavish treat we’ve grown accustomed to, this year’s activities will most likely be held virtually, as have most other major events over the past few months, according to Amerindians People’s Association (APA) Governance and Rights

a balance to the various communities.

“Heritage must not only focus on the sounds, the dances and the drinks,” George said, adding: “It is a very tiny part of our heritage and culture; so that is what we would like to see protected and respected. And it’s sad that we can’t have this celebration this year.”

THE EVERYDAY CHALLENGES The APA, George said, has been advocating for Indigenous Heritage Month to be celebrated from a more technical perspective, in that the event should not only highlight the beauty of the Amerindian culture, but also the everyday challenges that the various Amerindian communities are faced with.

times it has been a challenge, where in the hinterland you know where the Internet is slow and they can’t really join in the discussions,” she said.

She said that the establishment and installation of hubs in communities are extremely important, especially during this time, as many hinterland regions are grappling with a pandemic. “If Indigenous Peoples and leaders are given proper information systems and Internet, we will be capable of harnessing the youths [and] promoting empowerment to bring them up to date in terms of information sharing and documenting traditionally knowledge,” George said, adding: “The pandemic has brought out the large gap in inequalities and access to education, and

Scenes from last years’ festivities during the celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month

A young girl from Mainstay during a poem recital at one of the many events held last year to commemorate Indigenous Heritage Month

Coordinator, Laura George.

“I foresee for Heritage Month that it is going to be challenging to our people in the communities who are really the persons that need to be involved and included,” Ms. George said. “We haven’t exactly come up with what we plan to do, but I foresee that with whatever possible, we will be conducting livestream programmes,” she added.

She, however, made a very telling observation, and that is that Indigenous youths these days are losing their sense of identity, and while there will be no physical celebration for Indigenous Heritage Month this year, the APA is hoping that with the right communication channels and Internet hubs, a virtual celebration can restore

“What I would like to see happen if there is to be a virtual event for Heritage Month,” the cultural activist said, “it would mostly likely be focused on calling for Indigenous Peoples participation in national decision making, especially in response to COVID-19, and how the village leaders can contribute to decisions making.”

She said that in light of the epidemic, the APA is hoping that the new government will work along with the necessary stakeholders to see the provision of better quality Internet connections and information technology hubs.

“What I would like to see happen for any virtual activity, is to get as much regions as possible into communities that have Internet, that they can also follow and join… Many

access to communication and the access to being fluent in the decision-making.”

For this year’s celebration, George noted that the APA is looking forward to engaging the new administration and the subject minister in discussing the way forward with regards to the celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month, as well as several other pressing issues.

“We have challenges in the various communities, so again we have to continue advocating for our rights; our professional rights and the protection of our heritage and all of that,” she sid, adding: “So that is some of things I foresee us doing, and these are some of the things that I’d like to see are respected.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

No ‘fake test’ in national system

AN upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases has sparked fear in society, leaving some persons anxious and others wishing the ‘stats’ were fabricated, but the Health Ministry has categorically refuted claims of fake tests existing in the national system.

In response to ‘rumors’ about fake COVID-19 tests, the Health Ministry said there are no fake tests in the national system, and no country is sending contaminated test kits to Guyana.

The ministry condemned what they referred to as a deliberate, irresponsible

and reckless campaign to spread fake news relating to COVID-19 testing.

“Guyana has nurtured an international cooperation platform for COVID-19 testing, and for the overall fight against COVID-19. Besides working with PAHO/WHO, Guyana is working close-

ly with our counterparts in other Caribbean countries, and with the Caribbean Public Health Agency which is headquartered in Trinidad,” the ministry said.

Guyana has been in receipt of several thousand kits over the past few weeks, and the country continues to work

closely with counterparts in the USA, Canada, Europe and other parts of the world to combat the disease.

“Guyana is grateful for the support we are receiving from many countries around the world, and we reject the attempt by misguided individuals trying to cast aspersion against any country,” said the health ministry.

COVID-19 testing in Guyana is done with equipment and testing reagents from only validated and certified sources. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for diagnostic purposes, which is being done at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, is conducted with a PCR machine that is used widely in the Caribbean, the US, Canada and Europe and other parts of the world.

The COVID-19 test reagents which are being used, were supplied by PAHO/ WHO. The swabs with which specimens are obtained from persons have also been procured by PAHO/WHO. “The test procedures we use in Guyana follow international standards, and are the same standards used in Caribbean countries and in North America and Europe,” said the health ministry.

MORE STAFF The health ministry said Guyana has a well-trained COVID-19 testing staff, and they are about to expand the staff complement. The laboratory employees engaged in COVID-19 testing, including the medical technologists, are all highly- qualified and certified for COVID-9 testing.

An additional 30 Guyanese medical technologists are in training, and will be certified this week. They will be certified to use the same equipment used in Barbados and other Caribbean countries, as well as in the United States and other developed countries.

“Our testing capacity is being increased dramatically…Until around June, Guyana’s testing was extremely limited, averaging about 30 tests per day,” said the ministry.

By the end of July,

Guyana was challenged to reach 100 tests per day, even though the demand was several times that. But, since early August, President Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister Mark Philips; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; and Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony have led a team to significantly increase the daily testing output.

This resulted in Guyana being able for the first time to conduct 208 tests in a day, on Wednesday, August 19.

The following day, Thursday August 20, 2020, Guyana completed 248 tests.

By early next week, it is anticipated that Guyana will reach, for the first time, 300 tests in a day. There are now three shifts being done.

“While we are utilising one PCR machine with three shifts at this time, we envision using multiple PCR machines by the end of the month, dramatically increasing our capacity for COVID-19 testing,” said the health ministry.

The increase in positive COVID-19 cases is largely as a consequence of Government’s effort to increase testing. This means cases were undetected because of low testing rates.

“As we are able to detect cases faster, Guyana will be able to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19 faster.

But this depends on all of us working together; each of us playing our role in the fight against COVID-19,” said the ministry.

Health authorities here are urging citizens to be responsible; to practise good hygiene by washing hands with soap and water regularly, or using hand sanitizers; ensure each person practises social distancing by staying at least six feet away from each other; and by wearing a mask every time you go out of the home.

Guyana recorded a massive 70 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, the highest daily record to date, while another six persons have been transferred to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), taking the country’s total number of confirmed cases to 846.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

PSG fans banned from wearing shirts

PSG fans gathered in Paris to celebrate their Champions League semi-final win.

(BBC) - Paris Saint-Germain fans have been banned by police from wearing their team’s shirt in the city centre of fierce rivals Marseille tomorrow, as the Parisians take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

Clothing even “displaying the colours of PSG” will be off-limits.

The order comes due to disturbances in Marseille during PSG’s semi-final win over German side Leipzig.

One man was arrested for attacking a man wearing a PSG shirt.

Hundreds of Marseille fans sang anti-PSG songs and detonated firecrackers.

Bouches-du-Rhône police were forced to back-

track on an announcement on Thursday that all PSG fans were banned from the area entirely, after the move was heavily criticised.

“The sole purpose of this decree was to protect Parisian supporters, and in no way intended to restrict freedom of movement,” it said on Twitter.

It added that it had decided to repeal the total ban on PSG fans due to the “incomprehension caused by this decree”.

There are also concerns over coronavirus, with Marseille having one of the highest rates of infection in the country.

The PSG-Bayern game takes place at Benfica’s stadium in Lisbon.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1) Dinesh Ramdin-26 dismissals (16 catches/10

stumpings)

(2) Veerasammy Permaul-56 matches Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the opening encounter in

CPL 2020?

(2)Who was voted Man of the Match in the opening

game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Crawley’s maiden ton puts England in driver’s seat (BBC) - Zak Crawley’s imposing maiden Test hundred put England into the driving seat on the first day of the third and final Test of their series against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl.

Crawley, the 22-year-old Kent batsman, became the first England No. 3 to score a Test hundred at home since Joe Root in 2016, as he put on an unbroken 205-run partnership with Jos Buttler to give them every chance of posting a first-innings total that will wipe out any chance of Pakistan securing a series-levelling win in the final Test.

Despite his possessing a middling record in first-class cricket and never winning England Under-19 recognition, Crawley has been tipped as a long-term option at the top of their batting order for several years, and looked the part as he drove, swept and flicked his way to three figures from first drop.

Powering England forwards with the ruthless Buttler for company, he pressed on past the 150 mark, and

has every chance of becoming England’s youngest double-centurion since David Gower on the second morning.

Despite a delayed toss, cloud cover and strong winds, it was no surprise that Joe Root opted to bat first on a wicket that both captains said looked relatively dry. Despite the early loss of Rory Burns - who has averaged 5 in this series - England scored at quite a lick in the first hour, rocketing along at four runs per over.

Crawley had demonstrated his positive intent early on, clipping a half-volley for four off his first ball and dispatching anything loose from Naseem Shah. Dom Sibley scored uncharacteristically quickly himself, using his feet in an attempt to throw Yasir Shah off his length after his early introduction, but it proved his undoing.

Skipping down to a length ball, Sibley tried to work Yasir to leg but was surprised by the turn, the ball skidding into his pad as Michael

Gough raised his finger. Sibley reviewed, but DRS showed that it would have gone onto smash into middle.

There followed a tricky passage before lunch, in which Root and Crawley had to cling on; despite both flirting at balls in the off-stump channel, they just about managed to do so.

Pakistan came out energised and refreshed after the interval, and Naseem soon accounted for Root with a ball that nipped away viciously.

Root groped at it but was undone by the seam movement, edging through to Mohammad Rizwan, and Pakistan sensed an opening.

Three overs later, Yasir slid through a quicker ball on a length, which Ollie Pope rocked back to, leaving a gap between bat and pad and seeing the ball skid through onto the top of the stumps. That left England 127 for 4, and in desperate need of a partnership with only all-rounders and bowlers left to come.

But Crawley looked utterly unfazed, with Buttler providing the support from the other end. He did provide a couple of half-chances, edging the relentlessly accurate Mohammad Abbas short of slip and pulling Shaheen Shah Afridi uppishly towards midwicket. He moved into the tea interval unbeaten on 97 after ticking over fluently and comfortably with a series of flicks and drives. Buttler, meanwhile, survived an optimistic review, playing and missing outside the off stump off Afridi.

He brought up three fingers with a punch through the covers off Abbas, bursting into a Cheshire cat grin and kissing the England badge on his helmet as the balcony applauded.

He batted with authority before the second new ball, cover-driving Afridi for four and bringing out some deft flicks and reverse-sweeps off Yasir and part-timer Fawad Alam.

Buttler, meanwhile, looked completely assured, spanking Yasir for two sixes and a four shortly before

the drinks break in the evening session and reaching his half-century with a nudge through square leg.

Afridi was profligate when the new ball did arrive, overstepping three times and going for a boundary and four leg-byes, but quickly adjusted and had Crawley flashing outside his off-stump twice in two overs, while Abbas threatened Buttler with the nip-backer.

And yet England continued to rocket along, putting away anything wide as Buttler eased towards what would be only his second Test hundred. His assault on Yasir notwithstanding, Buttler was generally measured in his aggression and orthodox in his approach, driving effortlessly through the covers and scoring the vast majority of his runs in front of square.

Crawley walked off with a career-best first-class score to his name - no doubt with every intention of turning his unbeaten 171 into a maiden double-hundred this morning.

Maguire arrested in Greece

(BBC) - MANCHESTER United captain Harry Maguire has been arrested following an incident on the island of Mykonos on Thursday.

The England defender, 27, is on holiday in Greece.

The Syros prosecutor’s office said yesterday that “three foreigners” had been arrested after an alleged altercation with police officers in Mykonos.

Maguire’s lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations and is “fully convinced he will be released without any charges” today.

Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80M - a world record fee for a defender - in August 2019.

“The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night (Thursday),” United said in a statement yesterday.

“Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities. At this time we will be making no further comment.”

Greek police said in a statement, officers had tried to break up an altercation between two groups outside a bar and

that the three foreigners had then verbally abused and assaulted one of the officers.

The statement claimed that after arriving at Mykonos police station, the three arrested individuals then “strongly resisted, pushing and hitting three police officers” and that “one of the detainees tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed”.

The police say a file has been opened which includes accusations of “violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted

Harry Maguire played in United’s Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla.

bribery of an official”.

It is not known specifically what Maguire has

Sevilla win Europa (BBC) - Europa League kings Sevilla won the tournament for a record sixth time thanks to victory over Inter Milan in a thrilling final in Cologne.

The drama started when Sevilla defender Diego Carlos fouled Romelu Lukaku for an Inter penalty - and ended when Lukaku deflected Carlos’ bicycle-kick into his own net.

It means Inter Milan’s wait for a trophy will tick over into a 10th year at least.

Lukaku gave the Italian side an early lead from the penalty spot for his 34th goal of the season, extending his record of scoring in consecutive Europa League games to 11.

Luuk de Jong scored two headers - from Jesus Navas and Ever Banega crosses - to put Sevilla into the lead.

Inter were level when Diego Godin nodded in to make it 2-2 in the 35th minute.

The game could not continue at that high tempo, but with ex-

tra-time looming, there was one final twist.

Carlos flew into the air to meet a high ball with an overhead kick which was probably going wide until Lukaku stuck out a leg and diverted it past his own goalkeeper.

It was a first trophy in the managerial career of Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, whose side are unbeaten since February, a run of 21 games.

Carlos goes from villain to hero as Sevilla continue Europa dominance

been accused of.

United’s season finished with a 2-1 defeat

Sevilla’s excellent record of never losing a UEFA Cup or Europa League final continues - six finals, six victories.

But this was a new Sevilla team - with barely anybody left since their three wins in a row from 2014 to 2016.

Former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui had never won a trophy in his managerial career and there was a complete overhaul of the squad last summer.

They were cheered on by two fans, with Sevilla giving two of their 25 tickets for officials to supporters with membership numbers 2108 and 2020 (to make the date of this game).

Carlos looked as if he was going to be the villain of the run as he lost Lukaku and then fouled the

by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on August 16.

Belgian striker on the corner of the box after five minutes.

That was the third Europa League game in a row that he conceded a spot-kick, doing the same in wins over Wolves and Manchester United in the previous two rounds.

But their unlikely hero was De Jong, a man who had scored only eight goals since joining last summer - and had a goalless spell with Newcastle in 2014.

His first header was a diving one from a Navas cross and his second was a wonderful looping effort into the top corner from Banega’s free-kick.

Carlos’ redemption was complete when he tried an audacious effort with help from Lukaku.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

RHTYSC/Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Awards Programme …

Ross, Gajnabi win big at 2019 Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Award NATIONAL Volleyball player Shamroy Ross and West Indies female cricketer Shabika Gajnabi were among the headliners at the recently concluded 2019 Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTYSC) Annual Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award.

An attacking outsider Ross, along with Gajnabi, won the respective Male and Female Sports Award for 2019 while another West Indies female cricketer Erva Giddings received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to cricket over the last fifteen years.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) carried home the Sports Organisation-of-the-Year award while businessman Deonarine Balram of the popular Shane General Store was named Sports Personality for his support of all sports in the Ancient County

during this year.

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the 10 cricket teams are forging ahead with plans to fulfil most of their activities despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This is being done while observing the strict guidelines set by the government.

He disclosed that due to social distancing, no official programme was held but the awardees were invited to receive their awards on an individual basis.

Foster noted the importance of sports in the development of character of youths and hailed all the awardees as positive role models for youths to emulate.

He urged them to uphold the high standards they have set themselves in the past and to work even harder to achieve more success.

The RHTYSC, Foster stated would continue to be the premier youth and sports organisation in Guyana and was proud to be involved in honouring the memory of Gaskin.

Ross in 2019 represented Guysuco Training Centre, Berbice and the National volleyball team with great success as an outside attacker. He was named the Berbice Volleyball Association Most Valuable Player for 2019.

Gajnabi made her debut for the West Indies at the senior level after outstanding performance for Berbice and Guyana.

Giddings made her West Indies debut in 2008 and over the years has been an outstanding performer for RHTYSC, Berbice and Guyana.

For over a decade, Giddings has played among her male counterparts at the second di-

Shamroy Ross is surrounded by Sportswoman Shabika Gajnabi and Lifetime Achievement Awardee Erva Giddings. vision level with great success, claiming over 200 wickets.

The Sports Personality-of-the-Year Deonarine Balram is known across Berbice for his wholehearted support of sports and over the last 20 years has been the sole sponsor of the Balram Shane Memorial cricket and volleyball tournaments.

RHTYSC Assistant Secretary Simon Naidu handed over

all the awards which included a trophy, medal, certificate of excellence and a collection of special prizes.

The 10 cricket teams of the RHTYSC are: Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and U-13, Farfan and Mendes U-15, Bakewell U-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, NAMILCO Thunderbolt U-21 and First Division.

The joint RHTYSC/BCB Basil Butcher Memorial project has distributed over $4M worth of items and sponsored several events in tribute to the legendary West Indies batsman who died last December at the age of 86.

The Award is held yearly in memory of Gregory Gaskin, late founder of COPS Security Service and an outstanding supporter of sports in Guyana.

All-round display from TKR results in second win (ESPNCRICINFO) - An incisive newball display from Ali Khan and Jayden Seales put Jamaica Tallawahs into a hole which they could not climb out of as the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) dominated wire to wire in a seven-wicket win on Thursday night.

Sunil Narine and Fawad Ahmed continued to keep Tallawahs pinned down in the middle overs, including a wicket maiden from Ahmed, while Andre Russell failed to launch at the death - scoring 25 at under a run a ball - as the Tallawahs sputtered to 135 for 8.

Fidel Edwards produced a wicket maiden of his own for Tallawahs at the start of the chase, claiming Lendl Simmons with a skied slog to midoff.

But Narine bashed his second fifty in a row to steady Knight Riders, and teamed with Colin Munro in a 75-run stand before falling in the first over after drinks on a top-edged sweep off Sandeep Lamichhane to deep fine leg for Carlos Brathwaite’s

second catch.

But Brathwaite grassed two subsequent efforts in the field to sum up a subpar night for the Tallawahs. Munro ended unbeaten on 49 as a wide from Brathwaite down leg clinched the match with 11 balls to spare.

The Knight Riders’ favourite son from the

USA struck in the first over for the second match running, this time getting a top-edge from Chadwick Walton to swirl into the hands of Ahmed at short fine leg on the second ball of play.

Seales then followed that up by trapping Nicholas Kirton on the back leg in front of middle with a

beautiful in-swinger before Khan induced a mistimed pull from captain Rovman Powell that travelled gently to mid-on where Dwayne Bravo’s tumbling effort made it 19 for 3 in the third over.

Glenn Phillips did his best to breathe life back into the innings. He struck five fours and four sixes

in his measured knock but his good fortune departed when he whipped a leg stump half-volley from Seales straight to Bravo on the rope at deep backward square leg in the 16th over to make it 99 for 6.

Solid death bowling from Khan and Bravo ensured Russell was held

Sunil Narine and Colin Munro did most of the work for TKR. (Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty)

in check until he drove Bravo to Munro at longoff to extinguish the last remaining threat.

The new-age all-rounder pounded the boundary all around the ground in his 53 off 38 balls, but perhaps most impressive were a pair of lofted drives over extra cover on one leg against Russell. The left-hand batsman showed his flair with a pair of pirouette punches to clear the off side and leave the Tallawahs flummoxed.

For the most part, both he and Munro countered the challenge of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Lamichhane well. Munro took guard well outside offstump to counter Mujeeb’s line of attack that aimed for the wide lines while both Narine and Munro mostly stayed deep to play Lamichhane late with his steady diet of googlies landing short enough to be worked comfortably through the off-side.

Narine was finally undone trying to go through the leg-side against the turn of Lamichhane’s wrong-un, but not before he had put Knight Riders on course

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 22, 2020

Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Tallawahs seeking to ruinHetmyer, Warriors momentum as action in ‘bubble’ heats up … Permaul could be key versus old franchise, teammates

By Clifton Ross THE in-form Shimron Hetmyer and his Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will have their hands full today when they go head-to-head against Jamaica Tallawahs, as they seek to reclaim their spot as table-leaders inside the ‘bubble’.

Thanks to their win on Thursday, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) bumped Warriors down to second place but today’s clash could see the former 5-time finalists possibly reclaim their number one spot; should they overcome Rovman Powell and his men.

The key for Warriors’ success at the moment seems to be Hetmyer. The left-hander has been rampant over the last few games, smashing back-to-back fifties; with one of them a match-winning knock. The Windies batsman currently holds the highest two individual scores of the tourney this season; - 63* and the match-winning 71 which he scored in the last game.

Hetmyer also enters today’s match as the leading run-scorer with 134 runs from two games while Tallawahs batsman Glenn Phillips could be gunning for the leading run-scorer’s spot, having racked up some 102 runs thus far for the 3rd spot on the runs list.

Tallawahs have shown similar fight to that of the Warriors, losing their first match before rebounding emphatically to whip St Lucia Zouks by 5 wickets two days ago.

Phillips, Pakistani hard-hitting all-rounder Asif Ali who played a blinding cameo in the last game along with Powell and the ‘Dange-Russ’ Andre Russell; all seemed to be peaking.

Decorated CPL opener Chadwick Walton will want to make amends for his failures in the previous match, especially against his old franchise and teammates. All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite also adds impetus in both departments while their bowlers will have their tails up coming off a victory.

One interesting match-up could be Veerasammy Permaul versus his old team Warriors and a number of his national teammates and friends. The left-arm spinner, arguably the most prolific bowler in Regional Cricket currently, has never represented another franchise apart from Warriors until now, making the contest between Permaul and his countrymen, the likes of Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Sherfane

Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, one of the most intriguing on the match.

With Afghans Mujeeb Ur-Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane completing the spin department, speedster Oshane Thomas, Russell and Brathwaite will lead the pace attack for Tallawahs.

Warriors’ bowling has never been a question of competence; it has always been a matter of consistency and discipline - boxes the local franchise ticked during their 3-wicket win over the St Kitts Patriots - and will be eager to get checked come today.

Heading into this afternoon’s clash, Paul with 5 wickets is the leading wicket-taker having come fresh from a sterling 4-for.

Imran Tahir’s class and capability needs no questioning as the seemingly ageless South African leg-spinner continues to bag wickets and stem the flow of runs, with expectations that he could pull one of his surprise innings out of the bag come later today.

Captain Chris Green has been decent but his remodelled action will need some more getting used to on Caribbean surfaces. His 1-24 will provide enough confidence for him to fully get into his groove.

Windies all-rounder Shepherd was a bit expensive and returned wicket-less but could erase those memories, having now gotten more acclimatised to the conditions at Tarouba.

One key thing for GAW will be who supports Hetmyer with the bat. Both Brandon King and Chandrapaul Hemraj now seem to be getting their eyes in at the top of the order, but will need to quickly turn on the heat against Tallawahs’ star-studded lot of bowlers.

Ross Taylor has not yet peaked, but one of the most prolific New Zealand batsmen in history needs no introduction, but rather the opportunity to spend a bit more time in the middle to get used to the conditions in the bubble.

With a number of top all-rounders in the side, Paul, Rutherford, Shepherd and Nicholas Pooran, if on point, could fire Warriors to a huge total or easily wrap up any chase.

They will, however, need to get their mental capacity in the right place for this encounter.

Much like the tale of the tapes when going up against TKR, Warriors have defeated the Patriots 4 out of the 5 times these two franchises met over the last 3 seasons. But

Guyanese/Jamaica Tallawahs import Veerasammy Permaul could be a handful against his former franchise GAW.

TKR still managed to hand GAW their first loss on opening day - something the Tallawahs might want to take a closer look at from a psychological perspective.

Meanwhile, Match 8 will bowl off at

14:15hrs at Brian Lara Cricket Ground, Tarouba. Prior to this match, Patriots will open today’s double-header when they tackle Zouks at the same venue from 10:00hrs.

Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Tallawahs seeking to ruin Hetmyer, Warriors momentum as action in ‘bubble’ heats up

… Permaul could be key versus 32 old franchise, teammates PAGE

Warriors will need to be more cohesive in both departments today.

Sevilla win Europa PAGE

29

Sevilla players and staff celebrate following their team’s victory in during the UEFA Europa League Final between Seville and FC Internazionale at RheinEnergieStadion on August 21, 2020 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Crawley’s maiden ton puts England in driver’s seat

Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley put on a valuable stand. (AFP)

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

PAGE

29

SATURDAY,AUGUST 22, 2020